Child's birth canal. Your uterus will stretch. Period of birth of placenta

Birth of a child- a wonderful event for every woman, which requires expectant mother a lot of effort and work. Childbirth is a kind of test for a woman, which is accompanied by labor pain and fear. Being pregnant, I experienced a huge fear of childbirth, but I knew that there was no turning back and I would still have to give birth. I re-read the birth stories of women who gave birth and listened to the impressions of my friends and acquaintances, in the hope of finding something soothing for myself. The closer I got to the birth of the child, the stronger my panic became. But, as it turned out, “fear has big eyes.” Because of our fears and ignorance of the birth process, we women cannot relax and help our body cope with childbirth. It has been proven that fear and anxiety are the culprits of pain and nothing else.

A few days before the birth of the child, the so-called precursors of labor appear, signs by which one can guess that childbirth is just around the corner. Not all women have these signs, because women are different and everything happens individually.

Harbingers of childbirth:

Your baby calms down in your stomach and no longer moves so actively;
- the stomach drops, breathing becomes easier, since the stomach no longer squeezes the diaphragm;
- the navel protrudes;
- weight decreases by 1-2 kg;
- appear nagging pain in the lower abdomen as before menstruation;
- the cork comes off (the cork is thick yellowish mucus, which closes the cervix, preventing infections from entering the uterus)

The entire process of childbirth is divided into three stages, they are called - periods of labor.

Periods of childbirth.

1. First stage of labor. Period of opening and formation birth canal.
2. Second stage of labor. The period of expulsion of the child.
3.Third stage of labor. Postpartum period (placenta delivery).

First stage of labor.

The longest period can last from 10 to 12 hours, but a significant part of the time passes almost unnoticed. During this period, the cervix opens. Under the influence of hormones, the uterus begins to contract faster and faster. First, preparatory contractions appear, almost painless. The woman in labor feels them like a hardened belly. When the preparatory period ends and the cervix becomes soft, then “real” contractions begin.
At first, contractions are irregular and short-lived, only 15-20 seconds. The uterus gradually starts working.
Contractions gradually become more intense and more frequent. Due to the fact that the uterus contracts, the cervix, like a retractable cup, begins to decrease in height with each new contraction. Since the uterus has multidirectional muscles, as they contract, the cervix not only shortens, but also slowly opens.

These processes occur in parallel, but still this period of childbirth is divided into three subperiods:

The smoothing sub-period lasts from 3 to 7 hours. Contractions are almost painless and last no more than 30-40 seconds every 15-20 minutes.

The second sub-period of disclosure, its duration is 1-5 hours. The contractions are already intense, also lasting 30-40 seconds, but their frequency is increasing, now the contractions are repeated after 5-7 minutes. However, this nice break for relaxation or even a light nap.

The process of opening the cervix is ​​actively assisted by the amniotic sac. He puts pressure on the cervical canal and pushes it apart. When the bubble bursts under its own weight, an outpouring occurs. amniotic fluid. Sometimes this can happen even before contractions begin (the so-called early rupture of amniotic fluid). There is no need to be afraid that the bubble burst earlier, this does not worsen the child’s well-being at all, since the baby’s life depends on blood circulation in the umbilical cord, but nevertheless, tell the doctor about the time when the bubble burst.
If the bubble does not burst on its own, then the doctor may decide to puncture it at a certain point in labor (usually this happens in the second stage of labor).

Sub-period of transition to expulsion of the fetus. The baby's head descends into the pelvic floor and passes through the area of ​​the uterus that is equipped with big amount nerve endings. This sub-period is the most painful, as irritation of the nerve endings leads to the longest contractions.
This ends the first period.

What can you feel in the first stage of labor?

Fear, anxiety, uncertainty, loss of appetite or elation, relief, anticipation, desire to speak.
The most unpleasant may be discomfort in the sacral area during contractions, pain similar to pain during menstruation, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the abdomen, bloody issues.

At the end of the first stage of labor, when full disclosure cervix, a feeling will appear strong pressure on the perineal area, or a feeling that you really want to go to the toilet, sometimes there may be dizziness and chills.

Advice for a woman in labor: What to do in the first stage of labor?

Relax! Try to do normal household chores or take a nap. I tried to sleep during both small contractions and the most intense ones. And time passed faster, and there was more strength left. You can accept warm shower, directing streams of water to the lower back, the water is very relaxing. Ask your husband to massage your lower back. During contractions, you need to go to the maternity hospital every 7-10 minutes.
Now fear and anxiety are the worst enemies for you and for your baby, so do not be afraid of the impending contractions - but rather be glad that you will soon see your long-awaited baby, especially since most of the contractions are already behind you.
In between contractions, try to relax and rest as much as possible; if you are relaxed, the uterus will be well saturated with blood and will carry oxygen to the baby, and will restore its ability to contract intensively during the next contraction.
And if you are constantly tense in anticipation new fight, then the uterus will not relax and the blood flow to it will worsen, and metabolic products will begin to be produced. They cause spasm of the uterine vessels and lower the pain threshold, therefore the pain will become more intense. Then a vicious circle arises - contraction - pain, break - fear of pain, contraction - even more pain.
Therefore, relax during the breaks and the birth will go well. By the way, you can learn to relax and breathe properly during pregnancy.

Second stage of labor.

This stage of labor is painful, but not long. At normal course the second stage of labor lasts no more than 30 minutes.
When the baby's head drops into the pelvic floor, a strong desire to push will appear, and labor itself begins. Contractile force also joins the work of the uterus abdominals and diaphragm. All these joint efforts help the baby squeeze through the mother's birth canal. First the head is born, then one shoulder, another, and then the whole body.
Now your baby is free!

What can you feel in the second stage of labor?

Tension, not calmness, concentration, or vice versa, the feeling that labor will never end (although there is no more than an hour left before its end), as well as confidence, elation and even euphoria.
You may experience increasing pain in the lower back and hips, fatigue, thirst, and even nausea. Not all phenomena may appear, but only some of them.

Advice for a woman in labor: What to do in the second stage of labor?

Third stage of labor.

This period is almost invisible to the woman; after the birth of the baby, the woman directs all her attention towards the child. Although you will have to work quite a bit more. Moreover, the third period is the most painless and short-lasting, no more than 30 minutes. And it even seemed to me that no more than 5 minutes had passed, since my thoughts were only about my baby.
During this period, the placenta separates after several almost imperceptible contractions, and comes out along with the fetal membranes and the remains of the umbilical cord. This completes the birth process. After the birth of the placenta, a heating pad with ice will be placed on the lower abdomen so that there is no bleeding and the uterus contracts well.

What can you feel in the third period?

Exhaustion or surge of strength, irritability or universal love, hunger, thirst and desire to relax. And most importantly, a feeling of boundless happiness from the fact that your child was born.

Advice for a woman in labor: What to do in the third stage of labor?

Gain a little more strength and follow the midwife's instructions so that the placenta comes out and your perineum is stitched up if there were any tears. Be sure to ask the baby to be placed on your chest and feed him; the first drops of colostrum are the most valuable for the baby.
Thank everyone who helped you. And finally, call your husband and family.

Dear women, do not be afraid of childbirth and labor pain, be sure of their successful resolution. Believe me labor pain is quickly forgotten, but the miracle of the birth of a child remains with you forever!
The morning after giving birth, I was ready to go through everything again if it was necessary for my baby!

How does the baby understand that labor has begun?

Modern science believes that the baby, or rather, his body, initiates labor itself. Of course, the fetus has no experience of birth, but in most cases, during childbirth, without complications, it does everything correctly - this is how nature arranged it. When the first contractions begin, the expectant mother produces oxytocin, a substance that we know as the love hormone. He comes to the baby and calms him down, because childbirth is also a great emotional and physical stress for the child. However, all the shocks that await a child during childbirth are within the limits of his capabilities.

How does the fetus feel during contractions?

Supposedly, children feel something like a tight hug, more discomfort than pain. Doctors suggest that adults experience such sensations when they try to crawl under a fence. During contractions, the baby receives less and less oxygen from the placenta (this is normal), and this has a calming effect on him - he falls into a kind of trance, some babies can even sleep while the cervix is ​​dilating.

What does he hear and see while he is being born?

This issue has been little studied. It is known that children hear their mother and other relatives even before birth. During the time spent in the womb, the baby gets used to his mother’s voice and can recognize it at such a difficult moment for him as birth. Nothing concrete is known about vision during childbirth either: doctors say that immediately after birth, the child sees everything unclearly, the picture before his eyes is blurred. However, at a distance from mother's breast up to his face, he is already beginning to see more clearly - and this is no coincidence, this is how the baby establishes the first eye contact with your most important person.

How does a baby breathe while passing through the birth canal?

In the womb, the lungs do not work; they are filled with fluid. During childbirth, the baby continues to receive oxygen from the mother, that is, through the placenta. But his lungs are already preparing to take his first breath - the fluid gradually disappears during childbirth, making it possible respiratory organs expand. After birth, the placenta ceases to perform its function, the pressure drops, and blood begins to flow into the lungs in the required volumes.

How does the baby move during labor?

Shortly before labor begins, the baby descends into the entrance to the pelvis, and when the uterus begins to contract, the fetus begins a journey through the birth canal. During this time, he manages to press his head to the chest in order to squeeze into a narrower section of the pelvis, and then turn over to face the mother’s spine. If the baby lies facing the mother's belly, contractions may become more painful, then doctors may ask the woman in labor to walk around so that the fetus will still take normal position. Before birth, the baby makes several more movements: he straightens his neck, and when the head is born, he turns sideways (doctors often help the baby do this half-rotation), and then, pushing off from the bottom of the uterus, he emerges entirely.

Is your baby scared?

It is believed that children feel discomfort from the fact that life in the womb is over and that the womb ceases to be a cozy home. Some psychologists are inclined to believe that because of this, the baby experiences fear of loss during childbirth, afraid that he will no longer have a mother. But no one knows for sure. It is known, however, that the birth itself becomes a shock for a child, and the intensity of these sensations depends on how noisy and light the room is.

Is your baby in pain during childbirth?

Scientists have found that children are able to feel pain even before birth, from about the 20th week of pregnancy. However, little is known about the baby's sensations during the birth process. Scientists believe that the child does not feel pain as such, and certainly does not experience the pain of childbirth that accompanies a woman.

How does he manage to get out through such a small hole?

It's all about the mobility of the skull bones. It seems to consist of small tiles that change their position, allowing the baby to move along the birth canal. After natural birth The head of any newborn is slightly deformed, but in a couple of days everything will return to normal. In addition, it helps the baby to be born comfortable position (we're talking about about children in cephalic presentation) - he tries to shrink so as to become as small as possible.

Childbirth is an important moment in the life of a family. But the first birth is very scary, especially if there is no opportunity to visit the school of future parents and find out objective information. Therefore, let's talk about the main points of childbirth and try to make them more enjoyable for the woman.

How does childbirth proceed?

Childbirth is usually called the process from the moment the rhythmic contractions of the uterus begin - contractions - until the birth of the placenta. Childbirth takes quite a long time and is divided into several stages that successively replace each other. During these periods, a gradual opening of the cervix occurs so that the child can go through them and the actual process of the birth of the fetus itself. And then the placenta and membranes are expelled with the uterus shrinking in size. Let's talk about each of the periods of childbirth in more detail. Having dwelled on ways to ease contractions, breathing and some nuances.

First stage of labor

This period of labor is the longest, it is also called the period of cervical dilatation so that your baby can be born - the cervix must dilate by 10-12 cm, this is why contractions occur. During contractions, the uterus gradually opens, millimeter by millimeter, to allow the baby to pass through.

This period takes up almost 3/4 of the entire labor time and requires maximum strength and patience of the woman in labor. By the time labor began, the cervix had already undergone a certain preparation - the mucous plug that closed the entrance to the uterine cavity had softened and moved away. We will conditionally divide the entire first period into three phases - in the first phase, when contractions are not yet strong and short, and the interval between them is large - up to 20-30 minutes, the cervix dilates up to 4-5 cm. During these contractions you can be at home, take a shower, check all the bags for the maternity hospital again.

At the moment of these first contractions, you need to remember the techniques of pain-relieving breathing - breathe deeply and measuredly, take comfortable position, walk around the room, massage your lower back or hands, while noticing the time between contractions. During this time, the cervix gradually smoothes out and shortens; this period itself can last 1-2 hours. Call your doctor if you are having a contract birth and get ready to go to the maternity hospital. By the end of this phase you can call ambulance or go to the hospital in your own car.

Attention! If your water breaks even during mild and rare contractions, you cannot stay at home; go to the maternity hospital immediately. The same should be done immediately if the discharge from the birth canal is bloody.

The second stage is the dilation of the cervix to 6-7 cm, during this period contractions become longer and more intense. And the interval between them is reduced to 10 minutes. At this time, the cervix opens a little faster - this entire period also lasts about 2-2.5 hours, and during this period you should already arrive at the maternity hospital. There they will weigh you, measure all your indicators, fill out a birth history, examine you on a chair, if necessary, give you an enema, shave your perineum and take you to the delivery room.

During this period, relaxation techniques are very useful - candle breathing or deep cleansing breathing, massage of the lower back or wings iliac bones, the help of a birth partner will also be very useful (if you are giving birth together).

Usually it opens during this phase amniotic sac, amniotic fluid is poured out and the baby's head is pressed more tightly against the entrance to the baby's pelvis - this sharply activates labor and contractions become stronger and more sensitive. Childbirth gradually moves into the third phase - dilation of the cervix from 7-8 to 10-12 cm, that is, into the phase of full dilatation. This is a crucial moment. Therefore, the midwife will be with you almost constantly - she will monitor dilatation every half hour or hour, and will guide your breathing and behavior.

This period is accompanied by frequent and prolonged contractions of up to 40-60 seconds with an interval of 2-3 minutes, so in between contractions, try to rest and relax as much as possible. To gain strength, breathe shallowly and frequently during contractions - this enriches the blood with oxygen and relieves pain. At the end of this period, when the cervix is ​​almost fully dilated, you may feel the urge to push - but if the midwife sees that the cervix is ​​not yet fully dilated, he will ask you to hold back the push by breathing more quickly. This is necessary to avoid injury to the baby’s cervix and head.

Towards the end of the first stage of labor, when the dilation of the cervix reaches 10-12 cm, the bed is moved to the birth position or the woman is transferred to the delivery chair.

Second stage of labor

This period of childbirth is short, but very important - mother and baby do serious work to meet. Powerful contractions of the muscles of the uterus and abdominals occur, called pushing. This is a feeling of fullness and pressure on the rectum and lower abdomen. This is the baby pressing his head on the pelvic area and intestines. Each push moves the baby millimeter by millimeter along the birth canal, stretching the muscles and tissues of the perineum, while the bones of the skull are configured, making the shape of the baby's head more convenient for birth.

The pushing itself lasts from 30 to 60 seconds, pain as such is no longer felt. But the intervals between attempts are short - they should be used for maximum rest and relaxation. At this moment, you need to carefully listen to the midwife and all her commands; she monitors the condition of the birth canal, and if it is overly tense and threatens to rupture, she will give the command to release the push. The same is necessary when the head is born and you need to carefully turn the baby in the neck area and remove the shoulders - at this moment you cannot push and the midwife will tell you “Don’t push!” This period ends full birth crumbs and placing it on the mother’s stomach.

Third stage of labor

Childbirth does not end with the birth of the baby - now it is necessary for the placenta and amniotic membranes to be born - they are no longer needed. And the uterus should contract. While the baby is placed on your chest and he makes his first sucking movements in his life. receives colostrum. Irritation occurs reflex pathways and contractions appear that mark the birth of the placenta. This usually occurs within the first 5-15 minutes after birth and is quick and painless. The placenta is examined to ensure its integrity, the birth is now complete, and the woman and baby will remain in the delivery room for two hours before being transferred to the ward.

Contractions during the first stage of labor can be unpleasant and painful; non-medicinal products are used to alleviate the condition. medications pain relief. Massage has an excellent effect - it can be acupressure, reflex massage, stroking, rubbing and even pinching. Due to certain actions, massage relaxes, relieves muscle tension, improves blood circulation and relieves pain.

Stroking the lower abdomen from the pubic area to the sides, massage of the wings of the iliac bones (protruding pelvic bones) helps a lot, rubbing the back and lower back, pressing helps thumbs to the sacral area. A massage of the hands, feet or legs, and scalp is a good distraction.

Another remedy for pain relief is a fitball - large gymnastic ball. You can just sit on it - due to the unloading of the muscles pelvic floor it relieves pain during contractions. In addition, it is useful to swing on the ball from side to side, make circular movements, and lightly spring - this makes it possible to make the fight easier.

It is useful to take various positions - knee-elbow position with a sagging stomach, lying on your side, standing, leaning on the back of a bed or chair, hanging on your partner’s neck, all this helps to relax and relieve pain.

The relaxation method helps a lot - especially in combination with music - take calm music with you during childbirth. Close your eyes, imagine the sea, mountains, beach and turn on the music louder for the fight - stand or lie, transporting all your thoughts to your imaginary landscape. Sometimes singing vowels or melodic songs helps to relax - this enriches the blood with oxygen and improves the condition. But you shouldn’t scream or moan during childbirth - firstly, it scares the baby, and secondly, it does not enrich the lungs and blood with oxygen, and therefore is not useful.

Breathing during labor

Another important skill is proper breathing during childbirth. You need to know two types of breathing - deep relaxing and shallow breathing. They will be needed in different periods childbirth

Deep breathing is carried out slowly, on a count: - inhale on a count - “one, two, three, four” and exhale on a count of “one, two... seven. eight,” that is, as long as possible. This breathing is useful to use during contractions, or between attempts, in order to get maximum rest.

Shallow breathing during labor

Shallow breathing - or “dog breathing” - rapid inhalations and exhalations are made with incomplete chests, you can stick your tongue out a little between your teeth. This will help you breathe through strong and painful contractions.

And one last tip: do not ignore the recommendations of obstetricians during childbirth, because next to you are experienced people who deliver births every day and know everything about this process.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Every pregnant girl thinks about how the baby will be born. If a woman is going through the process for the first time, she has a vague understanding of it, which results in fear and uncertainty. Meanwhile, in order to facilitate labor, it is important to get rid of worries, fears, and be balanced and calm. Contractions will be less painful and all other stages of childbirth will be easier for a woman if she knows how childbirth goes.

What is childbirth

This is a natural physiological process of removing the fetus from the uterus. The most important role in childbirth is played by contractions, which serve as the main driving force that opens the uterine cervix and helps the baby overcome the path through the pelvis, soft fabrics, perineum and external genitalia. The process includes three mandatory and sequential stages, the duration of which varies for each woman.

Childbirth process

For a mother, the day a baby is born is associated not only with great joy, but also with strong emotions. Most fears and worries are explained by the unknown and lack of knowledge of how childbirth occurs in stages. The maximum number of questions arises from women who give birth for the first time. You should accept the fact that childbirth is a natural process, and the expectant mother must remain calm at each of its stages, because positive attitude and confidence in successful outcome increase the chance easy birth baby.

Harbingers of childbirth

During normal pregnancy labor activity disappears after 38 weeks of pregnancy. In this case, the harbingers of the beginning of the process are:

• prolapse of the abdomen;
• preliminary weak and irregular contractions, which can begin a couple of days before birth;
• removal of the mucus plug (a brownish clot leaves the woman’s body within a day or on the baby’s birthday);
• softening and expansion uterine cervix(only a doctor can determine the readiness of a woman’s body for labor during an examination);
• discharge of amniotic fluid (may occur before the onset of the first contractions).

Stages of labor in women

During labor, the mother and baby go through three stages: the opening of the uterus, the birth of the fetus, and the expulsion of the placenta. The duration of the process depends on many factors, one of the main ones being the woman’s experience (whether she has given birth before). If this is the first time for a girl, you should know how the first birth goes. Since the birth canal has not previously undergone changes, the child who passes through it has to stretch the soft tissues, which makes labor longer (8-18 hours). All subsequent births are faster and take about 5 hours.

Contractions

Frequent contractions of the uterus are a sure sign of the onset of labor, during which the cervix of the organ opens. The first stage of labor is the longest and takes up 90% of the process. Mild contractions may occur throughout pregnancy because female body is being rebuilt in preparation for the birth of a child. Define prenatal sign from the training one can be based on the following factors:

• contractions have the same time interval (at first 15-10 minutes);
• over time, the intervals between contractions decrease;
• the pain does not subside, despite changing the position;
• real contractions, not false ones, are painful and their intensity gradually increases.

Many women compare pain during uterine contractions with discomfort during menstruation. Spasms can radiate to the lower back or move to the groin area, the stomach becomes dense and hard. Contractions last for 1-1.5 minutes, but as labor approaches, active contractions last for 2-3 minutes. When a symptom appears, you need to time it and track its recurrence period. To do this, it is convenient to use a stopwatch and write down the readings in a notepad.

From the first contraction to the birth of the child takes from 6 to 20 hours, and at first they are usually short-lived and occur once every half hour. If the maternity hospital is located nearby, then during the first pregnancy you should leave when the interval between uterine contractions is 5-7 minutes. At repeated births You need to go to the hospital earlier, since the process of opening the birth canal occurs faster.

Attempts

While at the previous stage the woman’s body worked, at this stage the woman in labor will have to act independently. It is advisable to save until this moment maximum amount strength to push the fetus out. While pushing, the girl feels the baby pressing on the pelvic bones, which indicates its imminent appearance. In addition, simultaneous contractions of the diaphragm, uterus and abdominal muscles occur. By this time, the woman in labor should be moved to the maternity ward.

Attempts last about half an hour for first-time mothers, and for those who go through the process again, the time is halved. At the same time, it is important for a woman to concentrate on breathing correctly and make every effort to give birth to the baby. The intervals between attempts are gradually reduced to a couple of minutes, the pressure on the pelvis increases, becoming very strong.

How does a baby pass through the birth canal?

Whether the process of giving birth will cause severe pain, depends on the woman in labor herself. To make childbirth as easy and painless as possible, a woman should listen to the doctor and follow his recommendations. When the uterus dilates 10 cm or more, the baby will begin to move through the birth canal. For first-time mothers, this process takes about 3 hours; correct breathing will help shorten the baby’s waiting time (the diaphragm will put additional pressure on the uterus). In addition, the abdominal muscles will push the fetus.

Having gone all the way inside, the baby comes out of the mother with his head first. If the newborn's head is too large, the doctor will make an incision in the perineum (this will prevent the skin from tearing). IN postpartum period a suture will be placed on it. When pushing, it is important to obey the doctor and midwife in everything: sometimes you don’t need to push too hard, otherwise you can harm your health or the condition of the baby.

How does the baby come out?

The normal position of the baby when it passes through the birth canal is head first, which is why it is shown first when the baby is born. Often children come out with the back of their head first, and their face becomes visible later. Then the baby turns, freeing first one and then the other shoulder. The body comes out lighter than the other parts of the body. When oxygen enters the baby's lungs, the mother hears her baby's first cry.

Expulsion of the placenta

The final stage of labor is the release of the placenta, which for 9 months provides nutrition, protection and the opportunity for the baby to develop. To remove the placenta, repeated uterine contractions are needed, which are less intense than contractions. The final contractions, in addition, contribute to the closure of the vessels through which the placenta was supplied with blood.

The success and speed of delivery of the placenta depends on how quickly the baby is attached to the mother's breast. This signals the body that labor has completed, after which the hormone oxytocin is released into the blood. The doctor examines the afterbirth to find out whether it came out intact, or whether some part remained in the uterus. IN the latter case, a piece of the placenta will need to be removed, otherwise it will lead to inflammatory process. If the body does not reject the afterbirth on its own, the doctor removes it.

How does childbirth go for the first time?

In primiparous girls, labor usually occurs between 38 and 42 weeks. Such a significant difference in time is due to the fact that ovulation different women happens in its own way different days cycle and depends on its duration. The second reason is that babies inside the womb develop according to different schedules, so some of them become ready for childbirth faster, others are born later.

How does childbirth proceed in women who have not given birth before? Primiparas experience premature onset of labor, which is associated with a weak cervix, after which it becomes difficult for the organ to hold the fetus. In such cases, labor proceeds rapidly, with virtually no contractions, often with injuries. Women of mature age (over 30-35 years old) have problems giving birth, and labor may be too active or, conversely, weakened. However, an experienced doctor will be able to prevent dangers that threaten the mother or child.

The signal to go to the hospital is contractions - regular, recurring abdominal pain that cannot be confused with other symptoms. As a rule, generic detail begins with such precursors as:

• mucous discharge from the vagina;
• prolapse of the abdomen;
• frequent uterine tone, etc.

However, first-time girls may not notice such signs because they have no experience and do not know how childbirth goes. Typically, the entire process lasts about 12 hours, with most of the time spent on contractions during which the cervix dilates. Attempts for first-time mothers last up to an hour, and the birth of the child takes place even faster. Afterwards the placenta comes out (in some cases it is removed by the doctor, putting the patient under general anesthesia).

How do women experience second and third births?

If the first labor lasts about 12-18 hours, then the second one goes much faster. Multiparous women often have rapid (up to 4 hours) or rapid (up to 2 hours) labor. At the same time, there are certain nuances that are characteristic of most cases of rebirth of a child:

1. If the woman in labor does not have complications, then you can count on the fact that labor will proceed easily and quickly. The body, which is already familiar with this condition, adapts to it, speeding up contractions and stimulating a wider opening of the uterus.
2. Repeated births often bring less discomfort, which is explained by previously stretched uterine walls. The pain when giving birth to a child again is less intense.
3. Past experience makes the process easier, since the midwife no longer needs to talk about proper breathing and other important points that promote childbirth. In addition, multiparous girls experience less fear, so they behave more relaxed, which also speeds up the progression of contractions.

How to make childbirth easier

Doctors are negative about the use medications to facilitate the process, however, if pain negatively affects physical condition mother or baby, anesthesia may be used. IN in this case use one of the following options:

1. Drugs with narcotic composition. Pethidine is often used to reduce the intensity of pain; the drug is injected intramuscularly (into the buttock or thigh). The medication does not anesthetize contractions, but is used to active stage labor activity.
2. Inhalation of a gas mixture. To reduce pain, late stage during labor, the woman in labor may be given a mixture of nitric oxide and oxygen to inhale, delivered through special apparatus with a mask. The gas mixture can be used for a short time and correctly, as instructed by the doctor. As a rule, 2-3 breaths are taken between contractions.
3. Epidural injection. The anesthetic is injected subcutaneously into the tissue around spinal column. After half an hour, the girl stops feeling the pain caused by contractions. However, this technique has many disadvantages, including side effects(fever, etc.), increased duration or complete stop of labor.

Video

The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make recommendations for treatment based on individual characteristics specific patient.

The question of “how childbirth goes” worries not only expectant mothers, but also their husbands: both those who decided to support their spouse in a difficult process, and those who are waiting for the appearance of heirs outside the maternity hospital.

Doctors divide the complex process of the birth of a baby into several periods, each of which has its own tasks, and the coordinated actions of the woman in labor, the child, the midwife and the doctor are aimed at solving them. In some cases, the intervention of an anesthesiologist, surgeon, neonatologist, and resuscitation team is required.

Mothers who are not going through childbirth for the first time are often interested in this issue, and most importantly, they want to make the birth go smoothly, because they are familiar with the sensations. We'll talk about how a baby is born, how the woman in labor feels, and how to make the process easier and painless.

Pregnancy is natural state for women childbearing age, during this period the body is aimed at bearing a child, therefore, the work of all organs and systems is activated, hormonal and physiological loads are sometimes too great.

Often pregnant women this important period they get tired of the “burden” of the new life developing in them and dream of childbirth as a way to get rid of it.

But childbirth, like any natural process, does not occur spontaneously. Some time before they begin, the woman begins to feel a set of symptoms, which can suggest that delivery is close.

This is due to change hormonal levels, because progesterone, the hormone for maintaining pregnancy, gives way to estrogen, the hormone that prepares the body for childbirth. It is he who is “responsible” for the process of “setting up” a woman for the successful birth of a baby. Expectant mothers rejoice at these moments, as these are harbingers of soon meeting the long-awaited baby.

Conventionally, we can divide the signs into those that can be determined independently and those that can only be seen by an obstetrician-gynecologist during an examination.

Here are the signs that a woman can feel on her own:

• short-term uterine contractions, so-called. Their task is to train the smooth muscles of the uterus, just as athletes train muscles, in order to minimize stress on the body and prepare the woman’s body for the birth of a child. That's why these contractions are called "training" contractions.
• reduction in abdominal size. This sign is due to the fact that the baby's head is correct presentation descends into the pelvis in preparation for childbirth. At the same time, the uterus descends, freeing the diaphragm and lungs, breathing becomes easier, and heartburn is less common.
• discharge from the genital tract. This sign is often confused with leakage of amniotic fluid in which the baby develops, and this worries expectant mothers. In order not to worry in vain, you can buy special tests at the pharmacy, similar to those that detect pregnancy, and at home determine whether there is amniotic fluid in the discharge.
• weight loss by 1-2 kg and reduction in visible swelling of the limbs. If previously the elastic band from socks left a visible mark, now it becomes almost invisible.
• changes in the posture and gait of a pregnant woman: this sign is associated with a shift in the center of gravity and fatigue from long-term condition pregnancy. The head is slightly thrown back, and it is more convenient for a woman to walk in small steps, with a slight spring: this gait is called a “duck walk.”
• an increase in the frequency of the urge to go to the toilet, loosening of stools (associated with the release of the birth canal so that the baby’s head can freely squeeze through).
• nagging pain in the lower back and abdomen. Ligaments stretch, and this is a natural process during childbirth. Many women, answering the question of how the second birth went, miss this sign because they did not feel it: their ligaments were already prepared by the birth of their first child.

There are only two symptoms by which only a doctor can determine the proximity of labor: a decrease in the volume of the abdomen during the next measurement (performed in a supine position), as well as softening and partial opening of the cervix, a change in its structure from elastic to looser.

The harbingers of childbirth are not of the same type: for each woman this process can take place in its own way, depending on the hormonal background, physical training, moral and psychological state and other points. It is also important whether a woman is giving birth for the first time or whether she already has children.

For first-time mothers, the process of preparing for childbirth goes smoothly, gradually, and takes from two to three weeks. In addition, in most cases, the warning signs of labor go unnoticed.

In multiparous women, Braxton-Hicks contractions come earlier, and the time after the mucus plug leaves before birth is reduced, so it is especially important to listen to yourself and your feelings if this is not the first time you are going to the hospital.

How is childbirth? Step by step process

The harbingers of labor are becoming more noticeable, training contractions are bothering you more often, and the time is rapidly approaching 40. obstetric week pregnancy. All this suggests that labor will begin soon.

If a woman in labor comes to the maternity hospital by ambulance or on her own, because she feels that labor has begun, then the birth is called urgent. True, in some cases it is necessary to go to the hospital in advance so as not to miss their onset and avoid complications.

Doctors conditionally divide the whole process into three periods:

• contractions;
• pushing;
• birth of the placenta.

For the first time, the entire process can take even more than 12 hours; the second, third and subsequent ones take much less time. Often, future dads wonder how women give birth in order to decide whether to take advantage of the opportunity to attend their son or daughter's first birthday. Many of them are afraid of pain and blood, they are afraid they will not be able to withstand their wife’s suffering and will faint if they see any medical manipulations.

In this case, it is important to determine the purpose of your stay during childbirth. No one asks the husband to intervene or observe the process itself “from the doctors’ side.” The main goal men must have the moral and physical support of their spouse, as well as the willingness to solve some bureaucratic or technical issues(call a doctor or midwife, help fill out paperwork and make important decisions).

Let's talk about each stage of childbirth separately.

Contractions

The first contractions occur quite rarely, with large and uneven intervals of time, but gradually they become more pronounced and painful. During this period, the mucous plug that closes the entrance to the uterus may come off, if it has not separated earlier. Most often, contractions become regular after the amniotic fluid is released.

In a hospital setting, to stimulate or speed up labor, doctors resort to puncture amniotic sac. But wherever the water spills out, at home or in the hospital, pay attention to its quantity and quality.

If there are few of them, perhaps the outpouring is incomplete, and greenish color them with flakes and dark inclusions may mean that the baby is experiencing oxygen starvation, he is no longer comfortable in the womb and it’s time to get out with the help of professionals.

During a contraction, a woman in labor is required to endure pain, not panic, and breathe correctly. Frequent, fast breathing saturates the blood with oxygen, which means it will ensure a comfortable state for both mother and baby.

The contractions become increasingly stronger, and after a few hours, the doctor or midwife, upon examination, diagnoses a strong dilatation of the cervix: by 4 fingers, approximately 8-10 cm. This indicates that the period of pushing is approaching.

Attempts

Attempts are actually the expulsion of the fetus, in language official medicine. It is difficult to find a woman who does not know how the first birth goes: most often, expectant mothers read a lot on this topic, attend courses or practical lessons for pregnant. But even the most theoretically prepared can become confused before the period of pushing begins.

In this case, midwives or a doctor come to the rescue. They will show and tell you how to push to give birth to a baby quickly and safely. least problems. If everything goes as it should, the process of pushing the baby out will take about 25-30 minutes. It is important to direct muscle movements towards the pelvis, follow the advice of specialists and not give in to panic.

If the impressionable husband of the woman in labor is present at the birth, at the moment of pushing he can leave the labor room, because at this moment his presence is not so necessary.

Expulsion of the placenta

The placenta is a muscular sac, an organ that arises and develops during pregnancy and dies with its end. For a long 40 weeks, the placenta supplied the baby with oxygen and communicated with him. expectant mother, and after a period determined by nature “ children's place"is rejected from the woman's body.

Usually, the expulsion of the placenta occurs with the next contraction after the birth of the baby, but there are times when the organ does not separate on its own. In this case, the doctor can help the woman in labor get rid of it: usually the placenta is removed manually under general anesthesia, and this entails additional days sick leave.

How is the first birth?

If a woman is pregnant for the first time, she is more attentive to her body and the changes occurring inside it. But, in the absence of experience, some processes are noticed by her later.

So, the first movement can be detected after 20 weeks. By the way, those who know first-hand how 3rd childbirth takes place sometimes assure doctors that they felt the first movements of the fetus between 12 and 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Most often, the first birth lasts longer than subsequent ones, so you don’t have to rush to the maternity hospital, because there you will have to tirelessly walk around the prenatal ward in anticipation of contractions becoming more frequent.

Important! If you are giving birth for the first time, but have previously had miscarriages later or premature birth By medical indications, then your body is already ready for the process of delivery, which will take much less time.

Otherwise, the first birth is the same as for those women who have given birth several times already, if everything goes without complications.

How to make the process easier?

Mostly women, when telling or following, note that the longest and most painful period is the first: contractions. That is why those who have experienced the birth of a child, when entering the maternity hospital for the second and third time, ask for pain relief during labor.

But you can make the process easier without resorting to drug anesthesia. Let's talk about several ways.

1. Massaging your lower back during contractions will help relieve pain. On your own or with the help of your husband, massage the sacrum with soft, wide movements of your palms. This helps relax the muscles, distracts and therefore reduces discomfort.
2. Take your mind off pain Singing, reciting poems or even dancing will help. It relaxes the body, puts the woman in labor in a positive mood, and helps to get through difficult process baby. By the way, in India, women traditionally dance a ritual dance called “belly dance” during childbirth.
3. Leaning slightly forward on the couch, wall, or husband's back is very helpful; it makes contractions much easier.
4. Do not panic, feel pain as a natural part of childbirth and experience it as a positive experience in your life: this is wise and will lead to a reduction in problems during childbirth.

The last and most main advice: you need to listen to your body and the baby inside, do not forget to pay attention to words and tips experienced specialists accompanying your birth, trust yourself, your feelings and sensations.

The presence of the child’s father at the birth will also be of considerable help: just like the pregnancy process, this important stage life together, you can also live it together.

We must not forget that childbirth is a natural process, and a woman’s body is prepared for it by nature itself, so there is nothing scary or incomprehensible, it’s enough to get the necessary information in advance.

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