Stomach pain before childbirth. Additional warning signs before childbirth. What does the discharge indicate?

The abdomen before childbirth can cause you a lot of anxiety, both due to the changes in its shape that occur and because of the discomfort that you may experience.

Abdominal prolapse before childbirth

When the belly drops before childbirth, the fetus moves deeper into the pelvis. This usually occurs 2-4 weeks before birth in the first pregnancy and on the eve of birth in subsequent pregnancies. By relieving tension from the muscles of the diaphragm and stomach, breathing becomes easier and heartburn disappears.

But there are also unpleasant moments.

Due to the increasing tension on bottom part abdomen, it becomes more difficult to walk, the stomach hurts before childbirth. The increased size of the uterus begins to put more pressure on bladder, which causes a frequent urge to urinate.

After the descent of the fetus, a pregnant woman may experience back and lower back pain.

Why does my stomach hurt and feel tight before giving birth?

Blunt pain in the lower abdomen may occur due to stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. It usually intensifies when changing position. The pain intensifies if you suddenly get out of bed or a chair, cough, or turn over during sleep (which can cause insomnia).

If the abdominal pain is severe and accompanied by high temperature, its cause may be food poisoning, gallbladder disease, appendix inflammation or infection urinary tract. If you have severe, persistent pain and fever, be sure to contact your OB/GYN for advice and further treatment.

Every pregnancy is different, so if you have significant pain in your lower body during pregnancy, be sure to tell your doctor. Pain during pregnancy is not always pathological sign however, it may be a symptom serious complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental abruption, preeclampsia and others.

A stone belly before childbirth is one of the harbingers of childbirth. This happens due to false contractions, which prepare the pregnant woman’s body for delivery. These are so-called Braxton-Hicks contractions or false contractions. They begin at the end of the third semester of pregnancy, when the uterus tenses and becomes “stony.” Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, infrequent and painless, however, they may be accompanied by pain in the lumbar region. False contractions help soften the cervix and prepare it for childbirth.

Occurring in waves, the pain is usually not dangerous to the health of the pregnant woman and the unborn child. But in cases of severe, ongoing pain, you should definitely contact a gynecologist to rule out the possibility of any diseases.

The causes of abdominal pain during pregnancy vary. Severe abdominal pain can be a sign of appendicitis, pancreatitis, colitis, or bladder stones. Due to the increased size of the uterus, pressure on the intestines increases, which can be extremely unfavorable for inflammation in the pelvic organs.

All mothers, without exception, are concerned about the date of their upcoming birth. And it is precisely this question that cannot be given an absolutely precise answer. Even if a woman knows the date of fertilization up to an hour, it is still impossible to take into account all the factors influencing the birth of a child.

Doctors believe that normal pregnancy 280 days pass. Based on this period, they calculate the due date. There are several ways to calculate the baby's date of birth. For example, this can be easily determined by menstruation. From day one last menstrual period 3 calendar months are subtracted and 7 days are added. This will be the possible due date.

There are also ways to calculate the day of the upcoming birth that are only available to a doctor. For example, by the size of the uterus, its location and the volume of the abdomen. However, these methods do not provide complete confidence in correct definition date of birth of the child.
Now doctors are increasingly inclined to the conclusion that dividing children into full-term and premature does not make sense. They explain this by saying that if the pregnancy proceeds normally, without pathologies, then there will be nothing terrible if the child is born a little earlier or a little later due date. The main thing is that the child is physically mature at this time to be born. Therefore, a pregnancy that occurs between 35 and 45 weeks is now considered normal.

Harbingers of childbirth

As your due date approaches, certain signs may appear that indicate that labor is about to occur.

It becomes easier to breathe. By moving the baby down, pressure is relieved from the diaphragm and stomach. It becomes easier to breathe. Heartburn may go away. This increases pressure on the lower abdomen. Sitting and walking become a little more difficult. After the baby is displaced downwards, a woman may experience difficulty sleeping, at this time it is difficult to find comfortable position for sleep.

Change in appetite. Appetite may change just before giving birth. More often, appetite decreases. It’s good if a woman at this time trusts her intuition more when choosing products. You shouldn't eat for two.

Reducing body weight. Before giving birth, a woman may lose some weight. A pregnant woman's body weight may decrease by about 1-2 kg. So the body naturally preparing for childbirth. Before childbirth, the body must be flexible and flexible.

"Dropping" of the abdomen. A woman may notice that her stomach has moved downward. “Descent” of the abdomen occurs due to the lowering and insertion of the presenting part of the fetus into the inlet of the small pelvis and the deviation of the uterine fundus anteriorly due to a slight decrease in tone abdominals. The child begins to descend deeper into the pelvic area. In primigravidas, this is observed 2–4 weeks before birth. For repeat mothers - on the eve of childbirth

Unexpected change of mood. The woman is looking forward to “her time.” She can’t wait to give birth (“I wish I could do it soon.”). The mood may “suddenly” change. Changes in mood are largely associated with neuroendocrine processes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman before childbirth. Explosions of energy are possible. The state of fatigue and inertia can suddenly give way to vigorous activity. The “nest” instinct appears. A woman prepares to welcome her baby: she sews, cleans, washes, tidies up. Just please don't overdo it.

Frequent urination and defecation. The urge to urinate becomes more frequent as pressure on the bladder increases. Childbirth hormones also affect a woman’s intestines, causing the so-called pre-cleansing. Some women may experience mild abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Almost like before an exam.

Pain in the lower back. After the baby is displaced downwards, the woman may experience uncomfortable sensations in the lower back. These sensations are caused not only by pressure from the child, but also by increased stretching of the sacroiliac connective tissue.
Change motor activity fetus The baby may either calm down a little or move very actively. It is as if he chooses the rhythm and the most suitable moment for his birth.
Irregular contractions of the uterus. After the 30th week of pregnancy, false contractions may appear. Perceptible but irregular contractions of the uterus in this preparatory (preliminary) period are mistakenly mistaken for the onset of labor. A woman may feel certain contractions several weeks before giving birth. If a regular and continuous rhythm is not established, if the intervals between contractions are not reduced, then, as a rule, they do not at all mean the onset of labor.

There are three main signs of labor:

The onset of labor is considered to be the appearance of regular contractions of the uterine muscles - contractions. From this moment on, the woman is called a woman in labor. Rhythmic contractions feel like a feeling of pressure in the abdominal cavity. The uterus becomes heavy and pressure can be felt throughout the abdomen. The importance of the sign is not in the fact of contraction itself, but in its rhythm. Real labor contractions should be repeated every 15–20 minutes (other frequency is possible). Gradually, the intervals decrease: contractions begin to repeat every 3-4 minutes. During the period between contractions, the stomach is relaxed. When your stomach is relaxed, you should try to rest.

Discharge from the vagina of cervical mucus - mucus plug. The mucus plug may come off 2 weeks before birth, or maybe 3-4 days. This usually occurs after uterine contractions begin to widen the cervical canal - thereby displacing the mucus plug. The mucus plug keeps the canal closed during pregnancy. Loss of the mucus plug is a definite sign of labor. Discharge of colorless, yellowish, or slightly blood-stained, slightly pink mucus may occur.

Discharge of water. The amniotic sac may leak, then the water will slowly flow out. It may burst suddenly, then the waters will gush strong flow" Sometimes this happens before the rhythmic contractions of the uterus begin. This occurs more often in multiparous women. When breaking amniotic sac no pain is felt. If the water breaks immediately, before the onset of rhythmic contractions, you should go to the birth center immediately!

Childbirth, how it happens

Every woman begins labor differently. Some women give birth “classically,” that is, contractions develop gradually, the intervals between contractions gradually decrease, and the desire to push arises. Others give birth “quickly,” that is, contractions are immediately active and the intervals between them are short. For others, the prelude to childbirth is delayed. Although all women experience labor differently, there are some things that are the same for most women.

The long wait should soon be over - the mother will be able to hold the baby to her chest. She is happy, but as the deadline approaches, her anxiety grows. How to understand that labor has begun? Is it possible to relieve the pain?

A young woman who has never given birth before has a great many questions about the upcoming birth. Naturally, this process takes place individually for each person. Many pregnant women begin to feel anxious the day before contractions begin, sometimes experiencing palpitations, fever, or headaches. For some, painless uterine contractions may intensify or appear for the first time. Intestinal upset or increased blood pressure may occur, pain in the back, lower abdomen or pelvic bones may occur. The majority experience increased mucous discharge, including ichor - the discharge of the so-called mucus plug.

It comes suddenly

However, there may be no warning signs - in some cases, labor begins suddenly, with the appearance of contractions. Contractions are contractions of the uterine muscles that help open the cervix and gradually move the baby forward along the birth canal. They make themselves felt by periodic nagging pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, which becomes more regular and stronger. If contractions are repeated regularly and often, then it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. If the maternity hospital is far away, go there at the first sign, do not try to waste time waiting, for example, for your husband (or mother) to return from work - immediately call a specialized ambulance.

Powerful contractions of the muscles of the uterus and abdomen gradually push the baby's head through the uterine os and the birth canal. Expulsion of the fetus is a rather painful and difficult stage of childbirth, but by experiencing it, the woman gains confidence that the matter is vigorously moving forward. When the contractions are joined by pushing, the final period of the birth of the child begins. During pushing, the woman in labor feels an irresistible desire to push with all her might (at this moment she needs to carefully listen to the recommendations of the doctor leading the birth) - her muscles literally push the baby out.

Most women want to have a baby naturally, without any medical intervention. It is clear that contractions can be quite painful. However, midwives and doctors know the means and methods to relieve pain.

Dispelling fears

Some women in labor fear that they will not be able to cope with labor pain, and therefore ask for pain relief in advance. Just like with a regular headache: some try to relax, get distracted, go out into the fresh air, others immediately grab medications.

It’s good that today doctors have many opportunities to help a woman during labor. And future mothers maternity ward They do not behave passively, as before - they can consciously influence the process of childbirth. For a pregnant woman, it is important to thoroughly find out in advance what kind of help a particular clinic can offer. In addition, it is worth talking about your wishes and fears with your gynecologist. It is likely that he will dispel your fears and inspire firm confidence in a successful outcome.

Some phenomena that may bother a woman in the third trimester are caused by the growth of the fetus and uterus. They can occur at any time and are not signs of imminent labor.

Heartburn. Since the size of the uterus is already very large, it puts pressure on gallbladder; In addition, under the influence of pregnancy hormones, bile production increases. All this leads to the fact that bile is thrown from the duodenum into the stomach.

Constipation. Pregnancy hormones relax the uterus to allow the fetus to grow and develop. These same hormones also act on the intestines, which reduce their activity, which causes constipation.

Phlebeurysm lower limbs and veins of the rectum. In the third trimester of pregnancy may appear fast fatiguability legs, cramps at night, feeling of heaviness, itchy skin, swelling of the feet, or you notice on the legs spider veins or blue protruding “worms”. Under the influence of pregnancy hormones, the frame of the vein walls softens, and the veins easily undergo changes. The growing uterus, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, can put pressure on the veins and prevent blood from flowing from the legs. Due to the increase in blood volume in the body and increased blood flow during this period, the load on the veins increases. For these reasons, their overstretching occurs. Frequent constipation, as well as a deterioration in the outflow of blood through the veins of the rectum can lead to dilation of hemorrhoidal veins.

Leg pain. They can be associated not only with varicose veins veins, but also with a lack of calcium. In this case, the pain is spastic in nature and can appear at night; many patients say that their legs are cramping. Since the fetus grows especially actively in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the mass of its bones and muscles increases rapidly, it is at this time that pain in the legs may first appear.

Pain when the fetus moves. At the end of pregnancy, the baby grows quite quickly, occupying the entire abdominal cavity. By 40 weeks of pregnancy, its weight reaches an average of 3-4 kg, and its height is about 50 cm. Such a “giant” can no longer move freely in the uterus, so at the end of pregnancy the number of movements decreases, but the force with which the baby pushes increases , affects the uterus and neighboring organs. Therefore, fetal movements in the third trimester can be quite painful. Pain when moving can be felt in the area of ​​the right or left hypochondrium - this often happens when the fetus is in a cephalic presentation, that is, its head is directed towards the exit from the pelvis, and the legs hit either the liver area or the mother’s stomach.

Itching of the skin of the abdomen. This sensation is explained by the fact that the growing uterus stretches the skin of the abdomen.

Dyspnea. Due to the fact that the growing uterus lifts the diaphragm upward, it becomes difficult for a pregnant woman to breathe even after slight physical exertion.

Swelling of the feet and legs. This condition is classified as hydrops of pregnancy, in which water accumulates in the tissues of the lower extremities. This symptom requires consultation with a doctor, changes drinking regime(fluid restrictions), and sometimes - taking certain medications.

Pain in the lumbar region and pubic symphysis (pubic area). These unpleasant sensations are due to softening of the ligaments caused by the characteristics of hormonal levels pregnant women.

Frequent urination. It occurs due to the fact that the uterus occupies more and more of the abdominal cavity and the bladder cannot contain a large volume of fluid.

Bloody discharge from the nose, bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are associated with the occurrence of gingivitis during pregnancy (inflammation of the gums), which occurs under the influence of hormones. During this period, increased formation and spread of dental plaque occurs, which leads to rapid education tartar, which causes bleeding gums. Nosebleeds are also caused by changes in blood circulation, which occurs due to hormonal changes in the body.

How to know when labor is approaching?

Now we list those phenomena that are harbingers of labor, but do not allow us to accurately determine the time of its onset.

Braxton Hicks contractions. We are talking about false contractions that prepare the pregnant woman’s body for the upcoming birth. During them, the uterus tenses, acquiring a “stone” density, while future mom doesn't experience any discomfort. Such contractions are irregular, they help soften the cervix, preparing it for childbirth, but do not cause its dilatation.

Removal of the mucus plug. The cervical canal contains mucus produced by the glands of the cervix. It can be released 1-2 weeks before birth, or maybe just before birth. The amount of this mucus is about 20 ml, it is transparent, colorless, sometimes streaked with blood. The mucus located in the cervical canal, together with other factors, protects the fetus from infection, but after it leaves the path of infection, another reliable barrier remains - the fetal membranes. The discharge of mucus requires treatment medical care only if this happened earlier than 2 weeks before the expected date of birth.

During your first pregnancy, your belly may sag before giving birth. This happens if the fetus is in a cephalic presentation and its head is pressed against the pelvic bones. It becomes easier for the expectant mother to breathe, and the doctor can measure the height of the uterine fundus - from pubic symphysis to the highest point of the uterus, and note that this value has decreased. So, if at 38 weeks the height of the uterine fundus can be 40 cm, then before childbirth it is 38 cm.

Reducing body weight. A few weeks before giving birth, the expectant mother’s appetite may worsen; before giving birth, work is rearranged endocrine system. If throughout pregnancy progesterone, which promotes fluid retention in tissues, ensures its safety, then before childbirth the influence of estrogens increases, which also leads to a decrease in body weight.

“Nesting instinct” is a peculiar psychological sign approaching birth. Just before giving birth, the expectant mother strives to limit contacts with friends and acquaintances; she is constantly at home, where she chooses a cozy corner for herself. This state is accompanied by mixed feelings: on the one hand, a desire for a speedy resolution of pregnancy, and on the other, fears labor pain and anxiety about the relative unknown.

The phenomena listed above do not require acceptance emergency measures and seek medical attention immediately, however, if you have any doubts, consult your doctor; Don’t consider going to a maternity hospital as a re-insurance.

How does labor begin?

Now let's talk about the symptoms that, if they appear, should go to the maternity hospital.

Contractions - most common option the beginning of labor. Contractions are regular contractions of the uterus, accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen and/or lower back. At first, contractions are weak, last a few seconds, and the interval between them is 10-12 minutes. Sometimes contractions immediately begin every 5-6 minutes, but they are not very strong yet. Gradually contractions become more frequent, stronger, longer, and more painful.

If you are sure that you can get to the maternity hospital within 1 hour, then it is better to go to the maternity hospital when contractions occur once every 10 minutes.

Another option for starting labor is spilled amniotic fluid or leakage of amniotic fluid in small portions. In this case, you no longer need to wait for the contractions to start, but you need to immediately go to the maternity hospital, since the longer the water-free period, the more likely complicated course of labor, infection penetration into the uterus and fetus.

If you went to the maternity hospital at the end of the third trimester...

When the fact of the onset of labor is indisputable, that is, regular labor is detected, there is a greater or lesser opening of the cervix, discharge amniotic fluid, then the outcome of events is one - in the near future (maximum - within 24 hours) the baby will be born.

If a woman feels irregular pain in the lower abdomen, not accompanied by tension in the muscles of the uterus, and fluid leaks from the vagina, which, after laboratory testing, turns out to be cervical mucus and not water, then such a patient is observed in the maternity ward. Observation can last from 2 to 12 hours and include examinations by an obstetrician-gynecologist, taking tests (blood from a vein, from a finger, urine test), and monitoring the fetal heartbeat. If, as a result of observation, it becomes clear that there is no labor activity, then further tactics depend on the duration of pregnancy and on the condition of the fetus and mother. If the pregnancy is up to 40 weeks and the results of observation and examination are good, the pregnant woman can be discharged home. If the pregnancy is more than 40 weeks and (or) negative observation results, the patient is transferred to the department of pathology of pregnant women, where the further tactics management of pregnancy. Most often, in this case, the woman is prepared for childbirth.

If in last days pregnancies begin to appear severe pain, then this indicates the imminent onset of labor. It is generally accepted that no childbirth can be completely painless and you need to prepare yourself mentally for this in advance. As a rule, women’s idea of ​​childbirth is formed solely from the stories of friends who have already given birth or eyewitnesses of this process. You shouldn’t believe too much in what women who have given birth say, because pain threshold everyone is different, and anatomical features also play a fairly important role during childbirth.

If you believe physiological point view, then healthy woman is quite capable of giving birth to a child without too much pain, deformation or rupture of the genital organs. In order for the body to fully prepare for the birth of a child, it has nine months, and this is not so little. This time is enough for the tissues of the birth canal to become softer, more elastic, and stretch easily so as not to injure the baby.

It is worth noting quite interesting fact: not a single creature on the planet experiences terrible pain during childbirth, because this process is perceived as completely natural. At the same time, physiologists two centuries ago proved that pain during childbirth is caused either by the presence of pathologies, diseases, or by fear and severe stress. Accordingly, none of this should be present either during pregnancy or during childbirth.

If we talk about the reasons that can cause pain during the birth process, then they include:

• the woman’s age and health status;
• peculiarities anatomical structure the woman’s body: the size of the pelvis, the state of the muscular, hormonal and other systems that play an important role during childbirth;
• if before pregnancy there were disruptions in menstrual cycle, then this may also affect childbirth;
• premature birth when the body has not yet had time to fully prepare for this process;
• fetal size and position;
• the woman’s pain threshold level and her mental state.

Causes of pain before childbirth

Most important reason pain during childbirth remains the psycho-emotional state of the woman. Because of fear, a woman cannot completely relax, she begins to tighten her muscles, and this causes severe pain. How more woman will strain, the more it will interfere with the natural process and stretching of muscles and ligaments.

The causes of pain may be pathological diseases, narrow birth canal women or too narrow pelvis. In addition, the ability to relax has a very strong influence, try to learn how to do this during pregnancy and then give birth with minimum quantity pain is guaranteed.

Symptoms of pain before childbirth

• appearance 3-4 weeks before the expected date of birth;
• the pain is dull and nagging;
• pain occurs in the lower abdomen and may resemble that which occurs during menstruation;
• the uterus is very tense and can be easily felt;
• in the intervals between training contractions, the uterus does not lose its tone;
• contractions are irregular and do not last more than one minute;
• the pain is easily relieved when changing posture or moving.

• the uterus begins to contract regularly;
• pain occurs rhythmically every 10-20 minutes;
• in between contractions, the uterus is completely relaxed;
• pain spreads to the whole body, especially to the lower back and abdomen;
• the mucous plug and amniotic fluid are discharged.

Abdominal pain before childbirth

At this time, the muscles are stretched, the tissues become softer, cervical canal The cervix becomes several times shorter than usual. During this period, you should try to reduce the amount physical activity and relax more, go for walks fresh air, receive positive emotions and under no circumstances be nervous.

Chest pain before childbirth

Also the cause of breast pain is the formation of milk ducts and slight enlargement of the nipples. Some women have severe breast pain at the beginning of pregnancy, while others only immediately before childbirth, when there is a significant enlargement of the mammary glands. It is worth noting that breast pain is quite tolerable and should not be too intense. Also, the expectant mother should understand that if the breasts hurt, then colostrum is formed in it, and the body is intensively preparing for bearing and giving birth to a baby. If the breasts do not hurt, then this may be a sign that colostrum is not being formed and in the future the baby may not have enough milk for proper feeding.

Almost every woman experiences abdominal pain before childbirth. There are plenty of reasons for the appearance of such pain, and most often they are directly related to changes in a woman’s body, due to her new position. Women are often very worried, fearing that they will miss the onset of labor, and become very worried if they have abdominal pain. So what explains the stomach pain before childbirth?

Pain before childbirth, at 40 weeks and later accompanies almost every birth. Most often in these cases, women experience lower back and abdominal pain. These pains often have pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, a feeling that the stomach is hardening or even turning to stone. Most often, the process when the stomach hurts before childbirth is associated with an increase in the tone of the uterus, which is caused by false contractions, which are harbingers of labor. The woman experiences a feeling of discomfort that occurs periodically, often with spasms that periodically increase, which may indicate signs of labor beginning.

This process when a woman experiences painful sensations before childbirth are called harbingers of labor. Some of them cause pain. At this time, loosening of the stool often occurs. This is also a natural process in the body where estrogen levels increase and fluids are removed from the body. At the same time, stool becomes more frequent and liquefied feces. This causes spasmodic pain in the abdominal area. During this process, a woman should be careful, because frequent urge to go to the toilet may not be a harbinger of childbirth, but a serious food poisoning.

Also, if your stomach hurts before giving birth, this may indicate that the uterine fundus has begun to prolapse. This is the process in which the baby begins to press the presenting part to the bottom of the uterus, pulling it down, pressing, most often with its head, against the pelvis. This indicates that the fetus is already beginning to prepare for release, taking the most comfortable position before contractions. At the same time, the fetus ceases to exert pressure on Airways, but, having descended into the pelvic area, begins to put pressure on internal organs, in particular on the bladder. This also causes nagging pain with frequent urges to the toilet.

The precursor, false or training contractions themselves occur shortly before birth and are normal labor, because during this process the uterus opens. The contraction itself is a single contraction of the walls of the uterus, lasting several minutes. This tension builds up for a few seconds and then drops just as quickly. By placing your palm on your stomach, you will be able to feel how it suddenly became very hard, and after a while it relaxed again. In fact, a woman is quite capable of distinguishing false contractions from real contractions. False contractions, for the most part, are irregular, weak, practically painless, and, most importantly, occur at long intervals, from 30 minutes or more between contractions. Labor contractions, real contractions, on the contrary, greatly open the uterus, they are frequent and very painful.

also in last weeks and days before childbirth, women experience discomfort in the lower abdomen accompanied by pain. The cause of these pains is a sprain of the pelvic ligaments, which can be described as mild nagging pain. All of these warning pains occur approximately two weeks before childbirth, and rarely require seeing a doctor. The main thing is to listen to your body and not be afraid of changes in the body associated with prenatal activities.