Contractions every 10 minutes what to do. The water broke - what to do? How to relieve pain

What sensations indicate that labor is approaching?

From the grip before childbirth - periodic spasms of the muscles of the uterus, characterized by increasing dynamics and intensity. Understanding the mechanism of this process and its purpose will help you overcome fear and act consciously during childbirth.

In modern obstetric practice, labor begins precisely with the appearance of rhythmic uterine contractions of increasing intensity. It is important to know the difference between true contractions in order to be in the maternity hospital on time.

As obstetricians note, the behavior and mood of the woman in labor has a noticeable influence on the course of labor. The right attitude gives a woman an understanding of the processes occurring in her body. Contractions are truly one of the most difficult periods in childbirth, but they are the force that contributes to the birth of a child. Therefore, they should be perceived as natural state.

Training, warning or prenatal contractions

From the fifth month of pregnancy, expectant mothers may feel occasional tension in the abdomen. The uterus contracts for 1-2 minutes and relaxes. If you put your hand on your stomach at this moment, you can feel that it has become hard. Often pregnant women describe this condition as “petrification” of the uterus (stony belly). These are training contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions: they can occur continuously until the end of pregnancy. Their characteristic features are irregular, short-lived, painless.

The nature of their appearance is associated with the process of gradual preparation of the body for childbirth, but the exact reasons for their occurrence have not yet been clarified. In addition, there is an opinion that “training” is provoked by increased physical and emotional activity, stress, fatigue, and they can also be a response of the uterine muscles to fetal movements or sexual intercourse. The frequency is individual - from once every few days to several times an hour. Some women don't feel them at all.

Inconveniences caused by false contractions can be easily eliminated. You need to lie down or change your position. Braxton Hicks contractions do not dilate the cervix and do not cause any harm to the fetus, so they should be perceived only as one of the natural moments of pregnancy.

Approximately from the 38th week of pregnancy, the period of precursors begins. Along with prolapse of the uterine fundus, weight loss, an increase in the amount of discharge and other processes noticeable to the pregnant woman, it is distinguished by the appearance of precursor or false contractions.

Just like training ones, they do not open the cervix of the uterus and do not threaten pregnancy, although the intensity of the sensations is more vivid and may well instill anxiety in first-time women. Premonitory contractions have intervals that do not decrease over time, and the strength of the spasms that compress the uterus does not increase. A warm bath, sleep, or snack can help ease these contractions.

It is impossible to stop real or labor contractions by resting or changing positions. Contractions occur involuntarily, under the influence of complex hormonal processes in the body, and are not subject to any control on the part of the woman in labor. Their frequency and intensity are increasing. In the initial phase of labor, contractions are short, lasting about 20 seconds and repeating every 15-20 minutes. By the time the cervix is ​​completely opened, the interval is reduced to 2-3 minutes, and the duration of contractions increases to 60 seconds.

In order to make sure that real contractions begin, it is worth correctly calculating the interval between them. As a rule, false contractions are chaotic, the interval between the first and second can be 40 minutes, between the second and third – 30 minutes, etc. While during real contractions the interval becomes stable, and the length of contractions increases.

Description and functions of contractions

A contraction is a wave-like movement of the muscles of the uterus in the direction from the fundus to the pharynx. With each spasm, the cervix softens, stretches, becomes less convex, and, thinning, gradually opens. Having reached a dilation of 10-12 cm, it is completely smoothed out, forming a single birth canal with the walls of the vagina.

Visualizing the process of labor pains can help cope with pain and uncontrollable emotions.

In each stage of labor, spastic movements of the organ are aimed at achieving a certain physiological result.

1. In the first period, contractions provide opening.
2. In the second, along with pushing, the function of contractive contractions is to expel the fetus from the uterine cavity and move it along the birth canal.
3. In the early postpartum period pulsation of the uterine muscles promotes separation of the placenta and prevents bleeding.
4. In the late postpartum period, spasms of the uterine muscles return the organ to its previous size.

Afterwards, pushing occurs - active contraction of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm (duration 10-15 sec.). Occurring reflexively, pushing helps move the baby along the birth canal.

Phases and duration of contractions before childbirth

There are several types: latent, active and deceleration phase. Each of them differs in the duration of the period, intervals and the contractions themselves.

The given parameters can be considered averaged and applicable to the normal course of labor. Real time contractions greatly depend on whether the woman is giving birth for the first time or repeated births, her physical and psychological readiness, anatomical features body and other factors.

Contractions before the first and subsequent births

However, a common factor that influences the duration of contractions is the experience of previous births. This refers to a kind of “memory” of the body that determines differences during certain processes. During the second and subsequent births, the birth canal opens on average 4 hours faster than during the first. This occurs because in women giving birth to their second or third child, the internal and external os open at the same time. During the first birth, opening occurs sequentially - from the inside to the outside, which increases the duration of contractions.

The nature of contractions before repeated birth may also differ: women in labor note their intensity and more active dynamics.

The factor that smoothes out the differences between the first and subsequent births is the time period separating them. The likelihood of prolonged dilatation is higher if more than 8-10 years have passed since the birth of the first child.

In articles devoted to the topics of motherhood and pregnancy, there is information that contractions before the second birth often occur not before, but after the waters have broken, and this happens not at 40, but at 38 weeks. Such options are not excluded, but there is no scientifically confirmed data indicating a direct connection between the serial number of births and the nature of their onset.

It is necessary to understand that the described scenarios are only options, and in no case an axiom. Each birth is very individual, and its course is a multifactorial process.

Feelings during contractions

In order to determine the onset of contractions, it is worth paying attention to the nature of the pain: before childbirth they are similar to menstrual pain. Pulls the lower abdomen and lower back. You may feel pressure, a feeling of fullness, heaviness. Here it is more appropriate to talk about discomfort rather than pain. Pain occurs later, as contractions intensify. It is caused by tension in the uterine ligaments and dilatation of the cervix.

The localization of sensations is quite subjective: in some women in labor the spasm has a girdling nature, its spread can be clearly associated with a wave that rolls from the fundus of the uterus or from one of the sides and covers the entire abdomen, in others the pain originates in lumbar region, in others - directly in the uterus.

However, in the vast majority of cases, women experience the peak of spasm as a contraction, a strong contraction, or “grasping,” as follows from the very name of the contraction.

Is it possible to miss contractions?

Not all women in labor experience tension in the uterine muscles that causes unbearable pain. How a woman tolerates it depends on the threshold of sensitivity, emotional maturity and special preparation for childbirth. Some people endure the contractions, but for others they are too painful to hold back a scream. But it’s impossible not to feel contractions. If they are not there, then there is no labor activity, which is an essential condition. physiological birth.

Some uncertainty in the expectations of expectant mothers can be introduced by the stories of women who have already given birth, in whom labor began not with contractions, but with the breaking of water. You need to understand that this scenario in obstetrics is considered a deviation. Normally, at the peak of one of the contractions, intrauterine pressure stretches and tears the membrane amniotic sac, amniotic fluid is poured out.

Spontaneous release of water is called premature. This situation requires immediate intervention doctor, waiting for contractions at home is unacceptable.

Mechanism of action at the onset of contractions

It is important to understand what to do at home if contractions begin and labor is approaching. A few recommendations:

• The first thing is not to panic. Lack of composure and unconstructive emotions interfere with concentration and lead to unreasonable actions.
• Having felt the onset of contractions, you need to determine their type: are they really contractions before childbirth or harbingers. To do this, you need to use a stopwatch or special applications in mobile phone note the time and calculate the duration of intervals and contractions. If the frequency and duration do not increase, then there is nothing to worry about. The warning signs usually subside completely within two hours.
• If the spasms have become regular, the pause time between them is clearly defined, you can start getting ready for the maternity hospital. You should plan your departure so that you can be examined by a doctor by the time the frequency of contractions reaches once every 10 minutes. At normal course labor will occur approximately no earlier than 7 hours later. Therefore, if contractions begin at night, you should try to get at least a little rest.
• You can take a shower, work out hygiene procedures.
• For repeated births, you should go to the hospital immediately after contractions become regular, without waiting for their interval to shorten.

The entire process of labor is usually divided into three periods: the first period or the period of opening of the cervix, the second - the pushing period or the expulsion period, and the third - the afterbirth period, during which the placenta separates. The appearance of contractions indicates the beginning of labor.

Frequency of contractions

Contractions every 5 minutes indicate the establishment of regular labor and serve as an indication for an early visit to the maternity hospital. Contractions every 3 minutes with a duration of 50-60 seconds indicate complete or almost complete opening of the cervix and the beginning of the pushing period. At this stage, the woman may feel pressure on her anus and an increasing desire to have a bowel movement.

Program for counting contractions

It must be remembered that correct behavior during childbirth, counting contractions and understanding what is happening in the body will help a woman navigate what to do in a given situation.

What is the difference between false and real contractions?

Heard about rapid labor in an ambulance and even at home, many girls worry about how not to miss the onset of contractions and arrive at the maternity hospital on time. For this, there are certain guidelines, knowing which it is very difficult to miss “hour X”. You need to pay attention to your well-being, the frequency of contractions, vaginal discharge and the baby’s movements. How do contractions begin before childbirth in primiparous and multiparous women, how to distinguish true from false?

Within a few days and sometimes even weeks, the pregnant woman’s body begins to intensively prepare for childbirth. Everything changes, from the nature of a woman’s breathing and well-being to the size of her stomach and vaginal discharge. Careful self-observation will help the expectant mother understand how soon she will give birth.

Signs that contractions are starting before childbirth

Already a few weeks before giving birth, you can notice changes that indicate that the body is beginning to prepare. In primiparous women, these processes occur more slowly, so they are somewhat easier to notice. With repeated upcoming birth many changes can occur simultaneously, quickly, so they are a little more difficult to detect. The main points are as follows.

• The belly gets smaller. Gradually the baby descends deeper into the pelvis. At the same time, the fundus of the uterus also shifts behind it, so it seems that the stomach has become a little smaller.
• It becomes easier to breathe. Due to the fact that the fundus of the uterus and fetus shift downward, space is freed up for the lungs, which until this moment are in compressed conditions. Therefore, the woman will note a decrease in shortness of breath and the appearance of ease when breathing.
• Heartburn is reduced. Due to the decrease in pressure on the stomach, the speed and volume of reflux of its contents into the esophagus is reduced, which causes a decrease in the symptoms of burning and pain in the chest.
• Pain appears in the lower abdomen. Periodic nagging painful sensations in the lower back, sacrum and lower abdomen are a sign of the imminent onset of “training contractions”.
• Pressing sensation on the perineum. The presenting part of the fetus, which descends into the pelvis, compresses the nerve endings and tissues, causing a bursting sensation in the lower abdomen, in the perineum.
• The mucus plug comes off. Throughout pregnancy in cervical canal Women have special mucus that protects against the penetration of microbes to the fetus. On the eve of childbirth, as the cervix dilates, it begins to come out. Women often notice it as thick, clear or slightly grayish mucus in their vaginal discharge.
• Diarrhea appears. Nature has long made sure that a woman’s body is prepared for childbirth. Natural loosening of stool occurs no more than a day before contractions.
• Body weight decreases. Usually, on the eve of childbirth, a woman loses 1-2 kg instead of gaining. This is due to a decrease in appetite and a decrease in fluid in the body.

If a woman notices all of these symptoms, or at least some of them, it will be easier for her to recognize contractions before childbirth.

What are “false” abbreviations?

“Training contractions” or Bragston-Higgs - contractions of the uterus that are necessary for preparation birth canal for baby's entry. Women often confuse them with the onset of labor, especially during their first pregnancy.

Normal

False contractions are no different in nature from normal contractions, but they are less intense, short, and irregular. As a result of false contractions, the cervix opens, and the baby descends even further into the pelvic cavity.

The period from the beginning of training contractions to regular labor is called preliminary. It can occur in physiological and pathological forms. Normally, a woman may feel the following:

• contractions begin suddenly, often in the evening or early morning;
• do not cause general anxiety to a woman;
• despite them future mom may fall asleep;
• decrease after taking antispasmodics;
• irregular - there may be one contraction in two minutes, and then one after a 10-20 minute break;
• contractions end as suddenly as they began.

Usually, after such training sessions, real contractions begin. The transition can be smooth, but often takes a couple of hours or even days. Also, false contractions can occur in several approaches, for example, over two days in the evenings. How training contractions go before childbirth depends on many factors, for example, psychological mood and the presence of diseases.

Pathological

The pathological preliminary period is characterized by the following signs:

• contractions are painful and it seems that they are not going away at all;
• a woman feels pain in the lower abdomen, lower back;
• unpleasant sensations disrupt the psycho-emotional state;
• impossible to sleep or rest;
• pain is not relieved by antispasmodics.

The pathological preliminary period does not lead to structural changes in the cervix, but exhausts the woman and is accompanied by fetal suffering. Therefore, it is important to identify it in time and treat it. Often the pathological preliminary period becomes the reason for carrying out caesarean section or puncturing the bladder without contractions to stimulate labor.

How to distinguish

An important question is how to identify contractions before childbirth and when to go to the maternity hospital after that.

The intensity of true contractions does not decrease - they only become stronger and more frequent. They can start once every 20 minutes, but then become a multiplicity of ten, five, and then every three to five minutes. At this time, there is often a need for special breathing, which will help a woman endure not entirely pleasant and even painful sensations. At the peak of the contraction - “like a dog” (frequent shallow breathing), as the intensity decreases - deeper and calmer. The following table will help you distinguish between true and false contractions.

Table - True and false contractions before childbirth

The main difference between real contractions and training ones is that the latter come and go again. If labor has really begun, then uterine contractions only become stronger and more frequent.

Many women wonder how to count contractions. It is customary to determine its duration, and then the number of minutes until the next one. But modern gadgets allow you to use a simple program. By recording the time, it supposedly reveals whether contractions are false or true.

When to go to the hospital

Women always have a question about when to go to the maternity hospital if contractions begin - immediately with the first symptoms or wait a while.

If contractions begin, but the water has not yet broken and nothing else bothers the pregnant woman, as soon as the uterus contracts every three to five minutes, it is necessary to go to the maternity hospital, if it is no more than 30 minutes away. You should go to the hospital immediately following cases:

• if water flows– they are usually milky in color, with pathology – yellowish or greenish;
• if there is bloody vaginal discharge– one of the signs of placental abruption;
• if there are pushings during contractions– feeling strong pressure on the perineum, when you want to expel the fetus;
• if there is a sudden change in movements– either became excessively violent or stopped altogether;
• if there is a suspicion of pathological “false contractions” - in this case than faster woman will apply for medical care, the higher the probability of a favorable outcome;
• if the pressure has increased - or when other signs of gestosis progression appear (flickering “flies” before the eyes, severe headache).

What to do if in doubt

Often pregnant women doubt whether they are having contractions or just training. Such situations arise especially often in first-time mothers. However, you should not worry or hesitate to seek medical help. When visiting any maternity hospital, the doctor will confirm or deny the onset of labor. Multiparous women need to be especially vigilant, because contractions often last for some time and are hardly noticeable, and it is difficult to determine how long the interval is between them. As a result, such mothers barely have time to arrive at the maternity hospital.

How to relieve pain

Many women are confused and don’t know what to do during contractions. In fact, there is nothing special, but the basic rules on how to make childbirth and labor easier for yourself are as follows:

• learn to breathe correctly in each stage of labor;
• you can be in a warm shower, directing a stream of water to the sacrum and lower abdomen;
• drink warm tea or water;
• For many, pain at the stage of cervical dilatation decreases when walking;
• you can massage the sacrum - with your hand, with tennis balls;
• Exercises in which you need to sit on a gymnastic ball help.

If contractions look more like false ones, you can take antispasmodic drug(for example, “No-shpa” is safe), after this the pain should become less. You should not take other painkillers on your own.

Contractions, like pregnancy itself, occur differently for every woman. After all, there are no identical organisms. Then the question arises, how do you understand that contractions are starting? You should listen to your body, noticing even the slightest changes. With this approach important point it will be difficult to miss, and the woman’s reviews confirm this.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, a woman increasingly feels special cramps in the abdominal area, which are called training or “false” contractions. These are irregular contractions of the uterine walls that do not form a launch. birth process and do not lead to the opening of the cervix, but prepare the uterine walls for an early birth. Many pregnant women are afraid to miss the onset of labor outside the hospital due to training contractions if they are unable to recognize the onset of true contractions. This fear is especially typical for those women who are carrying their first child. Doctors rush to reassure expectant mothers, saying that they will not confuse true contractions at the beginning of labor with training contractions and will immediately understand that labor has begun. What sensations do true contractions bring, how can you determine that they have begun and what sensations will there be, is the pain severe, can it be alleviated?

Harbingers of childbirth

Childbirth does not occur suddenly, without any preliminary “bells”; the body makes full preparations for a difficult and prolonged labor, forming precursors imminent birth. These include an increase in the frequency of training contractions and their intensification, although also without any regularity of occurrence, as well as shortening of the cervix, which causes the fetal head to descend into the small pelvis with a lowering of the abdomen. It becomes easier for a woman to breathe and eat. In addition, it is typical for the mucous plug to drain from the vagina either over several days or all at once in the form of a lump of pinkish mucus.

The onset of labor: how to understand that contractions have begun?

When similar manifestations childbirth is expected in the coming days, so you need to be prepared for it by collecting all the necessary things and bags with documents. Labor can begin with (gradual or immediate outpouring of a large volume) or with contractions, at first rare and not intense, then more and more strong and frequent.

It is contractions that mark the beginning of labor, or rather its first period, during which, due to contractions, a smooth and gradual opening of the cervix will occur. They begin as quite noticeable and painful, but short-term sensations in the lumbar and lower abdomen, forming at certain intervals. Gradually, uterine contractions become more frequent and longer, and the periods of relaxation between them become shorter and shorter, which indicates that the cervix is ​​almost open and there will soon be attempts.

What are contractions called?

In obstetrics, contractions are called periodic contractions. muscle fibers in the area of ​​the uterine wall. During each contraction, processes of stretching and contraction of muscles occur inside the uterus, while stretching of the fibers in the area of ​​the cervix (circular) is formed against the background of tension in the longitudinal fiber.

As the contractions intensify and become more frequent, the cervix opens and smoothes out; by the time of pushing, the opening of the cervix reaches 10 cm. Against the background of contractions, the baby gradually moves along the birth canal.

note

During the period of dilatation of the cervix, one of the contractions may open the amniotic sac, which leads to the rupture of water, or at a certain period the doctor will open it to stimulate labor.

Muscle contractions during childbirth are regular and intensifying; during contractions, the muscles spasm in the lower abdomen, causing it to become very tense and stiff. A woman experiences pain in the lower back, inside the abdomen and in the perineum, radiating to the tailbone.

note

Sometimes the sensations are described as painful periods, only increasing in duration.

The sensations of pain have a wave-like character, initially it is light and barely noticeable, gradually increases in intensity, reaches a maximum for a few seconds and recedes until the next contraction. You can compare it with spasms in the area calf muscle with a cramp, but with a gradual increase in pain. During contractions due to special techniques and practices painful sensations can be significantly reduced, for this they use both medications and pain relief, as well as relaxation methods, massage, etc.

Emotional components of contractions, sensitivity to pain

Each woman perceives childbirth differently, so everyone’s feelings during contractions are different. Some people talk about severe pain, but for others it is quite tolerable and is relieved by simple techniques. This largely depends on pain threshold and sensitivity, the degree of preparation of a woman for childbirth. Strong influence have emotions, attitude to what is happening and fear, fatigue and nervous tension. If a woman is afraid of childbirth, due to fear and panic, the pain may intensify; if she is collected and prepared, the contractions are easier to bear.

Recognizing contractions before childbirth

Sometimes before birth, false contractions become strong and quite unpleasant subjectively, which is why they can introduce expectant mother misconception about the onset of labor.

The first single training contractions are formed after 20 weeks, but by the end of the period they occur frequently and can be quite strong. Their distinctive feature is their irregular nature, short period of contractions and painlessness (they do not lead to the opening of the cervix). Taking a warm bath or sleep, resting in a supine position and calming down, taking antispasmodics or a suppository with papaverine rectally helps relieve such tension during false contractions.

True contractions have equal intervals between contractions, are not eliminated by a bath and rest, and increase in intensity of sensations and duration. It is worth distinguishing them from aching or abdominal pain due to the position of the fetus in the uterus and stress on the lower back, sprained ligaments and divergence of the pelvic bones in the area of ​​the pubic symphysis. May be aching mild pain in the lumbar region, pelvis and abdomen, encircling in nature. In this case, there is no tension in the muscles of the uterus, the abdomen is quite soft.

Phases of the labor process, nature of contractions

The interval between the first contractions can be 30-20 minutes; they are short and not very painful. This is the very beginning of labor. Then the intervals shorten, and, based on this, three phases are distinguished in the first stage of labor:

• Latent (initial) can be hidden or slightly expressed in sensations
• Active
• Transitional.

For initial stage a typical time period is about 8 hours, at this time the contraction does not exceed 30-45 seconds in duration, the intervals with it start from 30 minutes and are gradually reduced to 10-5 minutes. At this time, the cervix dilates from 0 to 3 cm. At this time, the woman needs to get to the maternity hospital.

Active phase lasts up to five hours, during this period the length of contractions reaches a minute, they occur at intervals of 2-4 minutes, the cervix dilates from 3 to 7-8 cm.

Transition phase in the first period the shortest, it lasts up to an hour and a half and contractions last up to 90 seconds. They are strong and painful, compared to previous periods, gradually the relaxation period is reduced to one minute, contractions follow one after another, which leads to the dilatation of the cervix up to 10 cm, when it can already allow the fetal head to pass through.

In the second and subsequent births, the intervals are divided in the same way, but their duration is shorter, and the contractions themselves are stronger and more productive.

What a woman should do when contractions begin

If contractions start, you shouldn’t immediately panic and shout “I’m giving birth,” you need to calm down, notice the intervals between them and get ready for the maternity hospital. You should arrive at the maternity hospital when the interval between contractions is about 10 minutes.. You should not focus on contractions; during them you need to breathe measuredly and calmly, and be distracted. If it gets cold for 20-30 minutes between contractions, you can slowly collect all your things, take a shower and go to the maternity hospital.

You should urgently go to the maternity hospital when your water breaks, blood appears, or other alarming symptoms appear, if your water has a green or pink tint.

What to do to ease contractions?

During labor, for some women, the pain is excruciating and unpleasant. To relieve pain and relieve stress, doctors may offer labor pain relief (injections), but if there are contraindications, pain relief cannot be given (allergies to drugs, back skin problems, spinal deformities, threats from the fetus).

To improve the condition and relieve pain during contractions, there is relaxation and proper breathing techniques. They are taught during childbirth preparation courses, as well as in the maternity hospital upon admission; midwives usually help set up correct breathing.

Contractions- these are rhythmic contractions of the uterus, which are felt as a feeling of pressure in the abdominal cavity which can be felt throughout the abdomen. A pregnant woman may feel these contractions several weeks before the baby is born. The table shows the differences between “false” and true contractions.

What happens during contractions?

Due to contraction of the uterine muscles during contractions and pressure on the cervix of the fetal bladder or presenting part of the fetus after the release of amniotic fluid, the cervix shortens until smooth. This continues for 4-6 hours and is called the latent phase of labor. At first, the contractions are weak and painless, the intervals between them are about half an hour, and sometimes more, the contraction of the uterus itself lasts 5-10 seconds. Gradually, the intensity and duration of contractions increase, and the intervals between contractions gradually decrease. During the period between contractions, the stomach is relaxed. Pain during contractions is caused by dilatation of the cervix, compression nerve endings, tension of the uterine ligaments. Sometimes the first tremors are felt in the lumbar region, then spread to the abdomen and become encircling.
Pulling sensations may occur in the uterus itself, and not in the lumbar region. Pain during contractions (if you cannot relax or find a comfortable position) resembles the pain that often accompanies menstruation. The strength of the pain depends on individual characteristics the threshold of pain sensitivity, the emotional state of the woman and her attitude towards the birth of the child. It is important not to be afraid of childbirth and labor pain. After all, the entire process of childbirth takes only a few hours, and the pain of labor is quickly forgotten. You can often hear from women who have given birth that their contractions were either completely painless, or the pain was quite tolerable. During contractions, the body releases its own painkillers. In addition, from painful sensations Relaxation and proper breathing techniques learned during pregnancy help get rid of this.

What should you do during contractions?

You have a little time to take a shower, put on clean clothes, trim your nails and wash off the polish. For many women, shaving the perineum upon admission to the maternity hospital is very unpleasant moment. However, this procedure is necessary, as it allows you to control the degree of stretching of the perineum during childbirth, prevent its rupture, and in case of injury, it is better to compare the tissues when suturing. Feelings of embarrassment can be avoided if you perform this simple procedure at home yourself. Just take a brand new razor and treat your skin well with an antiseptic solution or antibacterial soap.
You should go to the maternity hospital when contractions become regular and come every 10-15 minutes. If a clear interval between contractions has not yet been established, but they are accompanied severe pain, you also need to consult a doctor. If the birth is repeated, then with the onset of regular contractions it is better to go to the maternity hospital immediately (repeated births are often characterized by rapidity, so it is better not to delay). During contractions, you can choose a body position that is comfortable for you: you can lie on your side, walk, stand on all fours or kneel. Monitor the duration of contractions and the intervals between them. Try walking, getting on all fours, or rolling on a big ball.
During contractions, slowly, deeply and rhythmically inhale air through your nose and exhale through your mouth. If contractions become very strong, frequent shallow breathing will help, in which you also inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. From the very beginning of the contraction, stroke the lower half of the abdomen. You can massage your lower back with your fists or an open palm on both sides of the spine, up and down, to the base of the tailbone. After a contraction there is always a period of time when there is no pain, you can relax and rest. Don't forget to empty it regularly bladder- this stimulates contractions.

What can't you do?

During contractions, you should not sit or lie on your back;
can't eat;
you cannot take painkillers on your own: normal labor pain they won't remove it, but they can disguise it important symptoms;
You cannot stay at home in the following cases:
a) if they appeared bloody issues;
b) if you are worried about a headache, blurred vision, pain in the epigastric region and in the uterus;
c) if the child’s movements become very violent or, on the contrary, become poorly felt;

In these cases, it is necessary to get to the hospital as quickly as possible, ideally by ambulance with medical escort.

What should my husband do?

Usually, the expectant mother endures the first contractions quite easily: they last 15-20 seconds and repeat every 15-20 minutes. At this time, you can still chat with your wife about something abstract, create a foundation Have a good mood, joke and dream.
During contractions, help your wife use her imagination. Let her imagine that the contraction is a wave, and your wife is overcoming this wave.
Breathe with your wife, especially if she loses her rhythm. To set her up for proper breathing, first copy her breathing, and then gradually change the frequency of your breathing, and your wife will unconsciously copy your breathing.
Remind her of techniques that relieve pain. You can try to save your wife from discomfort, massaging her back in a circular motion from the waist down or tapping her fingertips on pain points, stroke your stomach from bottom to top and to the sides.
Persuade her to walk around the room, inviting your beloved to lean on your hand. Walking speeds up the birth process by 30%. This is especially important on initial stage childbirth
Before leaving for the maternity hospital, you must check the availability of documents: passport, exchange card, insurance policy, contract for childbirth management (if any). If you have an individual agreement for childbirth, when contractions begin, call the doctor who will lead your birth. If you are going to wait for the baby to appear in the maternity hospital, then you can take a small bag of sandwiches with you, but you need to carefully make sure that your wife does not eat anything.