How to quickly give birth to a baby. What to do to give birth faster

Pregnancy is the most emotional period in the life of every woman, and the closer the due date, the more worried and worried the expectant mother is. The 40th week of pregnancy is approaching, the mother is anticipating the long-awaited contractions, but they still do not begin. The last days of pregnancy drag on for a long time, and the baby still does not want to go out into the big world.

When the day passes on which the doctors suggested giving birth, mommy becomes truly anxious. Is everything okay with the baby? How long will it take for him to be born? Is it possible to induce contractions on your own? Every pregnant woman wants to quickly free herself from a heavy burden and press her beloved baby to her chest. There are several fairly effective ways to speed up labor at 40 weeks of pregnancy, the only question is whether it is necessary.

When should you give birth?

Pregnancy ideally lasts exactly forty weeks, or ten lunar months, but the child may be born earlier than the appointed time, or may linger in the womb. It is not considered a deviation from the norm if the baby decides to get out of the belly already at 38 or only at 42 weeks. In the first case, the baby is fully formed, continues to grow and gain weight, and in the second case, it does not yet show signs of postmaturity.

A woman’s body manifests itself very individually, but you can roughly calculate how long the pregnancy will last by looking at the length of her menstrual cycle. If menstruation recurs after 28 days, then the child will most likely be born exactly at the time determined by the doctors, but if the menstrual cycle takes more than 30 days, then the gestation will be long.

If for some reason the baby is born before 38 weeks, he is considered premature and must be nursed in the postpartum department. And if a baby is born after 42 weeks, all the signs of postmaturity are visible, which also does not have a very good effect on his health.

The doctor informs the expectant mother of the preliminary date of birth at the first appointment at the antenatal clinic, and a more precise date is determined during an examination with an ultrasound machine, when the doctor observes the degree of development of the embryo. At 40 weeks of pregnancy, if there are no pathologies or complications, childbirth takes place naturally. But under certain conditions, the doctor may prescribe a caesarean section.

Is it really necessary to induce labor?

Whether it is worth inducing labor at 40 weeks of pregnancy, only a doctor can tell after an examination. If the baby grows and develops normally in the womb, he has enough space, the mother does not have to worry, waiting for the natural birth process. In this case, it is better not to interfere during pregnancy.

But if the baby is large, he may not have enough oxygen from the aging placenta. A post-term baby, who does not want to get out of the belly, experiences oxygen starvation. In addition, after the 40th week of pregnancy, the fetus’s skull bones begin to harden, which means that it will be very difficult for him to move along the birth canal, and the mother will experience severe pain during childbirth. In this situation, in order not to wait for a referral for a caesarean section, the pregnant woman is advised to induce labor.

How to induce labor at home?

Already at 39 weeks, doctors begin to scare a pregnant woman with artificial stimulation of labor using medications. No mother wants to poison herself or her unborn baby with medications, so many people think about how to induce contractions at home. There are many ways to independently induce contractions and childbirth; a doctor at the antenatal clinic can tell you about them in detail. Women who are determined to give birth should take a good rest and sleep, because childbirth is a long and tiring process.

Hiking. Brisk walking in the fresh air is useful at any stage of pregnancy: it increases the tone of the body and gives it a good shake-up, which brings birth closer.
Physical exercise. Many women admit that their contractions began as soon as they finished cleaning the house. The main thing is not to overwork, so as not to provoke placental abruption instead of childbirth. You can wash the floors, dust the furniture, take out the trash, give your older child a bath, wash your clothes, but you cannot carry heavy buckets or lift loaded boxes and bags of groceries.
Sex. A natural and very effective way to speed up labor at home, especially if the intimate process ends with orgasm. Spermatozoa contain a high concentration of the hormone prostaglandin, which helps soften the tissue of the uterus, and orgasm causes active contraction of the uterus, which can smoothly develop into labor contractions.
Breast massage. Intense stimulation of the breast in the area around the nipples provokes the production of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for the onset of the birth process.
Laxatives. Increased motility of the intestinal tract not only helps speed up labor, but also cleanses the body, which makes it more likely to avoid loose stools during labor. A good laxative for pregnant women is ordinary castor oil; one tablespoon is enough to induce contractions. Also, in the last days of pregnancy, it is advisable to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and cereal porridges.
Folk remedies. Strong tea made from raspberry leaves activates labor and softens cervical tissue, but it should not be taken until the 40th week of pregnancy. This is a very strong remedy that can cause miscarriage in the early stages. A thoroughly whipped mixture of sparkling water, apricots, almonds and castor oil also helps to quickly stimulate labor.
Linseed oil. The components it contains make the tissues of the uterus and birth canal soft and elastic, preparing them for the upcoming birth. If you have an allergic reaction to flax oil, you can replace it with primrose oil.
Fragrances. It is believed that the scents of certain flowers, especially roses or jasmine, can induce contractions. A woman who wants to have a late pregnancy sooner can do aromatic therapy at home using flower oils. The main thing is not to cause allergies.
Acupuncture. This method of inducing labor is best left to a specialist. The master uses the finest needles to influence the points of the body responsible for the functioning of the uterus. This technique quite often contributes to the occurrence of contractions.

Of course, pregnancy can confidently be called the happiest time in a woman’s life. However, many people want to bring the baby closer to birth for certain reasons. Some are afraid of carrying their babies and thereby putting them at risk of medical problems. Some are simply tired of all the symptoms that come with pregnancy:

constant swelling;
pain in the back;
toxicosis;
a large belly that interferes with normal movement.

This inclines women to search for different methods of what to do in order to give birth faster. In the “secret treasury” every pregnant woman has several unconventional methods, such as:

rearranging furniture;
regularly walking up stairs;
general cleaning, including washing floors, windows, etc.

However, we must not forget that inducing labor “at will” is not possible. This can only be done when the baby becomes physiologically mature (approximately starting from the 38th week of pregnancy and not a day earlier). In addition, the general condition of the mother’s body should be taken into account, namely, it should be ready for the onset of labor.

Below we will consider methods that can be used by expectant mothers to induce contractions, their main pros and cons.

Basic ways of what you need to do to give birth faster

The main methods on how you can give birth to a baby faster are presented:

Thanks to sexual intimacy. This method can be considered one of the most common methods. Often gynecologists themselves advise couples to use it. Of course, immediately after sexual contact with your husband, labor will not begin immediately, but this will significantly help to soften and smooth the cervix, which will lead to a decrease in the duration of contractions. If a woman manages to have an orgasm during physical intimacy, the muscles of the uterus will sharply contract. This may well trigger the onset of labor. But it is necessary to have sex during pregnancy carefully so as not to harm the baby. The following rules must be observed:

choose a position during sexual intimacy in which the woman’s stomach and chest are not subject to pressure;
artificial provision of lubrication, since during pregnancy it is not released.

Thanks to nipple stimulation. The onset of labor depends entirely on the hormone oxytocin, which is very interesting, because when a woman’s nipples are stimulated, the body releases the same hormone. Of course, the expectant mother can stimulate her nipples on her own, but you can also involve your husband in this activity. There is no need to pinch them too much, nor do you need to twist them. You should lubricate your fingers with massage oil or baby cream, and then gently knead the nipples: first one, then the other. This procedure should take approximately 20 minutes. You can repeat it up to four times a day. By the way, this can not only provoke the onset of contractions, but also prepare the nipples for breastfeeding and protect them from possible cracks.
Thanks to physical activity. Many pregnant women are convinced that this method is the most effective compared to all others. But here you need to be extremely careful, because it is not at all difficult to overdo it in this matter. Alternatively, you can do gentle exercises to maintain muscle tone, maintain general health, and skin elasticity. However, it is forbidden to lift any heavy objects, rearrange bulky furniture, or run up the stairs without rest. Such manipulations can lead to complete exhaustion of the female body and endanger the lives of the expectant mother and baby. Such actions can lead to premature placental abruption.
Thanks to olive oil. No one can say for sure that this method will help you give birth faster. However, it is definitely possible to obtain certain benefits from its use. The oil will help increase the elasticity of the perineal tissue, which will significantly reduce the risk of ruptures during labor. You should drink it according to the following instructions: before meals at least three times a day, 1 tsp.
Thanks to raspberry leaf tea. Raspberry leaves contain a substance that can have a tonic effect on the pelvic organs, the uterus is no exception. You need to brew 3 tbsp. l. dry leaves with boiling water (1 liter), leave for about 2 hours.

The tips listed above are considered common and relatively safe. However, there are other tips that are less known among the general birthing public, but they can also help induce labor and therefore give birth faster. It is worth noting that they are not safe, and gynecologists categorically prohibit their use in practice, so as not to harm themselves and the child.

Small amount of alcohol. A glass of red wine will help relax the nervous system - and the results will not be long in coming. But doctors oppose this theory, since it has no medical confirmation. But the fact that alcohol harms all organs and systems of the body is a scientifically proven fact.
Some food items. Today there is a theory that suggests that spicy foods effectively stimulate the onset of labor. However, it was also refuted by doctors. In their opinion, spicy food, at best, will lead to heartburn, and at worst, it will provoke the development of acute gastritis. For this reason, it is not worth exposing yourself and your child to risk.

What are the dangers of a post-term pregnancy?

Indeed, doctors identify a number of complications that can be caused by post-term pregnancy:

Deformed baby's head. During a post-term pregnancy, the baby loses the ability provided by nature to reduce the size of the head when passing through the birth canal. During a normal pregnancy, they seem to overlap each other and thereby reduce the size of the skull.
The risk of developing intrauterine fetal hypoxia. It is known that with each day of pregnancy the baby needs oxygen more and more. And the placenta at post-term is no longer able to satisfy this need of the child. As a result, the development of hypoxia can be provoked.
Pathological changes in the umbilical cord of the placenta. The placenta is characterized by the property of aging. During a post-term pregnancy, it stops supplying the baby with oxygen in full, as well as other nutrients. This can have a negative impact on the child.

The content of the article:

Everyone will agree that waiting is a rather painful process. And this statement will definitely be confirmed by future mothers: 40 weeks of pregnancy is no joke! This is especially felt with the onset of the 38th week. The baby should already appear, but nothing foretells the imminent start of the birth process. What to do? It turns out that you can speed up the onset of labor on your own. Of course, to do this you need to know the safest methods that will not harm either mother or baby.
In this article we will tell you how and what you can do to speed up labor.

Means and techniques for stimulating labor

You can speed up the birth process at home and in a clinical setting. Just keep in mind that at home you should use only the safest methods that will not lead to unpleasant consequences. It is best to discuss all possible methods with your obstetrician-gynecologist.

If carrying a baby for all months passed without complications and his birth does not imply any threat to the life and health of him and his mother, then some manipulations that stimulate the birth process can be carried out at home. Only for this you need to definitely, one hundred percent know your deadline. In general, the gestation period is 40 weeks. Although a baby is considered fully formed already at 38. But in order to give birth faster at 38 weeks and use various methods of stimulation for this, you need to be sure that this is exactly how long the baby was in the stomach.

Home remedies to speed up labor

The most effective and harmless methods include the following:

1. Long walks in the fresh air. Of course, on foot. Plus it's just useful. And not only for pregnant women. Therefore, you should definitely include walks in your daily routine, and do them daily. Only for such a long period of time will you still need an accompanying person. At the very least, you need to take your phone with you (well charged in advance).

2. Just like walking around the neighborhood, climbing stairs can help speed up labor safely. Therefore, if the house has an elevator, then it is better not to use it, but to go up on foot. Well, or just go up and down, using one flight of stairs for “training”.

3. What else can be done to speed up labor? Swim. In a pond or pool. Just remember that it’s better not to do this alone at such a late date.

4. Can orgasm speed up labor? Even doctors do not deny this method of stimulating labor. You can just have sex without orgasm. Semen contains certain hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. They promote the onset of labor by activating the contractile function of the muscular wall of the uterus. But if the plug has already come off, then this method is absolutely not suitable. This is fraught with infection of the baby.

5. To speed up labor, you can massage your nipples and breasts. Such stimulation allows the production of oxytocin. And this hormone, as is known, performs a contractile function. It is not without reason that putting a baby to the breast after childbirth allows the uterus to contract much faster.

6. You can also use grandma's method - intensive cleaning of the house. Of course, without lifting weights. How to wash floors to speed up labor? It’s very simple: you just need to put the mop aside and clean it with your own hands, preferably while moving on your haunches. Just don't put too much pressure on your stomach. Stimulation is provided by movement, not pressure.

7. Jumping on a fitball will also help speed up labor. They create additional blood flow to the uterus, which speeds up its opening.

8. Taking laxatives (which, of course, are not contraindicated during pregnancy) also tones the uterus. The intestines, contracting, have a stimulating effect on the reproductive organ, thereby promoting the onset of contractions.

9. Some mothers, in order to give birth sooner, go to an acupuncturist. Acupuncture effects on the desired points accelerate the onset of labor.

10. Light physical exercise can also provide stimulation. For example, you can do squats to speed up labor. At the same time, you need to move your legs to the side (you can hold on to something). The number of approaches is at least 8 times a day. Especially gymnastics (plus jumping on a fitball) will help those who want to give birth faster at 40 weeks.

11. A very effective Kegel exercise (100 times a day) can speed up labor without harm.

12. Blowing up balloons at least 10 times a day is also excellent stimulation. During the pushing period, breathing becomes exactly the same as when inflating, and, therefore, the necessary muscles tense.

13. Some mothers take no-shpa, which speeds up labor by removing spasms from the cervix, which allows it to open easily. But you should not do this without consulting a doctor.

14. Castor oil is also an energizing home remedy. It is a folk remedy to speed up labor. It, too, like cleaning, was used by our grandmothers, who could not wait for the baby to be born. This remedy is not very harmless. In order for the oil to act in the desired direction, you need to drink at least two tablespoons of it. The dosage causes severe diarrhea, bowel cleansing, in turn, stimulates contractions. The product itself has an unpleasant taste. Therefore, oil is mainly used as a component of some tasty, for example, fruit cocktail.

15. Some experts claim that there are aromas that can speed up labor without harm. These include rose and jasmine. If you breathe in the vapors of oils from these flowers using an aroma lamp, you can start the birth process.

Of course, it would be useful for any expectant mother to know how to speed up labor without harming her health. But do not forget that you still need to consult a doctor. Even if it only means walking up the stairs, not to mention castor oil. It is necessary to initially exclude contraindications.

How labor is stimulated in the maternity ward

The need for urgent initiation of the labor process lies in the following indications:

Impaired placental blood flow;
fetal hypoxia, confirmed by tests;
sharply manifested Rh conflict between mother and fetus;
pregnancy period exceeding 42 weeks;
discharge of amniotic fluid with the absence of contractions.

Stimulation is also prescribed at the request of the woman herself. Of course, within reason. If she wants to speed up labor at 41 weeks, then the doctor can satisfy this desire.
There are several types of medications and methods for the onset of contractions. They are safe for mother and fetus, but can only be used in a clinical setting and under the supervision of specialists. Such means include:

1. Hormonal drugs. Used only when the pregnancy is full term. Labor may begin within the next two days after taking this remedy.

2. Prostaglandins. They soften the neck, thereby allowing it to open more easily. They are administered by injection into the cervix or through an IV.

3. Laminaria. Among the many properties of the drug is this: it stimulates the production of hormones necessary for the onset of labor. Today, the introduction of kelp is a priority method of accelerating labor.

4. The doctor opens the cervix with his own hands. This happens if contractions are in full swing, and the cervix dilates poorly.

5. Amniotomy. This is the opening of the amniotic sac. Often the baby simply cannot break through the dense membrane. In such situations this technique is used. Contractions begin either immediately or after some time.

6. Oxytocin. The hormone oxytocin is administered intravenously using a drip. It stimulates labor, pushes contractions.

Indications for accelerating labor must be compelling. Basically, doctors are on the side of the natural birth of the baby.

Contraindications for accelerating labor

You shouldn’t even think about how you can speed up the birth process if you have a planned caesarean section, as well as in the following cases:

Narrow pelvis;
uterine scar;
incorrect position of the child;
placental abruption;
pelvic organ infections;
diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys of the woman in labor.

It doesn’t matter what the term is, even when it’s the 38th–39th week of pregnancy, you absolutely cannot look for ways to speed up labor if the woman in labor has been given the diagnoses listed above. All labor in these cases should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor from beginning to end.

It is worth knowing that if placenta previa is diagnosed, then even slight physical activity, not to mention sex, can lead to bleeding, which will endanger the health or even the life of the baby and his mother. Therefore, no matter how much you would like to see your baby as soon as possible, it is better to still let him be born when he himself wants it. And delivery should be accelerated only in case of medical indications and under the supervision of a doctor. Childbirth is an unpredictable process. And a precious little life depends on how this process goes.

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 a natural state for women of 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 during this important period, pregnant women 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 changes in hormonal levels, because progesterone, the hormone that maintains 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, when presented correctly, descends into the small pelvis, preparing 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 a prolonged state of 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 occur in its own way, depending on hormonal levels, physical fitness, moral and psychological state and other factors. 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 and more noticeable, training contractions are bothering you more often, and the time is rapidly approaching the 40th obstetric week of 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 of a man should be moral and physical support for his wife, as well as a willingness to resolve some bureaucratic or technical issues (call a doctor or midwife, help fill out documents 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, in order to stimulate or speed up labor, doctors resort to puncturing the 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 their greenish color 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, rapid breathing will saturate 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

Attempting is actually the expulsion of the fetus, in the language of 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 classes for pregnant women. 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 with the least amount of 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, established his connection with the expectant mother, and after a period determined by nature, the “baby 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 of 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 late miscarriages or premature births for medical reasons, 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.

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.
Singing, reciting poems, or even dancing will help you distract yourself from pain. It relaxes the body, puts the woman in labor in a positive mood, and helps the baby go through a difficult process. By the way, in India, women traditionally dance a ritual dance called “belly dance” during childbirth.
Leaning slightly forward on the couch, wall, or husband's back is very helpful; it makes contractions much easier.
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 important advice: you need to listen to your body and the baby inside, do not forget to pay attention to the words and tips of 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: like the pregnancy process, this is an important stage of life together, and 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.

Replies

You have been waiting for a long 9 months to meet your baby. And finally, this long-awaited day has arrived. But the child is in no hurry to leave his first home - his mother’s belly. How to give birth faster without harming yourself and your baby? This question interests many expectant mothers.

Speeding up labor

Women want to give birth faster for various reasons. Some of them carried the child longer than expected and are worried about their health and his health, others are simply tired of their situation. But, even if you are suffering from swelling, back pain and a large belly that prevents you from moving normally, this does not mean that you can provoke the onset of labor whenever you want.

For the baby to be fully formed, at least 38 weeks of pregnancy must pass. In addition, the expectant mother’s body must be ready for childbirth.

What methods do women use to stimulate the onset of contractions?

Having sex

Many people resort to this most common and pleasant method. It even happens that gynecologists themselves recommend using it. Sexual contact, of course, does not cause labor instantly, but thanks to it, the cervix smoothes and softens. As a result, the period of contractions decreases.

If a woman experiences an orgasm, the muscles of the uterus contract sharply. At longer stages of pregnancy, this can become an impetus for the onset of labor.

Some tips:

Choose a position so that there is no pressure on the stomach, as well as on the chest of a pregnant woman.
Use special lubricants for sex. Since the female body during pregnancy is not in the mood for intimacy, the use of such products will make intimacy more comfortable.

Having sex should not harm your baby if you follow these rules.

Nipple stimulation

The hormone oxytocin is responsible for the onset of labor. Its production can be enhanced by massaging the nipples. Artificially produced oxytocin is used in gynecology to induce labor.

A woman can carry out this procedure herself or resort to the help of her husband. You need to knead your nipples very carefully and gently for 20–25 minutes. Lubricate your fingers with massage oil or regular baby cream. It is allowed to repeat the massage up to four times a day.

This method will not only help speed up the onset of uterine contractions, but also prepare the nipples for future feeding of the baby.

Physical activity

This method of accelerating labor requires special care. Pregnant women are prohibited from lifting heavy objects or running; this is dangerous for both the woman and her unborn baby. Such actions contribute to the detachment of the placenta. While expecting a child, you can, for example, clean the apartment; this is also a kind of physical education.

The expectant mother should do not too intense exercises that contribute to the overall support of her physical condition.

Food

There is an opinion that eating certain foods helps stimulate the birth process. And although this has no medical confirmation, some pregnant women still resort to this method to speed up labor.

What kind of products are these?

Any spicy dishes, including traditional Japanese cuisine.
Olive oil. You need to drink it several times a day, a tablespoon before meals. The oil increases the elasticity of the perineum and cervix, which accelerates its opening and reduces the risk of rupture.
Tea made from raspberry leaves. Tones the muscles of the uterus and pelvis. You need to start drinking it after 34 weeks. This tea drinking is widely used in American medical practice, the main thing here is not to overdo it, 1-2 cups of decoction per day will be enough.
Tea made from ginger, cinnamon and cloves causes uterine contractions. You need to drink it from 39 weeks several times a day.
Primrose oil, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Release form: capsules. It is recommended to drink one per day. The oil from this plant contains fatty acids.
Some people drink castor oil. It causes an upset stomach, the intestinal walls contract intensively, thereby provoking the cervix to contractions.

Taking decoctions, mixtures and oils from medicinal plants must be agreed with the doctor with whom you are registered. He will warn you about possible contraindications, adverse reactions and prescribe the correct dosage of the drug.

Other methods

You can speed up the onset of labor with a cleansing enema. During the enema process, the back wall of the uterus becomes irritated and begins to contract, and the mucous plug quickly comes away. This method is suitable for women who carried their child to term.

Some people find acupressure helpful. It is necessary to knead the point on the foot, which is located between the thumb and index finger, as well as the top of the foot near the ankle.

Another very pleasant method is taking a bath and aromatherapy. But do not make the water too hot, the temperature should not exceed 37 degrees. Inhaling the vapors of rose, lavender, jasmine or clove oils has a beneficial effect on the development of labor.

Do not get carried away with using aroma lamps if you are allergic to oil vapors.

Medical methods

If there are indications for inducing labor, doctors resort to the following methods:

Amniotomy - the amniotic sac is opened, after which the body begins to intensively produce prostaglandins. This procedure promotes reflex contraction of the uterus. It is painless and does not take much time. The bladder can be pierced only if the cervix is ready to dilate. Indications for this method: polyhydramnios and weak labor.
Injection of oxytocin or Enzaprost into a vein, the required dose of which is selected individually. During this procedure, doctors constantly monitor the condition of the fetus by listening to its heartbeat.

The doctor’s choice of stimulation method is based on the examination of the pregnant woman, taking into account the indications and possible risks. Do not self-medicate or prescribe procedures on your own.

In the delivery room

When contractions appear more frequently, the woman is sent to the delivery room. The task of every woman in labor at this time is to do everything possible to ensure that the birth ends as quickly as possible.

We offer some tips on how to behave during childbirth:

The most important thing is not to be afraid. A crippling feeling of fear will not allow you to relax and focus on the birth process. It is imperative that you try to calm down and do everything in your power to ensure that the birth ends quickly.
Provide yourself with freedom of action. What does it mean? A woman very often feels with her own body what she needs to do at the moment in order to alleviate her condition during childbirth. It is worth noting that doctors do not approve of such amateur activities. Discuss this behavior option with your doctor or go to give birth in a private clinic, where they are more loyal to “progressive methods.”

It is necessary to prepare for the birth process in advance. Sign up for a training course for expectant mothers that teaches breathing techniques. This will help reduce pain and, in addition, proper breathing helps speed up labor.

The danger of post-term pregnancy

The gestation period for a child is 38 weeks, with a deviation of one to two weeks in both directions. After forty weeks, the baby is considered post-term and is in mortal danger in the mother's womb.

In addition, we can highlight a whole list of complications that a post-term pregnancy causes:

Oxygen starvation (hypoxia) of the fetus, since the placenta no longer provides the child’s need for oxygen.
Slowing down the biochemical processes in the umbilical cord and placenta also negatively affects the baby.
Problems arise when the baby passes through the birth canal due to hardening of the skull bones and an increase in the size of the fetus.

Plus, in such cases, women experience very weak labor, the amount of bleeding increases, and asphyxia (suffocation) of the fetus during childbirth is possible.

Drawing conclusions

If none of the suggested methods helped you, don’t worry. Nature has come up with everything in such a way that the child himself knows perfectly well when his time has come to be born and believe me, it will not depend on you. Try to switch your thoughts to something else positive and try to relax.

It happens that doctors make mistakes in setting a preliminary due date, so just wait. Well, if experts insist that you carried the baby, then you need to trust them so as not to harm the baby.