Feelings before childbirth. Last days before childbirth

Feelings before childbirth are the harbingers of childbirth, which the site will tell you about today. Every woman is very scared before such a crucial moment, so I want at least a little mentally prepare yourself. And the closer the appointed day, the more carefully you need to listen to inner feelings.

Changes in the body of the expectant mother

Before listing what sensations you may experience before childbirth, it should be noted that they are the norm and do not require medical care or emergency hospitalization. There is a restructuring of the female body before a joyful event.

But also the absence of these sensations is not a deviation. Each organism is special in its own way, so some expectant mothers may simply not feel these changes in their body.

The appearance of harbingers of childbirth does not mean at all that a woman will definitely give birth within a day. It's more of a warning that childbirth will occur in the near future, which can take up to two weeks.

What are the feelings before childbirth? Harbingers of childbirth

Frequent and loose stools. The chair can become more frequent up to 2-4 times a day with the accompanying liquefaction of feces. But with more frequent urges, as well as vomiting and an accompanying unpleasant odor, you should consult a doctor.
Weight loss. During pregnancy, fluid accumulates in the body, and before childbirth, this fluid begins to slowly come out, as a result of which body weight decreases. However, puffiness subsides: primarily on the feet, legs and hands. It becomes easier to put on shoes, put on gloves and rings. On average, weight can be reduced to 3 kg.
Omission of the "belly"(bottom of the uterus). The baby takes more comfortable position in the mother’s stomach, preparing, so to speak, for the “start”. After that, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe, and if heartburn, belching or heaviness in the stomach have been tormented for the past few weeks, then this will pass with the lowering of the bottom of the uterus. But this increases pressure on the bladder and rectum, so visits to the toilet become more frequent.
Discomfort before childbirth. Due to increased blood flow in the pelvic organs and in the area below the waist, there may appear discomfort. Created feeling of languor in the lower abdomen- a similar feeling appears before the start of critical days. But these sensations should not greatly excite the expectant mother - their unpleasant impact is minimal.
False contractions. They do not directly accompany labor activity, and therefore are called false. At the time of such contractions, the stomach becomes hard, and at the end - soft. False contractions are practically painless, occur irregularly and at large intervals in time, unlike "real" contractions. They n are accompanied by severe and increasing pain in the lower abdomen, the sensations are rather pulling. "Birth" contractions take place with increasing intensity and regularity. It is also impossible not to notice the opening of the cervix, which does not occur during false contractions. But if you still doubt, then you can seem to an obstetrician. "Training" contractions can last several days, but will not cause much discomfort.
Mucus plug retreat. A mucus plug is a lump of mucus that forms at the beginning of pregnancy. It protects the baby from infections. Shortly before childbirth, this lump comes out. It may be brown or brown color. Sometimes a woman may not notice this phenomenon, but you should not worry - you just need to focus on other sensations that occur before childbirth.

Listen to your body and don't be afraid to change how you feel. All these feelings will help ..

Feelings before childbirth, in which urgent need to see a doctor:

Strong pain in a stomach.
The temperature is above 37.5 degrees.
Vomiting, migraine, blurred vision.
Blood secretions.
Increase in blood pressure.
Lack of fetal movement or a sharp increase in it.

If you feel these sensations before childbirth, then immediately consult a doctor.

If everything is fine with you and pregnancy is accompanied by the forerunners of childbirth described above, then start slowly prepare for the birth. Gather the necessary things and documents. Also, do not leave the house for a long time.

Prenatal days are better spend in peace: sleep more, take a 10-15 minute relaxing bath. Also warm bath relaxes the muscles, so it will be possible to determine the type of contractions: they are false or already “real”.

"Foretelling" days or hours can be difficult in emotionally but control yourself. Think good.

For example, that your miracle will soon be born, and you can hug him! Fill yourself with these thoughts and the sensations that appear before childbirth will not be so disturbing!

For nine months, a woman is preparing for one of the main events of her life - the birth of a child. Although childbirth is a relatively short process, it takes a lot of time and effort to complete it. This is a very important and difficult stage for a woman, after which her life changes radically. Despite the fact that childbirth is a natural process, it is necessary to prepare for it. Prenatal or prenatal period is considered to be the last month of pregnancy. At this time, the woman's body is already tuned in to childbirth, and the fetus is already fully formed and almost ready to leave the "house". Already a few weeks before giving birth, a woman changes in many ways: both psychologically and physically.

Way of life before childbirth

For good physical condition women, so that the muscles are in, throughout the entire pregnancy, it is necessary to do, which are included in the gymnastic complexes designed for women "in position". Exercises in the pool have a very beneficial effect on the physical condition.

Of course, we really hope that if you smoked before pregnancy, then, having learned about the baby, you immediately gave up this nasty habit. If (and sometimes this happens!) No, then find strength in yourself. This is for both you and your baby. You must understand that smoking, like smoking, is incompatible with the birth of a healthy child.

Relax, walk in the fresh air, do gymnastics for pregnant women, read good books - all this will provide you with not only good pregnancy but also easy childbirth.

Health status before childbirth

It's no secret that a pregnant woman should carefully monitor her health. Before giving birth, check your health again. It does not hurt to visit a therapist, an ophthalmologist, an ENT doctor, a neuropathologist. Do not forget to go to the dentist, because bad teeth can become and cause complications in postpartum period. If you have a very pronounced one, go to a vascular surgeon. The doctor will determine if the condition has worsened and if a caesarean section is needed. A month before the birth, doctors recommend undergoing a complete sanitation of the birth canal. This is done to clean them from pathogenic microflora. This is especially true if a woman has sexually transmitted diseases (herpes, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, etc.). Such procedures are necessary in order to protect the baby during his passage through the birth canal. Sanitation will also help protect the woman in labor from cracks in the vaginal mucosa, the occurrence of which is possible due to inflammation.

As for the gynecologist, starting from the 36th week, a woman in without fail should visit once a week. At the appointment, the doctor measures the size of the uterus, listens to the fetal heartbeat, determines its position.

Nutrition before childbirth

If a pregnant woman needs to monitor the quantity and quality of what she eats for all nine months, then on the eve of childbirth, special attention should be paid to this issue in general.

A month before childbirth, nutrition does not change in favor of meat: its amount should be limited, and two to three weeks should be completely eliminated. It is also recommended to remove from the diet and others containing animal protein (fish, eggs, butter, milk). At the same time very helpful. dairy products, vegetable food, cereals on the water, baked vegetables, fresh juices, mineral water, herbal teas.

A week before the expected birth, cereals, bread, sour-milk products, salt should be excluded. The diet should be only plant foods. It is very important that at this time the body of a pregnant woman receives vegetable oil. Vitamin E contained in it helps to make both blood vessels and tissues of the birth canal more elastic. Besides, it's lovely.

On the day of childbirth, it is better not to eat anything at all, however, if contractions have begun, then it is unlikely that you will have an appetite. Moreover, during contractions, many experience nausea or vomiting, so an empty stomach, in this case, is very good.

Weight before childbirth

The optimal weight gain for the entire pregnancy is from 9 to 13 kg. This figure includes the weight of the fetus, amniotic fluid, uterus, placenta, breast. Of course, everything is very individual, and an increase of 15 kg is not at all a problem. But you should be wary if the weight has increased by 20 or more kg. In this case, the doctor prescribes a diet for the woman. After all, a large increase in weight can significantly complicate the birth process.

An interesting fact: as a rule, before childbirth, approximately in the last two weeks, women experience a weight loss (on average, by 2 kg). Experts attribute this to the loss a large number liquids.

Sleep before childbirth

The closer the moment of childbirth, the more the pregnant woman tends to sleep. Thus, the body tries to sleep off and gain strength before hard physical work. That is why a full sleep in the process of preparing for childbirth is very important. great importance. At this time, you need to sleep as much as you want, but not less than 8-10 hours. Pregnant women should sleep in a well-ventilated room. It is possible even with an open window. It is important that a woman feels that she has rested and slept, because very soon she will hardly be able to soak up an extra couple of hours in bed.

Fear of childbirth

Fear occurs in a pregnant woman for all nine months. But, the closer the birth, the stronger the fear of them. A woman, especially a primipara, asks a number of questions: How will the birth go? Will it hurt? Will the child get hurt? How to avoid complications? These and many other questions do not allow a woman to sleep peacefully. The situation is significantly aggravated by the stories of "well-wishers" about the difficulties, complex personal experiences, labor pains, negative postpartum consequences, childbirth with a fatal outcome. Believe me, this is not at all the information that a pregnant woman should be interested in when preparing to become a mother. If you haven't taken a pregnancy class yet, do so now. Many maternity schools offer prenatal crash courses. In these classes, a woman is explained a lot: the mechanism of childbirth, ways to relieve pain, teach breathing techniques. All this knowledge is very helpful during childbirth. Moreover, it is quite natural: the more a woman knows, the less she is afraid. If attending courses is not possible, special literature will come to the rescue, as well as Internet pages.

The most important thing that you must understand is that the fear of childbirth negatively affects the course of childbirth itself, holding down, squeezing the muscles, causing the tissues to lose their elasticity. All this leads to pain, cracks,. It turns out that the more a woman is afraid, the more she feels pain. Pain breeds fear - and so on in a circle. To escape from it, a pregnant woman needs to learn how to relax long before the birth, and when the time comes, calmly apply the acquired knowledge.

Psychological attitude before childbirth

The mood must be fighting. Of course, in the best sense of the word. We do not mean an aggressive pregnant woman, but one that is firmly convinced of a favorable outcome for both the baby and herself. A woman must understand that childbirth is a step towards her dear little man, who from now on will become for her the greatest treasure of the world. A pregnant woman must be sure that the birth will go well, because she loves her baby very much and is ready to do everything possible to help him be born healthy.

Harbingers of childbirth

As the day of childbirth approaches, certain signs may appear that indicate that childbirth will soon occur. For example, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe, pressure is removed from the diaphragm and stomach, as the child sinks down. At the same time, it becomes a little more difficult to sit and walk. Before childbirth, urination (increased pressure on the bladder) and defecation (birth hormones act on the intestines) also become more frequent. There are pains in the lower back. The woman has an unexpected change of mood and state: she is either tired and passive, or energetic and “subversive”. Many can no longer wait for "it" to happen. 2-3 weeks before giving birth, the instinct of "nesting" is manifested in pregnant women. It is called so because a woman equips a “nest” - it is now very important for her to make it cozy own house. She is ready to spend hours cleaning, washing, cleaning, tinkering. All this, of course, is good. Only in moderation. Remember that it is contraindicated for you to overexert yourself now.

Naturally, one of the most obvious signs that labor is near is irregular uterine contractions. Thus, while exercising, the body prepares up to the “X” hour. One or two weeks, or even a few days before the birth, the woman leaves the mucous plug, which closes the cervical canal throughout the pregnancy. may be yellowish or slightly pinkish, or may be completely colorless. Sometimes a woman clearly sees that her cork has come off, and in some cases this happens imperceptibly. A woman who is expecting childbirth from day to day should know that her amniotic fluid can leave at any moment. This - clear sign that labor activity has begun. In this case, there is no time to waste. Urgently call an ambulance or go to the hospital by car (naturally, as a passenger and not driving at all).

Especially for- Olga Pavlova

Among the many questions about childbirth, pregnant women are the least likely to wonder what triggers the onset of labor. Many take it naturally: the time has just come - the child has matured, as an apple ripens on a tree, and it's time for you to become a mother.

Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, natural changes took place in the body: the child grew and developed, the uterus increased, all internal organs, the heart and kidneys worked with a vengeance. All you had to do was keep your body healthy. It is the same during childbirth - everything happens by itself. You only need to help your body cope with this task, and your child - to be born.

Effective cervical contractions will get closer and closer, last longer and longer, and be more intense. Real work will be accompanied by regular and painful contractions. . Taking a bath or shower can help you determine if the real work is about to begin. If the contractions disappear, slow down or completely disappear under the soothing effect of water, there is no need to rush to the hospital or home. But be careful: if the work is actually started and they are real cuts, they can intensify in duration and pain and speed up the process.

Recently, experts are of the opinion that the child is the initiator of the onset of labor, but most likely it is a combination of signals from the body of the mother, child and placenta. In recent months, the child has grown, and there is little room for him in his mother's tummy. The amount of amniotic fluid decreased, the placenta began to age, the child began to receive less nutrients and oxygen.

The contractions are mostly found in the abdominal muscles, but some women may also experience pain in the lower back and in the kidney area, which is said to "give birth with the kidneys." In fact, the child presses his head at the base of the sacrum, in a region where there are many nerve terminals.

The pains associated with childbirth are the only physiological ones that have "meaning": they announce the arrival of the baby. It does not matter happy event, should not be forgotten. An epic that will live as a child in the hours of birth is an exciting test worthy of all the Olympic Games.

These circumstances cause stress in the child, and therefore his body begins to produce the stress hormone - cortisol. At this time, the amount of estrogens in the mother's body increases - hormones that prepare the uterus for childbirth. Under their influence, the cervix shortens and softens, and uterine contractions become more and more regular.

The increase in adrenaline caused by increased stress during childbirth counteracts the production of endorphins and counteracts the effects of oxytocin, which promotes uterine contractions. To calculate contractions, we count from the start of the first contraction to the start of the next contraction. If this is our first delivery, wait for the contractions to last 30 to 40 seconds and they will be every 5 minutes from then about two hours. For the second birth, you can leave the house for your place of birth in an hour.

Especially when it comes to having your first child. Little anecdotes and advice from "those who have already passed there" do not help, on the contrary! The right and choice not to suffer. The idea that a woman has no alternative but to give birth to pain takes a lot of time. And we can only rejoice! With the advent of epidural anesthesia and its generalization over the course of twenty years, the mother-to-be has received the right to less suffering and the freedom to choose how she wants to live her birth.

The onset of labor is not always clear and certain, especially if a woman is giving birth for the first time. But even women giving birth to a second or third child cannot always accurately determine the onset of labor. Therefore, approaching the expected date of childbirth more and more, with the advent of some new sensations, the pregnant woman asks herself: is this childbirth or not? How to distinguish the actual onset of labor from the usual precursors, or, as doctors say, false contractions?

An epidural is a so-called "local" injection of a low-dose anesthetic designed to lull pain. Therefore, it acts only on a certain part of the body. The expectant mother retains all her sensations. An epidural can be performed during natural delivery or caesarean section. For programmed cesarean section, spinal anesthesia is increasingly being used. This variant of epidural anesthesia is a local anesthetic: an anesthetic product injected at the same time between two vertebrae has a rapid effect and allows the mother to remain conscious.

Changes in the mother's body - a few days before childbirth:

At the very end of pregnancy, changes occur in the body that prepare the female body for the upcoming event. Some changes are more noticeable, others less so.

Diarrhea (single loose stools).

A few days before childbirth, the body actively produces a substance that stimulates uterine contractions at the beginning of labor. This substance - prostaglandin - triggers the mechanism of stimulation of smooth muscles, including the intestines. Often this is the cause of loose stools.

Questions often arise around the epidural area. Let's try to answer it with maximum clarity and accuracy. Can all women use an epidural? Contraindications are very rare and often associated with blood problems such as coagulation. Therefore, preliminary visits to the anesthetist are mandatory. This occurs during the 8th month of pregnancy. It includes a complete blood test and a medical history check to identify potential risks. This is also the time to ask all the questions that grow in your head before making your choice.

Removal of the mucous plug. This lump of dense mucus is formed at the beginning of pregnancy. The function of the cork is to protect the unborn child from infection during the entire period. In preparation for childbirth, the cervix softens, begins to expand, and the mucus comes out. Often this lump is stained with blood and has a brownish or brown color. Many women are afraid that, due to inexperience, they will not notice the discharge of the cork. Indeed, this process sometimes goes unnoticed, especially if a woman observes a very calm lifestyle. If you do not notice its departure, you should not worry about this. In this case, you should focus on contractions and their duration.

Epidural anesthesia is performed during childbirth. Because by the time the cervix dilates to 6-7, it's already too late! The exact moment of intervention depends mainly on you. The perception of pain is very subjective and varies from one person to another: it is up to you to say "stop" and require you to have an epidural. And even if your choice is made before birth, consider not being able to benefit from an epidural when the time comes, for a variety of reasons.

You are sitting with your back slightly rounded to make the posture easier. Very little local anesthesia is performed beforehand to allow insensitivity to the injection area. The anesthetist then inserts very gradually the famous large needle between the two vertebrae. He then places a catheter that will diffuse the anesthetic product continuously. Rest assured though this description may sound impressive. Relax and let yourself be guided by confidence. You will feel almost nothing. Moreover, you are not a direct spectator of the operation.

Increased number of Braxton Hicks contractions. Doctors call these contractions false, or precursor.

However, these are real contractions, only they do not talk about the beginning of labor, but about preparing for it. Such contractions are manifested by pulling, sometimes spasmodic pains in the lower abdomen. But unlike labor pains, the pain does not increase, and the contractions disappear when the woman changes her position, starts walking, or takes a warm bath. These contractions are irregular, their frequency does not increase, and they are felt only in the lower abdomen.

What's wrong with dad! That's why he's being asked to step away from the injection. How does he feel after the injection? slight tingling like ants in the legs, the impression of heaviness. After a few minutes, the pain caused by the contraction disappears until it is gone. If this is not the case, inform the obstetrician or midwife who is giving birth. A fresh injection may be used.

What are side effects? They are non-existent or almost non-existent. Sometimes several headaches. In regards to commonly caused back pain, a recent study found that there was no causal relationship with epidural anesthesia. These back pains are the result of the fatigue accumulated during pregnancy and the efforts made during childbirth. This intervention also does not negative influence for the well-being of your child.

All these signs indicate that you will soon go to the hospital. Plan your days before childbirth in such a way that you do not leave for a long time and far from home. During this period, it is best to make the last preparations for sending to the hospital: collect things and the necessary documents. In the same way, you can pre-carry out some hygiene procedures specifically, shave your pubic hair. Sometimes this intimate procedure is much more pleasant to do at home on your own or with the help of your husband.

It remains that the epidural is a medical act. This can lead to more or less serious complications. This is very rare. And it can be said that the vast majority of epidural deliveries occur without any concern. Now that you know what you want, you still have to think about how you want to give birth. This is your birth, your experience, your story. The epidural will indeed work on your pain, but also on your perception of the event and your emotions. Fear of being misunderstood, you will undoubtedly be more serene, more attentive to what is happening in you and around you.

If you feel the need for a lighter menu, you can switch to diet food, giving up flour products and meat, replacing it with fish, eating more fiber so that prenatal cleansing procedures in the body go through more easily.

Some women during this period feel a surge of energy. But not the most the best option start a general cleaning right now. In the last days or the day before childbirth, try to sleep more in order to gain strength and energy for a future event. You can go for a walk in the nearest park. If you feel contractions, take a bath for 15-20 minutes to relax the muscles of the uterus and the whole body, and at the same time check if labor is starting. If the contractions have stopped, then these are just harbingers. Last days may indeed be tinged with anxiety and anxious anticipation, but these are not your best companions. Be calm and patient, because no one in the world has ever been pregnant for life. So be patient - everything goes on as usual.

Work can be facilitated and, of course, accelerated. The effects also affect the dad, who often feels overwhelmed by the pain and the inability to relieve it. The relative calm that follows an epidural has the potential to help him relax.

It should also be noted that this operation, which has made great strides in last years will continue to develop. An example is self-permissive epidural anesthesia. In this case, the mother holds the bulb containing the analgesic product within reach so that it can act directly on the dose of product diffusing through the catheter, depending on the intensity of the pain. Today, "epidural ambulance" is also practiced. Even lower in dosage, it allows mothers to get up during work: a permanent position facilitates the "descent of the baby."

The interval between preparation and the onset of childbirth:

At first, the contractions are difficult to distinguish, they look like pinching or pain during menstruation. Listen to your feelings. Often, due to the onset of uterine contractions, a woman more often and stronger than usual has a desire to empty her bladder. If these are really prenatal contractions, then after a while they will become more frequent, more regular and rhythmic, and their duration and soreness will intensify. For some women in labor, it seems that contractions are like waves that originate in the middle of the back, run up the hips and join in the abdomen. For many, there is a feeling that the stomach is covered with a tight belt, which loosens a little when the fight passes.

At the beginning of labor pains, in no case should you take painkillers and self-medicate. If the sensations are really painful, it is better to relax as much as possible and, moreover, not to panic. It should be noted that during contractions, the pain dulls if you start to actively move. Therefore, at such moments it is better not to take a horizontal position, not to lie on the bed. Walk around the apartment, and if your husband or girlfriend is next to you, you can even take a little walk down the street. And all this time, mark the duration of the contraction on the clock with a second hand. If the rhythm of contractions does not "calculate", take a warm bath or shower. After them, contractions usually become more rhythmic.

All under the constant supervision of a midwife. Of course, there are other ways to "tame" his pain. Mild methods such as sophology or haptonomy may be helpful. Feel free to ask the midwife about your preparation for the birth. But the most effective method remains medical.

In the world What does giving birth mean: a midwife tells Chantal Birman. Expecting my baby today, Edwige Antje. Life and pregnancy happy birth", Isabelle Brabant. Have you started your ninth month of pregnancy, and the long-awaited day - or so much feared - is fast approaching? Gradually changes occur to gently prepare your body for delivery. Some women, for that matter, feel their first contractions, a sign that the term is coming soon. Here is some information to help you make a difference.

In past centuries in Rus', a woman in labor was prescribed to step over various items: a yoke, a shovel, a poker, the husband's pants, through the husband himself, through a bag, etc. For the same purpose, in Karelia, a woman in labor went around the village 3 times, taking a bundle of salt with her. If the village was too big, the woman went around the house.

Fake work, what is it? According to obstetricians, false work results in contractions that can be regular and painful but do not affect cervical dilatation. Typically, these contractions do not increase and are mostly localized in the lower abdomen before they stop spontaneously or after the administration of an antispasmodic tablet, which is more commonly referred to as a false alert. Where such contractions are felt before the 37th week of pregnancy, It is more of a potential.

Disappointment of the expectant mother. It's not easy to hear that you're suffering for nothing and that you probably won't give birth now. The false work episodes are indeed discouraging, even frustrating, for an expectant mother who has been preparing for weeks at this fateful moment. This type of contraction occurs mainly during the first pregnancy. It is important that the pregnant woman is not destabilized by this setback and remains mobilized because it is likely that the real work will come very soon.

If the contractions start in the middle of the night, try to sleep. During sleep, the cervix continues to gradually open. Lying on your back usually slows down labor, so get into a side position and roll over every hour from one side to the other. If you can't sleep, don't lie in bed, do something easy instead. Make sandwiches for your husband, check if everything is ready for departure to the hospital. Most importantly, do everything calmly, without much zeal and fuss, slowly, breathe deeply and evenly, slightly slowing down the pace during the fight.

The mother is not obvious to distinguish truth from false contractions, that is, those that sign or are not the beginning of work. If the regularity of contractions is not a test element of differentiation, then the fact that their intensity does not increase is indeed so. Indeed, the real contractions gradually get stronger, longer and closer. But only a midwife or obstetrician can confirm with vaginal touch and monitoring settings so that your contractions do not affect your cervix and therefore the job is not done, but beware, things can speed up quickly!

If you are convinced that labor is starting, you can have a light snack. Avoid rich, fatty and heavy foods. Now you need products that will give strength and energy. It could be broth, croutons, fruit juice, nuts or dried fruits. Meat, milk and any fatty foods are not recommended - heavy meals will only increase the load on the body during the onset of childbirth. In addition, if anesthesia is suddenly needed, a full stomach will create complications. A light meal will give you strength and relax a little.

Once the false work is proven, the medical team will do everything possible to release the patient and, if possible, allow her to return home. If future mother lives away from the clinic and comes in at a late hour, she is usually hospitalized for the night, and some women who have passed have praised the virtues of a hot bath to relieve contractions. When antispasmodic administration does not relieve symptoms, a doctor may recommend an analgesic drug derived from morphine.

What happens during childbirth? Sometimes it happens that false contractions cannot be removed, or that new painful episodes occur hours or days after the first. In this case, some physicians decide to artificially initiate delivery by administering substances that activate contractions with the expectant mother. The use of this medication should be avoided for as long as possible as it may lead to complications requiring, for example, an emergency caesarean section or the use of forceps.

Before you go to the hospital:

If you have had an outflow of amniotic fluid, urgently go to the hospital, without waiting for the onset of contractions. The outpouring of water is a natural process, indicating the onset of labor.

It's also time to go to the hospital if you're watching the following signs:
contractions have become regular and appear every 5-10 minutes, that is, 12-15 contractions occur per hour;
each contraction lasts about a minute;
contractions don't go away when you change positions
it is no longer possible to ignore contractions - you feel that the pain has spread to the lumbar region and thighs.

Simultaneously with these sensations, you may feel the need to go to some quiet, secluded place. No wonder it was previously believed that a woman in labor is, as it were, between two worlds. This is due to the fact that a woman's sense of self during childbirth changes intensively - she really plunges into a special state of consciousness. The sensations of a woman are concentrated on what is happening to her, and she, as it were, goes inside herself.

Before leaving home, try to take a shower, put in panties sanitary napkin cut your nails, wash off the varnish and cosmetics from your face. If you don't want to do an enema in the hospital (if it's required in this institution), do it yourself before you leave. Just remember and be prepared for the fact that uterine spasms may intensify, and thus labor is accelerated. At the hospital, you will be asked to remove all jewelry: rings, earrings, etc., so it is best to leave them at home right away.

When you call the car, consider the time of day (day or night) and the distance to the maternity hospital. Don't drive yourself. Decide in advance who will take you and plan a route to the hospital. In the car, take a semi-lying position, sitting as comfortably as possible. For convenience, take a couple of small pillows with you, and put an oilcloth on the seat in case of amniotic fluid discharge. Go to the hospital calmly, take a pre-prepared bag with you. If it turns out at the hospital that you forgot something, don't worry: your family will bring everything you need a little later.

Also remember that the first birth is usually slower, and the subsequent ones a little faster, and for some women everything happens at all quickly. Consider these features when you plan your departure to the hospital.

What to do when you arrive at the hospital?

Most women do not know how they will be met in the hospital - friendly or dry, indifferent or joyful. Therefore, do not think about how you will be met in terms of cordiality or hospitality. They are met differently everywhere, and the mood of a midwife or nurse depends on the nature of the person or on any circumstances. It doesn't matter to you at all.

In the reception area, you need to change into a bathrobe and slippers. You can bring everything with you if the conditions of the maternity hospital allow it, but in some institutions it is customary to give birth exclusively in “state-owned” underwear. While you are changing, the nurse will record all your details. To do this, you will be asked for documents: passport, insurance policy and exchange card(birth certificate). You will be weighed, your height and outer pelvic volume measured, your skin examined for infectious and fungal diseases, your temperature taken, and your throat examined.

If everything is fine, you can give birth in a healthy women's unit. In the event that you arrived at the maternity hospital by ambulance and you do not have a preliminary agreement with a specific doctor, you will have a conversation with the doctor on duty. He will get acquainted with your exchange card, find out how the pregnancy went, whether you were ill with anything during this period, whether there were any complications. Be sure to tell your doctor or midwife about when the contractions started, how often they recur, whether the waters broke, when last time ate and what kind of food.

Then the doctor will conduct an internal vaginal examination to find out the degree of dilation and the condition of the cervix and to understand whether labor has really begun. Also, the doctor will determine the height of the baby's head and its position, find out the strength of the contractions, listen to the baby's heartbeat. An examination is also necessary in order to first understand how the birth will take place.

During the conversation, a good, experienced doctor will definitely tell you how the birth goes so that you are not afraid or nervous; tell you how to behave. If for any reason the doctor does not start this conversation with you, do not be shy - ask him about it yourself. You can also ask your midwife for this information and advice.

After the examination, the doctor will draw up a birth plan. Ask to see this plan in detail; find out what you do not understand, as well as the need for certain procedures; express your wishes, which, if possible, should be taken into account. The most important thing for you right now is the health and safety of you and your baby. If the labor activity is normal and the labor is not rapid, the doctor will perform an examination and vaginal examination only from time to time.

How to behave in the hospital - rules of politeness?

Whether you chose this hospital deliberately or ended up here by accident, accept the rules and traditions of the hospital. All the months of pregnancy, what was happening inside you, you perceived as a miracle - a miracle of the birth and development of a new person. And now, when this miracle is about to be born, you completely perceive yourself, if not the center of the universe, then at least the unofficial navel of the earth. And you think that everyone around you and the staff in the hospital should treat you the same way and greet you accordingly. Although your expectations are quite fair and justified, the real situation is often different.

The attitude towards a woman giving birth is indifferent and even cool. As a result, the woman is upset, nervous, it is already difficult for her to relax and tune in to the right wave in order to fully prepare for childbirth. Therefore, in advance, do not make yourself dependent on someone else's mood, do not interrupt your mood for childbirth. And instead of closing in or being offended, you better try to establish warm, friendly relations with the people who will be with you during childbirth. After all, these people also expect a kind and friendly attitude from their patients.

And although you are now indeed in a special position, this does not exempt you from tactful behavior:
Be courteous to nurses and other women in labor.
In a conversation with a doctor, stick to the golden mean - talk about the main thing. Don't be too verbose when describing your pregnancy, but don't forget to include important points.
Don't argue or argue with your doctor. If you have any fundamental wishes regarding your birth, express them and try to calmly come to optimal solution. But it is better to resolve this issue in advance - discuss all the points of interest with the doctor and include them in the contract.
Don't be silent if something is bothering you. Such false modesty is fraught with complications during childbirth, for which the doctor is unlikely to be grateful to you.

You may ask how much certain rules can be changed, but you have no right to dictate them. Therefore, in order not to become a victim of conditions that you do not like, the best thing you can do is to find out all the information you are interested in in advance.

Hygiene procedures before childbirth in the hospital:

Until recently in all maternity hospitals women before childbirth without fail were given an enema and shaved their pubis. Why are these procedures carried out and what is the attitude towards them now? It was believed that the enema reduced the risk of contamination during childbirth due to involuntary defecation, reduced the pressure that the baby's head encounters when it passes through the birth canal.

Now there is no longer such a categorical opinion on this matter: in some maternity hospitals they continue to use an enema as mandatory procedure, in others this practice has been abandoned. If during the day before childbirth a woman had normal stool, and with an internal examination, there is no solid occurrence of feces, there is no danger of blocking the birth canal.

And yet there are arguments for this procedure. First, during childbirth, involuntary bowel movements can occur. And although sterile pads thrown out with feces will protect the newborn from contamination, it will still add an unpleasant moment to the birth process.

If the enema is done on the eve of childbirth, you will most likely be spared this event, which violates the general atmosphere of childbirth. If you do not want to do an enema in the hospital, do this procedure shortly before leaving for the hospital.

Secondly, when an enema is done at the beginning of labor, it additionally stimulates uterine contraction, which increases the overall tone of labor.

Another prenatal procedure that causes controversy among many women is the shaving of pubic and perineal hair. It was believed that the hair in this area collected various bacteria that could infect the baby during childbirth. Now many doctors find these fears exaggerated and do not always insist on shaving. Therefore, instead of shaving, the perineal area is washed with a special bacteriological fluid to prevent and reduce the risk of infection.

On the other hand, there are also arguments in favor of this procedure. Firstly, after childbirth, doctors examine the woman's perineum to make sure that it is intact, that there are no tears, including in the cervical region. This is easier to do when the crotch is free of hair. Secondly, if it becomes necessary to sew up gaps, even the smallest ones, this should be done on a clean surface of the skin - this is the golden medical rule.

Therefore, if the doctors in your hospital recommend shaving, listen to them and try on your part to make their work easier. You can remove hair from the perineum and anus, leaving it on the pubis. Find out in advance information about these procedures in the maternity hospital and agree on the option that suits you.

Feelings before childbirth. Harbingers

Where does childbirth begin? How to distinguish false contractions from real ones? When does the "cork" leave? Why does my back hurt? Experienced sibmums share their observations, and Nelli Mikhailovna AGAMYAN, obstetrician-gynecologist, chief physician network of the MC "Ultrasound Studio" in Novosibirsk tells what symptoms can signal an impending birth at 37-40 weeks of gestation.

Abdominal prolapse on the eve of childbirth
Weight loss and bowel cleansing
Removal of the mucous plug before childbirth
Painful sensations
The nesting instinct
Change in mood
Is there a lack of forerunners?

Abdominal prolapse before childbirth

If you look at your exchange card, you will see the numbers noted during visits to the doctor with the mark EFH (height of the fundus of the uterus). These measurements help the doctor to monitor the dynamics of the baby's development - during pregnancyas it grows, the uterus rises higher, reaches its highest point at about 37 weeks, and then begins to decline. This happens because the child goes to the "low start" and begins to move closer to the "exit". Its head (subject to head presentation) moves towards the cervix and is located in the pelvic area.

Symbum experience:

sweetmama

- My stomach dropped 2 days before the birth.

herringbone

- At 24 weeks my baby was already low. At 37 weeks, the head was already inserted into the small pelvis. The doctors were all worried that I would sneeze, for example, and immediately give birth. Yeah, how! She gave birth at 39 weeks 3 days, and that had to be done, because the bubble was flat.

- 5 days before the birth, I felt an increase in heaviness in my stomach, I thought that the head had dropped after reading books. Something hard pressed. On examination the next day, head prolapse was confirmed.

Lowering of the abdomen before childbirth. Expert comment

The height of the fundus of the uterus during the entire pregnancy increases by about 1 cm per week. This figure reaches 37-40 cm by the 37th week of pregnancy, and a couple of weeks before the birth, the stomach drops by 2-3 cm. This can happen in just a few hours. The fact is that on the eve of childbirth, the lower segment of the uterus stretches and becomes softer. Because of this, the fetus sinks lower and presses against the base of the small pelvis.

37-40 weeks of pregnancy is accompanied by the following sensations:

easier breathing (the uterus no longer squeezes the chest so much);

pulling pains in the lower abdomen, due to the fact that the uterus and fetus presses with all their weight on lower part abdominal cavity;

low physical activity baby - movements at 37-40 weeks of gestation, if the stomach has dropped, are not so noticeable: this is due to the fact that the child has already taken a stable position before childbirth and cannot turn around, but only move his legs and arms.

Weight loss and "cleansing" the intestines before childbirth

Many pregnant women are surprised to find that the weight, which in the last trimester is known to grow by leaps and bounds, suddenly drops by 1-1.5 kg after 37-39 weeks. Weight loss is especially noticeable if pronounced edema was observed during pregnancy. Do not be afraid - this is an absolutely natural process and another sign that a meeting with your baby is just around the corner.

Symbum experience:

Nika

- 2 days before the birth, I started to feel nauseous (with Polinka I even vomited, but with Leshka it was just sick) and (sorry for the detail) the stool was liquid 3-4 days before the very birth. The body was cleansed.

Mama and BABY M.

- I woke up at 4 am and realized that my stomach hurts. Well, the real indigestion. I went, sorry, to the toilet, strained ... And only when my stomach was relieved, I realized that something was not right. I recorded the time - contractions every 7 minutes go like clockwork.

Lucien

- I didn’t feel the prolapse of the abdomen, but ... loose stools 4-5 days before childbirth! And the tummy ached a little, pulled somehow. And then the waters broke in the morning, and she gave birth in the evening.

Tamiri

- The first sign of the approaching birth was, sorry, diarrhea: about 4 hours before the birth. Then I was drained of water, and after a couple of hours I gave birth. All!

Weight loss and bowel cleansing. Expert comment

Before childbirth, the body gets rid of excess fluid, which leads to a slight weight loss. This happens in order to thicken the blood and, in the future, reduce its loss during childbirth. In addition, the extra fluid that up to this point was used to produce amniotic fluid is no longer required and the body gets rid of it. Often this process can be accompanied not only by increased urination at 37 weeks of gestation, but also by nausea or diarrhea.

False (training) contractions

One of the most important features the fact that your uterus is preparing itself for the upcoming event - the appearance of "forerunner" contractions. They are usually not painful and feel more like intense muscle tension. The stomach at this moment seems to “harden” and shrinks, and then gradually relaxes. The main sign by which such contractions can be distinguished from true ones is their irregularity. They occur at random unequal intervals - sometimes the uterus contracts several times a day, then a couple of times a week. Most often, pregnant women note the appearance of such training fights in the mornings or evenings.

Symbum experience:

margarita

- 3 days before the birth in the morning there were false contractions - I even woke up from them. They were not strong, but rhythmic, at intervals of 10 minutes, lasted for 2 hours. Another interesting phenomenon - during the week before the birth, when driving a car, when jumping on bumps, I apparently had a strong feeling of pain in the cervix. It looks like the neck is open.

e-Katherine

- I started training contractions for 2 weeks. The interval reached 10 minutes, and after 1-2 minutes they stopped. I started writing down every time. So it was on the day of childbirth: in the morning I woke up in pain, well, I think, training again ... I went to the shower ... And then I realized that after a shower it’s easier (and usually after a shower, training contractions go away) does not become, that I got caught five times while washing ...

- On the eve of the birth itself, everything was as usual, but a week before that I had false contractions.

False (training) contractions. Expert comment

At 37-40 weeks of pregnancy, training contractions are the most main feature upcoming birth. They differ from prenatal contractions by their irregularity and low intensity. These are the training tensions of the uterus, which can appear several times a week, and sometimes every day. Such contractions help the cervix to smooth out and make it softer, preparing for the upcoming labor activity.

Removal of the mucous plug on the eve of childbirth

Another harbinger early delivery there may be a discharge of the mucous plug - a jelly-like mass that is secreted by the membranes of the cervix during pregnancy. This plug fills the cervix and protects the birth canal and fetus from ascending infection. On the eve of childbirth, the cervix begins to soften, open slightly, and as a result, the cork (in the form of colorless, yellowish, or slightly pinkish mucus) can move away before the onset of labor - sometimes this can happen in a week or even two. Important point: after the cork is released, you should refrain from visiting the pool, swimming in ponds and even taking a bath, as this increases the risk of getting . Better to take a shower.

Symbum experience:

- On July 10, in the evening, the plug came off without any preliminary symptoms. 11 in the morning water began to leak, by lunchtime small contractions began, at the maternity hospital, at the direction of the midwife, she arrived at 7 pm, all this time she kept in touch with her by phone. She gave birth on July 12 at 12.20. The PDR was July 29th.

sweetmama

- The cork completely came off in 1 day (its first half came off in 2 weeks).

- My cork came out gradually, it looked like the result of a prolonged runny nose, with blood streaks.

Cork removal. Expert comment

Mucous discharge can signal the release of a cork that protects the uterus and fetus from external infections. During the period of preparation for childbirth, the cork liquefies and begins to flow out. It should be taken into account that this sign individual, for some, the cork leaves a week before childbirth, and for someone with the onset of labor. Sometimes these secretions can be confused with amniotic fluid. In this case, it is worth remembering that the latter leak constantly and intensify with a slight cough. If you still have doubts, it is better to immediately consult a doctor for an amnio test.

Pain before childbirth

IN recent weeks before childbirth, many pregnant women begin to complain of pulling and aching pain in the lumbar region and in the lower abdomen. This is another sign that the body is intensively preparing for childbirth: the pelvic ligaments begin to soften and stretch, and blood flow to the pelvic organs increases. The sensations are specific, a bit reminiscent of menstrual pain, but the realization that at this moment the “exit” for the baby is preparing to open makes it very easy to experience unpleasant sensations.

Experience sibmam

Natalika

- On the eve of the birth, my back was pulled, my stomach “felt” and there was a feeling that my son’s head was already at the very exit. The next day in the delivery room, I was surprised for a long time that this is exactly what the first hours of contractions look like.

Nata k.

- My back hurt for about a week before giving birth. Sometimes there were false contractions, also for about a week. And, in general, everything was as always. I was driving until the last day. I went on Sunday and gave birth on Monday. But! Somewhere inside I felt that I was giving birth before the PDR, and it happened.

- My back hurt badly. He pulled his stomach. And most importantly - a relentless feeling of anxiety.

- And the day before my back hurt so much that I climbed the walls. The plug didn't come off.

Pain before childbirth. Expert comment

At 37-40 weeks of gestation, future mother may hurt your stomach. The cause of pulling pains, as a rule, is not only the prolapse of the abdomen. The fact is that closer to the beginning of childbirth, a pregnant woman stretches and softens the joints of the pelvis, so that the baby is born more freely. In addition, it can sip muscles and ligaments, this is also the preparation of the pelvis for labor.

Nesting instinct on the eve of childbirth

On the eve of childbirth, many women receive from nature one more “news” that the baby will be born very soon. There is an indomitable desire to prepare a cozy “nest” for him and the expectant mother with great pleasure chooses tiny socks and undershirts for her future son or daughter, embroiders diapers, knits a hat and a blanket, buys the softest and most beautiful bed linen for the crib, a comfortable stroller, a warm envelope, a lace blanket, a set of bibs, and that lovely little rattle! Another obligatory point of “making a nest” is often general cleaning (or even repairs). Having arranged children's Corner, having bought things and “licked” the house, the woman breathes a sigh of relief: you can give birth. And ... it is at this moment that contractions often begin. - an incredibly happy time, because it reminds you that your dream of meeting your baby soon is about to become a reality!

Experience sibmam

- Two days before the birth, it became more active -both timesI started big cleanings in the whole apartment, for which I had no strength for a long time. I noticed because I read here on the forum that this happens - preparing a nest. And there were no more signs.

Ekaterina

- At 39 weeks 5 days, I woke up with a terrible burst of energy and decided that it was simply vital to tear out all the floors in the house. Then I realized that it would start at night.

- Before giving birth, I didn’t have any special feelings, except that, like a field mouse, I dragged all the products from the store home for the last 10 days. Well, I couldn’t get past the store. I will dial full bag and dragging, then I understand that I won’t inform, it’s hard, so I catch a taxi. Twice I came home in a taxi with shopping bags ...

Change in well-being and mood

All changes in a woman's body on the eve of childbirth are associated with hormonal changes. At the beginning of pregnancy, the main task of the body was to preserve and care for the safety of the baby. The “head” of this process was the hormone progesterone, which is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. By the end of the third trimester, the placenta begins to age and progesterone levels gradually decline. Now the first violin is played by the female sex hormones estrogens, the level of which is increasing as the placenta ages and the functional maturation of the baby. It is estrogens that are “responsible” for softening the cervix, stretching the ligaments and increasing the sensitivity of the uterus, contributing to its contraction. Such a hormonal storm can affect mood, causing sudden tears or bursts of joy. In addition, in the last weeks before childbirth, a woman is preparing for serious changes, she is afraid upcoming birth In a word, he leads a rich emotional life. Treat your mood swings with understanding, because such mood swings are also part of preparing for one of the most important meetings in life!

Experience sibmam

Cheshire Cat

- The mood before childbirth changes in the direction that you want to kill everyone who even hints at the topic« well, when» . And in books, by the way, they often write that one of the signs of an approaching birth is hormonal changes, accompanied by mood changes and a feeling of how tired everything is, no strength, fatigue from a sense of uncertainty, impatience - when is the birth, finally! Probably, there is something in this, you really expect childbirth, like a holiday. But when the fights begin, there are no more fears that previously tormented, and one thought - well, thank you, Lord - it has begun!

Changes in well-being and mood. Expert comment

A few days before the birth, there may be changes in the well-being and mood of the expectant mother. Some are worried about tearfulness, rapid mood swings, irritability, emotional upsurge. In addition, it may appear heavy sweating, chills, fever, dizziness. These symptoms are due hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman on the eve of childbirth. It is important to understand that the harbingers of childbirth at 37-40 weeks are not yet the beginning of labor. However, if you feel such symptoms, you should not leave them unattended. Be sure to tell your doctor about them.

Has anyone started giving birth with a floundering bay?

- My first birth began in the hospital. Before that, the cork had come off in a few days - but, in my opinion, the doctor just picked it out. And then for several days there was silence, no sign of an approaching birth - until the first regular, slightly painful stretching in the tummy on the day of birth. It all started very smoothly, I had time to get used to the idea that today we are spending the night with my husband and the doctor in the maternity ward ...

- And I had no warning signs, no tummy tuck. It was just that the contractions started at 3 at night, in a dream I could not understand why my stomach hurts, as with menstruation. At 6 I woke up, realized, measured - the interval between contractions was 5-7 minutes.

O_l_g_a

- There were no special feelings. She ran, as usual, ate cherries well at night ... woke up in the morning from strong contractions.

- We were told in the courses that the primiparous most often does not really feel anything. Cork and water is by itself, and the onset of contractions and other precursors in the primiparous are most often mild. Although I understand that it's different for everyone.

How did you feel before giving birth? Share the link to our article on social networks!

From the middle of the third trimester, a woman begins to experience tension, which intensifies every day. The less time left before meeting the baby, the shorter it becomes night sleep and more gripped by excitement. The state before childbirth changes due to physiological factors and depends on psychological readiness. A thorough study of the symptoms will allow the pregnant woman to seek medical help in time and avoid complications.

The prenatal state of a woman before childbirth changes 10-14 days before the event. 70% note a change in the psychological state (excitement, anxiety) and appearance (posture, position of the abdomen). Other patients feel harbingers only before contractions, when the cervix begins to open.

After what time childbirth begins, depends on the behavior of the woman at the first harbingers. Stimulation, in the form of active walking, massage, exposure to the nipples, will bring the onset of contractions closer. But the norm for each case is individual.

The optimal period for pregnancy resolution is from 37 to 42 weeks. Babies born before this time are considered premature, later - overripe. 75% of births occur between 39 and 41 weeks. It is noticed that boys are formed and born earlier than girls.

Some babies, developing slowly in the second trimester, gain additional weight up to 1.5 kg in the last month before delivery. Mom feels that her stomach has grown a lot, it has become more difficult.

Norm obstetric term pregnancy 40 weeks. When calculating the PDR, the gynecologist focuses on this figure. But only 5% of babies are born according to the preliminary calculations of the doctor. The average error is 10-14 days.

Influencing factors:

menstrual cycle;
heredity;
course of pregnancy.

A frequently used method for determining the EDD, when registering, is an orientation to the menstrual cycle. On the Internet, it is easy and quick to independently calculate the terms using special calculators.

How to find out in how many days labor will begin? With a known date of conception (N), the formula is used: N + 266 days = day of delivery. If ovulation was tracked (O), the number is calculated: O +268 days. Or 280 days are added to the first day of menstruation.

In 7 out of 10 patients, the week of childbirth coincides with the periods of pregnancy resolution in the mother, grandmother. Coincidences are also noted in terms of height and weight of infants.

The course of pregnancy affects maturity, fetal behavior and the course of events in the future. polyhydramnios, malpresentation placenta, large fruit And chronic diseases may bring the due date closer. For patients with a difficult pregnancy, excessive nervousness before childbirth is a factor that provokes the threat of miscarriage.

Physical state

More than half of women, even without PDR, feel in advance a quick meeting with the baby. The well-being of a pregnant woman before childbirth is determined by hormonal changes, changes in the structure and behavior of tissues, which is expressed by specific symptoms.

Signs:

braxtons;
weight loss;
release of colostrum;
prolapse of the abdomen;
change in gait;
frequent urination;
defecation (stool disorder);
fetal movements;
selection.

Braxtons. Starting at 36 weeks normal phenomenon- practice bouts. By the end of pregnancy, the hormone estrogen predominates in the body, which softens the tissues of the uterus. Due to changes in the fibers, the walls tighten, pushing the fetus down, then relax. False contractions are painless, irregular.

Body mass. The weight of a pregnant woman decreases by several kilograms 2 weeks before delivery. Edema disappears, as the concentration of progesterone, which retains fluid, decreases in the body. Due to hormonal changes and excitement, appetite disappears.

Colostrum. From the beginning of the third trimester, some pregnant women observe discharge from the areola, in the form of a clear white liquid. Appears more often with pressure, by the time delivery begins, the color changes to white. Stimulation of the nipples, with the advent of colostrum, will increase lactation in the future.

Belly and gait. As the fetus moves towards the exit from the uterus, the center of gravity also changes. The spine, in order to hold the weight, has to lean back, so the gait becomes "goose".

Calls to the toilet. Frequent urination before childbirth due to the pressure of the grown uterus on the bladder. Sometimes a woman urinates involuntarily without noticing it. Traces are found only on the gasket.

Estrogen, which softens the fibers of the uterus, also acts on the walls of the intestines. The pressure of the fetus causes a desire to go to the toilet for the most part, diarrhea begins, 3-4 times a day. The contraction of the weak (due to estrogen) walls of the organ also provokes gases in the intestines before childbirth.

Movement. 7-10 days before delivery, fetal movements subside. The baby seems to freeze, accumulates energy to move through the birth canal. Due to limited fetal bladder space and size of the fetus, the child is constrained in movements, but 1-2 times a day a woman feels a confident strong push.

Allocations. If mucus with a yellow tint appears on the pad, the neck begins to open, the cervical plug comes off. Abnormal discharge of blood, green, yellow, with an unpleasant odor, in the form of cottage cheese. In such a situation, hospitalization is required, due to the risk of infection of the fetus.

Weakness and malaise before childbirth usually goes away 3-4 days before the onset of labor. A woman feels a surge of energy, lightness, the feeling of heaviness in the abdomen disappears. Therefore, if there is no strength before childbirth, the expectation seems to be protracted, there are signs of depression, which means that before delivery it is not yet less than a week. You need to be in the fresh air more often, distract yourself by knitting, reading detective stories.

Psychological condition

Against the background of hormonal changes, frequent change and mood swings before childbirth are normal. But to exclude the development of phobias, psychological preparation recommended from 18-20 weeks.

What happens to a woman before childbirth:

nesting syndrome;
change of mood;
fear.

nesting syndrome. This psychological symptom childbirth is explained by excitement, the mother is excited, the hormonal background is being reconstructed. Most of the time is occupied by worries on the topic of home improvement for the baby - the purchase of bed linen, sterilizers, hygiene items.

A woman changes the curtains, she wants the predominance of bed tones, the smell of cleanliness, etc. psychological condition women before childbirth provokes behavior similar to the arrangement of a nest by a wild bird.

Changeability of emotions. main reason bad mood before childbirth and its drops is a high concentration female hormone. The maximum content is noted by the middle of the third trimester. Estrogen provokes tearfulness before childbirth, weakness, pity for yourself and others. But as soon as a woman looks at herself from a convenient angle, another female reaction- self-admiration, satisfaction, joy.

In both situations, estrogen increases the brightness of the emotion, which causes tears, or vice versa, prolonged laughter, turning into hysteria. sharp drops moods and apathy before childbirth pass a week before the start of labor.

Fears. In 65% of cases, poor health before childbirth is caused by accumulated fear. The main reasons are fear of pain, complications, death of the baby, disconnection from society. Often, anxiety before childbirth is caused by the fear of losing external attractiveness, being in demand among others. Such manifestations, without the intervention of a psychologist, develop into phobias, and entail severe depression.

So that hormonal changes do not develop into depressive disorders, it is recommended that a pregnant woman walk more, eat carbohydrates of joy (bananas, oatmeal, dark chocolate), go swimming, yoga and give up forums. It is better to take the time to prepare for each of the stages of delivery.

When to contact the maternity hospital

Childbirth is considered to be fast, lasting from 1.5 hours. Obstetricians recommend focusing on this amount of time when preparing for a maternity hospital, especially if the pregnancy is repeated.

What condition is observed in a pregnant woman before childbirth in a few hours:

training bouts;
the cork will come off - a clot of mucus;
there will be aching pains in the lower abdomen and lower back;
the uterus will begin to contract, the true contraction increases from 10 seconds to 1-1.5 minutes;
amniotic fluid is released.

In half of the cases, after false contractions, labor begins after 4-6 hours. In other situations, the break between "Brextons" and the opening of the neck lasts up to 2-3 weeks. During this time, you should prepare for each of the stages.

What to do before childbirth:

breathing exercises;
Kegel exercises;
yoga, swimming;
stretching gymnastics.

Breathing techniques and exercises for the muscles of the vagina will help to endure contractions more easily. In attempts, elastic muscles, plus correct behavior minimize the risk of breakage. Yoga classes are needed before childbirth for psychological relief, self-control training, control over emotions. Improves blood circulation, oxygen supply to organs, improves mood.

There are proven signs by which it is determined an ambulance with a baby. When one symptom appears, it is not recommended to further stimulate the process, everything should proceed naturally. Walking before childbirth brings the onset of contractions closer, but this method is excluded for women in labor at risk premature birth. Calmness and prudence are the key to a successful pregnancy resolution.

Most pregnant women look forward to the last weeks before giving birth. Many patients in position believe that this best period to enjoy your pregnancy. In fact, the patient's feelings before the onset of labor change dramatically. Pregnant women experience sudden changes in well-being, irritability and drowsiness before childbirth.

Why do patients in the position really want to sleep in the later stages? What happens to the body of a pregnant woman a few days and hours before childbirth? How long does the calm last? What signs are a signal of approaching contractions?

Feelings of a woman before childbirth

In anticipation of the onset of childbirth, a woman's feelings change a little. The first changes begin three weeks before the onset of contractions and last until the birth process. A pregnant woman during this period is experiencing a powerful hormonal restructuring, which affects mental health and functionality internal organs. the main task for the future mother - not to overlook and not to confuse normal physiological changes with the development of pathology. Any new sensations that are in doubt should be discussed with the gynecologist leading the pregnancy.

Feeling good in the last weeks of pregnancy

This article talks about typical ways to solve your questions, but each case is unique! If you want to know from me how to solve exactly your problem - ask your question. It's fast and free!

The well-being of pregnant women before childbirth has its own specifics. Emotional condition women in labor, as well as the physical, changes somewhat. Some patients in the position feel weak, drowsy and tired against the background of a significant weight gain of the fetus 2-3 weeks before childbirth, so they constantly want to sleep. In other pregnant women, on the contrary, there is a lull. They are enjoying the last days of pregnancy and are preparing for the upcoming birth.

Physiological changes are associated with the preparation of the body for the upcoming generic process. Abdominal drooping is completely normal physiological phenomenon, due to the desire of the baby to exit the birth canal.

If the gynecologist notices that the stomach has dropped a lot, the cervix has smoothed out and become soft, this indicates the maturity of the fetus and an early birth.

Physical state

Many pregnant women are very afraid of any violations of the physical condition a few days before the birth, so they often turn to their gynecologist for clarification of what kind of changes await them. At the 9th month of pregnancy, all patients in the position face the following physiological changes:

Dropping of the abdomen. The height of the fundus of the uterus is an indicator of the dynamics of the development of the baby. This parameter is measured by the gynecologist at each scheduled and unscheduled visit. Most high rate the height of the uterine fundus is observed at 37-38 weeks. At this time, patients most often complain of strong pressure on the stomach and diaphragm. 2-4 weeks before delivery, the abdomen begins to sink down to the pubis. The expectant mother can see this omission even in the mirror. Such a change signals that the child begins to move towards the birth canal. Accordingly, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe, but at this time, women in labor often experience discomfort in the pubic area.

Frequent trips to the toilet. Since in the last weeks of pregnancy there is intensive growth fetus, the uterus begins to put a lot of pressure on the intestines and bladder. Many patients go to the doctor with complaints of frequent urination, especially at night, but in fact this phenomenon is an absolute norm. A pregnant woman's stool also becomes more frequent and liquefies a few weeks before childbirth.
Copious secretions. A few days or hours before the onset of contractions, the patient usually notices underwear excessive amount of mucous secretions. They can signal the destruction and partial or complete exit of the mucous plug.
Painful sensations. A day or two before the onset of labor, a pregnant woman periodically experiences pains of a pulling nature, similar to the manifestations of menstruation.
The petrification of the uterus. This is the main sign of training fights. They are also accompanied painful sensations lower abdomen or back. Unlike true fights, training fights are irregular.
Bulging of the umbilicus. Some women experience this change in the middle of the third trimester. The protrusion is due to excessive pressure on the abdominal region.

Psychological condition

The emotional health of a pregnant woman changes dramatically in the last weeks before giving birth. Many women are very concerned about this issue and they are trying to independently find the reason why this is happening. Most pregnant women in the 3rd trimester are overtaken by apathy and weakness. Many women attribute their fatigue and loss of strength to the fact that the child is actively gaining weight and putting pressure on all organs. Against this background, all the usual things become a burden. It is difficult for late-term pregnant women to put on shoes, bathe in the shower and go for walks with a huge belly.

Many women tend to be tearful and irritable. This is due to the fact that cardinal changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman at a later date due to the upcoming birth. Patients in position sometimes themselves cannot explain what is happening to their body, and why tears sometimes roll for no reason.

In this case, a woman should pull herself together and think about her baby. Fear, fear contribute to increased spasm, as a result of which the likelihood of a slow opening of the cervix increases.

In some expectant mothers during this period, on the contrary, the effect of "nesting" is manifested. They strive to equip their own apartment as comfortably as possible, including the nursery. This effect has a lot positive aspects. A pregnant woman has little free time for thoughts and reflections that make her feel sad. Home improvement can become part of a pregnant woman's own self-realization.

Why can there be poor health at the end of the 3rd trimester?

The poor health of a woman at the end of the 3rd trimester is due to hormonal changes. An increase in the amount of estrogen in the blood affects the mood of a woman. Loud laughter and joy can suddenly be replaced by tears.

In addition to the fact that a pregnant patient in the later stages experiences apathy, a breakdown, she may begin to be disturbed by other unpleasant symptoms:

excessive sweating;
jumps in blood pressure;
causeless chills or fever;
clouding of consciousness and dizziness.

All of the above manifestations, although they are considered normal physiological changes in late pregnancy, the patient should inform the gynecologist who leads the pregnancy about them. If similar signs are indeed manifestations hormonal imbalance, a woman must follow the recommendations of the doctor.

What causes sudden mood swings?

Mood instability a couple of days before the start of contractions is absolutely normal. Except change hormonal background, the cause of mood swings is the pregnant woman's own mood. Many women become depressed, other pregnant women are shrouded in fear. A change in mood is a kind of protective reaction to external and internal irritating factors. Unreasonable headaches or dizziness in a second can cause tears.

Harbingers of childbirth

Most patients in position are looking forward to the harbingers of childbirth. Abdominal swelling, pain heavy discharge and other signs cannot indicate that labor will begin from day to day. Among the most accurate harbingers fights can include:

Departure of the mucous plug (more in the article:). Women who have a jelly-like plug with mucus come out can rejoice. Its destruction is a signal that contractions will begin in a matter of days or hours. The cork can move away completely at one time or partially over several days. Complete destruction of the mucosa sure sign that the cervix begins to dilate.
Training uterine contractions. Many patients experience training contractions before childbirth (for more details, see the article:). At the same time, the woman experiences the same pain as during real contractions. The only difference is the regularity. If the interval between them is different, this means that real contractions will begin only after a couple of days or weeks.
Softening of the cervix. If the doctor noticed during the examination that the cervix has become softer and more pliable, this means that it is completely ready for the onset of labor. Her maturity is an accurate criterion that signals the readiness of the female body for the birth process.