Contractions before childbirth: how to recognize and what to do? Fetal activity. Harbingers of the imminent onset of childbirth in a woman

During the second pregnancy, most women feel much stronger and more confident. But it is important to know that since the birth of your first child, your body has undergone many changes: there has been a load on the vitamin reproductive system, weight fluctuation, frequent pain in the back and others. In addition, the signs of childbirth in multiparous mothers are completely different.

So the second pregnancy can be completely different from the first. Therefore, it will be very useful to prepare yourself for this difference and go through the “hard way” once again. Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to get things right. the best way and soon you saw the smile of your second baby.

How to prepare yourself for the birth of your next child?

Undoubtedly, important issue your health remains. Again, you must remember a few "rules" of pregnancy. Namely:

every day (until 12 - 15 weeks of pregnancy) take 400 mcg folic acid, which will help protect the child from problems with the nervous system and diseases of the spine;
eat useful products(vegetables, fruit, fish, milk, cottage cheese, meat, nuts, cereals, whole grain bread) to make sure you and your baby are getting enough nutrients;
limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day - that's two cups of green tea or 2 cups of instant coffee;
do it every day physical exercise, having previously coordinated them with your doctor; they will help you to be energetic and stay in good shape;
Take time to bond with your baby: pet your tummy, listen to classical music, talk to him.

Changes in the body

Of course, your second pregnancy will be a little different than the first. Here are some examples:

You will feel the movements of the fetus much faster, but these sensations will also be magical.
Joints may hurt more. Talk to a specialist about how you can relieve tension in your back and pelvis.
If during the first pregnancy you did not experience nausea, then most likely you will be able to avoid these unpleasant sensations this time. Conversely, if you have suffered from vomiting, then you will not get away from them again.
Problems like varicose veins veins, hemorrhoids or frequent urination, may be repeated. But this time you will already know how to deal with them.
Unfortunately, if you have suffered from diseases such as gestational diabetes, obstetric cholestasis or preeclampsia, then they may appear this time.

The main advantage of the second pregnancy is your awareness and experience. That is, in the event of any diseases, you will know what medicines to take and how to behave so as not to harm the child. In any case, do not forget to consult with your gynecologist.

Second pregnancy: the first signs of childbirth

As your second pregnancy draws to a close, you will of course be reminded of this. It's completely natural, and it's also very interesting to know if it's the same this time around.

The signs of childbirth during a second pregnancy can be completely different from those associated with your first experience. For example, you may feel that this time the stomach is lowering more slowly. However, contractions may be stronger, and the cervix will open faster.

If you didn't C-section, then it will be easier for the child to pass through the birth canal. The point is that muscles pelvic floor and the walls of your vagina have already been tense before. Active period childbirth (when the cervix opens from 4 to 10 cm, and the intervals between contractions become smaller) will last no more than 5 hours. This is less than the first time this stage takes 8 hours. And the process of giving birth to a child will not take more than two hours this time.

Let's take a closer look at the signs of childbirth during a second pregnancy.

Lowering of the abdomen

It should be noted that not all pregnant women feel this before the onset of childbirth. However, if this happens, you will feel much better: you will breathe easier, shortness of breath will go away, and even heartburn will no longer bother you.

But sleep, unfortunately, will become a little worse: it will be difficult for you to find comfortable position for sleep. Remember that in multiparous women, the stomach drops just a few days before the onset of labor.

How does the mucus plug come out?

In fact, the so-called may not leave at all, or she will do it directly 2 to 3 days before the actual start of labor. However, due to the fact that the cervix opens much faster in women who are pregnant a second time, they will begin to give birth within a few hours after the discharge of the mucus plug.

A mucus plug is a jelly-like clot that is clear or Brown that comes straight out of the vagina. Sometimes it contains particles of blood. It is important to remember that it does not always leave before childbirth: this can also happen in the process of the birth of a baby. So a woman may not even understand that the cork has come out.

Acute pain in the abdomen

When you become a mother for the second time, it will be easier for you to distinguish between true contractions and training (Braxton-Hicks), which occur only once during the day, without any change in frequency. They usually appear around the 26th week of pregnancy, but may occur later. To recognize them will help such a criterion as the intensity of contractions.

You can be absolutely sure that you will start giving birth when contractions become regular and frequent, and the intervals between them will be reduced.

Child behavior

There are also signs of childbirth during the second pregnancy - this is the condition and movement of the fetus. As a rule, a few days before the birth, the activity of the baby decreases significantly, and he sends only some “lazy” signals to the mother.

And very soon this lull will be replaced by excessively fast movements of the child, telling the mother that her baby no longer wants to "sit in her stomach."

Weight loss

During pregnancy, of course, all women carefully monitor their weight. But on the eve of the birth of the baby, you may notice a real loss of several kilograms. Along with them, unpleasant swelling can also go away.

In addition, the expectant mother may lose her appetite and experience indigestion. Don't be afraid and aching pains in the lumbar region.

Diarrhea

This unpleasant sign also sometimes worries a multiparous woman. In addition, she may notice a sharp breakdown in normal stools: as a rule, expectant mothers often run to the toilet. And this means only one thing, that the birth is about to begin.

In addition to severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Rush of activity

Sometimes, before giving birth, it is not clear why a pregnant woman with a huge belly feels an extraordinary surge in herself. vitality. She begins to quickly solve unfinished business: to conduct general cleaning, independently move furniture, prepare a children's room.

The expectant mother seems to be soaring with happiness! And there are really many reasons for this, because soon everything will begin.

Active period of childbirth

As a rule, contractions in most women begin with a discharge of water, that is, with a spontaneous rupture of the amniotic membranes.

Watch the frequency of contractions. Initially, you may experience contractions after 10 to 15 minutes. But over time, this interval will be reduced to 2 - 3 minutes.

Urination may occur more frequently due to increased fetal pressure on bladder.

When the above signs of childbirth are noted in multiparous women, the cervix undergoes structural and functional changes. If it opens up to 10 cm, it means that you are ready to give birth.

Help obstetrician

A nurse who will be by your side at all times will be able to determine how the plug comes off and how much your cervix has dilated. Your obstetrician will tell you what stage you are in: the first - the cervix will open by 1 - 3 cm, the second - from 4 to 7 cm, the third - by 8 - 10 cm.

The specialist on duty will also be able to tell you where your baby is located and where his head is. Water - all this you can and should discuss with your doctor.

C-section

If your first child was born by caesarean section, then this time you will have a chance to give birth on your own. An obstetrician-gynecologist will help determine if you have repeated similar symptoms(for example, preeclampsia), which may be an indication for surgery.

As long as your pregnancy is going well, your specialist will set you up for a vaginal birth. According to statistics, three out of four women do not have a second caesarean section.

preterm birth

If your baby was born prematurely during your first pregnancy, this does not mean that everything will be the same this time. There are four chances in five that the fetus will be full-term. However, changes can happen, and they will be related to your condition.

Scientists have proven that early birth can be repeated if:

the first time the baby was born between 20 and 31 weeks;
You have had more than two premature births.

If the contractions during the second pregnancy really start earlier due date you will already know what to do. The main thing is to get to the hospital on time.

Baby weight

There is an opinion that the second children are born much larger than the first. But this is not always the case. However, if your firstborn was born with a weight of 4.5 kg or more, then, most likely, this time you will also have a hero.

To get information about the size and weight of your unborn baby, the gynecologist will constantly measure your abdomen, as well as prescribe an ultrasound. This procedure will help you get an accurate picture of the fetus.

Now we can conclude: the signs of childbirth during the second pregnancy, of course, can differ significantly from those during the first. But in most cases they are repeated. Therefore, you will already know what to prepare for. And your obstetrician will help to identify violations in time, prevent them and take care of the safety of the baby and mother. Therefore, do not be afraid to give birth a second time. After all, every woman wants to feel the joy of motherhood again and see the first smile of her baby.

When a pregnant woman carefully analyzes the symptoms that the body gives, she understands that the onset of childbirth has come. And this means that soon there will be a meeting with the baby.

In women, a few weeks before childbirth, the hormonal profile begins to change smoothly. The placenta gradually ages. The amount of progesterone that she produces decreases, and the level of estrogen begins to rise. Progesterone ensures the safe bearing of the child, and estrogen prepares the body for the onset of childbirth. Before the onset of childbirth, estrogen reaches its maximum amount in the blood. Therefore, the brain sends signals to the body, and childbirth begins.

When do women start showing signs of labor?

When, under the influence of hormones, the body of pregnant women begins to change and prepare the birth path for the birth of a baby, this phenomenon is called signs of childbirth. This is the last stage of pregnancy, during which the fetus is gently advanced (with minimal trauma) through the birth canal.

Usually, before childbirth, signs appear in the final two weeks of pregnancy (with its normal course). Some women feel signs of the onset labor activity a few days before their start. At repeated pregnancy symptoms usually appear just before the baby is born. Signs can be overt or covert.

What are the symptoms of a pregnant woman before childbirth

If the expectant mother experiences changes in the state of the body, similar to obvious signs before the baby is born, then it's time to call an ambulance.

Contractions

First, women experience pain (similar to menstruation). The pain can be endured, and the expectant mother is quite capable of doing everyday household chores, even before childbirth. Then in the lumbar region there are sensations of a pulling and unpleasant character. Contractions are of two types: real, in which the cervix opens, and false.

During false contractions, there is no pain, although the ligaments are tense. Such fights are called training / preliminary.

They occur a week before the birth of the baby to prepare the uterus. But the birth doesn't start. Real contractions become more frequent and lengthen when labor begins. At first, the duration of the contraction is up to 15 seconds with a rest interval of 20 minutes. Before the birth of the baby, the duration of the contraction and the break for rest are 90 seconds each. You need to count to determine if they are real. Contractions at the beginning of childbirth appear with a certain period of time.

Another way to find out if labor will begin or not. You need to take a No-Shpa pill, lie down and relax. With real contractions, the discomfort will intensify, with false ones, it will pass, and childbirth will not begin. It is advisable to give more time to rest during the period of false contractions.

With real contractions, the sensation of pain in women is characterized by wave-like manifestations. The onset of pain occurs in the back, then moves to the hip area, then to the abdomen. When the fight begins, the stomach tenses up, the uterus is in good shape.

It is advisable to record the time before the start, end and interval between contractions, so that later you can inform the doctor who will take delivery.

You need to urgently go to the maternity hospital with a break between contractions of 5 minutes. When contractions begin, it is advisable not to panic. You need to remain calm, try to relax, slowly and deeply breathe. Be sure to talk with the baby, as he experiences a lot of stress during this period.

You need to listen to the prompts of your body, as the body knows better what it needs in such a situation. important point. Walking helps many women ease the flow of contractions before labor begins.

A similar process is considered the first sign of the onset of childbirth. If the waters have broken at home, you should immediately go to the maternity hospital. After the discharge of water, the interval should not exceed 12 hours. It is necessary to inform the doctor about the time of discharge of water, their smell and color.

IN ideal beginning childbirth, there should first be contractions, and before the onset of attempts (when the cervix is \u200b\u200balmost fully opened), the water should drain. But they can pour out different time. Sometimes doctors open the bubble to stimulate the onset of labor.

The waters depart in different ways: they leak or immediately pour out. It is also possible for the water to drain in case of oligohydramnios in the early stages of pregnancy, and the woman may not notice them.

Changes in the body that indirectly indicate the approach of childbirth

Lowering of the abdomen

The abdomen descends when the baby begins to descend into the mother's pelvis and prepare for the birth. It occurs after the 35th week of pregnancy. At the same time, the pregnant woman ceases to experience discomfort, since the uterus exerts less pressure on the diaphragm every day.

Now sitting and breathing is much more comfortable. Sometimes the navel protrudes, and the skin of the abdomen is stretched even more.

As the baby grows, there is less and less free space in the uterus. A few days before the birth, the baby practically does not move. But a woman needs to monitor the movements at this time especially carefully. If the movements of the baby are felt less than 10 times a day, you need to inform the doctor.

Weight loss

The expectant mother can lose up to 2 kg. In addition, swelling may pass. The body in this way is freed from excess fluid. With daily weight control, a pregnant woman will notice changes in weight.

Increased activity

A woman becomes more lively the day before the onset of childbirth. She starts doing a lot homework(cooking, washing, cleaning, etc.), although before that she had more rest. From a psychological point of view, future mother trying to finish unfinished and important things. They even suggest that labor activity will not begin until she redoes all the planned affairs.

The cork performs a protective function for the uterus so that all kinds of infections do not penetrate into it. It consists of a lump of mucus streaked with blood. Departure, as well as discharge, is possible when contractions have begun, a few weeks before them. Sometimes the cork leaves during the birth itself.

Softening of the cervix

This process warns of the readiness of the body for the onset of childbirth. Only a doctor can fix this sign during vaginal examination.

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea

Before contractions and at the beginning of the opening of the cervix, women in labor may experience similar symptoms. Doctors comment on this phenomenon by the presence of food in the stomach, which is trying to get rid of excess. It is believed that in this way the body saves strength for childbirth, so as not to expend energy on digesting food. When contractions begin, it is best to avoid eating.

Frequent urination

A few days before birth, the hormone prostaglandin is released. This hormone prepares the birth canal for the birth process and softens them. It intensively gets rid of fluid in the body, and cleanses the intestines. A similar process takes from a week and a little more before the upcoming birth.

Emotional condition

1-2 weeks before the onset of labor, the mood changes dramatically. If a pregnant woman laughs, then after a couple of minutes she may suddenly burst into tears. At times like these, support state of mind future mother.

Change in posture

The center of gravity shifts because the uterus has sunk. The gait of a pregnant woman becomes similar to that of a duck.

What are the signs on the eve of childbirth in nulliparous women

Often, primiparous women explain birth rates as disease state. Of distinctive importance is the fact that in women without the experience of childbirth, the symptoms proceed smoothly. They can appear up to 2 weeks before delivery. The abdomen drops in nulliparous women a week or two before delivery. The allocations are not very large.

The main thing is to learn to distinguish training contractions from real ones. After all, if a woman gives birth for the first time, she can take a false fight for a real one. It is important to note that signs before labor in nulliparous women may be asymptomatic, or may not be manifested by all, but by several symptoms.

What are the signs on the eve of childbirth in multiparous women

The second birth is different from the first. At the anatomical level, the multiparous cervix responds faster to hormonal stimuli and has a wider lumen. Signs of re-birth may appear for more early term, and flow more pronounced.

In multiparous women, the mucous plug and discharge are more voluminous, which increase more and more towards the end of pregnancy. Training contractions appear earlier than in primiparas.

The second and subsequent births proceed much more rapidly than the first. It should also be mentioned that the time between symptoms and delivery is significantly reduced. It happens that signs in multiparous people appear 1-2 days before delivery.

The abdomen drops, almost immediately before childbirth (about 2 days), and not like in those who give birth for the first time (a couple of weeks before the onset of labor). Also, the cervix opens faster during repeated births, and contractions are more painful. You need to listen carefully to your body. And if signs appear, it is advisable to set yourself up for a trip to the hospital and wait for the onset of contractions.

Physiology of childbirth

How to understand that childbirth has begun?

Childbirth is a natural psychophysiological unconscious process that occurs in a reflex way and is regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems. The mechanisms that ensure the onset of childbirth are extremely complex and in many respects insufficiently elucidated. By the end of pregnancy, a woman's body accumulates numerous changes regulated by the nervous and endocrine systems, which together contribute to the onset of childbirth.

The development of labor activity is not a one-time process. It is significantly extended over time. All the changes that occur in the body of the mother and child in preparation for childbirth are cumulative in nature and for this you need real time. However, every woman wants to know the timing of her birth, and even better, the date when everything will be done.

When are you expected?

In modern obstetrics, pregnancy is considered full-term at 38 weeks. Carrying a child for more than 41.5 weeks is considered overbearing. Thus, urgent, that is, on-time births fit into the interval from 270 to 290 days. However, there are women who give birth to completely normal, healthy and full-term babies at 36 or 42 weeks.

Moreover, these weeks can be counted in different ways, from the immediate date of conception or from the first day of the last menstruation. Taking into account individual characteristics every woman would be fairer to talk not about real time childbirth, but about the most likely interval when they can occur. This interval usually varies from 2 to 5 weeks, i.e. in terms of 38 to 42 weeks.

Obstetricians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries believed that a mature child could be born within 240 to 320 days after the last menstruation, and that in exceptional cases more than 300 days could elapse from the day of conception to delivery. The German law of the early 20th century determined the maximum duration of pregnancy at 302 days from the date of conception. Only after this period, medical intervention during pregnancy, such as induction of labor or caesarean section, was supposed.

As soon as the first day of the expected period arrives, the woman in excitement begins to monitor her condition very carefully and can interpret any ailment as a sign of the onset of childbirth. Going to the hospital with unsteady labor activity, a woman in labor runs the risk of being “stuck” in the pathology department for several days or being subjected to immediate stimulation.

Therefore, it is necessary to go to the maternity hospital with already established labor activity. And in order to be able to navigate this, it is not always necessary to call a specialist. For example, there are a number of phenomena that accompany the last weeks of pregnancy, which are called harbingers of childbirth. The presence of one or more harbingers suggests that the birth is coming soon, and it’s not worth it, for example, to go on a visit to the country, but it’s too early to go to the maternity hospital.

dress rehearsal

Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back

In the last 3-4 weeks before delivery, periodic pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back may appear. They may be spasmodic. The appearance of such pain is a consequence of increased excitability of the NS, as well as displacement of the vertebrae in the sacrum, which can lead to nerve infringement. Sometimes as a result of such infringement on recent weeks pregnancy, the leg can be periodically taken away and immobilized. This phenomenon has a physiological basis and after childbirth disappears without a trace.

In addition, there may be a feeling of fullness, tingling and pain in the pubic area, which is associated with an increase in pressure of the presenting part of the fetus on the symphysis ( pubic bone). Wearing a bandage helps to alleviate this condition, as well as frequent rest in a prone position. This phenomenon also disappears after childbirth.

Lowering of the abdomen

2-4 weeks before delivery, the pregnant woman's belly drops ("slips"). As the abdomen lowers, the woman notes that it has clearly changed its shape and seems to have become smaller. This makes it much easier to breathe and eat. This occurs as a result of the lowering of the presenting part of the fetus, due to which the diaphragm, stomach and lungs are released.

Excitability of the uterus

Due to the increase in the excitability of the uterus, it begins to respond more and more to any stimuli. Very often, even 5-6 weeks before birth, tonic tension of the uterus occurs. First 1-2, then 3-4 times a week, and closer to childbirth and 1-2 times a day, the uterus can become very tense. At the same time, it becomes solid and this tension is present for quite a long time.

false contractions

In addition to tonic tension of the uterus, 3-4 weeks before delivery, its periodic contractions may occur, which are called the harbingers of childbirth or false contractions. Harbingers do not lead to the development of labor activity.

False contractions are also called Braxton Hicks contractions. Apparently this pundit quite often he felt false contractions, which did not lead to the development of labor activity in him, so he entered the history of obstetrics.

False contractions can appear after 7-10 minutes (and sometimes after 4-5 minutes) and last for 2-3 hours, and then fade away. They are non-systematic, but can be accompanied by quite severe pain in the sacrum, lower back, lower abdomen. Sometimes women experience much more discomfort and anxiety from false contractions than from labor. False contractions in most cases are noticed by multiparous women, who are much more wary of everything that happens to them. A primiparous woman notices them only if she has hypersensitivity.

A warm bath helps to cope with the discomfort that occurs during false contractions. If you dive into the water comfortable temperature for 20 minutes - 1 hour, false contractions either subside completely, or go much less frequently and at the same time their intensity becomes noticeably less.

Mood

Before childbirth, about 3-4 weeks before them, the pregnant woman has a change of mood. Even if during pregnancy a woman was afraid of childbirth and tried in every possible way to delay their onset, then before childbirth she spends every day in their painful expectation. “Well, when will I give birth? Well, it would be better to give birth! When will these births begin? Rather, rather, would rather give birth! she thinks all the time. The whole being of a woman is focused on this desire, and rarely anyone manages to bypass these quivering, sweet and painful expectations of childbirth.

Sometimes these thoughts can go so far that a woman begins to seriously consider how she could speed up the onset of labor. However, it is best to be patient and avoid rash acts: there is a time for everything!

Such a change of mood is associated with neuroendocrine processes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman before childbirth. The main reason for the change in her moods are the inconveniences that she begins to experience as the birth approaches: a feeling of heaviness, shortness of breath, heartburn, an uncomfortable position during sleep, etc. This discomfort accumulates and increases gradually, and 2 weeks before delivery reaches its climax. It is at this time that a change in the mood of the pregnant woman occurs.

appetite and weight

1-2 weeks before giving birth, a woman may become worse appetite and the abyss of that debilitating feeling of acute hunger, which was observed throughout the pregnancy. She begins to treat food more calmly. Such indifference and even refusal to eat are especially evident in the last 3-4 days before childbirth. Sometimes a woman stops wanting to eat only a day before giving birth, and in some cases her appetite does not suffer at all before giving birth.

Approximately 7-10 days before childbirth, a woman's weight may drop by 1-2 kg. Weight loss does not always occur, but, in any case, there is a stop in weight gain. 1-2 weeks before delivery, the woman's weight stabilizes and its increase is no longer observed. Reducing or stabilizing the weight of a pregnant woman before childbirth is associated with an increase in the release of fluid from her body.

It is time?

By the end of pregnancy, all the conditions for the development of labor activity are created in the woman's body. The excitability of the uterus increases and the level of hormones and substances that contribute to its contractile activity increases, a number of mechanical stimuli appear that contribute to its excitability: the lowering of the fetal head, its movements, provoking tonic tension of the uterus.

Thus, by the end of pregnancy, conditions are created for a very unstable balance, which is about ready to be disturbed in the direction of the development of labor activity, but childbirth occurs only at a certain point in time. It is possible to reliably determine that labor has already begun by observing the dynamics of the opening of the cervix by vaginal examination. This can only be done by a specialist.

But the woman in labor herself is able to note the symptoms that it is time to contact such a specialist - to go to the family or call him at home.

By what signs can you understand that childbirth has already begun?

Mucus plug

For 1 - 3 days or a few hours before childbirth, brownish mucus, similar to the beginning of menstruation, may begin to stand out from the genitals of a woman. It can come out with a pop (indeed, as if a “cork” popped out, which is associated with the strength of intrauterine pressure due, for example, to a large fetus weight: over 4.5 kg), or it can flow out gradually, in small portions. The appearance of a mucous plug indicates the beginning of the opening of the cervix. This is a definite sign of beginning labor.

The abundance of secretions and the features of their appearance are individual. In quite rare cases, the secretions of the glands of the cervix are so meager that the mucous plug does not appear at all before childbirth. In this case, it may not appear during them either. In other cases, on the contrary, the maturation of the cervix is very slow, and the secretion of its glands is very intense. In this case, the mucous plug may begin to stand out 7-14 days before the onset of labor. However, in the vast majority of cases, the mucous plug appears with the onset of labor or a few hours before it begins.

Contractions

Undoubted evidence of the onset of labor is regular contractions, i.e. periodic contractions of the uterine muscles, going with a steady rhythm. Labor pains are always accompanied by dilation of the cervix, and they cannot be neutralized by relaxing procedures, for example, taking warm bath. But if a woman has had false contractions several times the day before, it can be difficult for her to orient herself in her feelings and distinguish between labor pains. If contractions are accompanied brown secretions from the genitals, then we can speak with full confidence about the onset of childbirth.

Digestive system

On the eve of childbirth, as a rule, there is a bowel movement. A woman can repeatedly go to the toilet, and at the same time the stool comes out in a slightly larger volume than is usually the case. Immediately before the onset of childbirth, i.e. a few hours before the onset of labor pains, nausea, vomiting, complete loss of appetite, or indigestion may occur. This reaction of the digestive system is associated with the action of hormones that stimulate labor. These phenomena can occur both together and separately and accompany the appearance of the first weak contractions. In addition, the first contractions may be felt as abdominal pain, increased peristalsis, and frequent empty urination.

pain

Sometimes childbirth begins with the appearance of vague dull pain in the lower abdomen and lower back or girdle pain (lower abdomen and lower back). They can be of a periodic nature, or they can serve as a painful background, i.e. continue without stopping.

Chills

Quite often, all these phenomena are accompanied by a feeling of cold and chills. Labor chills may accompany the onset of labor.

The content of the article:

There is one interesting opinion among the people that the child himself chooses the time of birth. But scientists argue that this factor is directly affected by the level of hormone activity, as well as how prepared the female body is for the upcoming birth. That is why doctors can determine the expected date of birth as accurately as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out certain calculations, as well as to do an ultrasound. Because of these indicators, the date of birth may be adjusted.

But the predictions made by doctors are not always completely true. As a result, future parents become constantly nervous. But every woman who is expecting a child should carefully monitor the state of her own body and notice even minor changes, follow the “signals” that the body gives.

Preparation female body to childbirth begins long before the first contractions. Before the birth of a child, women can be very different emotional condition- ranging from complete relaxation and up to extreme overexcitation.

Psychological attitude before childbirth

The female body is completely unique, because nature has taken care to prepare it naturally for the upcoming birth. But many expectant mothers in the last weeks of pregnancy are haunted by the question of exactly when this happy moment will happen. In order not to be nervous over trifles, women need to try to fully understand what signs appear before childbirth and do not forget to follow all the instructions and recommendations of their doctor.

As a rule, all pregnant women pay close attention to changes in their own body. In almost all cases, it is very difficult to miss the signs that indicate the imminent approach of childbirth.

It is extremely difficult to determine the date of birth with an accuracy of one day, so this moment can also come at the 38th week of pregnancy, and in some cases even at 40. This process is strictly individual and has many aspects, which sometimes it is simply impossible to calculate as accurately as possible.

After the onset of the 36th week of pregnancy, the onset of labor can occur at almost any moment, which is why you should always remain very careful and, if the first feeling of discomfort or deterioration appears, immediately seek help from a doctor.

How to understand that labor will begin soon?

The main signs that indicate the onset of labor include:

As a rule, edema disappears almost just before the birth, and with them, several extra pounds. The fact is that at this moment there is a withdrawal of excess fluid from the body in a natural way.
In some cases, a lowered belly indicates the onset of labor. This is due to the fact that the child is gradually moving towards the birth canal. If it's your first delivery, your belly may drop around the 37th week of pregnancy. And for those who give birth not for the first time, this process may occur a little later. At this time, pressure on the diaphragm and stomach begins to decrease, and the bottom of the uterus gradually sinks by several centimeters. Most pregnant women notice that it has become much easier to sit, heartburn and shortness of breath have ceased to bother.
As a result of the fact that there is an increase in pressure on the bladder, the urge to urinate also becomes more frequent. There is a feeling of pressure and heavy heaviness in the region of the lower back and sacrum. This phenomenon is directly related to the change in the position of the child, as well as the expansion of the bones of the woman's pelvis. The fetus can put pressure on the nerve endings, which causes leg cramps.
Most pregnant women, including in the case of the first birth, may notice a decrease in the activity of the baby - by the time of birth, the child has grown enough, so it becomes difficult for him to move in a small space.
There is an increase in intestinal motility, as the body begins active preparation for childbirth. Possible loosening of the stool, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
With the approach of childbirth, a “nesting effect” often appears, which was laid down by nature itself. The signs of childbirth may include a change in the habitual behavior of a pregnant woman - for example, there is a desire to stay on her own or do a general cleaning in the house. Sharp bouts of activity are also suddenly replaced by appeasement, apathy and a sense of calm.
Braxton Hicks contractions, which are also called preparatory "false". It is these contractions that effectively train the body and soften the cervix before upcoming birth. In these cases, her tension occurs and the woman practically does not experience discomfort. This type of contractions is not regular, and they are not able to cause the cervix to dilate.
Bloody mucous discharge in small quantities. This sure sign that the uterus begins to actively prepare for childbirth. This symptom may be thinning or expansion of the uterus.
As a result of the shortening of the cervix, the mucous plug (fully or in parts) is discharged, which served as a natural barrier between fetal membrane and vaginal microflora. The upcoming separation of the mucous plug may be indicated by pulling pain in the lower abdomen. Most women just notice the appearance copious discharge- cork discharge occurs gradually. If she leaves immediately, a mucous lump appears, which a woman may notice while visiting the toilet. From the moment the cork leaves and before the onset of childbirth, quite a lot of time can pass - a couple of hours or several weeks.

If at least one of the signs listed above appears, you can be sure that the moment of childbirth will come very soon. Therefore, it is necessary to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

Today, experts distinguish several main signs that are true harbingers of the onset of childbirth. They need to be monitored very carefully, as it is necessary to apply in time for obtaining a qualified medical care. As the due date approaches, established by the doctor, it is necessary to collect all Required documents and things that will be needed in the maternity hospital.

Drainage of amniotic fluid

If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, and there are no abnormalities or complications, discharge amniotic fluid occurs immediately before the onset of labor, at the moment when the cervix opens.

Quite often, you can also face a situation where there is a risk of rupture before the onset of childbirth. amniotic sac. In this case, the woman will not experience any accompanying sensations that portend this phenomenon (for example, spasms, contractions).

In such a situation, it is necessary to go to maternity hospital. The fact is that anhydrous period cannot last longer than 12 hours. During pregnancy, upon reaching 37 weeks, the discharge of water that has occurred indicates that premature birth has occurred, so doctors may need to prepare the child for independent breathing.

If there is a constant, slow and intermittent leakage of amniotic fluid, there is a risk of onset premature birth, development intrauterine infection, as well as other serious complications, both for the health of the child and the pregnant woman.

If one of the above causes appears, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. If there is no onset of labor, the doctor prescribes medical stimulation.

Contractions

The appearance of contractions (regular labor contractions), which are accompanied by unpleasant and rather strong pulling pains in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, contributes to the beginning of the opening of the cervix.

In nulliparous women, signs of the onset of labor may be minor contractions, the duration of which often reaches a day and, at the same time, they gradually increase.

The contractions won't be too strong at first. pain, as well as duration (approximately 10–15 seconds), while they occur periodically. In the pauses that appear between contractions, the uterus relaxes, which allows the pregnant woman to rest a bit.

going on gradual development labor activity and contractions begin to become more frequent - both soreness and their duration increase. Now the rest period will be approximately 15-20 minutes, and at the time of childbirth 2-3 minutes.

The contractions also include painful sensations that appear in the lower abdomen, lumbar region, calves, thighs and rectum. Quite often, these symptoms are accompanied by chills. After a 10-minute break between contractions is reached, the duration of which is not less than 60 seconds, this is a sure harbinger of the onset of an early birth.

Both primiparous and multiparous women show exactly the same signs of childbirth. In this case, the main difference is the great rapidity of the subsequent births after the first.

Experts say that with repeated births, it is quite common to prematurely break water before contractions begin. If none of the above signs of childbirth appeared before the 40th week of pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a doctor to determine the condition of the child.

What is the difference between true contractions and false ones before childbirth?

False contractions are similar in all signs to prenatal. However, their main difference is the interval and dynamics. Lying down, moving around a little, or taking a shower can help relieve the discomfort.

Unlike prenatal, when false contractions appear, a pregnant woman can fall asleep. Training contractions are irregular in nature and interval, and they will not increase in intensity and will not begin to lengthen. When they appear, the cervix does not open.

The appearance of false contractions at the 39th week of pregnancy can be perceived as prenatal. But in some cases, they can appear at 30 weeks.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that in each case the pregnancy proceeds in a strictly individually, while it is not necessary for a woman to show the signs listed above. That is why expectant mother it is necessary with increased attention to monitor the state of your own body and listen to the signals it sends, which indicate the onset of labor.

How to determine when you need to go to the hospital, see this video: