How to prepare for childbirth without pain and tearing on your own? Preparing for childbirth: breathing exercises Preparing for childbirth: proper breathing.

At 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should be reminded to obtain a birth certificate from your place of residence along with a sick leave certificate. This honorable responsibility rests with the attending obstetrician-gynecologist.

But, of course, if you forgot to get a certificate, you will not be kicked out of the maternity hospital. In this case, specialists from the medical institution will take care of the paperwork and independently request information about you from the attending physicians.

Is it true, It’s better to take care of the certificate in advance. This will make it easier for both you and the “receiving party” in the maternity hospital. A few words worth saying about.

Our personal advice - take the basics– a robe and shirt, slippers and personal hygiene products and some of your favorite cosmetics to feel fresh and beautiful.

Do not bring “trunks” to the maternity hospital. If necessary, ask your loved ones to deliver a package to you at the maternity hospital. True, practice shows that for the first days there are enough basic necessities.

The same advice can be given about things for the baby. A few rompers and blouses, a cap, diapers and diaper cream - this is quite enough for the first days of life. Dress up your baby in bows and bands and you'll be home.

The sea will ease the pain

Many mothers are afraid of pain even since fire. But there is an opinion that doctors induce labor with potent stimulants, which supposedly cause great harm to both mothers and the fetus.

Let's be objective - today a doctor has good modern drugs in his arsenal and it is not at all necessary for them to resort to injections.

In particular, for a long time has proven its effectiveness special .

The gel is injected into the cervix, and the process goes a little faster. The gel provides irreplaceable help when, for example, the fetus is past term, but labor does not even think about starting.

More have proven themselves very well. This drug relieves spasms, relaxes the smooth muscles of internal organs and has a beneficial effect on the uterus. The uterus begins to contract, the cervix softens, and the process goes faster.

More natural ones are becoming very popular. Essentially, it is nothing more than seaweed rolled into hard flagella.

If necessary, sticks are inserted into the cervix. They alleviate pain and make the birth process more bearable and gentle.

As you can see, there are funds. But remember that During childbirth, you should not be especially active. Only your personal doctor can prescribe the drug.

False and true alarm

Shortly before birth from the birth canal maybe. It looks like a small lump of mucus with a yellowish tint.

It happens that there are blood “strings” in it. They shouldn't scare you, but you should calmly, without losing your composure, start putting things away.

Prepare yourself mentally that contractions will come any minute. Although, it happens that childbirth does not occur immediately, but after a few days.

It's another matter if you have water broke. There should be no doubt about it - make the final preparations and go to the maternity hospital. Because you're about to go into labor.

Contractions are when there is a strong pull in the lower abdomen, but it radiates to the lower back. It can be vaguely compared to menstruation. Only stronger. They come in waves - they ebb and flow, gradually growing and dying down.

At first the interval is every 15-20 minutes, then this time is reduced, contractions become longer and stronger.

It happens that in last weeks pregnancy, women experience they are also called training. Do you want to understand whether this is a false alarm or not? Change your body position.

False contractions are irregular, do not intensify, and suddenly stop. But the real ones, on the contrary, are brighter and more painful. They do not go away, but only grow, replacing each other one after another.

There comes a time when the woman in labor feels the cycle with her whole body. She feels well the beginning-climax-decline of each contraction.

During labor try to relax, and as they say, catch the rhythm. To simplify the task, take a large fitness ball, jump on it, sit, shaking your pelvis.

You can simply stand, leaning on a reliable support, say a chair, or a bed. In this case, you must feel what exactly helps you survive the most acute peak of pain and follow your inner sensations.

And of course, if contractions suddenly overtake you at home, throw all the balls aside - quickly call an ambulance. Keep in mind, it may intensify contractions and speed up labor.

Don't want to give birth in your own bathroom or in an ambulance? Leave this part of the preparatory procedures until you meet with the medical staff, and discuss with them the need for it specifically in your case.

Breath! Do not breath

At the beginning of contractions, the woman in labor tries to relax, but contractions inevitably develop into pushing. And here every cell of the body begins to work. Moreover, work very intensively.

A woman involuntarily has a desire, it seems as if her body is bursting. The pain moves down to the perineum and fixates there. Attempts are the finish line of the process. Breathing techniques will help you here.

It’s great if you prepared for childbirth in courses where you studied and brought to automaticity the techniques of proper breathing and behavior during labor.

But if you didn’t have time to do this - focus on the midwife's words. She, as the main coordinator of the process, will tell you whether to strengthen or weaken the effort. When to inhale and when to exhale.

Listen to the doctor, trust the body, listen to its signals and breathe or don’t breathe... Before you know it, long life will come this moment birth.

The magic moment has arrived, which we have been waiting for for nine long months. A warm lump lies on mom’s chest, listens to her breathing and heartbeat, feels the warmth on her skin... Tastes the first drops.

Remember these moments, it is in them that a deep connection is laid for years. The child receives not only valuable milligrams of food for his physical health, but also all the power of maternal tenderness and love. Wasn't our effort worth it?

Of course, I would like to emphasize - childbirth requires a lot of mental strength from you, the approach should be the most responsible, it requires the expenditure of time and energy to prepare for them. But you will be more than rewarded for your efforts.

Get ready, our dear ones, for the miracle of birth. And remember - everything will go faster and better than you expected!

The period of pregnancy and childbirth is a serious test for a woman, not only physically, but also psychological aspect. Throughout the entire 9 months, she copes with various ailments, often visits the doctor, and at the same time she must not forget about her family. As labor approaches, a woman begins to worry about a new stage in her life. This time must be spent with benefit both for yourself and for the unborn child. We’ll look at how to prepare your body for childbirth in this article!

How to properly prepare for childbirth

Anxiety and fear accompanies almost every woman throughout pregnancy and to a greater extent during pregnancy. later. This phenomenon is normal, especially for those who are going to become mothers for the first time. Even though childbirth is a natural process, it is very complex and responsible. To make it as safe as possible for both the woman and the baby, it is necessary to carefully prepare for it.

Preparing for childbirth consists of several parts, which are equally important both for the proper course of pregnancy and for the upcoming birth process. The expectant mother should know how each stage occurs, the correct response to them, as well as the consequences of any reactions. Therefore, a woman needs to prepare for childbirth, both physically and psychologically, and also learn breathing techniques.

Psychological preparation for childbirth

Usually the most difficult time for a woman is expecting her first child. In this period future mom feels psychological discomfort. It manifests itself as follows:

Instability of the emotional background associated with hormonal changes in the body.
Revision of life values. This is due to the psychological processes of expectation of a new status and responsibility for the baby.
Fears and phobias associated with childbirth. Expectant mothers are afraid of pain during labor, the unprofessionalism of medical personnel, ignorance of caring for a newborn, and other issues.

Some of a woman’s experiences are justified, but some of them arise from excessive suspiciousness. To maintain psychological balance, a pregnant woman should learn to identify real reasons for fear from the total number of concerns. This is precisely why preliminary psychological preparation for childbirth is needed.

Will help you cope with psychological problems preparation for childbirth:

Childbirth preparation courses where women will not only have a good time, but will also be able to say goodbye to worrying myths about pregnancy and childbirth. In this case, you can choose courses with a specific focus, for example, in preparation for natural childbirth, water birth, etc. It is best to attend courses for both parents, which also provide training in practical skills for caring for an infant.
Reading books and articles on psychological preparation for childbirth and problems associated with pregnancy. Thanks to them, you can learn proper behavior during childbirth, as well as breathing techniques.
A positive attitude will help you avoid panic in difficult situations. Hobbies, walks in the fresh air, and good music will help with this.
Visualization and auto-training. In difficult moments, motivation such as birth will help healthy child. Today, you can choose a suitable psychological technique related to concentration or, conversely, relaxation and relief from tension. You can choose the right one yourself or in consultation with a specialist.

The most common fear among pregnant women is the fear of the birth process itself. This anxiety is associated with the fear of severe pain, as well as the unknown. You can reassure yourself by the fact that almost all women go through this and endure pain. The less worries, the easier the birth process is.

Physical preparation for childbirth

Throughout pregnancy, a woman needs to physically prepare for childbirth, which will help the body cope with the load during the process. To do this, you should perform a set of general strengthening exercises. You can sign up for special courses for pregnant women, where classes will be conducted together with a trainer, or you can perform gymnastics yourself at home.

In late pregnancy, you need to know poses that help improve blood circulation in the lower body and also reduce pain. One of these body positions: the feet brought together are raised as close to the body as possible. This position increases blood circulation in the lower body and also improves pelvic flexibility, which is very useful for childbirth.

If you have pain in the lower extremities or feel tired, it is useful to lie on your back with your legs raised above the level of your torso. This helps not only to relax, but also to take the baby into the correct position in the uterus. Another way to change the position of the child is the pose on all fours. In this position, blood flow to the internal organs increases, as fetal pressure decreases. It also helps the baby turn over.

It is useful to do half squats. To do this, you need to stand at a distance of 60 cm from the wall and squat with a straight back as if there was an invisible chair. Half squats are repeated 20 times.

If a woman plans to breastfeed her baby, then it is necessary to prepare her nipples for this process, especially if they are flat. To do this, from the 28th week a massage is carried out, and you need large and index finger grab the nipple and thus make retracting rubbing movements.

You can first learn self-massage. Special courses will help you learn how to find pain points to influence them during childbirth.

Before giving birth, it is also useful to do exercises for the perineum to prevent its ruptures during childbirth. This could be the well-known Kegel exercise or some others:

Stand sideways to the back of the chair, resting your hands on it. Move your leg up as high as possible. Repeat the exercise 10 times for each leg.
Stand on your knees joined together. Slowly roll back, sitting on your heels.
Walk single file around the house.
Sit with your legs crossed in front of you.
Slowly squat down with your legs wide apart. Stay in this position for a few seconds and spring back. Slowly rise and relax. Repeat 5 times.
Try to do more housework while squatting.

Breathing exercises to prepare for childbirth

A pregnant woman should know that in the first stage of labor she needs to be relaxed and calm. The relaxed walls of the abdominal cavity and pelvic floor do not offer resistance, which helps the baby gently pass through the birth canal with each uterine contraction. When tense, the circular muscles of the uterus contract, which leads to increased work. Because of this, less oxygen enters the uterine tissue, which leads to increased pain during contractions.

To reduce pain, you need to learn to rest between contractions. To do this, starting from 20 weeks, you can begin to master relaxing auto-training. These exercises should be performed daily.

To do this, take a comfortable position lying down or sitting in a chair, and turn on quiet music. WITH eyes closed you need to switch to calm breathing. Inhale through the nose, while the stomach is slightly inflated, exhale through the mouth, and the stomach deflates with it. The exhalation must be calm and slightly longer than the inhalation. During such training, you need to imagine the unborn child, you can even mentally talk to him.

Correct breathing during childbirth can help ensure that there is no need for drug intervention.

Contractions at the beginning of the labor process are weak and infrequent, so there is no need for special breathing at this time. If pain increases, you need to choose a comfortable sitting position with your legs spread out. How more woman will be able to relax, the better the cervix will open.

In this case, you need to count: inhale on the count of 3 while inflating the abdomen, exhale on the count of 7 while deflating the abdomen. This breathing continues for a minute, during which time, with a given count, you will be able to take 6 inhalations and exhalations.

Over time, contractions will become more frequent and lengthen in time, the intervals between them will become shorter, and the pain will intensify. Breathing should be even deeper and slower. Inhale on a count of 3, exhale on a count of 10. Over the course of a minute, you will get 4 such inhalations and exhalations. This kind of breathing needs to be trained in advance. In order to make such a long exhalation, you should train gradually.

The first stage of labor ends with the complete opening of the cervix, contractions occur after 20-30 seconds and last about 2 minutes, the pain is severe. Frequent, shallow breathing is appropriate during this period. When training, you can breathe quickly inhaling through your nose and also quickly exhaling through your mouth. You can also breathe only through the nose or only through the mouth. It is necessary to breathe in this way for a minute; slight dizziness may occur.
For the second stage of labor, a woman needs to practice holding her breath. During childbirth, you will not only have to hold your breath for up to half a minute, but also push. During training, you need to inhale sharply and deeply through your mouth, hold your breath, open your mouth slightly and slightly strain your perineum, after which you exhale calmly through your mouth. Breathing for pushing should be practiced gradually, starting with holding the air for 10 seconds and subsequently reaching 30 seconds. A total of 3 such approaches are performed.

When preparing for childbirth in late pregnancy, breathing exercises should be carried out daily for 20-30 minutes.

Preparing for childbirth: procedure

After contractions begin, you must act in accordance with the following plan:

Begancramping pain - It is necessary to compare 3 contractions in a row and the duration of the intervals between them. If the intervals between contractions do not have the same time interval of no more than 10 minutes, they are training. In the case of irregular contractions with large intervals and in the absence of pain, a reasonable solution would be to stay at home and wait until the interval between contractions decreases. You should continue your usual lifestyle: eat, go for walks, get enough sleep, take a bath, collect packages for the maternity hospital. During contractions, practice proper breathing.

Verification of documents- ID card and its photocopy, compulsory medical insurance policy and photocopy of the policy, exchange card, birth certificate (if available), VHI policy (in case of paid childbirth).

Girls, I came across a very interesting article. If you master it completely, you can learn a lot of new things! :) Have an easy birth for all of us!

The body's readiness for childbirth

In the last 1.5-2 weeks of pregnancy, the woman’s body prepares for the upcoming birth. This preparation covers all organs and systems, starting with the centers of higher nervous activity and ending with the executive organ - the uterus. The dominant of pregnancy is replaced by the dominant of childbirth, and the uterus turns from a receptacle for the fetus into an expelling organ.

The readiness of a woman’s body for childbirth is characterized by a number of signs, the appearance of which indicates the possibility of labor beginning in the near future. The most pronounced changes occur in the genitals. Unlike assessing the state of the central nervous system or hormonal status, which requires the use of special, usually complex, research methods, diagnosis of the condition of the reproductive system is carried out using conventional clinical methods of examining a pregnant woman and simple tests. These include: determination of the “maturity” of the cervix, oxytocin test, mammary test, cytological examination of vaginal smears.

Preparing for childbirth

You have gone through everything and all you have to do is meet your child and bring him home, where you have prepared a cozy corner for him and where everyone has been waiting for him for so long. You have read a lot of books, attended courses, consulted with friends and doctors, surfed the Internet, you know all the theoretical parts about childbirth. Are you a little afraid of forgetting all this and confusing it all? important point. Therefore, take the text below simply as a cheat sheet, because full information- in books, courses, and other places. And this is a cheat sheet for the last minute, so as not to rummage through a bunch of texts. As the basis for this cheat sheet, I took the summary of an “experienced mother in childbirth”, given on one of the “folk” sites, so if you see familiar words, don’t be surprised. And once again - you know all this very well. But if you still have fear and uncertainty, then this article can help you.

What you can do at home to prepare for childbirth and the hospital if you are going to one

Preparing the cervix for childbirth, softening the cervix

From 36 weeks - regular sex life without a condom. Sperm softens the cervix, preparing it for childbirth. This is why a condom is necessary during pregnancy itself.
- From 34 weeks evening primrose oil in capsules - 1 per day, from 36 weeks - 2, from 39 - 3 capsules per day. Drink.

Preparing the skin of the perineum for stretching during childbirth and preventing ruptures and cuts of the perineum (episiotomy)

Perineal skin massage using vegetable oil(regular, olive, wheat germ). Before the massage itself, warm up the skin (with a warm heating pad or a warm bath). Dry and massage the dry skin between the anus and vagina with your hands from the outside, rubbing oil into it, pulling the lower vaginal vault down and to the sides. From 34 weeks - 2 times a week, from 38 - every day

Exercises to stretch the muscles and ligaments of the perineum:

Standing sideways to the back of a chair, rest your hands on it and move your leg to the side as high as is comfortable - 6-10 times for each leg.
- With the same emphasis, lift the leg bent at the knee towards the tummy.
- With your legs spread wide, slowly squat down and hold in this position for a few seconds, you can use some spring. Slowly rise and relax. Can be repeated 3-5 times.
- Squat down, straighten one leg and put it to the side. Shift your weight from one leg to the other several times in a row. Extending your arms forward will help you maintain your balance.

Everyday poses.

- “Tailor’s pose” - in a sitting position, cross your legs in front of you.
- “Butterfly” - sitting, connect the heels and pull them towards the perineum. You don’t have to move your legs, just staying in this position, but most likely the “wings” will start dancing on their own. This is great and won’t stop us from watching TV, reading or peeling potatoes.
- “On your heels” - kneel down, bringing them tightly together, and smoothly sit back on your heels.
- “Frog” - being in the “on your heels” position, spread your legs and sit on the floor between your heels.
- in the “squatting” position: you can just sit on your haunches, minding your own business, or you can (should!) wash the floor while squatting!
- You can walk “in single file” - from the kitchen to the room

Choose positions that are comfortable for you and change the position as soon as it begins to tire you.

Preparing nipples for feeding

Prevention of cracked nipples and mastitis

Contrast shower, massaging nipples.
- Terry towel(rub gently).
- Air baths (walk more with an open chest).
- Gently pulling out the nipples, forming an elongated shape - with your hands (your own) and with the help of your husband.
- Ice cubes from oak bark decoction.

There is no need to try too hard in advance, because nipple stimulation causes uterine contractions.

Preparing for the maternity hospital

What to discuss with your doctor in advance:

How to give birth (how much do you insist on natural childbirth, if there are relative indications for cesarean). Discuss the conditions under which the doctor considers surgery necessary and come to an agreement.

When to give birth (if cesarean section is being discussed) - planned or start naturally.

When to go to the maternity hospital (when contractions begin, your water breaks, contractions will occur at certain intervals - at what intervals).

What anesthesia to use and in what case (for caesarean - general or epidural, for natural childbirth - standard medicated sleep, pain relief, at your request, for the doctor’s reasons, no pain relief without serious indications - as you want)

Presence of relatives at the birth. Husband, mother, girlfriend, assistant, what should they take with them (change, change of clothes, food, drink), what will they be allowed, will they be able to give you a massage, hold your hand at any time, i.e. interfere with the staff, pick up the baby first, cut the umbilical cord.

Stimulation of contractions - administration of oxytocin - and puncture of the amniotic sac. Under what conditions does the doctor insist on carrying it out, discuss it so that it is not done prophylactically if you do not want to.

Episiotomy (do you insist that it should not be done without emergency indications, or are you interested in everything being faster and easier, because it is done precisely for this purpose, like the previous point).

It is imperative to insist on suturing with anesthesia; this is the most painful procedure in childbirth.
- Putting the baby to the breast and the first actions with him. When to cut the umbilical cord - immediately or after the pulsation stops (for Rhesus incompatibility is prohibited) and for whom. First, wash the baby and weigh it or place it on your chest first. For how long should you put it, how long will they take it away for washing, weighing and putting eye drops in it, where, when will they return it - as you want!

There are no ideal standards for everyone, maybe you will be the first to want to sleep peacefully alone. If they take you to the nursery, should you supplement the feeding there, should you supplement it with the formula that you bring or the one that is there, is it possible to use donor milk - all this will be discussed. If you are determined to feed on demand when housed separately, discuss having them immediately brought to you rather than feeding them additionally. Is it possible to dress a child in home clothes?

Vaccinations. Hepatitis - should it be done in the maternity hospital? If yes - only imported vaccine - buy it and bring it.
- If you have a negative Rh factor, buy and bring anti-Rhesus D-immunoglobulin, discuss its administration within 72 hours after birth, the sooner the better.

What to take to the maternity hospital?

passport;
exchange card;
contract for childbirth;
mobile phone and charger;
watch;
robe;
nightgown with ties at the front (it’s convenient to use a regular one) men's shirt.) 2-3 pieces;
slippers (according to the requirements of some maternity hospitals, they must be washable. If not, then a second pair for the shower);
underpants;
Super gaskets;
anti-varicose socks/stockings/elastic bandages;
socks;
toothpaste and brush, comb, cream, toilet. paper, napkins, sponge, baby soap, unscented antiperspirant (children are often allergic to their mother’s deodorant and cream, and not at all to what she ate);
two towels;
plate, cup, spoon;
hygienic lipstick! (lips will dry out during childbirth);
hair clips, loose elastic bands;
bras (special model, or soft knitted one, in which you can easily release the breasts);
cream for cracked nipples - bepanten or lanolin;
disposable bra pads;
breast pump, if the maternity hospital does not rent it or you do not want:
bottled water, tea leaves, sugar, chewing gum;
thermos with drink (rosehip infusion);
a second thermos with contracting and hemostatic herbs;
food: dried fruits, fruits, cookies;
small electric kettle;
paper, pen, book, player (or tape recorder to listen to with your child), cassettes with your favorite music;
camera;
a blanket if it’s winter;
night light - if only overhead lighting is provided in the wards;
Disposable diapers. You should not buy more than two packs in advance (in the first days in the maternity hospital, about 10 diapers can be used per day), since there may be a negative skin reaction to one or another model, and you can also choose the size only according to the child. Even if the maternity hospital offers their own diapers, it is better to immediately use the brand you plan to use so that you don’t have to change it later;
Non-alcohol wet cleaning wipes;
The rompers are light - if the rules of the maternity hospital allow, then it is convenient to immediately dress the baby in your own clothes;
replacement shoes for your husband if he is with you;
food for husband (bananas, sandwiches, water);
contact numbers of those who you may need - specialists in breastfeeding, the doctor who managed your pregnancy, pediatrician. It is better to agree with him and a breastfeeding specialist in advance so that you know who to call in case of problems in the maternity hospital.

How to prepare for childbirth

How to prepare for childbirth? This question is especially of concern to expectant mothers who are about to give birth for the first time. Preparing for childbirth in advance is very important. So that in the rush and bustle of leaving for the maternity hospital you don’t forget anything. Preparing for childbirth is not just about packing a suitcase. Preparing for childbirth means choosing a maternity hospital, meeting with the doctor who will deliver the baby, and taking courses. Both the expectant mother and the future father need to prepare for childbirth. So that at the right moment he knows what to do when, what to take where and what to carry (carry) when and where.

About two or three weeks before the birth, check whether you have prepared everything for the birth for yourself and for the birth, for the baby. If you have already chosen a maternity hospital or agreed with your personal doctor, find out in more detail the list of things recommended in this maternity hospital for mother and baby. Some maternity hospitals indicate what you need to take with you, others give out all sick leave. Place the necessary things in small bags in advance: a small bag for the mother for childbirth, a small bag for the mother for discharge, a small bag for the baby to go to the maternity hospital and for discharge. Be sure to introduce these bags to your dad. Often, when we meet with mothers after childbirth, they tell how their husband, out of joy and excitement, mixed up everything, and instead of the third dress from the right, he brought the fifth one from the top, but it no longer fits - and the mood from the meeting was greatly spoiled.

Dear ladies, don’t overload your dads, take care of them too. What might you need in the maternity hospital?

documentation;
things that will be useful during childbirth;
things that may be needed after childbirth;
dowry for the baby in the maternity hospital;
things needed when discharged home.

Harbingers of childbirth

For most pregnant women, childbirth is preceded by so-called precursors, which usually appear 2 weeks before: the stomach drops and the woman becomes able to breathe easier; body weight is slightly reduced due to increased secretion of fluid from the body; the uterus quickly tenses up and hardens due to the increased excitability of its muscles. Before birth, the fetal head in primiparous women is pressed more tightly against the pelvic bones.

At the very last days before childbirth, thick, viscous mucus is released from the vagina, often mixed with blood (the mucous plug that filled the cervical canal is pushed out), diffuse pain appears in the sacrum, hips, and lower abdomen. Once these signs appear, you should not leave home for a long time, because... At any moment, regular contractions of the uterus - contractions - can begin, which will require the woman to be immediately sent to the maternity hospital.

Some women may experience leakage as soon as (or before) contractions begin. amniotic fluid- they are found on linen in the form of colorless spots. When this symptom appears, the pregnant woman must be hospitalized in a maternity hospital, because along with the water in the vagina, a loop of the umbilical cord or a fetal hand may fall out. In addition, prenatal rupture of water contributes to the penetration of infection into the uterus.

The onset of labor is considered to be the appearance of regular contractions. At first they are weak and do not cause the pregnant woman any particular concern, but gradually become more intense, lasting (30-40 seconds) and frequent - after 5-6 minutes.

In primiparous women, the duration of labor is on average from 15 to 20 hours, in multiparous women, the duration of labor is from 10 to 12 hours. The duration of labor is influenced by the woman’s age, the size of the fetus, the size of the pelvis, the activity of uterine contractions, etc. In primigravidas over 28-30 years of age, the duration of labor is longer.

There are three periods in childbirth. The duration of the first, longest period of labor in primiparous women is on average 13-18 hours, and in multiparous women the duration of the first stage of labor is 10-11 hours. In the first period, the lower pole of the amniotic sac wedges into the cervical canal, it opens, the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid flows out.

During the second stage of labor, the fetus moves through the birth canal. Attempts arise during this period. At this time, the midwife leading the birth begins to receive the newborn. With cephalic presentation, the head is born first. Following the head, the body is born. This ends the second stage of labor. In primiparous women, the duration of the second stage of labor is on average from 1 to 2 hours, and in multiparous women, the duration of this period of labor is from 30 minutes. up to 1 hour. Immediately after birth, the baby begins to breathe and cry. The umbilical cord connecting the newborn to the placenta is cut and tied.

Contractions

The first rule is to sleep if possible. If it doesn’t work out, just rest. You can sacrifice all of the following and go unprepared, but not tired by the first hours of waiting, when you can and should calmly conserve your strength and rest. Now nothing is needed from you except to relax. But then you will need serious work, and you should not be exhausted by this time. This “later” can happen in a day! Sleep and rest while you have time. It is not for nothing that the strength of contractions increases gradually. Everything is thought out.

It is advisable to write down the duration and intervals between them, but not immediately, when they are rare and mild, and then when they no longer allow you to sleep.

If sleep and rest are in neither eye, then it is better not to lie, move and look for a position in which it is easier. Use poses and techniques learned in courses or read. Bring your husband to readiness, check massage techniques, breathing, etc. with him. Do not strain the muscles of the body, especially the face, or clench your teeth - this strains the muscles of the pelvic floor and the cervix and lengthens and makes the period of contractions more difficult. Tell your husband to remind you when you forget yourself and not let you shrink. You should not fight or experience contractions, but surrender to them, relaxing and drowning in them. This is not senseless pain, not a spasm, not a squeeze, not a contraction, although you feel it that way. This is the OPENING of the cervix, this is their ultimate goal, and this is what needs to be promoted. You open up, whether you want it or not, you will fight and hurt both of you, or you won’t fight and relax - in any case, you will open up. And since this is inevitable, if you do not fight the inevitable, but understand its meaning, it will be easier for you to understand the meaning of “relaxation in contractions.” Because it means "opening when opening."

Discharge of water.

Capture this moment

Bath

The bath relieves pain very well and helps you relax. Allows you to determine whether labor has actually begun. If these are preliminary contractions, then under the influence of the bath they will subside, but if labor has begun, then the bath, on the contrary, will somewhat stimulate the process. You can take a bath for no more than half an hour and only for early stage childbirth, when contractions last no more than 20 minutes, unless, of course, you are going to go to the maternity hospital. Those giving birth at home can also take a bath in the later stages of labor.

Showering is very helpful in relieving pain during contractions. It can be directed to the sacrum or lower back.

Even if the water has already broken, you can take a bath, but you need to clean it well and add filler: pure sea salt or Rotokan.

Enema

Prepare 3 liters of water. 2 for an enema, 1 just in case. No need to boil. Water temperature 30-32 degrees. You need to do an enema at long intervals, when contractions occur at intervals of 18-20 minutes. Water m.b. salted (a little sea salt) or acidified (1 tbsp. lemon juice for 3 l). The enema must be done in a knee-elbow position.

Shaving

Regular men's shaving foam helps reduce the number of cuts and discomfort.

Drink, food

Stimulating and maintenance drinks. During childbirth and immediately after. Rosehip + 1 tsp. honey Fruits, dried fruits and crackers. Be sure to take it with you to the hospital.

Duration of labor

After the baby is born, the third stage of labor begins, called postpartum. The duration of this period of labor is on average 30 minutes. During this period, the placenta separates from the walls of the uterus and the placenta is born. The placenta consists of the placenta, umbilical cord and membranes.

Start of labor

Contractions

The first rule is to sleep if possible. If not, just relax. You can sacrifice all of the following and go unprepared, but not tired by the first hours of waiting, when you can and should calmly conserve your strength and rest. Now nothing is needed from you except to relax. But then you will need serious work, and you should not be exhausted by this time. This “later” can happen in a day! Sleep and rest while you have time. It is not for nothing that the strength of contractions increases gradually. Everything is thought out. It is advisable to write down the duration and intervals between them, but not immediately, when they are rare and mild, and then when they no longer allow you to sleep.

If sleep and rest are in neither eye, then it is better not to lie, move and look for a position in which it is easier. Use poses and techniques learned in courses or read. Bring your husband to readiness, check massage techniques, breathing, etc. with him. Do not strain the muscles of the body, especially the face, or clench your teeth - this strains the muscles of the pelvic floor and the cervix and lengthens and makes the period of contractions more difficult. Tell your husband to remind you when you forget yourself and not let you shrink. You should not fight or experience contractions, but surrender to them, relaxing and drowning in them. This is not senseless pain, not a spasm, not a squeeze, not a contraction, although you feel it that way. This is the OPENING of the cervix, this is their ultimate goal, and this is what needs to be promoted. You open up, whether you want it or not, you will fight and hurt both of you, or you won’t fight and relax - in any case, you will open up. And since this is inevitable, if you do not fight the inevitable, but understand its meaning, the meaning of “relaxation in contractions” will be easier for you. Because it means "opening when opening."

Breaking of water

The water can break at any time: at the beginning of labor, in the middle, or just before pushing. All this is within normal limits.

Transparent or whitish - normal

Green - the child is experiencing hypoxia and requires medical attention.

With small streaks of blood - part of the mucus plug, not dangerous

With bright blood - placental abruption, urgent hospitalization is required

Capture this moment

Course of labor

Childbirth is an unconditional reflex act aimed at expelling the fertilized egg from the uterine cavity once it reaches a certain degree of maturity. The gestational age must be at least 28 weeks, the fetal body weight must be at least 1000 g, and the height must be at least 35 cm.

During the birth act there are 3 periods: I - the period of opening; II - period of exile; III - succession period. A woman with the onset of labor is called a woman in labor, after the end of labor she is called a puerpera.

In the first stage of labor, contractions cause the cervix to open. Contractions are involuntary periodic contractions of the uterus. During contractions, the processes of contraction (contraction of each muscle fiber and each muscle layer) and retraction (displacement of muscle layers relative to each other) occur in the muscular wall of the uterus. During pauses between contractions, contraction is completely eliminated, and retraction is only partially eliminated.

The myometrium consists of two layers, different from a functional point of view. The outer layer is mainly represented by longitudinally located muscle fibers. This layer, powerful and active in the fundus and body of the uterus, fades away in the distal cervix. The inner layer contains predominantly circular muscle fibers. It is best expressed in the cervix and lower segment of the uterus. There are few circular muscle fibers in the fundus and body of the uterus. With the development of regular labor, coordinated contractions of the outer and inner layers of the myometrium are observed.

The primary source of stimulation of labor (pacemaker, pacemaker) is a more or less localized group of cells in the uterine wall. Most researchers believe that pacemakers are located in both tubal angles of the uterus. From here, electrical activity (a wave of contractions) spreads during contractions to the underlying parts of the uterus - to the body and lower segment. N. Alvarez and R. Caldeyro-Barcia (1952) called this propagation of the contraction wave from top to bottom a triple downward gradient. The strongest and most prolonged contractions of the uterus are observed in the fundus (fundal dominant). Subsequently, the wave of contraction spreads down to the body and cervix (first gradient). In the body and especially in the lower segment of the uterus, a decrease in the strength and duration of contraction is observed (second and third gradients).

Physiologically developing labor activity is characterized by reciprocity (interconnectedness) of the contractile activity of the uterine body, lower segment and cervix. Each contraction of the longitudinal muscles of the uterus is accompanied by active stretching (distraction) of the lower segment and cervix, which leads to the opening of the uterine pharynx. The normal course of labor is characterized by coordination (consistency) of uterine contractions. In addition to the vertical coordination of contractions (triple downward gradient, fundal dominance and reciprocity), there is horizontal coordination in the form of coordinated contractions of the right and left halves of the uterus. With coordinated contractions, there is a synchronicity in the onset of the phase of maximum contraction of the uterus in its various parts. The propagation time of the contraction wave, which covers the entire organ, is 15 s.

With well-expressed labor, the intensity of uterine contractions is usually 30 mm Hg. Art., and the frequency of contractions is at least two in 10 minutes. As labor progresses, the intensity and duration of contractions gradually increase, and the duration of the intervals between contractions decreases.

During each contraction, intrauterine pressure increases, which is transmitted to the fertilized egg, which takes the shape of the uterine cavity. Amniotic fluid rushes into the lower part of the amniotic sac, where one of the large parts of the fetus is located (head, pelvic end). As long as the membranes are intact, the uterus is a closed, fluid-filled ball.

During childbirth, due to the contraction of the longitudinally located muscles of the uterus and the reciprocally relaxing circular muscles, the lower segment of the uterus and the area of the internal os of the cervix are stretched. The upper part of the cervical canal gradually expands in a funnel-like manner, and during contractions the amniotic sac (the lower pole of the membranes with part of the amniotic fluid contained in them) rushes there. By irritating the nerve endings in the area of the internal pharynx, it helps to intensify contractions. Contractions of the muscle fibers of the body of the uterus, due to its ovoid shape, are directed upward not vertically, but tangentially to the circular muscles of the lower segment of the uterus and the cervical canal. This relationship and the action of the muscles of the fundus and body of the uterus on the opening of the cervical canal are so pronounced that the opening of the cervix occurs even with premature rupture of water (when the role of the amniotic sac in the opening of the cervix is completely excluded) and even with the transverse position of the fetus (when the presenting part is absent) .

During contractions, as a result of retraction, the above and underlying muscle layers seem to cross each other and gradually move upward. During pauses between contractions, they do not return completely to their place. Therefore, the upper part of the uterine body gradually thickens, and the area of the lower segment becomes thinner. The border between the upper part of the uterus (fundus, body), which contracts during labor, and the actively relaxing lower segment is called the contraction ring (border groove, border ridge); tiro can be determined after the outpouring of amniotic fluid during contractions. The lower segment of the uterus encloses the presenting part of the fetus with a ring that fits tightly to it - the internal zone of contact.

In this case, an external zone of contact is formed between the lower segment of the uterus and the bone ring (the head is fixed by the small segment at the entrance to the pelvis). Due to the presence of contact zones, the waters are divided into two unequal parts: the larger part, which is located above the contact zone, the “back waters,” and the smaller part, located below the contact zone and filling the amniotic sac, the “front waters.”

The mechanism of cervical dilatation in first and multiparous women is not the same. In primiparous women, the dilatation of the cervix begins from the side of the internal pharynx. When the internal os is fully opened, the cervix is smoothed out, the cervical canal is absent and the external os begins to open. Full dilatation of the cervix is considered to be such that the uterine cavity and vagina form a single birth tube. In multiparous women, the opening of the internal and external pharynx occurs simultaneously and in parallel with the shortening of the cervix.

When the uterine os opens completely or almost completely, the membranes rupture. This is facilitated by a complex of reasons: 1) increasing intrauterine pressure due to increased frequency and intensity of contractions; 2) an increase in overstretching of the membranes of the fetal bladder due to an increase in intrauterine pressure and a decrease in their resistance to rupture; 3) lack of support for the lower pole of the fetal bladder from the side of the cervix with full or almost complete dilatation. If the amniotic sac is opened when the cervix is not fully dilated, then the presenting part of the fetus plays the role of stimulating the receptors of the internal pharynx. In some cases, when the membranes are too dense, the fetal bladder does not open even when fully dilated. In these cases, it must be opened so as not to disrupt the physiological course of labor.

Full dilatation of the cervix indicates the end of the first stage of labor. The second stage of labor begins - the period of expulsion, during which the birth of the fetus occurs.

After the amniotic fluid is released, the contractions stop or weaken for a short time. The volume of the uterine cavity is significantly reduced, the walls of the uterus come into closer contact with the fetus. The contractions intensify again and contribute to the movement of the fetus through the birth canal, which began during the dilation period. The presenting part of the fetus approaches the pelvic floor and puts increasing pressure on it, in response to which attempts appear. Pushing differs from contractions in that the reflex involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus is accompanied by a reflex contraction of the striated skeletal muscles of the abdominal press, diaphragm, and pelvic floor. The force of pushing can be voluntarily adjusted by the woman giving birth. The presenting part of the fetus stretches the genital slit and is born. Behind it, the entire body of the fetus is born and the posterior amniotic fluid flows out.

After the birth of the fetus, the third stage of labor begins - the successive period. At this time, the placenta and membranes are separated from the walls of the uterus and the placenta is born.

A few minutes after the birth of the fetus, contractions resume. With the very first contraction, the separation of the baby's place begins, occurring in the spongy layer of the falling membrane at the site of its attachment to the uterine wall (placental area). During subsequent contractions, the entire uterine musculature contracts, including the area of the placental area. The placenta does not have the ability to contract, and therefore it rises above the decreasing placental platform in the form of a fold or bump. The connection between the placenta and the placental site is disrupted, vascular rupture occurs, which leads to the formation of a retroplacental hematoma, which is an accumulation of blood between the placenta and the wall of the uterus. Retroplacental hematoma, together with uterine contractions, contributes to increasing and, finally, final placental abruption. The separated placenta is born from the uterine cavity by force and carries the membranes with it. The placenta emerges from the genital tract with the aqueous (amniotic) membrane on the outside. The maternal surface of the placenta faces the inside of the born placenta. This most common central path of placental abruption and birth of placenta is described by Schultz.

Another variant of placental abruption may be observed, when separation begins not from the center, but from the periphery. In this case, the spilled blood does not form a retroplacental hematoma, but, flowing down, peels off the membranes. With each subsequent contraction, more and more sections of the placenta peel off until it is completely separated from the wall of the uterus. In addition, the separation of the placenta is facilitated by its own weight. The placenta is born from the birth canal forward with the lower edge of the placenta (its maternal surface), and the amniotic membrane is inside - the separation of the placenta according to Duncan.

The birth of the placenta, separated from the walls of the uterus, is facilitated by efforts that occur when the placenta moves into the vagina and irritates the pelvic floor muscles.

Pain during childbirth. How to reduce pain during childbirth

Pain and childbirth are close together in the human consciousness. Many women are terrified of the pain that inevitably (from their point of view) accompanies childbirth. More sensible ladies prepare for childbirth in advance. The correct attitude towards pain in general, and pain during childbirth in particular, the ability to significantly regulate pain during childbirth, the absence of fear of pain during childbirth is the result of proper preparation for childbirth and competent training of the pregnant couple.

Psychologists who practice body-oriented therapy believe that pain is a powerful signal from our body, a means of its “communication” with our consciousness.

Sometimes we work so hard, eat poorly, don’t rest at all, smoke - in general, we get exhausted, and the body is forced to resort to a powerful weapon - pain. This is the positive function of pain: it is the only opportunity to “reach out” to us. When we are in pain, we finally stop and take a breath. Pain knocks you out of the daily bustle and forces you to turn to yourself.

It just so happens that pain is an indispensable companion of human birth. Now, with the help of modern medical science, it has been proven that childbirth is a test not only for the mother, but also for the baby. The baby sometimes experiences pain many times stronger than the mother’s pain. Therefore, during pregnancy it is necessary to thoroughly prepare for meeting pain. So that she becomes your ally, not your enemy.

But first you need to stop being afraid of labor pain, since fear often stops contractions that have begun. We are talking, of course, about physiological pain, not pathological, for which anesthesia and surgical intervention. Preparing for childbirth is primarily about relaxation. A relaxed woman is exclusively occupied with childbirth, her body follows the “beaten path”, following her instincts. During pregnancy, you need to learn to listen to the processes occurring inside your body, learn to respond correctly to changes, and “catch” the flow. In any manual you will find advice not to be nervous and to rest more often during pregnancy. But in addition to relaxation, both a professional massage for pregnant women and a relaxing massage will help you loved one. What is it for?

While expecting a baby, it is important to remove the so-called muscle tension so as not to interfere with the woman’s body doing its main “work” - childbirth. Often massage also brings therapeutic benefits - the baby turns over and takes the correct position upside down. Massage will be your best assistant, both during contractions and at the beginning of pushing. But this is not just a massage, but a massage of the sacrum, an area in the lower spine. If your husband is present during the birth, he will be the one who will help you relieve stress. While you are in labor, before you go to the maternity hospital, while taking a shower, you can direct the stream to the sacral area. You will learn massage techniques at any parent school.

During childbirth, it is better to move actively, change positions, choose the one that is least uncomfortable; my birth, for example, was “standing”. During the last stage of labor, a woman withdraws into herself, tuning into signals coming from within. Meditation will help you acquire this skill.

It is known that the throat area during childbirth is associated with the cervix. A woman’s desire to scream is not just a spontaneous reaction to pain, but a strong instinct. The fact is that screaming relaxes the throat and cervix, thus helping the baby pass through the birth canal. But screaming can be destructive not only for others, but also for mother and baby. Therefore, it is better not to shout, but to SING. Singing during childbirth is a tradition of our great-great-grandmothers. The so-called supporting voice, which we city dwellers have lost, was successfully used as a powerful pain reliever.

Its effect increases if your husband or midwife sings with you, in case of home birth.

It's hard to relax when a bright white light blinds your eyes, and 5 other women in labor are moaning nearby. Therefore, if it is within your capabilities, bring the environment of the birth of your baby closer to home. After all, at home you feel protected, so dim lighting, favorite things, and a dressing gown will help you.

In pushing, the nature of the pain is somewhat different, not comparable to cramping pain. At the last stage, the pain should not be reduced or avoided, but “go towards it”, pushing where it hurts. Proper breathing will help here. By following at least some of these simple recommendations, you will find mutual language with your body. And it will answer you in childbirth - a hundredfold.

Self-anesthesia of labor

Let's start with the fact that painless and low-pain childbirth is not so rare. Many women in labor cross the threshold of the maternity hospital in the active phase of labor, when the opening of the cervix is already more than 2-3 cm, sometimes with almost complete opening of the cervix, that is, at the end of the 1st stage of labor, without experiencing severe pain. And some women, even during pushing, ask in bewilderment: “Doctor, when will it hurt me?” What is this: individual sensitivity? Or are there exceptions that just prove the rule? Let's try to understand the reasons for such individual sensitivity or, rather, insensitivity.

The suffering of women during normal, uncomplicated childbirth is contrary to the laws of nature. The fact is that pain is given to us as a defensive reaction in order to recognize the disease in time and save our life and health. Therefore, during childbirth, a sharp pain syndrome is a companion to certain complications that require qualified medical care. If the course of labor is favorable, when nothing threatens either the mother or the child, the appearance of pain is not justified.

The nature of labor pain

During contractions in the first stage of labor, irritation of the nerve endings of the body and cervix, blood vessels and ligaments occurs. In the second stage of labor - the period of expulsion of the fetus - the nerve endings of the perineum and external genitalia are predominantly irritated. Both those and other impulses, entering the central nervous system, are normally blocked and are not perceived as pain signals, that is, they remain below the pain threshold. In addition, there are additional protective “anti-pain” factors. Firstly, before childbirth, partial destruction of the nerve endings of the uterus occurs, and therefore its sensitivity decreases in comparison with the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy. And secondly, during childbirth, a powerful release of endorphins and enkephalins occurs in the body - “pleasure hormones”, natural painkillers, related in structure to narcotic analgesics.

But from generation to generation, women are passed on the fear of childbirth, recorded in the pages of the Old Testament. This fear has a real historical basis. After all, hundreds of years ago, in the absence of adequate obstetric care, many births were indeed very difficult, with dangerous complications and often ended in the death of the woman in labor. The fear of inevitable pain disrupts the harmony of relationships in the structures of the brain, sharply reducing the pain threshold, and therefore those painful stimuli that normally should not penetrate our consciousness begin to be perceived. This is the so-called psychogenic component of labor pain. As a result of the passage of pain impulses through the central nervous system, reflected pain occurs on the surface of the body: in the lower abdomen, in the lumbosacral region, in the upper third of the thighs and in the groin.

Down with the psychogenic factor!

What is the opposite of fear? Waiting for the holiday. Remember how, as a child, you waited for your next birthday or New Year How did your heart skip a beat in anticipation of fun and gifts? And how joyful it should be to wait for a miracle, great happiness - meeting the most beloved and most beautiful person whom YOU will give to the world! Dreams come true, new facets of love, a new phase of merging with your loved one. I want to bring the sweet moment closer and, having plunged, drink it entirely, to the dregs. Dream about contractions, remember that pain can sometimes be very sweet.

What about women's curiosity? Of course, you’ve read and heard a lot about this, but it’s incredibly interesting to experience everything yourself, I wonder how it will happen to you. Moreover, even repeated births are not similar to previous ones.

In addition, childbirth is perhaps the only work and pleasure that is not available to a man. And although many future dads now strive to be present at the birth of their child, they still cannot feel it like a woman, because seeing and feeling are not the same thing.

Sometimes women want to go to the maternity hospital a few days before giving birth. This is not always justified. No maternity hospital, even the best one, can replace the warmth and comfort of your home. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, and there are no indications for prenatal hospitalization, it is better to spend the last days before childbirth surrounded by loved ones, and not in the department of pathology of pregnant women, where you will inevitably be haunted by the burden of other people’s problems. It happens that a woman herself, going to the maternity hospital, cannot accurately determine whether she has begun labor. If, in this case, the doctor who examined you in the emergency department states that these are only harbingers of labor and invites you to return home, listen to his advice. The maternity ward is the place where you need to give birth, and not languish, empathizing with others.

And in conclusion

Childbirth is something that every pregnant woman expects and fears at the same time. Especially if this is her first birth. Numerous stories from friends about how painful and terrible it is, do not increase self-confidence. The opinion of a mother or grandmother that childbirth is a simple matter is also not taken seriously. The closer the cherished day, the more doubts and nerves there are. There is only one way out: learn as much as possible about childbirth from specialists in advance.

Breathing is a natural physiological process that is carried out by our body at the reflex level. We don't even think about how we breathe. But in some cases, being able to breathe correctly is simply necessary: for example, to achieve the greatest effect during sports training, swimming. Correct breathing becomes especially important for a woman during the birth of a child.

The importance of proper breathing during childbirth and labor

Learn to breathe correctly the expectant mother has to even before the onset of childbirth. Over time, the enlarging uterus begins to put pressure on the diaphragm, which entails a decrease in the space in the body intended for the lungs.

The less space remains for the main respiratory organ, the more difficult it becomes for the expectant mother to breathe: inhalations and exhalations become more frequent, but not as deep as in a normal person.

Childbirth itself is an extremely painful and unpleasant process. But not all expectant mothers know that, knowing how to breathe correctly during childbirth and contractions, they can significantly reduce pain levels, concentrating on breathing and not on pain. And it will be easier for the baby to be born. Proper breathing during contractions will help a woman relax as much as possible when pushing, and also provides invaluable assistance during contractions.

When giving birth, a woman must remember everything that she was taught in the now popular Schools for expectant mothers: not only the level of pain during childbirth, but also health of the unborn baby. During contractions in the uterus, the blood vessels, the main suppliers of oxygen for the baby, contract. With a lack of oxygen, it gradually occurs - the baby simply suffocates. Provided the mother breathes correctly during childbirth and contractions, the risk of this problem is significantly reduced. But if a woman in labor does not breathe correctly, the risk of suffocation for the baby increases significantly.

If the expectant mother performed all the necessary exercises and learned to breathe correctly, then during delivery, when there is a break between contractions, there will be enough oxygen entering the body of the mother and child to make it as comfortable as possible for the baby to make his way through the birth canal without suffocating.

Fetal hypoxia is very dangerous for the baby’s health, it can affect his future development: babies who have suffered severe hypoxia may lag behind mentally and physical development, the child will develop neurological disorders, which obviously will not make his mother happy.

Breathing techniques during labor and childbirth

How to breathe correctly during contractions and what is the process of proper breathing during childbirth? It directly depends on the period of birth.

The first contractions, which signal the mother that it is time to go to the hospital, are usually not that painful. During this period, a woman can even go about her own business or calmly pack her bag to go to give birth. During this period, we use the technique of slow deep breathing.

Slow deep breathing technique:

We inhale air through our nose, counting “1-2-3-4”, and exhale it through our mouth at “1-2-3-4-5-6” (we fold our lips into a tube), therefore, we exhale longer than we inhale, which allows oxygen in the required volume reaches the baby through the mother’s body systems, and gives the mother the opportunity to escape from the pain and relax a little.

How to breathe correctly during intense contractions

During this period, the woman in labor experiences more severe pain. The main mistake of mothers, especially for first-time mothers, is an attempt to “squeeze”, to suppress the pain in oneself. Remember, this only aggravates the situation and negatively affects not only your well-being, but also the birth process! There are often cases when labor is suppressed, the cervix cannot fully open, and then doctors will have to intervene in the affairs of nature in order to reactivate labor. Remember also about the lack of oxygen for the fetus, which we wrote about above!

During intense contractions, you should try to relax all your muscles as much as possible and remember that there is pain-relieving breathing, which is the right time to use! This technique is called "doggy breathing."

Dog breathing technique:

At the peak of the contraction, we open our mouth a little, as dogs do when they are hot. We breathe often and not deeply. Typically, this type of breathing is used at the turning point, when contractions become very strong. The stronger the contractions, the faster the breathing.

The stronger the contractions become and the more the cervix dilates, the more difficult it becomes to breathe slowly. Therefore, during this period of labor we combine slow and deep breathing with frequent and shallow breathing. This technique is called a “locomotive”.

Train breathing technique:

This is a combination of dog breathing with calm and slow breathing. As soon as the contraction begins, we breathe very quickly, like a dog, inhaling air through the nose and exhaling quickly through the mouth. For convenience, the lips can be folded into a tube. At the moment when the contraction subsides, we return to deep and slow breathing.

Think that with each contraction the baby is getting closer to being born, do not focus on the pain. To reduce pain, it is best to take some A pose that will make it easier to bear pain:

lean on your hands and lean forward a little - this position will allow you to relax your abdominal muscles;
get on all fours and sway a little to the rhythm of your breathing;
squat down and spread your knees to the side;
realize circular movements pelvis.

At this stage of labor, to relieve pain, ask your spouse or midwife to massage your lower back, back, or abdomen. Take a break from conversations, listen to music, try reading a book.

The most important period of childbirth is pushing. Here, obstetricians “run the show,” and the mother in labor will have to completely trust their competence and experience. It is these “priests of the maternity hospital” who will tell you how to breathe correctly, when you should push as hard as you can, and when you can take a breath.

Breathing during pushing is carried out as follows: mommy inhales deeply through her nose and begins to push hard while exhaling through her mouth, directing all the air pressure to the uterus and exhaling the air completely. This is called “breathing on a candle.” At the moment of such breathing, as you exhale, you can sing the vowels out loud.

At the moment of birth of the baby's head We move on to the “doggy style” breathing technique. With proper breathing and without any complications, the birth of a child takes place quickly: a baby can be born in just three or four attempts.

What else you need to know about breathing during childbirth and preparation for it

Eat some simple rules , which will help the expectant mother more easily control the breathing process during childbirth:

the stronger the contraction, the more frequent and intense the breathing should be;
to reduce pain, do not lose your breathing rhythm;
you should control your breathing completely, do not breathe arbitrarily or haphazardly;
when the contraction begins, relax as much as possible;
get rid of panic;
There is no need to wait for a fight - it’s better to just rest.

Ideally, before giving birth, the woman in labor would train to breathe correctly and attend classes for expectant mothers: they usually teach all breathing techniques. You shouldn’t rely on “maybe” and avoid training that will help you learn to breathe. Those mothers who trained hard usually do not have breathing problems during childbirth, unlike those who “shirked” from training.

Sometimes during training it may occur hyperventilation– excess oxygen. In this case, the expectant mother may feel dizzy and her vision may darken. To get rid of hyperventilation, you need to inhale and then not breathe for 30 seconds.

When breathing with an open mouth during labor, women in labor often experience dry mouth. You can avoid this by placing the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth or by breathing through open palms.

Video about proper breathing during childbirth and labor

Look next video, which presents master classes on proper breathing techniques, and also given general recommendations on how to breathe correctly during pregnancy and childbirth.

With proper preparation and a responsible attitude to training, you will definitely be able to master all breathing techniques during childbirth. How did you learn to breathe, what breathing techniques did you use, did you manage to reduce the pain with proper breathing? Leave your stories and recommendations in the comments..

In order to feel confident, not to panic, to behave correctly in the maternity hospital and to be able to help herself with unpleasant sensations, a woman in labor must have a fairly good idea of what awaits her during childbirth. The expectant mother needs to know how not to miss the onset of labor, when to go to the maternity hospital, what documents and things will be needed for hospitalization, how to behave correctly during contractions and pushing, what specialists do and why during childbirth.

To meet this process “fully armed”, modern women they begin to get serious long before the end of pregnancy prepare for childbirth. Some study specialized medical literature, others subscribe to pregnancy magazines, and others search for information on the vast expanses of the Internet. During pregnancy, many attend courses for expectant parents, learn techniques for self-anesthesia and active behavior during childbirth, and write detailed notes that reflect the main stages of each stage of labor.

However, most women who have crossed the threshold of motherhood complain that at the most crucial moment all the accumulated knowledge disappeared at once and, despite extensive theoretical training, the first contractions still took them by surprise. There is a common saying: “Preparing is useless - during childbirth You’ll forget everything anyway.” Of course, this statement is false; This is how those who are lazy or are simply afraid to find out something about childbirth in advance justify themselves. And yet there is some truth in this statement: how not get ready for childbirth, the beginning of this process will still be associated with natural excitement, in which all the acquired knowledge may become confused in the head.

Suppose the expectant mother has the first “suspicious” sensations: her back hurts, her stomach tenses, and liquid discharge appears from the genital tract. At this moment, many thoughts simultaneously appear in her head based on the information received about childbirth; however, these thoughts are sometimes very contradictory - after all, in courses and in specialized literature we understood different variants the beginning of labor. So, where to start: call the doctor, your husband or an ambulance? What if this is a false alarm? What is the best way to behave now during “sensations”: try to relax or immediately use pain relief techniques? Should I count my contractions or go straight away? What is better now - lie down, sit down or walk? Where are the documents? Have you collected the necessary things and do you need to take them all with you at once? – Looking for answers to these questions during contractions, rummaging through a stack of magazines or thick course notes, is extremely inconvenient.

Meanwhile, there is a wonderful way that helps during the onset of labor avoid fuss and excitement, don’t make mistakes and don’t forget anything. This method is absolutely accessible and surprisingly simple: you need to make a “cheat sheet” on behavior in advance during childbirth. It should be clear and concise, without abstruse medical terms and lengthy explanations. In the cheat sheet, as in a young fighter’s memo, you need to outline, point by point, the necessary actions for each stage of childbirth, starting from the very first sensations until the moment of transfer to the postpartum ward.

For example, how to behave at the beginning, depending on your feelings, when to call the doctor, when to go to the maternity hospital, what documents to take with you and where they are, what to wear and what to take with you, etc.

Any expectant mother can easily write such a note; Recordings from courses and articles for future parents are perfect for this. In order for the instructions to be practical, you need to try to imagine that the described situation is unfolding at this very moment, and write down the questions that may arise in connection with this. Having identified the main questions, you need to find clear, comprehensive answers to them in authoritative sources (popular literature for expectant parents or lectures from courses) and write them down on paper. Then you need to edit the resulting notes so that they are sufficiently concise, while remaining comprehensive and understandable. You need to write a “cheat sheet” in advance (no later than the 36th week); Having written a draft, it is good to show it to the doctor at antenatal clinic or to a course lecturer to eliminate the possibility of errors and, perhaps, to add something. After the memo is compiled, it should be placed in a visible place in the house, for example, attached with magnets to the refrigerator or a button to the wall in the room. The best solution will make several copies of the “cheat sheet”; keep one in a visible place at home, put the other in your purse along with the necessary documents (in case the onset of labor finds you outside the house), and the third - give to your husband (so that he also has a guide to action and can tell him how to behave).

Preparing for childbirth: action plan

You can make an action plan during contractions as follows:

Contractions appeared- compare three adjacent contractions and two intervals between them. Real contractions should be at regular intervals of no more than 10 minutes. If the intervals are uneven or more than 10 minutes, the contractions are not painful and nothing else bothers you, you can stay at home and observe whether they become more frequent. You can behave freely (eat, walk, sleep, take a bath, pack your things). Breathe calmly during contractions.

Check documents– passport, photocopy of passport, compulsory medical insurance policy, photocopy of policy, exchange card, birth certificate (if any), voluntary health insurance policy (if contract for childbirth).

Check the things you need to take with you:

bag “for childbirth”: still water, wet wipes, lip balm, thermal spray, shirt, robe, washable slippers (the list can be supplemented in accordance with the requirements of the selected maternity hospital);
things for the husband (if choosing a partner birth): washable slippers, clean socks, medical suit.

Regular contractions every 10 minutes or more often –

call " ambulance»;
call your husband or mother (for convenience, at this point you can write down the phone numbers of the doctor, the ambulance, and your husband’s mobile number).

You can go to the maternity hospital by ambulance or by your own car. From now on, try not to sit on a hard surface, eat or drink. During a contraction, breathe calmly and behave freely between contractions. You can walk, lie down, sit on the ball. In a passenger car, sit in the back seat in a position lying on your side or reclining on your back.

Water is leaking –

call the doctor (for individual management of childbirth);
call an ambulance;
call your husband or mom.

Go to the maternity hospital regardless of whether there are contractions; You can go by ambulance or in your own car. Use a sterile sanitary pad for postpartum discharge. Before the ambulance team arrives, lie down, do not eat or drink; in your car, sit in the back seat on your side or reclining on your back.

Severe abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, bleeding from the genital tract, general deterioration in health - urgently go to the maternity hospital; only by ambulance!

In the emergency department - call the doctor (for individual management of childbirth), change shoes, take off outerwear, take all the documents (passport + copy, compulsory medical insurance policy + copy, exchange card, birth certificate or contract policy - if any) and go inside without a queue. Actions of the staff: the midwife fills out the card, measures blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height and weight, gives consent to hospitalization, calls the doctor. The doctor looks on a couch or chair, listens to the fetal heartbeat, and does an ultrasound (if necessary). After the examination, the midwife takes blood from a finger, shaves the perineum, gives an enema, takes you to the toilet, then to the shower and to the maternity ward.

In the ward - a CTG recording (you can lie or sit on a ball - ask the doctor) and a second examination. If you are allowed to stand up, you can walk around the ward, look for comfortable positions, sit on the ball. If you can't get up, lie on your side.

Painful contractions– during a contraction, choose a comfortable position, relax as much as possible, massage, use pain-relieving breathing. The options should be described separately. Between contractions, rest and breathe calmly. Consult your doctor about the need for drug pain relief.

I want to push- call a doctor; During a contraction, breathe often through your mouth (“dog”) so as not to start pushing ahead of time. If you are allowed to stand up, choose a vertical or semi-vertical position; if you can’t get up, lie on your side, raising yourself on your elbow and bending your knees. Relax all muscles as much as possible and monitor your breathing. Between contractions, lie down and breathe calmly; rinse your mouth, freshen up with thermal spray.

Attempts– push only when allowed. Push three times during the contraction; before pushing, take a deep breath through your mouth, hold your breath, press your chin to your chest and tighten your abs as much as possible. After pushing, on command, exhale smoothly with a half-open mouth. Between contractions, relax and breathe calmly.

Breathing during childbirth

Contractions	Breath	Poses	Movements	Massage
Short, non-painful, interval more than 10 minutes	“Belly”: slowly inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth	Any	Rotation or rocking of the pelvis	Not needed
Uncomfortable, interval 5–10 minutes	Inhale through your nose for 3 counts, exhale through your mouth for 7 counts.	Everything except sitting on a hard surface can be done on your knees, squatting, on a ball - without putting pressure on the perineum	Walking, bending, turning	Small of the back
Painful, interval 3–5 minutes	“Candle”: frequent, superficial, inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth	Standing with support on your hands, on all fours, squatting, on a fitball	Swaying, bending?/?bending the back, stepping from foot to foot	Lower back, lower abdomen, inner thighs
Painful, every 2 minutes	“Locomotive”: inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, at the beginning of the contraction the breathing is calm, as the pain intensifies it becomes more frequent and forced, and as the pain subsides it gradually levels out	Sitting on a ball, lying in bed on your side, standing on all fours	Wiggle	Lower back, lower abdomen, inner thighs, groin fold
There was a desire to push	“Doggy”: frequent superficial, inhalation and exhalation through the mouth	Ask a doctor (lying on your side, standing on your hands or on a ball)	Wiggle	Small of the back

Postpartum check-up– the doctor looks at the birth canal on the chair for ruptures; try to relax your pelvic muscles as much as possible and breathe calmly.

After childbirth– we stay in the maternity ward for two hours under the supervision of medical staff. Do not get up or sit down, keep ice on your stomach, try not to fall asleep; rest.

On the back of the “cheat sheet” it is advisable to make a short table on self-anesthesia methods, in which you can schematically reflect postures, movement and massage options for the main stages of childbirth, and also describe the types of breathing during contractions.

Of course, this is just an approximate plan for a “cheat sheet for childbirth.” The plan can be changed and supplemented at your discretion - the main thing is that it takes into account all the essentials for you and at the right time it is at your fingertips!