Bleeding during childbirth. Why can there be bloody discharge during contractions and what to do? Does blood flow during contractions?

In women of reproductive age, the glands of the cervix and vagina produce a mucous secretion that performs protective functions. At the end of pregnancy, the nature of the discharge changes as the hormonal balance changes: the production of progesterone decreases, and estrogen and oxytocin increase. Mucous discharge may become thicker, lose transparency, acquire a yellowish or milky color, and small fragments of blood may be found in it. Often, spotting before childbirth frightens expectant mothers: isn’t this phenomenon an indispensable indication of a serious pathology?

Bloody discharge as a danger signal

An absolute danger is the presence of blood in the discharge:

• In the first trimester of pregnancy. At this stage, the appearance of brown or red discharge is a sign of a threatened miscarriage. If adequate treatment is started on time, the fetus can be saved.
• In the second and early third semester of pregnancy. If you are less than 36 weeks pregnant, blood in the discharge may be a symptom of placenta previa (when it is located in the lower part of the uterus and blocks the path of birth of the baby). Due to damage to the uteroplacental vessels, when the placenta ruptures or prematurely departs, bleeding occurs, sometimes very profusely. This pathology is dangerous for both the mother and the fetus and requires urgent medical intervention.
• If the discharge before childbirth contains large quantities of red blood or large blood clots. From a medical point of view, this condition is classified as an emergency. In this case, you should immediately call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital. Before the medical carriage arrives, it is advisable for a pregnant woman to move less so as not to provoke increased bleeding.

Severity for mother and fetus

During pregnancy there should be no bleeding normally. In childbirth, there is such a thing as acceptable blood loss. Its volume should not exceed 10% of the total circulating blood volume (CBV). For a weight of 70 kg, this is approximately 350 ml in physiological labor. For a caesarean section, acceptable blood loss is considered to be about 700-800 ml. The following degrees are distinguished depending on the volume of blood lost:

Physiological causes of bleeding

During the prenatal period, the presence of bloody discharge is not considered a pathology, and in most cases it is a sign that labor will begin very soon. However, everything is individual here. Women who actively discuss the topic of childbirth on forums write that for some, after they noticed blood in the discharge, contractions began within a few hours, for others - after a week or two.

Bloody discharge is often observed after the birth plug has passed or at the beginning of the dilatation of the cervix - due to the inevitable ruptures of small capillaries. Obstetricians note a frequent relationship between the color of the discharge and the time remaining before birth: the darker the color of the discharge, the sooner the woman will begin to give birth.

Other causes of spotting before childbirth, which do not pose a danger to either the mother or the baby, may be a gynecological examination or careless sexual contact. In both cases, the appearance of traces of blood in the discharge is caused by mechanical irritation of the cervix, which in the prenatal period becomes loose, softened, and easily injured. Blood smears in the discharge may not appear immediately, but several hours after visiting a gynecologist or a couple of days after having sex.

Labor will begin within two weeks

Mucous membranes before childbirth are a sign of the removal of the plug. This process begins approximately 2 weeks before the significant day. The cork has a volume of two to three tablespoons. It may come off immediately or separate gradually. Brown mucus may contain whitish or red specks. All this is normal. If the expectant mother does not have additional worrying signs, then nothing needs to be done. Pack your “worry suitcase” and look forward to meeting your baby soon. If the plug comes out, then childbirth will take place no later than in two weeks. This can happen at any moment.

It should be remembered

It is considered normal when the amount of blood in prenatal discharge is small. These may be scanty, smearing traces or inclusions of small clots of brown, brown, pinkish or red color, or the mucus may have a uniform, faint pale pink or brownish color.

However, if you find even those listed on the safe list before giving birth, be on the safe side and contact your doctor. If necessary, he will refer you for an ultrasound or prescribe other unscheduled examinations.

From time immemorial, the birth of a child was considered a great sacrament. Midwives in Rus' enjoyed special honor, and not every woman could become a midwife: she had to have impeccable health, her children had to be healthy, her thoughts had to be pure.

Even during pregnancy, the midwives taught the expectant mother an ancient curse, which they read to children in the womb: “From you, my light, my little drop, I myself will take away all the trouble. My love will be your dome, all your patience will be your cradle, and your prayer will be consolation. I’m waiting for you, my light, like the land of dawn, like the grass of dew, like the flowers of rain.” The sound of these gentle words had a beneficial effect on both the baby and the mother, creating the right mood before the upcoming birth.

Childbirth is the culmination of pregnancy and in most cases proceeds as a normal physiological process.

The expectant mother wants to know everything about childbirth: to know the signs of contractions, the onset of labor, the symptoms of contractions and childbirth, when they begin, at what point you need to rush to the maternity hospital, how painful labor is and how long it lasts.

Each woman in labor is an individual, and childbirth proceeds differently, but almost all women in labor experience the main signs of early labor: the uterus contracts during contractions; the cervix smooths out, thins, then opens; the baby turns and moves along the birth canal; you give birth to the baby, then the placenta, umbilical cord and membranes. The whole process takes from several hours to a day (occasionally or more) and is the beginning of motherhood, and for the child, the transition to an autonomous existence.

In this process, everything is important: the mechanism of labor, physiological characteristics, sensations and experiences of the mother, her psychological state.

The onset of labor is not always clear, especially the signs of labor in first-time mothers. Experts believe that the child initiates the onset of labor. By the 40th week, and sometimes earlier, due to the rapid growth of the child, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases, and it becomes increasingly difficult for the baby to move. The placenta has aged, and the baby does not receive enough nutrients and oxygen.

The child experiences very unpleasant sensations, his adrenal cortex is activated and a large amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, is released. In response, the hormonal balance in the mother's body changes. As a result, the uterus becomes very sensitive to biologically active substances produced by the placenta and pituitary gland of the woman. It begins to contract - regular contractions appear, followed by childbirth.

Changes also occur in the body of the expectant mother: the amount of estrogens that prepare the uterus for childbirth increases, and, as a result, the cervix shortens and softens, and the uterus begins to contract regularly.

Treatment of obstetric hemorrhage

Management tactics and assistance with obstetric hemorrhage largely depend on the duration of pregnancy and the amount of blood loss. For periods up to 20 weeks, conservative therapy is usually successfully carried out. Its essence is as follows:

• Prescription of hemostatic drugs - Etamzilat, Tranexam.
• Magnesium therapy as bleeding subsides after 16 weeks, antispasmodics before this period (Papaverine, Drotaverine).
• Hormonal drugs - Duphaston, Utrozhestan - at the discretion of the doctor.

If the cause is pathology of the cervix (erosion, ectopia, decidual polyp), the bleeding quickly stops ; in addition, tampons soaked in hemostatic agents can be used.

Treatment of obstetric hemorrhage after 20 weeks of pregnancy has the same principles, however, if progressive placental abruption is detected, emergency delivery is performed by cesarean section.

Postpartum obstetric hemorrhage requires slightly different tactics:

• An additional examination of all birth canals is carried out for missed ruptures, which must be sutured for complete hemostasis.
• If the reason is poor uterine contractility, additional uterotonics are administered: Pabal, Oxytocin, prostaglandins. If they are ineffective, the uterus is massaged and its cavity is inspected for placental remains. If bleeding continues, the issue of performing surgery is decided. During this procedure, ligation of the vessels supplying the uterus, the internal iliac artery, is possible. If this is ineffective, the uterus may be removed as the source of the bleeding.

In case of significant blood loss, transfusion of the necessary blood components is performed - red blood cells, plasma or platelets, depending on the clinical situation. Volumes and duration are set individually.

Watch this video about the tactics of managing a patient with postpartum hemorrhage:

Signs of the onset of labor

Pain in the lower back, sensations of increasing pressure in the groin area are accompanied by a feeling of fatigue and heaviness. For a long time you cannot find any comfortable position. This pain is different from normal lower back pain and may resemble premenstrual pain. This sign may occur several days before delivery, often in combination with other signs.

Frequent bowel movements can be mistaken for a normal disorder, but in this case it is caused by prostaglandins, which cause the intestinal tract to empty to create more space for the baby to move downwards.

Discharge of mucus streaked with blood

Throughout pregnancy, the cervix contains thick mucus, which may be released late in pregnancy when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. In rare cases, it may look like a mucus plug; more often, the mucus is thinner and may contain streaks of blood. The appearance of blood can occur several days before labor, but can also occur after contractions begin.

Late in pregnancy, it is common to experience spotting after a vaginal examination, as this procedure often causes some bleeding from the cervix. It's easy to make a mistake and mistake this discharge for a sign of labor. If this blood is pink or bright red and mixed with mucus, this is undoubtedly a harbinger of labor; after examination, the blood is brownish.

Progressive uterine contractions

Contractions that become longer, stronger and more frequent are harbingers of labor. At the beginning of labor, contractions are usually felt as a nagging pain in the lower back. As labor progresses, contractions become painful. Contractions of the uterus shorten the muscle fibers of the uterine body, stretch the cervix and expel the fetus from the uterus.

Opening of the amniotic sac

The opening of the membranes, also called the breaking of amniotic fluid, can occur before the onset of contractions in 10-12% of cases. Then intensifying contractions begin soon after the water breaks or within 24 hours. In most cases, the amniotic sac does not rupture until labor progresses. When a bladder ruptures, there may be a sudden "pop" accompanied by a rush of amniotic fluid, or there may be a gradual, uncontrollable leak of fluid. The opening of the membranes may feel like urination.

If your water breaks before contractions begin, note the time, color, smell, and describe the amount of fluid (trickle or stream). Normally, the liquid is clean and practically odorless. The green color of the amniotic fluid indicates the presence of meconium (original feces) in it, which can cause stress in the child and require urgent measures. In this case, you should not use tampons to contain the flow. Notify your doctor immediately. Depending on your condition and the position of the baby, the doctor will decide whether to wait for regular contractions or to urgently induce labor. In some cases, if the child did not have time to block the exit from the cervix at the time of the release of water, the umbilical cord may prolapse.

If the amniotic sac ruptures early, due to the risk of infection, you should not use the bathroom; it is better to take a shower. During strong contractions, no increase in the risk of infection in the uterus was found, so a bath, if necessary during labor, should be postponed until the onset of strong contractions.

We remind you

: if you feel regular contractions (every 15-20 minutes lasting 20-30 seconds), as well as in case of leakage or leakage of amniotic fluid, you should immediately go to bed and call an ambulance or go to the maternity hospital yourself.

In some cases, signs of so-called “imaginary labor” may appear:

– spasms are irregular, their frequency and tension do not increase;

– pain appears in the abdomen rather than in the sacral area;

– spasms disappear while walking or after changing position;

– fetal movements increase during spasms. Such contractions usually accompany the moment when the baby enters the pelvic area.

Remember

: You should not be afraid that you will needlessly disturb the doctor or your loved ones. If you have signs of impending labor at any time of the day or night, you should go to the maternity hospital. In this case, it is better to play it safe.

The process of labor pains does not always proceed in strict accordance with textbook descriptions in medical textbooks. Much depends on the individual characteristics of the woman and her pregnancy.

Therefore, the appearance of bloody discharge already at the stage of contractions is not at all uncommon. Is this normal and what to do if they appear, we will tell you in this article.

Symptoms of obstetric bleeding

The main symptom is the appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract. Their intensity can vary - from minor spotting to breakthrough, massive bleeding, which quickly leads to significant blood loss. The discharge may contain clots. also identified:

• Stomach ache. The woman notes that the uterus is toned and does not go away. As a rule, this is observed with placental abruption.
• Dizziness and weakness appear due to decreased blood pressure. The woman notes cold, sticky sweat and rapid pulse. By the ratio of pulse and pressure, one can judge the degree of blood loss using the Algover index.
• The skin becomes pale.

Causes

Contractions are rhythmic contractions of the uterine muscles, the task of which is to lead to the dilatation of the cervix. This process is painful and quite long. The cervix needs to expand by 10-12 centimeters so that the baby's head can pass through. Often the period of contractions is accompanied by the manifestation of various discharges, including bloody ones, associated with the discharge of the mucus plug.

A clot of mucus streaked with blood tightly closes the cervical canal of the cervix throughout pregnancy. But when the female body begins to actively prepare for childbirth, the cervix becomes softer, smoothes out, and the plug may begin to come off either entirely or in parts.

It may appear as light, yellowish, or pink mucus with small streaks of blood. Such discharge can appear not only at the “precursor” stage, but also during contractions.

There is no need to be scared - there is a completely natural and physiological process of opening the cervix for the subsequent release of the baby. It is only important to make sure that the discharge does not intensify and does not turn into scarlet blood.

Small bloody or brown discharge may appear when contractions begin and after examination by a gynecologist. After a woman arrives at the maternity hospital, she will definitely be examined, and therefore such discharge should also not frighten or alarm.

Scarlet blood during contractions, heavy bleeding - a more alarming situation. This may result in premature placental abruption. Normally, the “baby place” leaves its place after the birth of the baby, in the subsequent period of childbirth. If earlier detachment occurs, this is fraught with bleeding, a state of acute hypoxia for the child, which can lead to irreversible changes in his brain and the entire central nervous system. The baby may die.

Bright red, scarlet blood during labor is not considered normal. Its appearance is a reason to call an ambulance if the woman is still at home, or immediately inform the medical staff about it if the woman in labor is already in a maternity facility.

Brown discharge before childbirth after examination by a doctor: is it dangerous?

Many expectant mothers experience unusual discharge after a visit to the doctor. At more than 38 weeks, a routine examination by a gynecologist is performed. This is necessary to assess the condition of the cervix and determine its readiness for childbirth. The doctor palpates the reproductive organ, tactilely determines the length of the cervical canal, and determines how open and soft the cervix is. All these manipulations can injure the delicate mucous membrane. In addition, during pregnancy, her blood vessels become overfilled with blood. If within a few hours after your visit to the doctor and examination you notice brown discharge, then do not panic. Most likely, they will go away on their own in the near future. Childbirth will begin on time. Probably, during the examination, the doctor set the interval for you, based on the readiness of the cervix. But if additional signs are added to the unusual discharge, then you need to urgently contact the maternity ward.

Actions

If heavy bleeding appears with the first contractions or a little later, you need to immediately go to the maternity hospital and immediately report this unpleasant news to the medical staff.

If placental abruption occurs, the woman will urgently undergo a cesarean section, since delay is unacceptable.

For moderate bloody (do not confuse with blood!) discharge, use pads, avoid getting water into the vagina, for example, while showering at home before going to the maternity hospital or in the emergency department of the maternity hospital.

Without a mucus plug, the baby has no mechanical barrier protection against viruses, bacteria and fungi. If aggressive flora or microorganisms enter the uterine cavity, an internal infection can develop quite quickly, which is extremely dangerous for the baby and the mother.

If bloody or scarlet discharge is accompanied by the release of a large amount of fluid, premature rupture of water is possible. In such a situation, you should also go to the maternity hospital as soon as possible, without waiting until the contractions become stronger. In the emergency department, you also need to immediately say that the fluid flowing out was bloody, pink, brown, or some other color. This will help doctors quickly choose the right tactics for labor management.

The main thing is not to panic or get nervous.

Doctors have many ways to cope with one or another emergency situation that arises during childbirth. Trust them.

For information on discharge, contractions and other precursors of labor, watch the following video.

Discharge during the prenatal period is not always a bad sign. Most often, this is a natural and understandable phenomenon, so there is no need to rush to the hospital immediately and worry. Each stage of pregnancy has its own type: from mucous to amniotic fluid. Most often, normal discharge tells the expectant mother that the long-awaited baby will be born very soon. But few people know which ones are normal and which ones signal health problems.

According to statistics, the following discharge appears before childbirth:

• habitual mucous membranes;
• amniotic fluid;
• discharge after the plug comes out;
• curdled white discharge before childbirth;
• yellow, purulent with an unpleasant odor;
• bloody (for example, pinkish or brown discharge before childbirth).

During pregnancy, discharge of different colors and nature may appear.
Some of them are signs of pathological processes in the body, others are a completely natural phenomenon that indicates the woman is preparing for the birth process.

Normal discharge

All normal discharge from women in labor should be clear or white, but odorless, in small quantities, and of a thick texture. In medicine they are called mucus.

The mucus plug accompanies pregnancy until the onset of delivery, since its function is to protect the fetus from infections from the outside. Gradually it becomes unnecessary and superfluous, so it comes out. We can say with complete confidence that heavy mucous discharge before childbirth indicates that there is no more than a week left before the baby is born.

Important! After the mucus has receded, the expectant mother needs to be very careful: do not take a bath, do not have an intimate life, and carefully monitor hygiene so as not to introduce harmful microbes into the uterus.

During contractions or immediately before them, water pours out. This is also a normal physiological process that directly signals the onset of labor. Water can drain like this:

• all at once, that is, the woman acutely feels a transparent stream flowing out of her;
• gradual “smudges” during the day.

Mucus plug
The liquid should be odorless and colorless, but may contain some white mucus. If the waters are green - this is a bad sign, immediate contact with a specialist is required.

Pathological discharge

Other discharges that are not mentioned above are considered pathological in medicine, that is, they indicate abnormal physiological processes in the body that can threaten the health of a pregnant woman or her child.

What should you pay special attention to?

• spotting, including brown discharge before childbirth;
• watery brown with an unpleasant odor;
• gray with the smell of rotten fish;
• watery green;
• light, cheesy consistency (while the pregnant woman experiences constant itching in the perineum);
• yellow mucus;
• green slime.

Important!
Pink discharge before childbirth is not always considered bloody; if there are a few drops of blood in the discharge, this is a variant of the norm when capillaries in the reproductive organ burst when the mucus plug is released. If there is a lot of blood in the discharge, this is a very bad sign that requires hospitalization. But first things first.

Brown discharge appears in two cases:

• microtrauma of the uterus;
• placental abruption.

The most dangerous discharges are considered to be bloody or having an unpleasant odor.
The first option is practically not dangerous and may be associated with a trip to the gynecologist, where the woman was examined in a gynecological chair. In addition, the mucus turns brown if a woman is sexually active in the last months of pregnancy.

Bleeding occurs for one reason - placental abruption. This case threatens the life of both the mother and her unborn child. If a woman notices blood from the vagina, she should immediately call an ambulance or get to the hospital herself as soon as possible.

The opaque color of leaking water, as well as their unpleasant odor, indicates that the fetus is experiencing hypoxia, that is, a lack of oxygen. If there is no smell, then there is a possibility that the baby has emptied in the womb.

The main sign of thrush is itching and light discharge, similar to cottage cheese. This disease needs to be treated urgently so that there is no risk of infection of the fetus, because candidiasis passes through the birth canal.

Another infectious disease is bacterial vaginosis, the color of the mucus is gray and the smell is very unpleasant.

Any yellow discharge is a symptom of sexually transmitted infections. A woman should urgently consult a doctor so that he can prescribe an examination, make a diagnosis and begin timely treatment. Otherwise, the child may also become infected through the birth canal.

Thrush discharge looks like cottage cheese

What does it mean that labor is imminent?

Many expectant mothers experience brown discharge in later stages. Before birth, they may be accompanied by the release of water. This state indicates that the process has begun. You can be sure that you will meet your baby within a few hours. Waste water can have different volumes. For some women they simply leak, while for others they pour out completely. In both cases, you cannot remain idle. Don't expect everything to go away on its own. You are giving birth!

Often immediately after the plug is released. Therefore, you should monitor your health if mucous brown discharge is detected. Before giving birth, in such a situation, contractions may begin, which often happens precisely after the water is poured out. You need to take everything you need as soon as possible and go to the maternity hospital.

Reasons for appearance

Brown discharge before childbirth at the 38th week of pregnancy after a full examination by a gynecologist of the woman in labor is not dangerous and is due to the fact that the cervix has already fully matured, softened and become ready for delivery. Droplets of blood appear in the discharge a couple of hours after ingestion.

A woman may feel the release of the mucus plug, which was already mentioned above, or may not notice it at all. The mucus may also be a little pink, but this has nothing to do with the risk of miscarriage.

If the color of the discharge is orange, this is a signal from the body that the expectant mother is abusing vitamin-mineral complexes and there is an excess of such things in the body. Vitamin intake should be reduced or eliminated altogether.

You can judge a woman's health by the color of her discharge.

Any normal physiological discharge has virtually no color (transparent or light - cream, white) or odor. In all other cases, an infection is possible that can easily be transmitted to the child during childbirth from the mother. Therefore, it is so important to visit a doctor on time and cure the disease before giving birth.

When to go to the hospital

We pay special attention to the fact that bloody discharge before childbirth in all the cases described above should not be profuse. Normally, these are scanty smearing traces or small inclusions, usually brownish, but can also be red. If bleeding starts, then you need to go to the hospital without delay, without wasting a second! It is also necessary to see a doctor if, after the mucous plug begins to come off, the blood discharge begins to increase or the child changes his motor activity.

Bloody discharge before childbirth, observed 2 weeks before its expected onset and earlier, also cannot be ignored: be sure to notify your doctor about this.

Especially for

Elena Kichak

At the final stage of pregnancy, a woman begins to observe some vaginal discharge. There is no need to worry, since discharge before childbirth is a natural physiological process. Starting from the 36th week, contractions can begin at any time, and discharge warns that the baby is ready to be born. The main thing in this situation is to react in time and correctly determine the nature of the discharge.

The discharge is especially intense in the morning, as soon as the woman gets out of bed. Their color changes until the very moment of birth. If the transparent mucous discharge turns brown, then there are only a few hours left until delivery.

What discharge indicates the onset of labor?

It is the discharge that is the first harbinger of labor, which appears even before contractions. What discharge before labor signals the onset of labor?

1. A clot of mucus or partial profuse discharge of a mucus plug. In this case, labor can begin in a couple of hours, or in a few days, but not later than in a week. The passage of the plug occurs when the cervix is ​​completely ready for the birth of the baby.
2. Watery discharge, clear and odorless, slightly mixed with non-colored mucus. This happens just before contractions begin or even during them. Sometimes the bubble does not burst on its own, then it is punctured by a doctor in the maternity ward, when it becomes clear that the contractions are regular and not training. If the water is leaking, and there have been no contractions for a long time, you need to urgently go to the maternity hospital, otherwise the baby will begin to lack oxygen. If this happens, the liquid will be green or yellow.

A drooping belly is a sign of imminent labor.
We can confidently say that labor is beginning:

• drooping tummy;
• a feeling of increasing pressure in the lower abdomen, as if something were pressing on the intestines with great force;
• stopping weight gain;
• changes in mood;
• the appearance of frequent and painful spasms;
• bowel movement.

Does not indicate the onset of labor:

• irregular spasms;
• if you change your position or start walking, the spasms stop;
• movement of the fetus during spasms (this is reported to the doctor).

Important!
By the 38th week, a woman should have her bags ready for the maternity hospital. If a woman doubts whether labor has begun or not, it is better to still get to the hospital; this is better than later giving birth at home or on the way to the maternity hospital.

What prenatal vaginal discharge is considered normal?

During pregnancy, throughout its entire duration, small, odorless, transparent or white vaginal discharge appears. But before labor begins, the nature of the discharge may change.

Normally this is:

• discharge of the mucus plug;
• gradual or rapid rupture of amniotic fluid.

Mucus plug

Throughout the pregnancy, the mucus plug was located in the area of ​​the uterine cervix, serving as protection against the penetration of various infections to the child. But as the baby’s due date approaches, there is no longer a need for it, and it is removed from the body. This happens a few days or immediately before the onset of contractions.

Removal can occur:

• immediately: a woman discovers a lump of mucus on her panties;
• gradually: the “daub” lasts 1-3 days.

Normally, mucus should look like:

• transparent;
• white;
• gray-yellow.

Sometimes droplets of blood will be visible in the discharge. There is no need to be afraid - this can happen if small capillaries of the uterine cervix rupture.

However, if brown discharge appears before childbirth, or bloody spots are too abundant, then you should immediately visit a doctor. Such discharge may be a sign of incipient placental abruption, and this condition is dangerous for the baby and mother.

The waters pour out shortly before the onset of regular contractions or simultaneously with the onset of labor.

After the amniotic sac ruptures, they depart:

• quickly, over several tens of minutes: the woman sees and feels that a stream of light flows out of her;
• gradually: a slight leak of light liquid occurs.

Normal amniotic fluid:

• have no odor;
• transparent or with small admixtures of whitish mucus.

The discharge of amniotic fluid is a sign that the baby will soon be born.

When is hospitalization required?

If a woman has a pathological case, then the ambulance team should be called without delay. Critical situations include:

If you experience severe pain in the back and lower back, consult a doctor immediately

If a woman in labor notices yellow or curdled discharge on her panties before giving birth at 8-9 months, you should not call an ambulance, nor should you treat yourself (especially with traditional medicine, which causes an allergic reaction in the fetus), it is enough to visit a doctor as soon as possible . If this is not done, a possible infection will complicate childbirth and be transmitted to the baby either after the mucus plug comes out or during delivery.

Discharge before childbirth always tells a woman what processes are occurring in the body at a specific period of time. Is pathology developing or do you need to pack your bags for the maternity hospital? Do you need to call an ambulance to save the life of yourself and your child, or can you simply make an appointment with a doctor in the near future, who will prescribe treatment if necessary and tell you in more detail what is happening in the body.

The most dangerous are the bloody and green watery ones, as they directly indicate a problem that is occurring at that moment. Only transparent or light odorless ones are considered normal; they are harbingers of labor.

Stages of contractions

The birth of a child is divided into three stages. During the first contraction, the aim is to fully dilate the cervix. The second stage is the passage of the baby from the uterus down the birth canal to the outside world. The third stage is separation of the placenta.

Although every woman's birth experience is unique, all women in labor go through these three stages. The whole process as a whole lasts on average about 14 hours for the first child and about 8 hours for subsequent ones. Some contractions, however, progress more slowly in the first stage and then speed up at the beginning of the second stage. There are many reasons why contractions may slow down.

♦ The child is in the wrong position

Most babies are in the best position for birth with their head flexed and pointing down, looking sideways as they pass through the pelvis, and looking down their back as they emerge from the pelvis. If your child is not yet in this position, you can help him to do so. Changing your position and standing up straight can help your baby get into the best position for birth.

♦ Needs more adjustment and stretching

The baby's head requires adjustment, and the pelvic tissues need stretching as the baby moves through the birth canal.
It may take time to adjust and stretch. ♦ Weak contractions
Contractions may not be enough, especially if this is your first child. Your doctor can make the contractions stronger with medication given through an IV.

FIRST STAGE

Contractions at the first stage are often divided into three phases: first or latent, active and transitional or hard. For many women

these phases are definite and distinguishable. Other women do not see clear boundaries between them.

First or hidden contractions

This is usually the longest part of the contraction and is generally the easiest. During this time, the cervix continues to thin and gradually dilates to 3-4 cm. At this stage, you may feel contractions, but they are usually manageable and you may even be able to sleep during them.

Contractions are usually short, lasting 20-60 seconds. Initially, the breaks between them can be up to 20 minutes, then they gradually intensify and become more frequent after about 6-8 hours. This may be the point at which the mucus plug is removed or the membranes rupture. If there are no medical indications for going to the hospital, it is much more convenient to stay at home during early contractions.

If you first notice contractions at night, continue to rest as much as possible. If you can't rest, find something distracting but not burdensome to do. Don't forget about snacks during this first step. Women are often advised not to eat at all during contractions. Many hospitals have a policy of actively managing contractions for first-time mothers. This means that your contractions will be

take place over a
period of time, and the doctor will help end them if they take longer.
Once it is determined that contractions have begun (by regular painful contractions, dilatation of the cervix and sometimes rupture of the membranes), the woman is expected to give birth within 12 hours. Frequent vaginal examinations are performed to check that the uterus is dilating at a rate of 0.5-1.0 cm per hour. If contractions appear to be slowing down, the membranes will be ruptured artificially and medication will be administered. Hospitals that practice active contraction management tend to shorten the duration of first contractions and reduce the number of caesarean sections. kah in case of general anesthesia, when it is believed that they may suffocate. However, research suggests that there is little risk of this happening, while snacking during contractions may actually improve their development; contractions are hard work and your body will need energy to cope with it.

Symptoms in the early stages of labor may be similar to pre-labor symptoms - spasms, back pain, frequent urination, increased vaginal discharge, pressure on the pelvis, cramps in the legs and hips. Many women experience a surge of energy, but try to save that energy for the future.

Active contractions

This stage occurs when the cervix begins to dilate rapidly. For first-time mothers, at this stage it opens at a minimum speed of 1 cm per hour. Contractions become more noticeable and intense, and if in

At this point, check, then most likely the dilation will be 3 cm. Contractions last 45-60 seconds, intensify, the intervals between them are reduced from 5-7 minutes to 2-3.

As the contractions become stronger and longer, you may need to work harder to relax during and between them. Try walking around and changing your body position to relieve muscle tension. Physically, contractions can result in rapid breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, and

even vomiting. It is important to drink plenty of cold fluids to prevent dehydration. Then the contractions will be felt much stronger, and body pain and fatigue may increase. The amniotic membranes may rupture if this has not happened before. You may feel disconnected from life because you become focused on yourself. Women at this stage of labor sometimes believe that it will never end. Try to remember that this phase is usually short and that the cervix will soon dilate. You may also be concerned about how well things are going, so ask your doctor any questions you have. If you feel embarrassed for any reason, ask your birth partner to do this on your behalf.

Transitional contractions

The transition between contractions, which lasts from an hour to two hours, is the most difficult and requires strength; at this time, the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm. Contractions become very strong, last from 60 to 90 seconds and occur every two to three

Small meals can help with contractions

During contractions, the digestive system slows down, so it will not be able to cope with a full stomach, but “fractional meals” (frequently eating small portions) will support the body. Choose foods that are high in energy and easy to digest, such as toast and jam, bananas, soup. Avoid hard-to-digest foods such as meat, dairy products and fats.

minutes. If during the active phase you felt the rapid development of events, then during the transition phase everything will seem slow to you. However, believe - the end will come.

Due to the intensity of this phase, profound physical and mental changes accompany it. As soon as the baby passes into the pelvis, you will begin to experience a lot of pressure in your lower back and/or perineum. You may have frequent urges to go to the toilet, and your legs will become weak and shaky. Severe tension is not unusual and can be accompanied by excessive sweating, hyperventilation, trembling, nausea, vomiting and may lead to exhaustion. During this phase, without realizing it, women may reject the help of their birth partners, as well as not allow themselves to be touched or receive any help regarding contractions.

Many women abandon all inhibitions and express physical pain through atypical behavior, screaming and swearing. Try to see the goal. The pushing phase will soon begin and the discomfort will become much more manageable. Remember that the stronger the contractions, the sooner this phase will end. Don't be afraid to express yourself, find out what works and what doesn't. Try to relax as well, this is the key to maintaining strength and the best way to help the contractions reach their goal.

PAIN DURING CONTRACTS

Contractions is the word that defines the meaning, meaning it is hard work. This work is performed by a very powerful muscular organ. Since the muscles of the uterus are smooth, like the heart, most of the sensations of its activity come from the muscles and nerves surrounding the uterus. The nearby abdominal and pelvic muscles need to relax so that the uterus can effectively do its job of pushing the baby through said muscles and into the outside world. All this can be accompanied by feelings ranging from severe discomfort to terrible pain.

Being squeezed in the birth canal is very stressful for the baby, although it is natural, so the doctor observing you will want to determine the baby's condition. One way to do this is to determine the baby's heart rate using a portable ultrasound machine. Measurements should be taken at regular intervals of 15-30 minutes during contractions and then every five minutes during labor.

An alternative method is to use an external fetal monitor, which uses two sensors attached to the abdomen. One sensor records the baby's heart rate, and the other records uterine contractions. This type of control can be applied periodically,

so you can walk during contractions.

If the child is believed to be unwell, then

its development may have to be controlled internally. Once the membranes have ruptured, a small sensor is inserted through the vagina and attached to the baby's head to record his heart rate.

If doctors feel they need more data, they can test the acidity of the fetus. A small tube inserted through the vagina collects a few drops of blood from the baby's head. The blood is tested for acidity, which shows whether the fetus is receiving enough oxygen. The results will help doctors plan further actions.

Purpose of pain

Hard work requires adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients to keep your muscles pain-free. Muscles forced to work without oxygen or nutrition secrete and

accumulate lactic acid, causing pain. The presence of pain may indicate that your body needs additional oxygen or nutrition. When you exercise, pain causes you to change the way you move, so during contractions it can be a signal to change your breathing rhythm, relax your muscles, or not have enough nutrients to help your uterus work.

If you are not prepared for the birth of a child, the main problem can be fear of the unknown, as it leads to a stress reaction, which leads to pain. Understanding what to expect during labor and birth can help

reduce said fear to a significant extent. If fear runs deep or if you have seen

or have heard horror stories about childbirth, it can be helpful to discuss your concerns with your care provider.

Medical pain control

There are many ways to cope with the discomfort of contractions (see Chapter 10 for more details). It's best to discuss your options with your doctor before your contractions, so the risks and benefits of each treatment are clear. Knowing the general principles of contractions will help you understand your own condition during them if you think you need medical intervention. Some methods may not be very suitable if you are close to giving birth, as many medications pass into the placenta, affecting the baby's ability to independently adapt to life in the outside world. Plus, knowing that you'll be giving birth in an hour or two During contractions, as in most other situations, if you experience strong sensations without understanding them, it can lead to fear, stress and pain. Understanding

what's going on in
your body, and realizing that these feelings are completely normal, will help you explain contractions as "work" rather than "pain."
Another way when the mind

can help the body function
is to concentrate on the goal - in this case, the birth of a child.
You may also find that distraction can help you cope with the feeling of physical pain in your body.
There are various mental distraction techniques you can use, from breathing, massage, meditation to hypnosis.
Using

psychological strategies to
cope with pain should not completely ignore the body.
For example, you may feel discomfort because your baby is coming out in the wrong position, but if you change
your body position, you can turn the baby around.
Or if your bladder is full, emptying it will help the baby come out. Nausea or weakness may indicate
low blood sugar or dehydration.
Realize that contractions are an amazing moment and process for which the body is very well prepared “instrumentally.”
Work with your body and deal with what is happening in an appropriate and positive way.
Goy, this may be enough to actively help the child move.

Natural contraction management

Try not to rely solely on medical remedies to cope with contractions. Over the centuries, women have created various methods and techniques to make labor more comfortable and medical intervention less likely. Some tried and tested techniques are given below. Ways of assistance that a birth partner can provide are given on p. 182. ♦ Position during contractions

Take different positions to find the most comfortable one.
Try leaning against a wall or your birth partner; sit on a chair facing the back; kneel on a pile of pillows; get on all fours (good for back pain). There will be times when you feel like lying down, then cover yourself with pillows, placing them under your head, stomach, tailbone and between your thighs. ♦ Breathing
A good supply of oxygen is important during any strenuous activity, and childbirth is no exception. Muscles lacking oxygen produce lactic acid, the accumulation of which causes pain. A lack of oxygen reaching the uterus and placenta can cause the baby to become unwell. Thus, proper breathing is an important element of successful contractions. Breathing exercises, also called systemic breathing, are often taught in prenatal classes because they help to distract women in labor from the other sensations of contractions, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to mother and baby.

Systemic breathing doesn't work for everyone, and it's bad if you don't practice it beforehand. If you want to know more about this method and how it works, ask the instructor at the course.

At the onset of contractions, breathing slowly can help guide relaxation. Taking deep, relaxing breaths at the beginning and end of contractions ensures oxygen flows. When breathing, try not to panic and breathe too quickly, and do not hold your breath for a long time.

At the end of contractions, if the baby's movement stimulates the need for him to come out before the cervix is ​​fully dilated, the doctor may recommend labored or deep panting, as if trying to hold a feather in the air. This type of breathing is also helpful if you need to slow your baby's exit as his head emerges. Exhalation prevents the lungs from expanding and putting pressure on the uterus when it is not needed.

♦ Massage

Rubbing and stroking muscles can relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Relaxation, in turn, will increase blood flow to the muscles and provide them with an adequate amount of oxygen. Massage carried out between contractions creates pleasant tactile sensations that help improve mood; Massage during contractions helps take your mind off the pain.

If you suffer from lower back pain, ask your birth partner to lightly rub the area, especially around the sacrum (where the spine connects to the pelvis). The massage therapist should first make a series of large circles with the knuckles, and then smaller circles with the thumbs.

♦ Relaxation methods

Relaxation will help the body automatically respond to stress. This is a natural “blow-to-blow” reaction that has protected humans from the moment life began. However, the stress reaction is not always useful during contractions, since it causes tension in the muscles in preparation for action, wasting energy in significant quantities; it also leads to the outflow of blood from vital organs - the heart and brain, as well as the uterus.

The mental effort required to slow your breathing and relax your muscles can serve as a distraction from painful contractions. Relaxed muscles make it much easier

Provisions for

childbirth

When it comes time to give birth, the best position is upright, as gravity helps push the fetus out. You can use just one position or try several; do whatever makes you feel comfortable. There are many positions you can give birth in, and during contractions, choose one or more to ease pain or help your baby move.

Knees-chest position

If you have a large baby, this position can help relieve back pain and turn your baby's back-facing position. It can be useful to slow your child down if he or she is walking too fast. Kneel and place your hands on a pile of pillows or a large round pillow filled with polystyrene or foam rubber. If your back hurts, try rocking your hips from side to side.

Squatting

The most common position, it helps the baby move quickly and allows the pelvis to expand up to two centimeters. You don't need to exert much force to push, but it is difficult to stay in this position for a long time. A birth partner holding you up from behind or a birthing chair may help.

Lying on your back

This position is traditionally preferred by obstetricians because it makes medical intervention easier. It will also be the safest for a mother under deep anesthesia. However, in this position gravity is not used, but pressure

Placing a child on the back may increase the risk of perineal pain and injury.

Lying on your side

Used if you are tired, promotes more efficient contractions and slows your baby down if he is going too fast.

Lie on your side on the floor, supported by a large round pillow filled with polystyrene or foam rubber, or regular pillows. If your upper leg is tired, ask your birth partner to support it.

Sitting

A good position if you are tired, it is also used for continuous electronic monitoring of the baby's condition if necessary. Sit as straight as possible with pillows under your back and legs apart.

Kneeling with support

If your baby is in a posterior occipital position (facing his back), this position may help him roll over. Kneel on the bed between your birth partner and the provider. Place your arms around their shoulders for support as you push.

the work of the uterus, stretching as the baby passes through the pelvis.

It is important to learn relaxation techniques before giving birth. Understanding what happens during contractions will also help. Knowing that your feelings are normal can help your mind relax and your body relieve stress. ♦ Water

Immersion in water can provide significant pain relief during contractions and even help them progress. Many hospitals that use water to relieve pain during contractions keep the water at or below body temperature, as the temperature may be harmful to the baby. Sometimes even a short immersion in water can stimulate contractions so quickly that

that you will give birth right in the water. Water birth is not a problem. Most doctors recommend holding the baby above water for its first breath as soon as it arrives, since the placenta can separate within seconds of birth and the baby needs oxygen quickly. Babies are born with an intact “dive reflex,” which allows them to hold their breath underwater; The baby will not take its first breath until it comes into contact with the colder air on the surface of the water.

SECOND PHASE

Entering transition means it's time to push the baby out. The second stage usually lasts an hour, but it can take less than ten minutes and last up to three hours.

You have reached the second stage of contractions and the moment of labor is approaching.

The baby's head presses on the pelvic floor.

The doctor can feel the movement of head 1 with each contraction.

The baby's head is “erupting.”

The widest part of the head is visible at vaginal opening 2. As the head appears, you will be asked to relax and breathe quickly and shallowly rather than push.

The head appeared.

After one or two contractions it will come out completely. The doctor will hold it gently until the whole body appears.

The body appears.

After one or two contractions of the uterus, the rest of the body will appear. The child may be like during the initial stage of contractions, anesthesia can significantly increase its duration.

Even after long, exhausting contractions, many women in the second stage feel a surge of energy, since the cervix has already fully dilated and childbirth is about to occur. Now you can be much more active and mentally abstract, which will give you the most positive attitude.

The second stage has another significant advantage: when you push during contractions, the discomfort seems to disappear. Since the second stage has some duration, it allows the perineum to gradually stretch, although moments of pressure will be felt, but not painful. Often strong pressure from a closely walking child and subsequent squeezing

the nerve endings itself results in some form of anesthesia. For many women, this pinching of nerves blocks perception of perineal tears, medical incisions, and suturing.

Contractions in the second stage still last 60-90 seconds, but can come every 2-4 minutes. Your position may affect the pattern of contractions; standing can speed them up, while lying on your back and knees-to-chest position can slow them down.

You'll be tempted to push the baby out, but it's important to wait until your doctor says it's time. You will experience intense pressure on your rectum and a burning sensation as the baby's head emerges from your vagina. At this point, your feelings may change - from complete exhaustion and covered in vernix, and there may be blood stains on his skin 4.

The newborn is handed over to you.

Once the baby has been checked and the umbilical cord has been cut, he will be wrapped and handed to you 5. Place him on his stomach so that he can feel comfortable with the mother's familiar heartbeat and breathing pattern.

CUTTING THE UMBILICAL CORD

The doctor can clamp and cut one cord immediately or wait until it stops pulsating. Sometimes the doctor gently pulls on the umbilical cord to help the placenta, which is pushed out by uterine contractions, come out.

dansiness to enthusiastic excitement at the thought of the long-awaited meeting with the child.

Time to push the baby out

Once you've been cleared by your doctor to push your baby out, pushing during tense moments will give you relief from pent-up feelings. Even before the doctor’s decision, the body itself tells many women that the uterus has fully dilated and it’s time to push the baby out. As the baby presses on the pelvic floor muscles, the receptors signal to “push.” Often the urge to push is mistaken due to bowel urges, since the baby's pressure on the rectum irritates the same receptors.

Typically, the urge to push the baby out will occur 2-4 times during the period of uterine contractions, or you will experience one long continuous urge. Take a deep breath, relax your pelvic muscles and push your abdominal muscles. The duration of the effort is not as important as the timing of the uterine contractions. Short efforts (about 5-6 seconds) are usually sufficient and allow sufficient oxygen to enter the blood.

Sometimes the anterior lip of the cervix may not open fully when the first urge to push out occurs. This may happen because the baby is moving too quickly or is positioned poorly. Pushing the baby through an undilated uterus can cause swelling and delay labor. To reduce the cervical or, as it is also called, the anterior lip, try to lie on your left side or stand on all fours for several contractions. Sometimes blowing out breathing can help avoid pressure on the lip: this is the kind of breathing when you blow out a candle. The knees-to-chest position can also relieve pressure on the cervix and pelvic muscles, reducing the urge to push.

The birth of a child

The first sign that the baby is ready to be born is stretching of the anus and perineum. With each contraction, the baby's head becomes more visible in the vaginal opening. As soon as it stops moving back, it will remain at the entrance to the vagina. This position is called “cutting through.”

In a short period of time, the perineum thins from about five centimeters to one. This is completely normal and the stretched tissue will return to its normal state within minutes of delivery. You may feel this stretch as a lot of pressure, perhaps with some sharp pain, as the baby's head (or buttocks, if breech) stretches the vaginal opening. It is at this point that you may be offered an episiotomy if it is suspected that you will tear the tissue severely.

By the time your baby is born, it is best to continue with slow, controlled pushing movements, which will allow the perineum to gradually stretch and prevent tearing. The doctor may even advise you not to push so that the uterus itself completes the final moment with less effort.

Cutting the umbilical cord

After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is usually clamped in two places and cut between them. It is not necessary to clamp and cut the umbilical cord right away, but this allows the doctor to check the baby's condition if necessary. Having the umbilical cord cut also gives you more freedom to move with your baby. Some doctors prefer to wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsing. If the baby and mother are doing well, this is a reasonable option.

THIRD STAGE

The third stage of labor represents the complete completion of pregnancy with the removal of the placenta. In most cases this happens automatically and requires little effort. As soon as the baby leaves the uterus, the latter continues to contract, which leads to a significant decrease in its volume and usually tears the less flexible placenta from its walls. Subsequent contractions push the placenta out.

Many hospitals recommend active management of the third stage of labor to prevent severe postpartum hemorrhage. Immediately after the baby is born, an injection will be given in the upper leg, which will ensure further contractions of the uterus. This will allow the nurse to remove the placenta by gently pulling on the umbilical cord. If you are lying down, they may massage your uterus or ask you to push and push the placenta out.

Early breastfeeding helps prevent problems related to the placenta because nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin, which contracts the uterus. If you have excessive bleeding, your doctor may prescribe an IV to help your uterus contract and reduce postpartum bleeding. Once the placenta comes out, they will check to see if there are any parts of it left in the uterus. Rupture of the placenta occurs very rarely when parts of it remain behind the uterus. To remove them, the obstetrician must reach inside the uterus and manually remove the remains. This surgery is usually performed in an operating room under general anesthesia to relieve pain.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

The baby is finally born, and you are experiencing a storm of strong feelings - relief, jubilation, excitement and even disbelief that you have become a mother. You may feel chills, shivers, and be hungry and thirsty after all that hard work.

You will receive stitches before you leave the delivery room if you had an episiotomy or tears. Most women hardly notice that this has happened, they are so busy with their children; If necessary, local anesthesia is used. Don't be alarmed if you notice heavy bleeding. This is completely normal and the discharge, called lochia, will continue for the next few weeks. Mother pads should be used during this time.

After your child has spent some time with you, he will be taken for a bath and undergo a pediatric examination and necessary procedures. You may then be transferred to the maternity ward. The baby will be brought to you and a crib may be placed next to your bed.

Breech presentation

Breech babies are positioned so that their legs or buttocks are closest. This position of the baby can make labor difficult because the head is the largest part of the body and can become trapped if the body passes through a partially dilated cervix. With a breech presentation, vaginal delivery is possible, but these babies sometimes require a caesarean section to avoid injury to the baby or mother.

Two or more children

The prospect of having two or more children can be daunting, to say the least. But many women give birth to twins vaginally without any problems, and labor tends to go faster than with one baby. However, with multiple births, extra care must be taken and an anesthetist will always be on hand in case of a caesarean section. The first baby may be delivered vaginally without difficulty, but the second may be positioned incorrectly, in which case assistance will be required. The second child is born 10-20 minutes after the first. If progress is slow, you may be given medicine or forceps to speed up labor. The placenta or placentas may come out soon, or you may be given an injection to speed up its release. If you are expecting triplets or more, there is a high chance of a caesarean section.

Posterior view of occipital presentation

A baby moving through the birth canal with his head down and his back to

mother's spine (posterior view of the occipital presentation), it will be difficult to be born. These babies have a slightly larger head circumference to accommodate the narrow birth canal, and contractions may last longer and be accompanied by severe back pain.

PURE breech presentation

POSTERIOR VIEW OF OCCIPITAL PRESENTATION

However, often in the middle of contractions or during the pushing stage, the baby turns. If the baby does not turn spontaneously, the doctor may encourage the baby to turn by increasing uterine contractions with medication.

PELVIC PRECTION WITH FEET FORWARD

Updated: 2019-07-09 23:02:09

• Recently, we have increasingly heard about “banal” (!) female diseases, including cervical erosion,
• Childbirth is the expulsion of the fetus and placenta from the uterus - the baby's place, membranes, and umbilical cord. Normal birth usually occurs after
• The desire to alleviate women's suffering during childbirth has been around for a long time. The desire to anesthetize the birth act was expressed according to the era in various events, often
• It is difficult to find a more dedicated person than John Armstrong. In 1944, John Armstrong wrote his famous book on
• During pregnancy, as already indicated, significant changes occur in a woman’s body. This applies to all her organs and
• Medical leechThe history of antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance could be traced through the history of the invaluable benefits that they brought

Leakage of amniotic fluid

Unlike a mucus plug, the leakage of amniotic fluid cannot be ignored. They are a liquid whose volume ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 liters. Normally, it is transparent, has a slightly sweetish odor or does not smell of anything. Sometimes, along with the water, particles of lubricant come out, protecting the baby’s integument in the uterine cavity. They look like small white flakes.

The process of discharge of amniotic fluid also occurs in different ways. Sometimes the liquid pours out all at once, this often happens after visiting the toilet or with a sudden change in body position. In other cases, it gradually leaks. Exactly how this will happen depends on where the bladder ruptures - near the cervix or above.

If the amniotic fluid is yellowish or greenish in color, cloudy, this may indicate that:

• the child experiences oxygen starvation;
• there is a presentation of the fetus;
• premature placental abruption began.

Blood discharge and changes in the color of amniotic fluid require an immediate call to the ambulance team. Trying to get to the maternity hospital on your own can be harmful and further complicate the situation.

When should you see a doctor?

You should see an obstetrician-gynecologist if you have discharge that differs from normal daily discharge. A specialist will be able to accurately determine their character and tell whether everything is in order. If the discharge is white, curdled, yellow or green with an unpleasant odor, then a visit to the doctor is necessary.

An infectious disease in late pregnancy is dangerous to the health of the child and negatively affects the birth process. After the plug comes out, pathogenic microflora can easily enter the uterine cavity.

An immediate call to an ambulance is necessary if bleeding develops. Copious discharge of bright scarlet blood is dangerous for the life of mother and child.

You should seek medical help if the discharge is accompanied by cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Most likely, this is a sign of the onset of labor. Moreover, this can happen even before the amniotic fluid breaks.

At the end of her term, a pregnant woman should know what discharge is normal before childbirth. Physiological changes of this kind by the end of the term consist of three stages: mucus secretion (ripening of the cervix), discharge of the plug and amniotic fluid. In all cases, you need to pay attention to the color, structure and smell of the discharge.

Throughout her pregnancy, the woman had to deal more than once with changes in the nature of vaginal discharge. Firstly, it is greatly influenced by the hormonal background of the pregnant woman, which constantly changes over time. Secondly, very often it is during this period that thrush worsens or first manifests itself, annoying with cheesy discharge with a characteristic sour odor. Thirdly, it is likely that there was a threat of disruption, which is indicated. And it is precisely this discharge that expectant mothers fear most.

Now, at the end of the term, you can almost breathe easy: the release of blood before labor in the vast majority of cases will mean its imminent onset. But it’s still too early to completely relax: even on the eve of the baby’s birth, premature placental abruption may begin.

High voltage

Bleeding can also begin due to a rupture of the birth canal in the first stage of labor, when, without listening to the midwife’s recommendations, the woman begins to push ahead of time. But if you strictly follow all the doctors’ instructions, this trouble can be avoided. In the second stage of labor, the main causes of bleeding (except for cervical rupture) may be ruptures of the perineum or clitoris. To prevent rupture of the perineum, an episiotomy or perineotomy is performed (an incision in the perineum at the height of the contraction).