There are contractions but the cervix does not dilate NewMed.su

Process and stages

Normally, labor begins with the appearance of contractions. There may be other options, for example, the water will break first, but they are not considered the norm at all. The first contractions are very rare: they last no more than 20 seconds and repeat approximately once every 30–40 minutes. Then the duration of the spasm increases, and the time between contractions decreases. With each contraction, the walls of this reproductive organ are involved, as well as the circular circular muscle, which is essentially the cervix.

During the first stage of labor, which is called latent, the cervix dilates up to 3 centimeters (or about 2 fingers, in the language of obstetricians). Unfolding during the 8–12 hour latency period proceeds at a rather slow pace. But already at the stage of active contractions, the uterus opens by about a centimeter per hour.

The active period lasts about 4–5 hours, contractions repeat every 4–6 minutes, spasms last about a minute. During this time, the uterus dilates to approximately 7 centimeters. Then, for half an hour - an hour and a half, the period of transitional contractions lasts, the strongest ones, which last more than a minute and are repeated every 2-3 minutes. But the dilation at the end of the period is 10-12 centimeters, which is quite enough to pass the baby’s head. Attempts begin.

Thus, normal labor contractions are always associated with dilatation of the cervix.

If there are contractions, but there is no dilatation, they speak of labor weakness, and the birth is considered abnormal.

How does pathology manifest itself?

Depending on the type of weakness of the generic forces, the clinical manifestations differ somewhat:

Primary weakness

Contractions in the case of primary weakness are initially characterized by a short duration and poor efficiency, little or no pain, periods of diastole (relaxation are quite long) and practically do not lead to the opening of the uterine pharynx.

As a rule, primary weakness develops after a pathological preliminary period. Often, women in labor complain that their waters have broken and the contractions are weak, which indicates either premature or early rupture of water.

As you know, the role of the amniotic sac in childbirth is enormous, it is it that puts pressure on the cervix, causing it to stretch and shorten; untimely release of water disrupts this process, uterine contractions become insignificant and short-lived. The frequency of contractions does not exceed one to two during a 10-minute period (and normally should be at least 3), and the duration of uterine contractions reaches 15 to 20 seconds. If the amniotic sac has retained its integrity, then it is diagnosed as non-functional, it is sluggish and does not flow well into contractions. There is also a slowdown in the advancement of the fetal head; it remains in the same plane for up to 8–12 hours, which not only causes swelling of the cervix, vagina and perineum, but also contributes to the formation of a “birth tumor” of the fetus. The long course of labor exhausts the woman in labor, she gets tired, which only worsens the birth process.

Secondary weakness

Secondary weakness is less common and is characterized by a weakening of contractions after a period of effective labor and dilatation of the cervix. It is observed more often at the end of the active phase, when the uterine pharynx has already reached an opening of 5–6 cm or during the period of pushing. Contractions are initially intense and frequent, but gradually lose strength and become shorter, and the movement of the presenting part of the fetus slows down.

Weakness of pushing

This pathology (pushing is a controlled contraction of the abdominal muscles) is more often diagnosed in women who have had frequent and multiple births, who are overweight or have discrepancies in the abdominal muscles. Also, weak pushing may be a natural consequence of weak contractions due to physical and nervous exhaustion and fatigue of the woman in labor. It manifests itself as ineffective and weak contractions and attempts, which slows down the progress of the fetus and leads to its hypoxia.

Causes of weakness

If there is no dilation or it proceeds at a very slow pace and clearly does not correspond to the periods of labor, the reason usually lies in the weak contractility of the uterus. If the contractions are weak, then the cervix cannot open. In this case, usually the periods of relaxation between contractions exceed the norm in time, the woman “rests” more, and the contractions themselves lag behind the required values in duration. This complication occurs in approximately 7% of women giving birth; primigravidas most often experience it.

Primary weakness of labor forces most often develops in women:

with a large number of abortions in the past;
with a history of endometritis, fibroids;
with the presence of scars on the cervix after inflammation or erosion;
with hormonal imbalance;

in case of premature birth;
in post-term pregnancy;
with polyhydramnios;
for obesity;
during childbirth against the background of gestosis;
in the presence of pathological conditions of the fetus: hypoxia, Rh conflict, placenta previa, etc.

A reason that deserves special attention is a woman’s psychological unpreparedness for childbirth. Doctors are often surprised to encounter the weakness of labor forces when contractions occur and the cervix does not dilate in a healthy woman without pregnancy pathologies. Wide pelvis, normal weight of the fetus, all tests are in order, but the cervix does not want to dilate. This may be the result of a woman in labor’s strong fear of childbirth, reluctance to give birth (an unwanted child), if the woman has been subjected to psychological pressure, conflicts in the family, she is tired, does not get enough sleep, is very nervous or worried. Sometimes weakness becomes a consequence of an excessive amount of painkillers that were used to ease contractions.

How does the uterus open in this case? The excitability of the female reproductive organ is reduced. Periods of uterine tension are followed by periods of “rest”, which are 1.5–2 times higher than normal for a particular stage of labor.

Birth story: “The contractions did not cause any particular discomfort”

According to my calculations, it was time for me to give birth: the 40th week of my pregnancy had passed. I decided to visit my doctor and ask about the condition of my body. At the antenatal clinic they looked at me, took a smear and sent me home. They said that we could wait a little longer, but if nothing started happening by next week, it would be advisable to go to the pathology department. I had no desire to stay in the hospital, so I started scouring the Internet in search of effective methods to trigger the onset of labor. I found a recipe for a birth cocktail and decided I had to try it. I mixed castor oil, mineral water and juice and drank it. The intestines were cleansed with a bang, but this did not affect the start of labor in any way. The day before the designated date, when I had to go to the doctor and go to the maternity hospital, my husband and I had a “husband therapy” session, again in the hope that labor would begin, and went to bed. He fell asleep, but I tossed around and couldn’t fall asleep, I kept wanting to go to the toilet and ran there all night. In the morning I passed out for a while, then I got up, prepared breakfast and noticed that my stomach was tight. The training contractions were quite strong, pulling my lower back. There was a periodicity between contractions, but for some reason my stomach didn’t hurt... My mucus plug had been coming off for 2-3 weeks, there were such light pieces, but then during my next visit to the toilet a bloody plug came out and a wet spot was found on my underwear. I quickly ran to the shower, made my husband happy and went to the maternity hospital. Only when we got to the maternity hospital, the picture was different - the contractions stopped. In the reception room they began to fill out documents, gave me a robe and a shirt, and offered to give me an enema, but I refused. I thought that after the cleansing cocktail there was nothing left in the intestines, but then I regretted it.

Contractions: in the fight against weakness

I was taken to the maternity ward and sent for an examination, which showed that there were 2 fingers dilated, but still no contractions. The doctor said that the bladder needs to be punctured. The waters turned out to be normal. The doctor warned that strong contractions could begin. And so it happened: they went almost immediately, but did not cause much discomfort. I carried them calmly and constantly walked along the corridor. Several times they put me on the couch to do a CTG and monitored Margosha’s heartbeat. About 4 hours later, the doctor examined me again. Unfortunately, the dilation did not advance even a little: what it was, remained so, and besides, the contractions were weak. The doctor said that the process could be enhanced with oxytocin, and I agreed. I understood that if no progress had happened in 4 hours, then it seemed that my baby and I needed help. They put me on an oxytocin drip, the contractions intensified and the pain along with them too, but the dilatation in 2 hours became as much as 7 cm. Then I felt pressure in the pelvis. The doctor said that it was the head going down, and constantly monitored the process, checking the dilation of the cervix.

Attempts: hard work

I was obviously already pushing, but the doctor explained that it was too early to push, because Margosha’s head had not dropped to the desired position. The attempts had to be made to breathe, and it turned out to be very difficult. Of course, I tried, but it didn’t always work out. Then the pushing became very strong, I called the doctor, she came, looked and allowed me to push. Suddenly I felt that my neck was torn. But I had to keep pushing further. I want to say that after the contractions, the pushing seemed very pleasant to me. Then they helped me get to the delivery room, I sat comfortably on a chair, and they gave me the command to push as hard as I could. During one contraction it was necessary to push three times, but only two were possible, there was not enough time or skill. But they still praised and encouraged me, while the doctor pressed on my stomach. They decided to cut my crotch, they literally hit me with scissors, I even screamed, pushed, and everything worked out - Margosha was born and immediately screamed. My baby was so cute, touching, gentle, and I became a mother! She was taken for processing, weighed, measured, bathed, and I still had to give birth to the placenta. When she came out, they brought Margosha to me and put her to my chest.

Then there was general anesthesia, they stitched me up, and then they took me out into the corridor and put ice on my stomach. I lay there for two hours, they gave me a phone, and I called my family, delighting them with wonderful news.

Expert's comments

Elizaveta Novoselova, obstetrician-gynecologist, Moscow

Snezhana talks about the birth cocktail that she used at 41 weeks. We are talking about a combination of castor oil, fruit juice and any carbonated drink. This folk remedy is credited with miraculous properties: on forums for pregnant women it is advertised as a guaranteed method for provoking the onset of labor. The mechanism of action of this original cocktail is very simple: castor oil, which has a pronounced laxative property, causes cleansing of the intestines, an effect close to the result of a cleansing enema. Colon cleansing before childbirth is probably the most ancient procedure in obstetrics, dating back to biblical times. In itself, the “emptying” of the intestines has a beneficial effect on the development of labor. The laxative effect is achieved due to increased peristalsis (contraction) of the intestinal walls. In this case, nerve impulses arising in the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall can be transmitted to the wall of the neighboring organ - the uterus. Active intestinal peristalsis tones the muscle of the uterus - the myometrium - and helps it contract better during childbirth. Thus, cleansing the intestines is an absolutely natural and very effective means of preventing the weakness of labor forces. However, recently obstetrics has abandoned the use of laxatives during childbirth. The reason for the refusal was the complex effect of the laxative on the entire body of a woman in labor when taken orally. Some laxatives (including those of natural origin) affect blood pressure, others affect blood viscosity, and others increase heart rate. In addition, in women suffering from gastritis, gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cholelithiasis or biliary dyskinesia (curvature and narrowing of the lumen of the bile ducts), when taking a laxative, instead of the expected effect, profuse vomiting may begin. Obviously, side effects of laxatives such as vomiting, rapid heartbeat or hypotension (low blood pressure, usually accompanied by dizziness or headache) do not help the expectant mother feel better and can negatively affect the progress of labor. There is another, no less important counterargument: if the expectant mother’s body is not ready for childbirth, a laxative cocktail can not only cleanse the intestines, as happened happily in the story of our heroine, but also provoke premature rupture of water!

Snezhana mentions that on day X her bloody plug came off, and the light one began to come off within 2-3 weeks. During pregnancy, the glands of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal (lumen of the cervix) produce a special secretion. It is a thick sticky jelly-like mass that forms a kind of plug. It completely fills the cervical canal, preventing the penetration of bacterial flora from the vagina into the uterine cavity. Before childbirth, when the cervix begins to soften under the influence of estrogen, the cervical canal opens slightly and the cervical mucus contained in it can be released. In this case, the expectant mother may find small clots of yellowish-brown mucus on her underwear, transparent, jelly-like consistency, and odorless. The mucus plug can be released all at once or come off in parts over the course of a day or even weeks, as Snezhana describes. Sometimes stretching of the cervix before childbirth is accompanied by rupture of small vessels in its mucous membrane, and then streaks of blood can be seen in the released plug, and the cervical mucus itself becomes pink or burgundy in color - this is what our heroine called the “bloody plug.”

Upon admission to the maternity hospital, Snezhana was informed that she had dilatation of 2 fingers, but she was not giving birth. When talking about cervical dilatation, doctors use different terms, which are not always easy for the expectant mother to understand. Therefore, let us explain: if the doctor reports that the cervix is open to a certain number of fingers, this means preliminary preparation of the cervix for childbirth, its elasticity, extensibility, which allows the doctor to insert a finger directly into the cervical canal during examination. This is not the opening that occurs under the influence of contractions and marks the beginning of the birth process. Such changes in the cervix normally occur starting from 36–37 weeks and indicate the onset of prenatal hormonal changes. If we are talking about centimeters, it means that the cervix has smoothed out (become completely flat, no longer protruding into the vagina), and during the examination the doctor measures the real opening, a round hole at the bottom of the uterus, stretching under the pressure of the baby’s head during contractions. So, upon admission to the maternity hospital, our heroine’s examination showed two-finger dilatation, which means, despite promising sensations and an impressive gestational age - 41 weeks - she did not have labor, and the sensations that forced Snezhana to go to the maternity hospital were interpreted as harbingers childbirth

After the examination, Snezhana was offered to puncture the bladder. This procedure is correctly called amniotomy and is considered an additional intervention in the birth process, which means it should be performed strictly according to indications. What was the doctor guided by when recommending a bladder puncture for our heroine? Firstly, her complaints about many days of cramping pain and discharge, indicating the body’s readiness for the onset of labor, and the absence of a “response” from the birth canal - dilation. Secondly, the doctor, of course, took into account the “significant” stage of pregnancy at which Snezhana was at that moment, and her desire to give birth. That is, in this case, amniotomy was used as a method of induction of labor, which was supposed to help our heroine enter labor.

4 hours after the amniotomy, Snezhana was offered oxytocin. This drug causes increased contractions and is used to stimulate (accelerate, intensify) the labor process. The only indication for the use of oxytocin is weakness of labor forces. This pathology of labor is characterized by weak, non-productive contractions that do not change for a long time. During childbirth, contractions should constantly intensify and lengthen, and the interval between them should gradually decrease: it is this increase in contractions that causes the cervix to open and moves the fetus along the birth canal. We can say that with the development of weakness of the generic forces, the dynamics of the process disappear: contractions seem to “freeze” at a certain level, without giving a result. The prescription of oxytocin to our heroine was absolutely justified: the contractions, in her own words, were weak, did not become more frequent or increase in strength, and the examination showed no dynamics of opening for 4 hours.

Snezhana writes that when she first tried to push, she felt that her neck had torn. In fact, most likely, she felt a tear in the vaginal wall: the cervix can tear during pushing only if the woman in labor begins to push too early, even before full dilatation. To prevent this from happening, at the end of the first stage of labor, the doctor regularly examines and informs the patient whether it is possible to start helping the baby or whether it is too early. As we know from Snezhana’s story, she regularly “breathed” through this period and did not push ahead of time. The first attempt to push was made by our heroine only after the doctor’s command, which means that by that moment the cervix had already dilated completely and could not have ruptured. Obviously, the first attempt was too sharp, the baby moved towards the exit with a jerk, which led to ruptures in the walls of the birth canal. This is also evidenced by Snezhana’s mention that the suturing of ruptures was carried out under general anesthesia: such a measure is taken only with deep ruptures in the walls of the birth canal and perineum, while suturing a cervical rupture does not require any anesthesia in principle, since it is not accompanied by pain.

In the story there is a phrase from Snezhana that before the birth of her daughter she was cut alive. We are talking about episiotomy - dissection of the perineal tissue, which is used when there is a threat of external damage - ruptures of the perineum. Damage to the perineal tissue occurs in the final stages of the pushing period of labor, when the head begins to appear. In obstetrics, this moment is called cutting in the head - this term allows you to most clearly describe the degree of pressure on the tissue of the perineum. Damage to the perineum never occurs suddenly. It is preceded by changes indicating the risk of soft tissue injury. Due to the increasing pressure of the head, the perineum protrudes dome-shaped, its skin becomes swollen, pale or even bluish, and small cracks may appear on it. If such signs appear, it is necessary to perform an episiotomy to reduce tissue tension and widen the vaginal opening. The smooth edges of skin resulting from surgical dissection are easier to properly approximate than the rough edges of a laceration; the incision heals faster, without becoming infected and without leaving rough scars on the skin of the perineum. Episiotomy is always performed “live,” as Snezhana put it, that is, without prior anesthesia, since stretching the perineal tissue at this moment leads to a decrease in pain sensitivity, and local anesthesia (“freezing”) only increases swelling. At the moment of the incision, the expectant mother feels only cotton and relief, there is no pain. Many mothers, in principle, do not feel this moment and learn that an episiotomy was performed after childbirth, according to the staff.

After giving birth, Snezhana put ice on her stomach. Indeed, in the first two hours after giving birth, a woman in labor – that’s what a new mother is called in obstetrics – is given cold on her lower abdomen. This is done to prevent uterine bleeding - the most dangerous complication of the early postpartum period. An ice container placed on the lower third of the abdomen has a double preventive effect on the uterus. Firstly, the heavy container exerts mechanical pressure on the uterus through the anterior abdominal wall, helping it to contract better after childbirth (the risk of bleeding occurs precisely when the uterus contracts poorly). Secondly, the cold causes a narrowing of the lumens of blood vessels in the wound surface remaining on the uterine mucosa at the placenta attachment site.

What are they doing?

In order to speed up the dilation of the cervix, sometimes it is enough to simply perform an amniotomy - puncture the amniotic sac and ensure the outflow of amniotic fluid. To replenish lost energy, a woman may be prescribed a short medicated sleep. If within 3-4 hours after amniotomy the contractions do not intensify and the cervix does not open or the opening continues to proceed slowly, labor-inducing therapy is performed.

The woman is given hormones (oxytocin, dinoprost) that stimulate uterine contractions. At the same time, monitoring of the fetal condition using CTG is established.

If contractions become faster under the influence of drugs and dilatation begins, childbirth is then carried out as usual. If stimulation does not bring the desired effect, the woman undergoes an emergency caesarean section.

Painful sensations due to weakness of labor can be different. Contractions can be both painful and less painful. The weaker the smooth muscles of the female reproductive organ contract, the less pain the woman will feel, although here everything is very individual.

In general, the period of contractions is considered the most painful in childbirth. This statement sometimes frightens women so much that they cannot cope with fear even after the first contractions begin.

The period of contractions cannot be painless. Neither anesthetic drugs nor natural pain relief techniques using breathing and acupressure can guarantee that there will be no pain at all. But both medications and alternative pain relief help reduce the intensity of pain, which allows a woman to give birth more easily.

In order for dilatation to proceed at the desired pace and reach 10–12 centimeters (at which attempts begin), a woman needs to know from the very beginning how to behave, how to relate to what is happening. Proper breathing from the very beginning of contractions is deep and slow inhalations and exhalations, allowing you to relax as much as possible. At the stage of active contractions, a series of short and quick inhalations and exhalations at the peak of the contraction helps.

When the body is saturated with oxygen, the release of endorphins increases. These hormones have a certain analgesic effect. In addition, proper breathing helps saturate all organs with oxygen, improves blood circulation, and prevents fetal hypoxia during childbirth.

Regarding drug pain relief, a woman has the right to decide for herself whether she needs it and wants to refuse the proposed epidural anesthesia if she considers it unnecessary.

The very mechanism of pain during childbirth is difficult to explain, because there are no nerve receptors in the uterus. Therefore, experts tend to consider pain psychogenic, which means it will be possible to cope with it.

Harbingers of labor and false contractions

As the long nine months of waiting come to an end, expectant mothers begin to feel signs that the big event is approaching. 1-2 weeks before birth, special symptoms appear - harbingers of labor. 1. The stomach drops and it becomes easier to breathe
.
• The baby moves down and makes more room for mom's lungs. 2. Urination and bowel movements become more frequent. • The prolapsed uterus puts more pressure on the bladder and intestines 3. Pain in the lower back and a feeling of heaviness and warmth in the lower abdomen
.
• Muscles and ligaments are preparing for the upcoming work 4. The mucous plug comes off, resembling raw egg white • This can happen a few days before childbirth
, or maybe during the process.
5. The tone of the uterus changes. Irregular, rare contractions appear. But don’t rush to go to the maternity hospital. to distinguish training (also called false) contractions
from true ones: • with false contractions it is easy to fall asleep;
• the uterus does not necessarily become hard; • training contractions are usually irregular, but can occur regularly for 1–5 hours; • false contractions do not intensify or become more frequent; • training contractions may disappear after taking a warm bath
.
6. Psycho-emotional restructuring
.
It occurs differently for everyone: from vigorous activity to apathy and drowsiness. Many mothers, for example, decide to urgently re-stick the wallpaper, while others, on the contrary, “hibernate.” It is not necessary that you will feel all of these symptoms at once; some women notice just 1 or 2. However, childbirth is rarely a complete surprise. The expectant mother listens to herself and intuitively feels the approach of this wonderful event
.

Prevention

To avoid non-dilatation of the cervix during childbirth, doctors recommend that pregnant women calm down, not be nervous, and, if necessary, visit a psychologist if there are problems or a strong fear of labor pain. In the later stages of pregnancy, a woman is recommended to have moderate, but still physical activity. Lying on the sofa can be of little use for the upcoming labor.

There is a popular belief that having sex increases the likelihood of successful disclosure. This is partly true: semen contains prostaglandins, which soften the cervix, but they do not affect contractility.

For more information about cervical dilatation, watch the following video.

The process of dilation of the uterine cervix

The first indicator that a woman’s body is completely ready for childbirth is the full maturity of the cervix. During pregnancy, the uterus and cervical canal are tightly closed to reliably protect the baby.

Immediately before childbirth, the cervix begins to actively change; as a result of numerous physiological processes, most of the muscle tissue is replaced by connective tissue. As a result, the uterus and its cervix become softer, more elastic and pliable.

As a result of this process, the uterine cervix begins to actively shorten, soften and loosen, and the lumen of the cervical canal increases. But in some cases, the reproductive organ does not expand even when active labor begins. In such cases, additional stimulation of labor is required.

Disclosure standards by periods of labor

The cervix is a tube that is the connection for the internal and external genital organs. According to standards, during pregnancy this area should be tightly closed. This is necessary to keep the fetus inside and protect it from external infections.

A couple of weeks before the expected birth, the cervix begins to prepare for the birth of a baby. The organ shrinks, flattens and opens. It happens that changes occur ahead of schedule. This leads to spontaneous abortion or causes premature birth, so they try to stop the dilatation process with medication. But after such hormonal treatment, the uterus does not open during childbirth.

The cervix begins to prepare for labor at 34 weeks. Her tissues are gradually becoming softer, but the entrance remains closed. In multiparous women at this stage, the opening in the cervical canal is one obstetric finger.

By the 37th week of pregnancy, the cervical tissues have already completely softened, and the baby has already begun to move towards the pelvis. Subsequently, the fetus’s body weight presses on the canal, which helps open it.

How to prepare the cervix for childbirth?

If the cervix is not ready for childbirth, it needs help. Sometimes the birth process is brought closer for medical reasons if a woman has gestosis, heart problems, or the baby has hypoxia.

There are several ways to help prepare the cervix. This can be done using:

a set of Kegel exercises;
folk recipes;
kelp sticks;
medications.

A woman can use some at home, some can only be used in the presence of a doctor in a hospital setting. Let's look at each in detail.

Set of exercises

Initially, gymnastics is performed in a sitting or lying position. Each exercise should be repeated three to five times. Gradually the numbers increase to 15-25 times. This amount does not need to be completed at once. This is done throughout the day.

Lie on your back or sit on the sofa or floor. Bend your knees and open them. Tighten your vaginal muscles and hold for about ten seconds. Then relax.
Imagine that your vagina is a multi-story building. You take the elevator down from the top floor. This way you tense your muscles and relax them. The tension on the top floor will be the strongest, and will weaken downwards.
We train vaginal and anal muscles. Initially, the muscles of the vagina are in tension, then the anus. Relaxation will also take place alternately.
While sitting or standing, try to strain as you would during a bowel movement, but also use your vaginal muscles.

To have a positive result, all the exercises presented must be done several approaches every day. In addition, you should walk, climb stairs and wash floors while squatting. But the latter should be discussed with your doctor. Excessive physical activity can cause various complications.

Folk remedies

The opening of the cervix is facilitated by sexual contact. Male semen also contains special substances that stimulate the birth process.

In folk medicine there are several recipes, using which you can prepare the cervix at 41, 40 or 39 weeks of pregnancy. It is not recommended to use any of these without consulting a gynecologist.

Raspberry foliage. A decoction is made from dry raw materials. 30 g of crushed leaves should be poured into 800 ml of water. We wait for it to boil over low heat. Afterwards, under the lid, you need to leave it to infuse for 2-3 hours. From 38 weeks, take 300 ml in three doses.
Rose hip. An infusion is made from the dried fruits. Take 100 g of raw materials and 800 ml of boiling water. You need to leave it for three hours. After 37 weeks, it is recommended to consume 150 ml on an empty stomach in the morning.
Hawthorn. A pharmacy tincture is used. For 10 kg there are two drops of the product. The liquid is first diluted with water. Drink twice a day, half an hour before meals. The optimal time to start using hawthorn is 40 weeks of pregnancy.
Immature cervix before childbirth? Use strawberry infusion. You need to take about 100 g of berries, 40 g of chopped leaves and 1 liter of water. Cook for 40 minutes after boiling. After cooling, strain and add a little honey. This composition should be drunk throughout the day. Treatment begins at the 38th week.

All folk remedies can become dangerous if used without a doctor's permission and in unacceptable dosages.

Kelp sticks

The ripening of the cervix is promoted by kelp sticks introduced inside. Outwardly, they look like a thin stick, but when they come into contact with moisture, they increase several times in size. To place them in the cervix, a woman comes to the gynecological office and lies down in a chair. During insertion, pain and discomfort are felt. After a certain time, the kelp grows and puts pressure on the canal. During this process, the woman begins to experience contractions and pain in the abdominal area. All this is complemented by copious discharge from the genital tract. Thus, the genitals are prepared for childbirth.

Medications

Doctors often use drug therapy. If the organ cannot mature due to muscle strain, then antispasmodics are prescribed. They help relax muscles, eliminate pain and enable the cervix to ripen more quickly. Most often prescribed:

candles containing belladonna, papaverine or buscopan;
tablet form;
injections;
mifepristone.

All medications can only be used under the supervision of a physician.

Sometimes a gel solution containing prostaglandins is used. It is injected into the cervical canal, after which the walls soften and become relaxed.

It cooks the neck well, evening primrose oil. It should be taken every day, one capsule. This product contains a lot of acids, which contribute to the production of prostaglandins. The oil cannot be used without the permission of a specialist.

Examinations in a chair facilitate rapid dilation of the cervix, but this is not used, as there is a risk of infection.

Stimulation methods

At this stage, drug-free or medicinal effects are used to influence the course of labor. There are drugs for cervical dilation that affect the development of labor and dilatation. Sometimes algae (kelp) is injected into the cervical canal. The method of action is that in the moist environment of the vagina, kelp swells and pushes the organ apart. Substances released when algae come into contact with moisture contribute to faster ripening of cervical tissue.

Future parents prefer to opt for the non-medicinal method of piece opening. This effect is used outside the hospital, but a recommendation from a gynecologist is required before use. It is believed that this method of stimulation is safer for the fetus.

What to do if the cervix is not ready for childbirth:

do a cleansing enema (this will lead to the onset of contractions, which means there will be an opening);
have sex regularly (sperm softens, and orgasm contracts the uterine muscles);
do housework (doing housework will help the fetus move through the birth canal, so contractions will begin to intensify faster).

Traditional stimulation is carried out with the help of prostaglandins, hormones that affect a woman’s reproductive health. The substances have a positive effect on the muscles and tissues of the uterus. These hormones are not often used for stimulation; they are mainly used for artificial termination of pregnancy.

Medicines are produced in the form of gels and suppositories, inserted into the vagina, and do not cause discomfort. Labor begins to appear within 30-40 minutes. If the cervix is not ready for childbirth, puncture of the amniotic sac is performed. Dilatation should begin due to the onset of labor. But often after an amniotomy there are contractions, but no dilation. The reason for this is the artificial influence on the process of bringing a child into the world.

When the puncture procedure is carried out ahead of time, everything will go with precision, but on the contrary, if the child has not inserted the head into the pelvis, there will be no contractions. The fact is that the amniotic fluid above the fetal head creates a barrier to the exit and softening of the cervix.

The most common way to influence poor dilatation is injections or drips with oxytocin. This is a human hormone produced in the hypothalamus. Its role is to control labor and lactation.

The hormone is prescribed to increase contractile activity of the uterus. The woman in labor feels increased spasms of the uterine muscles a minute after the start of the injection. The method is used when the cervix does not open well during childbirth up to 6 cm. If the opening is less, there is no point in starting stimulation with oxytocin.

It is important to correctly calculate the dosage, since if the hormone is introduced excessively into the mother’s body, placental abruption will occur, bleeding will occur, or the baby will become oxygen starved. Before stimulation, the causes of the pathology are identified and the optimal method of treatment is prescribed. It is also possible to use alternative medicine as a way to stimulate labor.

Causes

Women in labor experience too little or no dilatation, which means the birth canal is unprepared for the advancement of the fetus. The cause of the pathology is a feature of the female body or medical errors during pregnancy.

Why is the cervix not dilated during childbirth?

very weak contractions;
with great psychological stress before delivery;
excessive strengthening during pregnancy with hormonal drugs with premature dilatation;
age over 35 years.

In order for the cervix to soften and smooth out, full labor is needed. This means that contractions should appear regularly and gradually intensify. With weak spasms of the uterine muscles there will be no opening.

Often, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios cause sluggish labor. If there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, the uterine muscles become overstretched. Contractile activity deteriorates significantly, so the cervix does not dilate during childbirth. It also happens, on the contrary, that the amount of amniotic fluid is too scanty; a flat amniotic sac cannot cause a full opening.

If the woman giving birth is over 35 years old, the tissues in the body are less elastic. It is rigidity that becomes the basis for difficulties with opening.

Excess hormones when strengthening the cervix during gestation negatively affect the process of preparation for labor. If pregnancy continues due to a small opening up to 32 weeks, drug therapy is prescribed, which reduces the activity of opening and strengthens the tissue of the cervical canal.

After such treatment, it is difficult for a woman’s body to resume preparations for the birth of a baby, so labor is absent altogether or too weak. After identifying the basis for non-disclosure, piece stimulation is prescribed.

Traditional methods

Use heating pads. To do this, place a heating pad on your stomach with water at room temperature, and a bottle of warm water between your legs. The effect should be as follows: the child will begin to move from cold to warm and insert his head into the pelvis. This will help the organ smooth out and soften.

Why is the cervix not ready for childbirth?

due to weakness of contractions;
due to incorrect amount of amniotic fluid;
through medical incompetence;
early puncture of the amniotic sac;
with the rapid development of labor

Once the reasons for poor cervical dilatation have been identified, you can begin to decide on the stimulation option. If it is just a post-term pregnancy, and the opening does not occur, it is allowed to use unconventional means. Although they are painless and not dangerous, you should consult your obstetrician/gynecologist about use to avoid causing harm.

It is possible to use herbal infusions to improve opening. Take nettle, shepherd's purse or barberry. To prepare the drink, you need 1 tbsp. spoon of herbs, fruits or leaves, pour 1 glass of boiling water. After this, you need to boil the tea for 5 minutes and leave until it cools completely. Take the decoction 3 times, 70 g each, throughout the week.

The following methods are used much less frequently:

In order to prevent non-dilation, it is recommended to learn about the process of childbirth (how to behave correctly, walk, sit, breathe). This will help reduce the feeling of fear, so the birth act will develop correctly and in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Why is the cervix not ready for labor? The answer to this question will be given by an obstetrician-gynecologist after examination and examination. Diagnostics will show when to give birth in one case or another, because there are situations when you cannot delay.

Special exercises, kelp sticks, herbal decoctions and infusions, as well as medications will help prepare the immature cervix for delivery. Medicines are used in the form of gels, tablets, suppositories and injections. The doctor will decide what is most suitable for a woman. Self-medication in this case will not only be inappropriate, but also life-threatening for the pregnant woman and her baby.

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Pregnancy is one of the happiest and most enjoyable periods in the life of every woman. And it is not at all surprising that every woman looks forward to childbirth - an exciting moment that only separates the expectant mother from meeting her baby for a while.

But quite often during the process of delivery certain problems and difficulties may arise, for example, if the cervix is ready for childbirth, but there are no contractions. What to do in such a situation and how to speed up the birth of a child?

The uterus is the central link in the female reproductive system, without which it is simply impossible to become pregnant and give birth to children. It consists of several components - the neck, bottom and body. It is the condition of the uterine cervix that determines how the process of bearing a child and his birth will proceed.

Visually, the cervix is a kind of tube that connects the uterine organ and vagina with the cervical canal located inside it. A healthy organ is characterized by an elastic consistency and a tightly closed cervical canal, thanks to which the fetus is securely held in the uterine cavity.

If a woman does not have a cervix, plastic surgery or bougienage is often used. These operations are carried out to restore the normal anatomical structure of the reproductive organ. You need to make a decision together with your doctor about how effective and optimal this method of restoring the condition of the uterine cervix will be.

Many women wonder - if there is no cervix, what to do and how can you give birth to a healthy and full-term baby? In such cases, the patient should be under constant medical supervision. A doctor who monitors a woman during pregnancy necessarily refers her for diagnostics.

Biopsy and colposcopy are considered the most accurate and informative. As a result of these studies, the doctor receives the most detailed information about the state of the reproductive organs in the female body, as well as about the recurrence of a cancerous tumor.

Complications

When the cervix has not opened, complications may arise in the postpartum period. You should familiarize yourself with them in advance to be as prepared as possible.

If there is no opening, it is possible to get a rupture. Complications are also caused by the fetus being too large, rapid labor and the birth of a newborn ahead of schedule.

The deviation is manifested by light bleeding; the wound is easy to diagnose with a gynecological speculum during an internal examination of the woman in labor. The defect is corrected by suturing the damaged area, but the stitches hurt for a long time.

In the complete absence of opening and unsuccessful stimulation, a conservative method of delivery is used. The baby is removed by caesarean section. Postpartum recovery will be difficult, because fresh scars will remain inside from the incision of the uterus and abdomen. It is more difficult for a woman to care for her baby after a caesarean section.

Problems with the child's health arise. If the first stage of labor is too long, due to lack of opening, hypoxia appears in the fetus, as well as difficulty breathing after birth. As a consequence of oxygen starvation, mental deviations or defects of the nervous system appear.

Lack of dilatation of the cervix leads to pathologies. It is required to be sufficiently informed about the course of delivery in order to avoid labor anomalies.

Features of “training” contractions

Contractions that occur long before labor are usually called training contractions.

They are characterized by the following features:

occur in the second half of pregnancy;
duration ranges from a second to several minutes;
As pregnancy progresses, the frequency of training contractions may increase without changing their duration.

Such contractions differ from real ones in that they are less painful and go away when you change position or while walking. They are also not regular and there is no tendency for them to intensify.

The cervix did not dilate during childbirth.

This happens, the cervix does not open and that’s it.

Yes, sometimes. Then they either stimulate it or perform a Caesarean procedure within no more than a day - that’s for sure (although I’m not a doctor, I’ve been in pathology too much). And the child’s condition is monitored very carefully. Maybe it’s better not to see the same doctor?

oh Lord, where did you give birth? In normal maternity hospitals, the cervix is prepared for childbirth, tampons with medicinal gel are placed, which helps soften the cervix and further facilitate easy dilatation. your erosion is most likely postpartum, almost everyone has it

If the cervix does not open, there is no point in stimulating it. The contractions will intensify, but the cervix will not dilate. In such cases, an emergency caesarean section is performed.

I gave birth in a provincial maternity hospital, and the team was not so great. Didn't cook at all

What does an immature cervix mean?

An immature cervix is an organ that is softened or, on the contrary, too dense. The length of such a neck has not decreased in length and is 3 or more centimeters. It can be completely closed, or have a slight opening with a slope back.

One speaks of a mature person when she:

shortened to 1-1.5 cm;
located clearly in the center;
opened well, one or two or more fingers freely penetrate into the canal.

Only a specialist can determine the condition of the organ after examining the pregnant woman in a gynecological chair.

Psychosomatics of childbirth. Why does the cervix not dilate?

The cervix is an important component of the main organ of the uterus when carrying a child, and the process of childbirth mainly depends on the cervix. The cervix begins to change towards the end of pregnancy, when there are only a few weeks left before giving birth. It is these changes that help the baby move smoothly through the birth canal of the expectant mother and be born.

Many mothers who have given birth and those who are preparing and very close to childbirth are probably familiar with the situation when the cervix should have long been physiologically ready for childbirth, but for some reason it is still not ready and doctors then gynecologists prescribe medication preparation. For example, if on the eve of the expected date of birth (EDD), during an examination by a gynecologist, a woman was diagnosed with an “immature cervix,” then she can undergo medicinal preparation of the cervix for childbirth, and even an artificial start of labor - induction of labor.

Or during childbirth, the process is going on, contractions are going on, but the cervix does not open or opens very slowly, and again here we will most likely talk about a medicinal method of stimulation. After all, in order for a child to be born, the cervix must be fully dilated.

Someone is probably familiar with this situation. Why doesn't the discovery happen? We, psychologists, are very glad that in our modern world these problems have begun to be considered not only from the medical side and from the side of gynecologists, but also from the side of psychology, i.e. in an integrated approach. And here it is possible and necessary to look at this issue from a psychosomatic point of view. So, let's figure it out.

Each of us contains several personalities/parts. And some of these parts/personalities are very often completely unconscious. Some part of us may be absolutely ready for childbirth, and if this part of our personality is strong and dominant over the other parts of our personality, then the birth of such women in most cases is successful, the cervix will be prepared and will open on time.

But, as we have already found out, somewhere in us there lives another part of the personality (most likely it is this that is completely unconscious by the woman), which may be against childbirth. It can even be in the form of energy that simply prevents childbirth from happening and the baby being born. And here it is very important which part will be stronger? But where can this part of our personality that is so against childbirth come from? Why was this unconscious decision made by the woman to resist the natural process and thereby create problems for herself and her child during childbirth, why?

Below are just some examples of such often unconscious decisions that have a detrimental effect both on the body of a woman preparing for childbirth and on the body during childbirth, namely, by preventing the cervix from opening normally:

My husband/man will not be a good enough father.

My husband/man left us. How will my child and I live alone?

I will be a bad mother, I will not cope with motherhood.

At home there are constant problems, quarrels, scandals: with my husband / with my mother / with other relatives.

I/our family does not have enough money to raise a child.

My career is over. I will fall behind in life and lose my job.

The world is dangerous. What awaits my child?

Fear of pain during childbirth.

Fear of dying in childbirth.

And, as a result, this is the woman’s unconscious reluctance to have a child. It is very important here to see, understand, find which part of you fears/does not want/resists the birth of a baby, is afraid of childbirth.

Sometimes, it is enough to simply realize this part, speak it out, discuss it, dispel fears and anxieties, and it will transform itself. Here, a consultation with a psychologist on prenatal preparation (perinatal psychologist) can help you. Sometimes it only takes one consultation and the blocks will go away, freeing up the resource forces of your body for your successful and easy birth!

I wish all expectant mothers an inspired pregnancy, easy childbirth and happy motherhood!

Ways to stimulate the cervix

What to do if a woman’s cervix is completely ready for childbirth, but contractions still don’t start? Only a woman's doctor can tell you the answer - it is he who will select all the necessary medications and suggest home remedies to help stimulate labor.

There are a number of medications designed to activate the process of dilation of the cervix and intensify labor. Such medications are injected into the cervical canal, the effect can be expected within 2-3 hours.

Treatment of a narrowed cervical canal is carried out using kelp, a medicinal product that comes in the form of sticks. Such sticks, saturated with moisture, are introduced into the cavity of the cervical canal, where, under the influence of time, they begin to gradually swell and increase in size, leading to an expansion of the canal. As a rule, 3-5 hours of using kelp is quite enough to prepare the cervix for childbirth.

Prostaglandin in the form of a gel or suppository - within a few hours the woman’s body is completely ready for childbirth.

In the most severe cases, an amniotomy can be performed in a hospital hospital setting - this procedure is a medical puncture of the amniotic sac. In this case, the water breaks, the baby’s head drops, and labor accelerates.

Non-medicinal methods of activating labor activity of the uterine cervix:

sexual intercourse - just one sex can provoke a noticeable contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterine organ, which activates labor;
cleansing enema - has an activating and irritating effect on the walls of the uterus, provoking accelerated contraction of the organ;
physical activity - of course, no one forces the expectant mother to do strength training; it is quite enough to constantly walk around the ward or in the corridor of the maternity ward.

The cervix and indicators of its maturity play an extremely important role in the process of childbirth. If the uterus is ready for childbirth, but there are no contractions, various methods of quickly stimulating labor are used. These include medications as well as other methods. All this will help the birth of a healthy and active baby.

The process and stages of cervical dilatation before childbirth

When entering a maternity hospital, every woman experiences serious stress, especially when this happens for the first time. And this is connected not only with the change from the usual environment of her home to a hospital one, but also with the fear of what awaits her, of the unknown, and various terms from doctors, incomprehensible to the expectant mother, only intensify the state of stress and anxiety.

Perhaps the first frightening term for a woman when examined by a doctor in a maternity hospital is “cervical dilatation,” because it is this indicator that determines the body’s readiness for childbirth.

It is important to understand the meaning of medical terms and indicators, since understanding what the doctor is talking about will allow the woman to feel calm and comfortable.

Braxton Hicks contractions

From about 20 weeks, long before the expected birth, contractions occur for reasons that are not entirely explained. Abdominal tension occurs. The woman complains of discomfort, but no pain is felt.

Back in the 19th century, Dr. John Braxton Hicks, who lived in England, described this phenomenon. He explained this by the fact that the body is preparing the cervix for the upcoming expansion for the process of expulsion of the fetus.

If this is not the first birth, such contractions may be accompanied by pain. The nature of contractions is most accurately determined using a cardiotocogram.

Stages of cervical dilatation

Many young women expecting their first child, arriving at the maternity hospital with weak contractions, hearing from the doctor during an examination that there is no dilation yet, begin to worry and wonder why the cervix does not dilate during childbirth?

But the process of expanding the lumen is divided into 3 main stages, which are not always possible to recognize independently.

The first stage of disclosure is considered to be the initial period, sometimes called slow or latent. During this period, irregular and usually mild contractions may occur. There are usually no special sensations when the cervix dilates at this time, contractions are not painful.

The duration of the first period can vary and take from several hours to several days. You should not sit and count each contraction, concentrating your attention solely on this moment, since in this case the whole process of childbirth may seem endless. If you have mild, weak contractions, you should try to sleep, as you will soon need a lot of strength and energy.

Drug assistance is usually not required in the first period, but if the doctor sees that complications may arise, he can speed up the dilatation of the cervix to avoid possible problems.

The second period is called medium or fast, as well as the active phase of opening. At this time, contractions begin to intensify, their intensity and duration increase, and the interval between them decreases. Dilation during this period can range from 4 to 8 cm.

At this time, the following rules should be observed:

do not sit - this is what almost all doctors say; sitting during childbirth means sitting on the child’s head;
lying down is also not recommended, since this often becomes the reason that the cervix does not open during childbirth or opens very slowly;
It is best to walk at least around the ward during this period, this will stimulate faster opening and speed up the birth process;
use special breathing exercises;
if you have a strong desire to lie down, then you can, but you should find the most comfortable position.

In most women, the amniotic sac bursts in the second phase of cervical dilatation, but this can happen earlier or it can be punctured by a doctor.

The third stage is the complete dilatation of the cervix and the beginning of active labor. The transition from phase two to phase three can take varying periods of time and can sometimes be rapid, so it is important to have a doctor nearby to monitor the process. Read more: periods of labor→

Ways to stimulate the cervix

Prostaglandin in the form of a gel or suppository - within a few hours the woman’s body is completely ready for childbirth.

Non-medicinal methods of activating labor activity of the uterine cervix:

– just one sex can provoke a noticeable contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterine organ, which activates labor;
cleansing enema - has an activating and irritating effect on the walls of the uterus, provoking accelerated contraction of the organ;
physical activity - of course, no one forces the expectant mother to do strength training; it is quite enough to constantly walk around the ward or in the corridor of the maternity ward.

Video: 40 weeks. Induction of labor naturally

Video: how to induce contractions?

Video: the water broke, but there were no contractions. What to do?

Normally, it is completely closed; towards childbirth it becomes softer and shorter. Its canal gradually expands and, when fully ripe, begins to let the finger inside. Such maturity of the uterus indicates the imminent onset of labor. During the birth of a child, the cervix shortens and smoothes, and directly opens by 8-10 centimeters.

In a healthy woman, the cervical canal remains closed until the onset of labor. However, in some cases premature disclosure occurs. This happens with the development of a pathology such as isthmic-cervical insufficiency. It can occur as a result of injuries caused by previous abortions, surgeries, ruptures in previous births, and for other reasons.

Usually, the cervix begins to prepare for labor gradually, 2-3 weeks before it begins. Signs of preparation are the presence of training contractions and the release of the mucus plug covering the cervical canal. As a rule, first-time women notice the presence of these symptoms earlier than with repeat births. The opening and smoothing of the cervix can begin directly in the child.

METHOD No. 2. WALKING

Don't sit, don't lie, but walk! Where? Anywhere!

In the initial stages, you can walk along the street, of course, preferably accompanied by an assistant and in a quiet place.

Personal experience of Natalia Kachanova:

During my first birth, my husband and I went out into nature. And we wandered along the country roads for an hour and a half. Then I walked around the yard while he prepared the bathhouse. She walked, hummed, sang, and held onto trees when the contractions became serious and regular.

The second and third births took place in natural conditions - with walking, dancing and singing songs. And the contractions moved on as usual.

ATTENTION! Don't let yourself be put down! In a supine position, contractions subside.

Walk around the house from corner to corner. In the maternity hospital - along the corridor. You are trying for yourself. So, down with laziness, let's go get contractions!

How much does the uterus contract after childbirth?

Young mothers are often concerned about the question of how long does the uterus contract after childbirth? It is worth noting that the period of 4-6 weeks after the baby is born is often called the tenth month of pregnancy, and this is no accident. The fact is that at this time important changes occur in a woman’s body. In this case, all organs and systems return to normal functioning, and the uterus gradually contracts. Several mechanisms are responsible for reducing the size of the reproductive organ:

contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterus, decreased blood circulation in the organ area;
decreased muscle hypertrophy due to postpartum contractions. As a rule, they are not felt by a woman;
the production of hormones during lactation that ensure these same contractions.

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After childbirth, a woman may notice discharge, which is not a pathology. Such discharge is called lochia. Their presence is explained by the healing of the inner layer of the uterus and the restoration of its epithelium. In the first days they may have bloody impurities, later the color becomes brownish, and after 8-10 days the discharge becomes transparent. The total duration of restoration of the previous size of the uterus takes approximately 1-1.5 months.

Why doesn't the uterus contract completely? There are a number of reasons for this:

some features of pregnancy and childbirth;
multiple pregnancy;
refusal of breastfeeding;
heavy weight of the baby;
type of placenta location;
hormonal imbalance in a woman.

Stimulation of organ contraction is carried out in the maternity hospital. Immediately after the birth of a newborn, an ice compress is applied to the woman’s abdomen. In addition, medications may be used. Among them are Oxytocin, prostaglandins and others.

Sometimes the process of uterine contraction is accompanied by quite severe discomfort. If the pain is severe, to reduce discomfort and heaviness in the lower abdomen, women with a low pain threshold may be prescribed the following pills:

No-Shpa;
Papaverine;
Ibuprofen.

If the mother is breastfeeding the baby, it is better to endure it. Some medications may harm the baby.

In a second-bearing woman or after a Caesarean section, involution, that is, restoration of the body, occurs more slowly.

Algorithm of actions at the onset of labor

Correct behavior during labor and childbirth is the key to the birth of a healthy baby. If a young mother suspects the onset of true contractions, the first thing she should do is calm down and not panic. In most cases, the woman in labor still has enough time to grab her things and go to the maternity hospital or call an ambulance.

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If the girl is already in the hospital, she is advised to inform the doctor about this. At this moment, it is important to remain calm and even breathing. Fear and anxiety negatively affect the child; the mother must remember this throughout the entire birth process.

Calculating the interval between uterine contractions

How do you know when real contractions have started? To distinguish false contractions from true ones, the woman in labor is recommended to count the interval between them and the duration of the contraction itself over time. To do this, you can draw up a simple diagram. On a piece of paper you should record the time at which uterine contractions begin, then the interval until the next contraction, and so on. The diagram might look something like this:

12:30 contraction begins;
12:31 end of the fight;
from 12:31 to 12:55 the interval between uterine contractions.

You can time and count using a watch with a second hand, a timer or a stopwatch. By keeping such a diary, a woman will see that within an hour or two the duration of contractions will increase, and the interval between them will decrease. This will determine the onset of true contractions. In addition, attention should be paid to whether the mucus plug has come away. This symptom indicates the imminent onset of labor.

Periodicity

If we consider the question of how contractions occur and manifest themselves immediately before childbirth, it is worth noting that shortly before pushing they are frequent and prolonged. They are repeated after 3-5 minutes, lasting up to 1-1.5 minutes. After the uterus is fully dilated, pushing begins.

In multiparous women, the frequency between contractions is reduced, and the period before pushing lasts less.

What to do when your water breaks

When contractions appear, it is advisable for a woman not to waste time, but to immediately go to the maternity hospital. This is especially true in situations where the expectant mother’s water breaks. It is impossible to say for sure that the water breaks first and then contractions begin. The opposite often happens. It often happens that the water breaks, but there are no contractions. During this period, you should adhere to these simple recommendations:

call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself;
Do not take a bath under any circumstances (this can cause bleeding, infection of the fetus, placental abruption and other dangerous complications);
don't panic or worry. This will lead to fetal hypoxia.

In the hospital, the girl must tell the doctor the time the water breaks, whether there are contractions, when they started, how long they last and what is the interval between them.

Types of contractions and ways to ease them

Before giving birth

A woman feels the first cramping sensations before giving birth. They are not so painful, the interval between them is long, but gradually the time between them decreases.

A day or even a few before birth, the mucous plug may come off, which protects the fetus from infections. Sometimes this phenomenon goes unnoticed.

When contractions begin, pregnant women are advised to:

relax,
breathe deeper,
get distracted
rest between attacks of pain.

This will help the woman’s cervix open faster.

Photo gallery: ways to ease contractions

Lumbar massage

Many maternity hospitals have showers right in the delivery rooms, because a warm shower relieves pain

For many women, a certain body position helps ease contractions: change positions until you realize that you have found your

Light jumping and other movements on a fitball are also designed to ease contractions, but the exercise technique needs to be trained in advance with an instructor, since the maternity hospital staff is unlikely to be able to help with this. Try different poses to help ease contractions

Between contractions, remember to relax and rest.

Don’t focus on every fight, distract yourself with reading, conversation - do what you like

During childbirth

Contractions as the baby moves through the birth canal are attempts that help push the baby out of the uterus. The woman feels that it is becoming impossible to restrain muscle contractions; she wants to push hard. At this moment, the cervix is maximally dilated and it is ready to “pass” the child through itself. If you push earlier than expected, the risk of cervical rupture increases. Therefore, you need to listen to the obstetrician and push only at his command. And don’t forget about breathing - this is a source of oxygen for mother and baby.

Practice in advance several types of breathing that are needed during childbirth, “doggy style”, “blowing out a candle” and others

Video: how to breathe during labor and childbirth

After childbirth

When the long-awaited baby is born, the mother needs to push a couple more times to give birth to the placenta. It won't take much time or effort. Contractions also continue so that the uterus slowly shrinks and the bleeding stops.

Afterpains

If, after childbirth, cutting pains begin, such as during contractions, then you can understand that a process has begun aimed at restoring the volume of the uterus. It has been noticed that postpartum contractions are more painful in multiparous women. They intensify during breastfeeding.

This is due to the production of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk production, which simultaneously stimulates uterine contractions in the postpartum period.

The uterus returns to its original state around the sixth week after birth. Its size, which accommodated the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid during pregnancy, should by this time be approximately equal to a woman’s fist.

When to call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital

You can go to the maternity hospital in advance, but if you can quickly get to the hospital, then it is enough to arrive at the medical facility shortly before giving birth.

If labor has not started before 40 weeks, there is no need to worry. Normally, childbirth occurs from 38 to 43 weeks of pregnancy. But if labor does not begin after the maximum permissible period, medical intervention will be required.

You should call an ambulance if you have the following symptoms:

Acute abdominal pain or scarlet-colored bleeding.
The waters have broken.
The interval between contractions is about 10 minutes.

Methods of inducing labor

Hearing a phrase from a doctor about the need to induce labor, many women begin to panic. But in reality there is no need to be afraid of this. Stimulation may actually be necessary in some situations. The main indication for this is post-term pregnancy. Let us immediately note that stimulation can be natural, when the mother uses certain methods, and artificial - with the help of medications or puncture of the bladder. Below we will consider several ways to stimulate the birth process.

Oxytocin injection

The drug Oxytocin refers to hormonal drugs used to artificially trigger the birth process. Thanks to him, it is possible to achieve contraction of the uterus. This medicine is used among women with post-term pregnancy.

Oxytocin is used to stimulate contractions or if contractions begin but disappear. As a rule, after the injection, the contractions of the uterus are intense and very painful, so with this type of stimulation the woman is given an anesthetic injection. Oxytocin is also used to stimulate repeated contractions if they have stopped.

Among the disadvantages is the risk of individual intolerance to the drug in a woman in labor. In addition, it is prohibited to use Oxytocin if the baby is not positioned correctly in the womb (fetal presentation), if the woman has narrow pelvic bones, or after a Caesarean section.

Puncture of amniotic sac

Contractions during pregnancy during postterm pregnancy (at 40 weeks) and the risk of hypoxia are often caused by amniotomy - puncture of the amniotic sac. Less commonly, this procedure is used for Rhesus conflict, developing gestosis and in some other situations.

The operation is performed in a few minutes. Despite the ease of implementation, the procedure is carried out exclusively by an experienced doctor on a gynecological chair using special medical equipment. The result of the puncture is the release of amniotic fluid and the acceleration of labor.

The puncture is carried out only when the baby's head has dropped into the pelvis and puts pressure on the amniotic sac. Otherwise, there is a risk of bleeding and infection of the fetus.

Use of prostaglandins

Like Oxytocin, prostaglandins are hormonal substances. For a normal birth process, the opening of the cervix and its ability to stretch is of great importance. Sometimes, under the influence of certain factors during childbirth, the uterus does not open enough. In such situations, the introduction of prostaglandins is indicated - analogues of hormones responsible for the process of preparing the cervix.

The drug is administered in the form of vaginal suppositories or gel. These substances do not penetrate through the amniotic sac, which is an undoubted advantage of this type of pregnancy stimulation. Among the disadvantages of prostaglandins, it can be noted that they can somewhat slow down the rate of transition to pushing in a woman in labor.

Contraindications:

endocrine diseases in women;
diabetes;
previous Caesarean section;
incorrect position of the fetus in the womb.

The decision to administer the hormone is made by the doctor during the birth process.

Physical exercise

Sometimes doctors recommend physical activity to stimulate labor. Of course, this does not mean strength sports, long-distance running, cycling and other extreme sports. Long walks in the fresh air, washing floors without a mop, and so on are popular among young mothers.

This natural stimulation of labor is ensured by the fact that the baby, while walking, puts constant pressure on the cervix and thereby provokes it to untwist. It is worth noting that this method will only be effective if the uterus has already begun to prepare for childbirth. If this does not happen, such actions can cause a dangerous complication in the form of placental abruption.

Sexual relations with a partner

Having sex during full-term pregnancy has a specific effect on a woman’s body. The fact is that male sperm contains natural prostaglandins, that is, it can soften its neck and stimulate contractile activity.

Often, women during pregnancy resort to other types of stimulation of contractions and childbirth. Among them are acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy. Whatever method is used, it must be discussed with a doctor.

Herbs

You can induce contractions at home using some medicinal herbs. Women share reviews of such experiences on various forums. Of course, resorting to such a procedure on your own without consulting your doctor is extremely dangerous. Therefore, the use of herbs and any other methods is allowed only as prescribed by a specialist.

It is believed that impatiens vulgare promotes the onset of contractions. You can also force the uterus to contract with the help of a decoction of bay leaves, saffron stigmas, centaury, and medicinal lovage. The decoction is very simple to prepare. Pour a teaspoon of crushed dry plant into a glass of boiling water and let the drink brew for at least half an hour. The resulting medicine is taken instead of tea. You can add sugar or a little honey for taste.

Any traditional methods of inducing labor should be used strictly under the supervision of a specialist.