By the duration and frequency of contractions, you can determine at what stage of labor. If you know how to measure contractions correctly, at a key moment you can tell your doctor about your condition, and he can tell you whether it is time to go to the hospital. By measuring your contractions, you can tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions, or training contractions, and labor contractions. From this article you will learn what contractions are, how to measure them and how to understand that it is time to go to the maternity hospital.
What are contractions?
When labor begins, the cervix opens and effaces and the muscles of the uterus contract to help move the baby down through the birth canal. The contraction is similar to a spasm, which is first felt in the back and moves forward to the lower abdomen. Sometimes it can feel like a nagging pain in the back or pelvis, like during menstruation. During contractions, the abdomen hardens and then relaxes and remains softer between contractions.
Change in stool and nausea
Some pregnant women may experience changes in stool before giving birth and diarrhea. However, this symptom does not necessarily herald the approach of labor. Sometimes contractions are disguised as the urge to defecate. Do a cleansing enema. If the pain does not stop, then childbirth is approaching.
Another relative sign of the onset of labor is nausea. If it appears along with cramping pains, then the pregnant woman has entered the labor phase. Nausea is the result of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.
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Why is it useful to time contractions?
First, by measuring your contractions, you can determine whether labor has begun or whether these are just training contractions. Training contractions usually go away if you move around, and if they are not painful, not regular, and do not occur more and more often. Over time, real labor pains become more frequent, longer and more painful. Labor pains do not go away with movement or changing positions. Knowing how to time your contractions correctly will help you keep your doctor informed. Based on your dynamics, he may say that it’s time for you to go to the maternity hospital or, conversely, that you should stay at home for now.
The most important
There is no need to be afraid of childbirth - this is a completely natural process for the female body.
You need to know what happens to the body during childbirth and not be afraid of unusual painful sensations, and also carefully follow all the requests of doctors that will make it easier for the baby to be born. To do this, the expectant mother should attend training courses or carefully study the relevant literature. Illustration: Trevor Bair Tags:
- Pregnancy
- Babies
- Reproductive health
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How to measure contractions during childbirth
How to measure contractions:
- write down when the first contraction began (the “time” item on the table below);
- how long the contraction lasts (“how long”);
- how much time passed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next (“frequency”);
- Keep records for at least an hour to determine if contractions are recurring or if the interval between them is getting shorter.
Example of contraction measurement records
You can ask your birth partner, midwife, or doula (if you're having one with you) to help you time your contractions. This way, you won't have to be distracted by it, and your partner may be pleased that he or she was useful to you.
Water breaks
This symptom can be easily missed or not noticed. The waters will not necessarily spill once and abundantly. They may leak: liquid appears drop by drop and flows down the inside of the thigh in a small stream.
Some pregnant women, especially multiparous women, may confuse the breaking of water with involuntary urination. Due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder, its walls weaken. A pregnant woman may not feel how small amounts of urine are involuntarily excreted. If you visit the restroom and droplets do not stop appearing, it means your water is breaking and you should prepare a birthing bag.
What is the difference between labor contractions and training contractions?
Labor contractions, as a result of which the child is born, occur at repeated intervals and become more frequent and intense. If your contractions are irregular and not getting stronger each time, you may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as training contractions, or false contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions do not mean the start of labor - your body is just preparing for the impending birth. Signs of labor include rupture of the amniotic sac (they also say “your water has broken”) and the release of the mucous plug (clear or pinkish discharge from the vagina).
ABC of childbirth
ABC of childbirth. Harbingers of childbirth. Periods of childbirth. Postpartum period. Hygiene. Contraception .
Childbirth is the process of expulsion or removal from the uterus of the baby and placenta (placenta, membranes, umbilical cord) after the fetus reaches viability. Normal physiological childbirth occurs through the natural birth canal. If the child is removed by caesarean section, then such a birth is operative.
The average duration of physiological labor ranges from 7 to 12 hours for primiparous women, and up to 10-12 hours for multiparous women. Labor that lasts 6 hours or less is called rapid; labor that lasts 3 hours or less is called rapid.
How to determine the approach of labor?
The approach of childbirth can be judged by the following harbingers.
1. “Dropping of the abdomen” At the end of pregnancy (usually 2-3 weeks before birth), the fundus of the uterus drops, which is a consequence of the descent of the fetal head into the pelvis. In this regard, the tightness of the diaphragm stops, pregnant women note that it becomes easier for them to breathe, heartburn and belching decrease. However, they are replaced by a feeling of fullness in the pubis and some increased urination. You should not be afraid of such phenomena, as they are the norm during this period.
2.Changing stool. The increase in frequency and change in the consistency of physiological secretions on the eve of childbirth is also associated with an increase in the level of estrogen and the removal of fluid from the body of the expectant mother. Similar changes in the body of a non-pregnant woman are observed during menstruation. Stools may become more frequent up to 2-3 times a day, and at the same time some dilution of the stool may be observed. A more frequent urge to defecate, a sharp change in the color and smell of stool, combined with nausea and vomiting, is a reason to consult a doctor - such “harbingers” may mask a foodborne illness.
3.Discomfortable sensations. In the last weeks before giving birth, many pregnant women notice discomfort in the lower abdomen and in the sacrum area (the area slightly below the lower back). Such changes in the well-being of the expectant mother are caused by stretching of the pelvic ligaments and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. Usually these minor sensations, described as a feeling of “slight languor” in the lower abdomen, are comparable to similar phenomena during the period before or during menstruation. Discomfort, as well as training contractions, most often bother the expectant mother in the morning and evening hours. The level of discomfort is minimal, it should not worry the expectant mother and does not require medical intervention.
All precursors of labor may appear during the last two weeks before birth; their presence, as well as absence, is normal and does not require visiting a doctor. It is important to learn to listen to changes in your body, not to be afraid of changes in well-being associated with prenatal preparation, and most importantly - to have time to mentally and physically prepare for the most important event - the birth of a baby.
4. Changes in posture Prolapse of the uterus with the fetus affects the shift in the center of gravity. The woman takes on a characteristic “proud look,” her head is usually thrown back somewhat, and her gait becomes “duck-like.” The expectant mother walks more slowly, as if shifting her whole body from foot to foot, but she herself may not notice this.
5. Reducing a pregnant woman's weight Closer to childbirth, a pregnant woman's weight gain may stop or even decrease. Most women associate this with a decrease in appetite, which is also noted during this period.
6 Passing of the mucus plug A “mucus plug” is a small lump of brownish-brown mucus, sometimes streaked with blood, that remains in the cervical canal throughout pregnancy. It contains a large amount of antimicrobial substances and prevents infections from the vagina from entering the uterine cavity. At the end of pregnancy, as a result of the shortening and opening of the cervix, this lump comes out of it. This usually happens gradually over one and a half to two weeks before giving birth. But it also happens that this mucous secretion of the cervical glands comes out of the vagina in the form of a kind of “plug” immediately before childbirth.
7 False contractions At the end of pregnancy, expectant mothers begin to feel contractions of the uterus, which before birth take on the character of nagging pain in the sacrum and lower abdomen - these are precursor contractions. Their difference from real labor contractions is that they are short, irregular, and do not lead to shortening and smoothing of the cervix, opening of the uterine pharynx and the formation of a functional amniotic sac. . Often women arrive in agitation; they feel like they are in the throes of labor and need to go to the delivery room urgently. But when the doctor, after an examination, calmly reports that the woman is not yet in labor, the false contractions stop right before our eyes. I would like to note that the precursors of labor in primiparous women often go unnoticed at all or include 2-3 signs. However, with repeated births, pregnant women notice almost all of the changes listed above, the most striking and clear of which are false contractions and the passage of the mucus plug.
So when is it still necessary to go to the maternity hospital? When can you be sure that labor has already begun?
- If you have regular contractions
— Regular contractions are pulling sensations in the lower abdomen or lower back that appear again, after rest, at certain intervals. If contractions occur at predictable intervals, become more frequent, longer, and stronger - it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. If during repeated births the interval between contractions is short, you should go to the maternity hospital immediately.
- When amniotic fluid ruptures,
—The discharge of amniotic fluid from the genital tract may be abundant or there will be just a little “water” (leakage), regardless of whether you have contractions or not, you need to go to the maternity hospital. .
3 If bloody discharge appears from the genital tract
——The appearance of bloody discharge should be treated carefully not only throughout pregnancy, but also before childbirth, when it already seems that the baby is not in any danger. Actually this is not true. Just before birth, a pregnancy complication can also occur, for example, premature abruption of a normally located placenta, which requires emergency obstetric care. you should go to the maternity hospital immediately if such a symptom appears.
Periods of childbirth.
First stage of labor - dilation of the cervix
The first stage of labor lasts from the first regular contractions until the full dilatation of the cervix and is the longest. For primiparous women, it ranges from 8 to 10 hours, and for multiparous women, 6-7 hours.
During the entire first stage of labor, the condition of the mother and her fetus is constantly monitored. They monitor the intensity and efficiency of labor, the condition of the woman in labor (well-being, pulse rate, breathing, blood pressure, temperature, discharge from the genital tract). The fetal heartbeat is regularly listened to, but most often constant cardiac monitoring is performed. During normal labor, the baby does not suffer during uterine contractions, and its heart rate does not change significantly. During labor, it is necessary to assess the position and advancement of the head in relation to pelvic landmarks. A vaginal examination during labor is performed to determine the insertion and advancement of the fetal head, to assess the degree of opening of the cervix, and to clarify the obstetric situation.
Mandatory vaginal examinations are performed in the following situations: when a woman enters the maternity hospital; when amniotic fluid ruptures; with the onset of labor; in case of deviations from the normal course of labor; before anesthesia; when bloody discharge appears from the birth canal. One should not be afraid of frequent vaginal examinations; it is much more important to ensure complete orientation in assessing the correct course of labor.
Second stage of labor - expulsion of the fetus
The period of expulsion of the fetus begins from the moment the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of the child. During childbirth, it is necessary to monitor bladder and bowel function. Overfilling of the bladder and rectum prevents the normal course of labor. To prevent the bladder from overflowing, the woman in labor is asked to urinate every 2-3 hours. In the absence of independent urination, catheterization is used. Timely emptying of the lower intestine is important (enema before childbirth and during a prolonged period). Difficulty or absence of urination is a sign of pathology.
From the moment the uterine os opens completely, the second stage of labor begins, which consists of the actual expulsion of the fetus, and ends with the birth of the child. The second period is the most critical, since the fetal head must pass through the closed bony ring of the pelvis, narrow enough for the fetus. When the presenting part of the fetus descends to the pelvic floor, contractions are joined by contractions of the abdominal muscles. Attempts begin, with the help of which the child moves through the vulvar ring and the process of his birth occurs.
The third stage of labor is the afterbirth
The third period (afterbirth) is determined from the moment of birth of the child until the separation of the placenta and the discharge of the placenta. In the afterbirth period, during 2-3 contractions, the placenta and membranes are separated from the walls of the uterus and the afterbirth is expelled from the genital tract. In all women giving birth in the afterbirth period, to prevent bleeding, drugs that promote uterine contraction . After birth, a thorough examination of the child and mother is carried out to identify possible birth injuries. During the normal course of the afterbirth period, blood loss is no more than 0.5% of body weight (on average 250-350 ml). This blood loss is physiological, since it does not have a negative effect on the woman’s body. After expulsion of the placenta, the uterus enters a state of prolonged contraction. When the uterus contracts, its blood vessels are compressed and bleeding stops.
It should be noted that in some cases, preliminary hospitalization in a maternity hospital is necessary to prepare for delivery. In the hospital, in-depth clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations are carried out to select the timing and method of delivery. An individual birth management plan is drawn up for each pregnant woman (mother in labor). The patient is introduced to the proposed delivery plan. Obtain her consent to the proposed manipulations and operations during childbirth (stimulation, amniotomy, cesarean section).
Caesarean section is not performed at the request of the woman , since it is an unsafe operation, but only for medical reasons (absolute or relative). Childbirth in our country is not carried out at home, but only in an obstetric hospital under direct medical supervision and control, since any birth is fraught with the possibility of various complications for the mother, fetus and newborn. The birth is conducted by a doctor , and a midwife, under the supervision of a doctor, provides manual assistance at the birth of the fetus and carries out the necessary treatment of the newborn. The birth canal is examined and repaired by a doctor if it is damaged.
Labor expulsion forces - contractions and pushing - help the child descend into the small pelvis, pass through it, expand the vagina and come out through it.
Contractions are contractions of the muscles of the uterus, with the help of which its cervix opens. At first they are not strong, repeat every 15-20 minutes and last 10-15 seconds. The closer the birth itself becomes, the more often and more strongly the uterus contracts. At the end, the intervals between contractions are 1.5-2 minutes, and they last 1-1.5 minutes. Contractions can be quite painful.
When pushing, the abdominal and diaphragm muscles contract. Under their influence, the pressure in the abdominal cavity increases. Attempts can be involuntary, but the woman herself can regulate their strength by pushing. The midwife and doctor tell the woman in labor when to push and when to rest and gain strength. At first, the pushing is not very strong, but during the period when the fetus leaves the small pelvis, it begins to increase and occurs every 2-3 minutes.
Contractions and pushing help the fetus move towards the pelvis and beyond. In order to endure them as easily as possible, you need to learn proper breathing and the ability to relax your muscles at the right moment throughout your pregnancy. This will help relieve pain during contractions and make labor easier.
Postpartum period
The postpartum period includes the time from the moment of birth of the placenta until the completion of the reverse development of the changes that occurred in the woman’s body during pregnancy.
General information
The duration of this period is 6 weeks. In most cases, it proceeds normally, but sometimes dangerous complications arise that require urgent treatment.
Changes in a woman's body after childbirth
Immediately after the birth of the placenta, the uterus begins to contract strongly and within a few minutes takes on a rounded shape. The wall of the uterus becomes dense and the gaping vessels of the placental site are compressed. After just 2 weeks, its size corresponds to a non-pregnant uterus. Within a few days after childbirth, the surface layer of the inner lining of the uterus sloughs off and is released in the form of bloody discharge. Epithelization of the uterus ends by 2-3 weeks after birth.
The cervix returns to its normal state by the end of the first week. But the vaginal walls remain swollen for 3-4 weeks after childbirth.
Changes in hormonal status that occur after childbirth stimulate the onset of lactation. In the first three days, the mammary glands secrete colostrum, which differs from milk in its higher content of protein and immunoglobulins. It's not much, but it's 10 times more nutritious than milk. Therefore, even a small amount of colostrum is enough to feed the child. In order to have a sufficient amount of milk in the future, the most important thing is to regularly put the baby to the breast and not supplement him with anything. Usually milk comes in at the end of 3 or the beginning of 4 days after birth. Within a few hours, the mammary glands harden, increase in volume, become painful, and the temperature rises. These manifestations gradually disappear with the correct feeding regimen.
Postpartum care
In the delivery room, immediately after childbirth, all postpartum women undergo an examination of the cervix and soft tissues of the birth canal using mirrors. If trauma to the tissues of the birth canal is detected, they must be sutured.
In the first 24 hours after birth, the postpartum woman should be in the maternity ward under the constant supervision of a doctor and midwife. This is due to the fact that most often complications associated with the pathology of contractile activity of the uterus after childbirth, as well as with anomalies of placental attachment, manifest themselves in the form of bleeding, precisely in the first hours after childbirth. One of the main tasks of adequate management of the postpartum period is the prevention of purulent-inflammatory diseases in the mother and newborn. In the postpartum ward, the postpartum woman must be monitored daily by a doctor and midwife. At the same time, the general condition of the patient is assessed, pulse, blood pressure, body temperature are measured (twice a day), the condition of the external genitalia, uterus, mammary glands, the nature of discharge and physiological functions are monitored.
In the normal course of the postpartum period, the patient can be discharged from the maternity hospital after vaccinating the child with BCG for 3-4 days under the supervision of a doctor at the antenatal clinic. The first examination after childbirth in the antenatal clinic is carried out 2 weeks later, the next one - 2 months after birth. By this time, the size of the uterus and birth canal should return to their original state.
Hygiene rules after childbirth
You should take a shower daily and wash your face 2-3 times a day. It is better to choose underwear and bed linen made of cotton fabric. Underwear must be changed every day, and pads at least every 4 hours. Remember that in the postpartum period taking a bath and swimming in natural bodies of water is contraindicated. Be sure to check with your doctor what methods of hygiene and treatment of the perineum are necessary in your particular case.
Possible problems
You may be bothered by bloody discharge from the vagina. As we already said, this is normal. The first 2 - 3 days the discharge is quite heavy, like in the first days of menstruation. Then they become smaller and acquire a brownish-brown color. A common occurrence during the postpartum period is cramping or nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Contractions of the uterus are always accompanied by some pain. The pain may worsen during breastfeeding. Usually the pain goes away by 4-7 days after birth.
Perform postpartum exercises - they help reduce pain. If you find this pain difficult to bear, painkillers may be used. Pain in the perineum is especially troubling for women who have suffered perineal ruptures during childbirth. Healing usually takes 7-10 days. If pain is severe, ask your doctor to prescribe pain relief.
In the first days after childbirth, especially long-term ones or those accompanied by surgical intervention, postpartum women often experience urinary retention. In this case, urine is released using a catheter.
A woman in labor usually has her first stool 2-3 days after birth. Exercising helps normalize bowel function. If there is no stool on the 4th day, then you can use a laxative suppository.
After the first feedings, women may develop cracked nipples. To prevent this from happening, you need to put the baby to the breast for no longer than 5-7 minutes in the first 2-3 days after birth. You can use a special cream to prevent cracked nipples. Before each feeding you should wash your hands with soap. It is also necessary to wash the mammary glands with warm water and baby soap before and after each feeding, from the nipple to the armpit, and dry with a sterile diaper. After feeding, the remaining milk must be expressed until the mammary gland is completely emptied to avoid stagnation. This helps improve lactation and prevents infection of the mammary glands.
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- you have heavy bloody discharge from the vagina with clots, bright red in color, you have to change several pads within an hour (symptoms of uterine bleeding); - sharply painful lumps in the chest appeared in combination with a high temperature (such symptoms may be a sign of mastitis); - an unpleasant odor of vaginal discharge in combination with an increase in temperature, chills (such signs may indicate the onset of inflammation in the uterine cavity); - opening of a suture after a cesarean section with unpleasant-smelling discharge or blood; - increased pain in the area of the perineal incision, the appearance of discharge with an unpleasant odor (signs of infection or suture dehiscence); - redness, painful areas on the legs, swollen, hot to the touch (symptoms of the onset of thrombophlebitis).
The baby was born, a little time passed, and mom and dad were already accustomed to their new responsibilities and new daily routine. In general, family life is gradually returning to normal. Naturally, there is a place for sex in it. But the onset of a second pregnancy - at least for some time - is usually not included in the plans of young parents, which means that you need to think about contraceptive methods that are safe and effective.
Making a choice
Let's start with the fact that for the first six weeks after childbirth, obstetricians and gynecologists advise abstaining from sexual relations. At this time, the uterus has not yet completely contracted, the wound surface in it has not completely healed, there is constant bleeding, which means there is a risk of introducing some kind of infection into the uterus. Therefore, you should wait until the woman’s health returns to normal and only then return to sex.
To resolve the issue of contraception in the postpartum period, you should consult your obstetrician-gynecologist, because this is individual and depends on many factors.
Therefore, before starting sexual activity after childbirth, it is imperative to decide about contraception.
Well, which contraceptive to choose will depend primarily on whether the mother is breastfeeding.
Obstetrician-gynecologist at the antenatal clinic
City clinic No. 4, Grodno
Beetroot L.Ya.
When to go to the maternity hospital
When visiting your doctor in the third trimester, find out his recommendations for when you need to go to the hospital and stick to them. At the same time, ask what number to call if you go into labor while your doctor is not open. In many cases, the recommendation is to call your doctor when you notice signs of labor, such as your water breaking, mucus plug, or contractions starting. Be prepared to tell your doctor how often contractions occur and how long each contraction lasts, as well as other signs, if any. If you notice bleeding, call your doctor immediately. Based on the information you tell him, the doctor will tell you whether you should go to the maternity hospital or whether it’s better to stay at home for now, in a calmer and more comfortable environment for you, suitable for the first stage of labor.
When will I go into labor?
The expected date of birth (EDD) is the day when the pregnancy is exactly 40 weeks. However, you should not rely on the fact that the baby will be born on this day. Firstly, the due date may be inaccurate, 75% of it is just a rough estimate, and the “error” could be as much as two weeks off, even if the date was corrected after an ultrasound. Most women go into labor between 38 and 42 weeks. Take your time, listen to your body and keep your birth plan and hospital bag handy. Keep in mind that experts do not recommend using any traditional medicine to induce labor. If you are concerned that labor is not starting, discuss this with your doctor.
What to do at home during the first stage of labor
From the time you start having contractions until the time you need to go to the hospital, your doctor may recommend that you stay home for now. Here's what you can do during this time:
- do breathing and relaxation exercises;
- go for a walk;
- take a nap;
- take a shower or bath;
- listen to relaxing music or watch a movie;
- finish packing for the maternity hospital
Difference between signs in primiparous and multiparous
The anatomical structure of the uterus of a woman who has previously been in labor differs in a pregnant woman for the first time. The fact is that when passing through the birth canal, the fetal head exerts high pressure on the cervix, promoting its stretching. Due to this, it becomes more elastic, pliable and wider. Therefore, the first stage of labor in women who give birth again proceeds more quickly and less painfully. As a rule, it lasts from 3 to 7 hours, and for a primigravida it lasts from 6 to 12 hours.
Due to the fact that the body is better prepared for the process, signs of labor in multiparous women appear a little later, about a week before delivery. Also, their clinical picture may be more pronounced. In women pregnant for the first time, these manifestations are observed much earlier - approximately 15-20 days before the birth of the child.
For some mothers who give birth again, signs preceding the birth of a child may appear a day before it. Therefore, multiparous women need to carefully monitor their body from 34-35 weeks. The preparedness of the birth canal can affect the speed of the first period of delivery, so you should not delay your trip to the maternity hospital.
It is important to know that when contractions that are characterized by cyclicity appear, a woman giving birth again should go to the maternity hospital, since the first period of delivery may not always be accompanied by the development of pain or other manifestations.
If more than 8-10 years have passed between the birth of the last child and the new pregnancy, then the harbingers of labor in multiparous women may appear 12-14 days before delivery. This is due to the fact that over such a long period the woman’s body is completely restored, and the birth canal loses its elasticity.
Also, a woman should not be guided by how her previous pregnancy proceeded, since the influence of many factors (size of the fetus, height of the uterine fundus, the presence of concomitant diseases, etc.) can affect childbirth. Therefore, the appearance of signs can be observed at an earlier or later period, in comparison with the first birth.
If the first birth was carried out using a cesarean section, then the warning signs will appear in the same way as in women giving birth to a child for the first time. This is because the cervix did not stretch as the baby did not pass through the birth canal.
Visualization "snail"
Visualization of a crawling snail can be used to more accurately represent muscle movements. Everyone has certainly seen such a picture, at least on TV. A wave passes along its sole, starting from the tail and towards the head, which arises due to the tense muscles. This pushes the snail forward.
Almost the same thing happens with the uterus: not all of it tenses at the same time. The upper part of the organ is more “muscular”, it is this that compresses the amniotic sac. The latter puts pressure on the lower part of the uterus, where there are fewer muscles, and it does not shrink, but stretches. The cervix is the weak link of this entire “system”, so it experiences the greatest pressure from the amniotic sac, which leads to its dilatation.
It is worth considering that no woman is capable of keeping contractions under control, but she can control the efforts that involve the muscles of the perineum, abdominal wall, including the diaphragm. It is for this reason that midwives ask the expectant mother to push or hold back for a few seconds.
When does your stomach drop?
3-4 weeks before the planned date of birth, the pregnant woman’s belly seems to slide down, this happens gradually and slowly. At the same time, the stomach changes somewhat in shape and decreases in size.
As the abdomen lowers, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe and eat as the diaphragm is released.
When symptoms of impending labor appear, a woman should rest more and save her strength for the main period of pregnancy - the birth of the baby.
Chest pain
This is another answer to what hurts during contractions during childbirth. Many expectant mothers begin to experience discomfort in the chest while pregnant or just before giving birth. There is no need to worry about this as this is normal. You should be concerned if there is no chest pain at all. This may indicate the development of a hidden pathology or indicate another health problem.
Towards the end of pregnancy, the breasts increase, and noticeably, due to the proliferation of glandular tissue. The pain itself is caused by stretching of the skin and capsules located inside the chest. In addition, pain can be caused by the formation of milk ducts and slight enlargement of the nipples. Typically, for some women, pain begins already at the beginning of pregnancy, while others begin to experience these sensations only before childbirth.
As for the intensity of chest pain, it is usually tolerable and does not cause much concern. Also, these sensations are due to the formation of colostrum, and the body itself is preparing for the birth of the baby. In the absence of chest pain, there is a possibility that colostrum will not form and subsequently the child will not receive adequate breastfeeding.
What does the pain during contractions compare to?
During the period when the reproductive organ tenses or stretches, the flow of blood to its muscle structures is blocked.
In addition, pressure is exerted on the nerve endings that go to the uterus. Actually, this determines the nature of the sensations that a pregnant woman experiences. The pain may be dull or irregular (that is, occur periodically). But what is typical is that each expectant mother perceives these sensations in her own way. It all depends on the location of the child, the uterus, and also on how much the nerve endings are compressed.
How does your stomach hurt during contractions while pushing? The process of moving a child along the birth canal is perceived equally by all women. Discomfort is felt in the vagina, rectum, perineum, and the nature of the pain itself is quite acute.
That is why for many women these body reactions cause concern. Is it really the start of contractions or maybe this is a sign of some disease? There will be no reason to panic if you have at least some idea of the process.
Specialists
Makatsaria Alexander Davidovich
Obstetrician-gynecologist, famous scientist, founder of clinical hemostasiology.
It will help you plan and maintain your pregnancy if you have had cases of fetal loss, thrombosis, obstetric complications or blood coagulation disorders. You can also contact your doctor for a transcript of hemostasis tests.
Egorova Elena Borisovna
Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest qualification category.
Specializes in peritoneal factor of infertility in women and management of problematic pregnancies.
It will provide effective help if, before conception, you were diagnosed with adhesions, endometriosis, erosion or other pathologies of the cervix.
Akinshina Svetlana Vladimirovna
Obstetrician-gynecologist, hemostasiologist with an academic degree.
Pregnancy management S.V. Akinshina will help avoid severe complications: gestosis, placental insufficiency, fetal loss syndrome.
The doctor's expertise includes hemostasis disorders and immunological infertility.
Bitsadze Victoria Omarovna
Gynecologist-hemostasiologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences.
The doctor's profile is management of high-risk pregnancies, including in women with genetic thrombophilia and a tendency to spontaneous bleeding. Develops effective treatment regimens for infertility associated with autoimmune pathologies and hemostasis disorders.
Breathing technique
How to relieve pain during labor contractions? To do this, you should master a simple breathing technique. At the same time, a woman can not only relax, but also supply her body and the child with a sufficient amount of oxygen. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the opening of the uterine pharynx.
Unfortunately, many expectant mothers are skeptical about this truly useful technique. During school lessons on preparing expectant mothers for childbirth at 30 to 32 weeks, women are taught breathing techniques that will allow them to more easily endure the process of having a baby. At the same time, it is necessary to master it so much that subsequently everything is done automatically.
Proper breathing depends on the intensity of contractions and their phase. The main thing is to follow one important rule - the stronger and longer the contractions, the faster the breathing. How to relieve pain during contractions:
- Breathe deeply and slowly. This technique is relevant during the latent phase of contractions, when contractions cause only discomfort and are not accompanied by pain. Inhalations are made short and quickly, followed by a slow and long exhalation. In this case, inhalations are made through the nose, and exhalations are made through the mouth (the lips should be pulled out into a tube). It’s better to count – up to 3 as you inhale, and up to 5 as you exhale.
- "Candle". The technique is suitable when contractions have gained intensity and become prolonged. In this case, you should breathe frequently and shallowly. Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth (lips extended). That is, breathing should be done as if necessary, blowing out a candle. To end the contractions, you can apply the method above (deep and slow breathing). The appearance of slight dizziness is associated with hyperventilation of the lungs. In addition, as you perform this technique, the body produces endorphins, which helps reduce pain.
- "Big Candle" The technique boils down to the following: inhale through a stuffy nose, and exhale through almost closed lips. This is recommended to be done towards the end of the first stage of labor.
- Early attempts. At this time, the head is already beginning to descend, but the cervix is not yet fully dilated. How to reduce pain during contractions in this case? You should change your position - stand up or squat down. At the beginning of the contraction, breathe like a candle. Use this technique until the end of the contraction. During the break between contractions, breathe freely.
- “Doggy” - breathe as often and shallowly (as in the “candle” technique), but through the mouth, as dogs usually do.
- Technique in pushing. At the very beginning, try to take a maximum breath and push “into the perineum,” making efforts to move the child. Just don’t push “in the face,” otherwise you won’t be able to avoid rupture of the retinal vessels and headaches. In this case, you should push three times during one contraction. When the head appears, you should stop pushing and breathe in a “doggy” style. Next, the midwife will tell you when you need to start pushing again. As a result, the child appears completely.
After the baby is born, the placenta (placenta with umbilical cord) should come out.
When it separates from the walls of the reproductive organ, the pain may resume, but its intensity is not as strong as at the beginning of labor. In this case, you don’t need to make any special efforts; just push slightly and the placenta will leave the uterus.
