How to make a neck opening. How to speed up the opening of the cervix before childbirth at home: "male therapy" and special exercises. How to help yourself at home

During pregnancy, the cervix is ​​in a closed position, and before childbirth, it begins to open, helping the fetus to move towards the exit. But often the cervix does not open at all during childbirth, then methods of stimulating the process are used.

The cervix is ​​a tube that is the connection for the internal and external genital organs. According to the norms, during pregnancy, this area should be tightly closed. This is necessary to keep the fetus inside, to protect against 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 time. This entails a spontaneous abortion or causes premature delivery, so they try to stop the dilation process with medication. But after such hormonal treatment, the uterus does not open during childbirth.

The cervix begins to prepare for labor from 34 weeks. Her fabrics gradually become softer, but the entrance is still closed. In multiparous at this time, the opening in the cervical canal is one obstetric finger.

By the 37th week of pregnancy, the cervical tissues are already completely softened, and the child has already begun to move towards the small pelvis. In the future, the fetus presses on the canal with body weight, which helps to open it.

At the beginning of labor, the organ quickly smoothes out, shortens and 2 fingers are already being pushed through. During delivery, the opening should reach 10 cm, which will allow the fetal head to come out.

If the cervix does not open before childbirth, the cause of the anomaly is unpreparedness for motherhood, nervous overexcitation or weak contractions. Often the wrong volume of amniotic fluid affects the process of dilatation. If the woman in labor is old-bearing (she is over 35), the low elasticity of the tissues negatively affects the preparation for the birth of the baby. To help the process develop further, you should understand what are the reasons for non-disclosure of the cervix during childbirth.

The reasons

In parturient women, too weak or complete absence of disclosure is observed, which leads to the unpreparedness of the birth canal for the advancement of the fetus. The cause of the pathology is a feature of the female body or medical errors during the preservation of pregnancy.

Why is there no cervical dilatation during childbirth:

1. very weak contractions;
2. with great psychological stress before delivery;
3. excessive strengthening during pregnancy with hormonal drugs in case of premature disclosure;
4. age over 35 years.

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

Often, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios become the cause of laxity in childbirth. With an excessive volume of amniotic fluid, the uterine muscles are overstretched. Contractile activity deteriorates significantly, so the cervix does not open during childbirth. It happens, and vice versa, that the amount of amniotic fluid is too scarce, a flat fetal bladder cannot cause a full opening.

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

An excess of hormones when strengthening the cervix during gestation negatively affects the process of preparing for labor. If pregnancy persists due to a small opening up to 32 weeks, drug therapy is prescribed, which reduces the activity of opening and strengthens the tissues of the cervical canal.

After such treatment, it is difficult for a woman's body to resume preparation for the birth of a baby, so labor activity is absent at all or too weak. After identifying the grounds for non-disclosure, piece stimulation is prescribed.

Stimulation methods

At this stage, a drug-free or medicinal effect on the course of the birth act is used. There are preparations for opening the cervix, which affect the development of delivery and dilation. Sometimes algae (kelp) is introduced into the cervical canal. The mode of action is that in the humid environment of the vagina, kelp swell and push the organ apart. Substances released when algae come into contact with moisture contribute to faster maturation of the cervical tissues.

Future parents prefer to dwell on the non-drug 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:

• make a cleansing enema (this entails 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 household chores 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. 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.

Gel injection

Medicines are released in the form of gels and suppositories, are introduced into the vagina, do not cause discomfort. Labor activity begins to manifest itself after 30-40 minutes. If the cervix is ​​not ready for childbirth, puncture of the fetal bladder is used. The dilation should start due to the start of delivery. But often after an amniotomy, there are contractions, but there is no disclosure. The reason for this is the artificial impact on the process of the birth of a child.

When carrying out the piercing procedure ahead of time, everything will go with accuracy, 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 head of the fetus creates a barrier to exit and soften the neck.

The most common way to treat poor erection is through injections or drips of oxytocin. It is a human hormone produced in the hypothalamus. Its role is to control childbirth and lactation.

The hormone is prescribed to increase the contractile activity of the uterus. The woman in labor feels an increase in 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. With a smaller opening, it makes no sense to start stimulation with oxytocin.

It is important to correctly calculate the dosage, since with excessive administration of the hormone into the body of the woman in labor, placental abruption will occur, bleeding will open, or oxygen starvation of the child will appear. Before stimulation, the causes of the pathology are identified, the optimal method of exposure is prescribed. It is also possible to use alternative medicine as a way to stimulate delivery.

Folk methods

Heating pads are used. To do this, you need to put a heating pad on your stomach with water at room temperature, and between your legs - a bottle of warm water. The effect should be as follows: the child will begin to move from cold to heat and insert the head into the small pelvis. This will help the body to smooth and soften.

Why is the cervix not ready for childbirth:

1. due to weak contractions;
2. due to the wrong amount of amniotic fluid;
3. through medical incompetence;
4. early rupture of the fetal bladder;
5. with the rapid development of labor activity

After the causes of poor cervical dilatation have been identified, it is possible to begin to determine the stimulation option. If this is just a post-term pregnancy, and the opening does not occur, it is allowed to use non-traditional means. Although they are painless and not dangerous, it is required to consult an ob/gyn about use in order not to cause harm.

Perhaps the use of herbal infusions to improve the opening. Take nettle, shepherd's purse or barberry. To prepare a drink, you need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of herbs, fruits or leaves, pour 1 cup of boiling water. After that, you need to boil the tea for 5 minutes, leave to cool completely. Take a decoction 3 times 70 g per week.

The following methods are much less commonly used:

• bodyflex;
• acupuncture;
• yoga.

Complications

When the cervix does not open, complications may occur in the postpartum period. You should familiarize yourself with them in advance in order to be as prepared as possible.

Possible risks:

1. cracks;
2. gap;
3. C-section.

If there is no opening, it is realistic to get a gap. The cause of the complication is also a too large fetus, rapid delivery and the appearance of a newborn ahead of schedule.

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

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

There are problems with the health of the child. If the first stage of labor is too long, due to the lack of opening, hypoxia appears in the fetus, as well as breathing difficulties after birth. As a consequence of oxygen starvation, mental abnormalities or defects of the nervous system appear.

Failure to dilate the cervix leads to pathology. It is required to be sufficiently informed about the course of delivery in order to avoid anomalies in labor activity.

Having an idea of ​​what happens during each stage of this process, a woman will be able to more easily endure childbirth and actively participate in them.

We will try to give a consistent description of what physiological processes occur during childbirth, what a woman feels at this time, and what medical manipulations can be performed at different periods of childbirth.

Childbirth is the process of expulsion of the fetus from the uterine cavity, its immediate birth and the release of the placenta and membranes. There are three periods of childbirth: the period of disclosure, the period of exile and the subsequent period.

Opening of the cervix

During this period, there is a gradual expansion of the cervical canal, that is, the opening of the cervix. As a result, a hole of sufficient diameter is formed through which the fetus can penetrate from the uterine cavity into the birth canal, formed by the bones and soft tissues of the small pelvis.

The opening of the cervix occurs due to the fact that the uterus begins to contract, and due to these contractions, the lower part of the uterus, i.e. its lower segment is stretched and thinned. Disclosure is conditionally measured in centimeters and is determined during a special obstetric vaginal examination. As the degree of cervical dilatation increases, muscle contractions intensify, become longer and more frequent. These contractions are contractions - painful sensations in the lower abdomen or in the lumbar region that the woman in labor feels.

The first stage of labor begins with the appearance of regular contractions, which gradually become more intense, frequent and prolonged. As a rule, the cervix begins to open with the appearance of contractions lasting 15-20 seconds with an interval of 15-20 minutes.

During the first stage of labor, two phases are distinguished - latent and active.

Latent phase continues until about 4–5 cm of dilatation, in this phase labor activity is not intense enough, contractions are not painful.

active phase the first stage of labor begins after 5 cm of disclosure and continues until full disclosure, that is, up to 10 cm. At this stage, contractions become frequent, and pain -
more intense and pronounced.

In addition to uterine contractions, an important part of the first stage of labor is the outflow of amniotic fluid. Of great importance is the time of outflow of water in relation to the degree of cervical dilation, as this can affect the course of the birth process.

Normally, amniotic fluid is poured out in the active phase of labor, since due to intense uterine contractions, the pressure on the fetal bladder increases, and it opens. Usually, after opening the fetal bladder, labor activity intensifies, contractions become more frequent and painful.
With the outflow of amniotic fluid before the opening of the cervix by 5 cm, they speak of their early outflow. It is most favorable if the outflow of water occurs after the opening has reached 5 cm. The fact is that at the beginning of labor, before the cervix opens by 5 cm, there is an increased risk of developing weakness of labor, that is, weakening contractions or their complete cessation. As a result, the course of childbirth slows down and can drag on for an indefinite time. If the amniotic fluid has already poured out, then the fetus is not isolated and not protected by the fetal bladder and amniotic fluid. In this case, the risk of intrauterine infection increases. To avoid intrauterine infection, labor must be completed within 12 to 14 hours of amniotic fluid discharge.

If the waters have departed before the onset of regular labor and the beginning of the opening of the cervix, they speak of premature outflow of waters.

How to behave

If you experience regular painful or pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, begin to note the time of the beginning and end of these sensations, as well as their duration. If they do not stop within 1–2 hours, last approximately 15 seconds every 20 minutes and gradually increase, this indicates that the cervix has begun to gradually open, that is, the first stage of labor has begun and you can go to the maternity hospital. At the same time, it is not necessary to rush - you can observe your condition for 2-3 hours and go to the hospital already with more or less intense labor activity, that is, with contractions every 7-10 minutes.

If your amniotic fluid has broken, then it is better not to delay the trip to the maternity hospital, regardless of whether contractions have appeared or not, since premature or early discharge of amniotic fluid can affect the choice of tactics for conducting labor.

In addition, remember the time when regular contractions began, and record when the amniotic fluid occurred. Put a clean diaper between your legs so that the emergency room doctor can assess the amount of water and their nature, by which you can indirectly assess the condition of the unborn baby. If the waters have a greenish tint, this means that the original feces, meconium, got into the amniotic fluid. This may indicate fetal hypoxia, that is, that the baby is experiencing a lack of oxygen. If the waters have a yellowish tint, this may indirectly indicate an Rhesus conflict. Therefore, even if the water leaks quite a bit or, conversely, pours out in large quantities, you should keep a diaper or cotton pad with the amniotic fluid that has poured out.

To relieve pain during uterine contractions, try to take deep breaths through your nose and slow exhalations through your mouth during a contraction. During contractions, you should be active, try not to lie down, but, on the contrary, move more, walk around the ward.

During the contraction, try different positions that make the pain easier to bear, such as resting your hands on the bed and leaning forward slightly with your feet shoulder-width apart. If a husband is present at the birth, then you can lean on him or squat down, and ask your husband to support you.

A fitball, a special large inflatable ball, will help ease the sensations during contractions.

If possible, contractions can be carried under the shower, directing a warm stream of water on the stomach, or immersed in a warm bath.

What does a doctor do?

During the first stage of labor, from time to time, special obstetric manipulations are required to help choose the right tactics for managing labor and assess the risk of possible complications.

An external obstetric examination is performed when the expectant mother enters the maternity hospital. During this procedure, the approximate weight of the fetus is estimated, the external dimensions of the pelvis of the expectant mother are measured, the location of the fetus, the height of the presenting part, that is, at what level in the birth canal is the presenting part of the fetus - the head or buttocks.

During a vaginal examination, the condition of the cervix, the degree of its disclosure, the integrity of the fetal bladder are assessed. The presenting part is determined: the head, legs or buttocks of the fetus - and the nature of its insertion, that is, which part - the back of the head, forehead or face - the head was inserted into the small pelvis. The nature of the amniotic fluid, their color and quantity are also evaluated.

In the normal course of the first stage of labor, a vaginal examination is performed every 4 hours to assess the dynamics of cervical dilatation. If complications occur, more frequent testing may be required.

Every hour during the opening period, the blood pressure of the woman in labor is measured and auscultation is performed - listening to the fetal heartbeat. It is performed before the contraction, during the contraction and after it - this is necessary in order to assess how the future baby reacts to uterine contractions.

For a more accurate assessment of the nature of the fetal heartbeat and an indirect study of its condition during childbirth, each woman in labor undergoes a cardiotocographic study - CTG. Two sensors are installed on the surface of the uterus, one of them captures the fetal heart rate, and the other - the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions.

As a result, two parallel curves are obtained, having studied which the obstetrician-gynecologist can objectively assess the well-being of the unborn baby, notice signs of possible complications in time and take measures to prevent them. In normal labor, CTG is performed once and lasts for 20–30 minutes. If necessary, this study is performed more often; sometimes, when childbirth is at high risk, a permanent cardiotocogram is recorded. This happens, for example, in the presence of a postoperative scar on the uterus or in preeclampsia - a complication of pregnancy, which is manifested by increased pressure, edema and the appearance of protein in the urine.

Fetal expulsion period

After the cervix is ​​fully dilated, the second stage of labor begins, that is, the expulsion of the fetus from the uterine cavity, its passage through the birth canal and, ultimately, its birth. This period lasts for primiparas from 40 minutes to 2 hours, and for multiparous ones it can end in 15–30 minutes.

After leaving the uterine cavity, the presenting part of the fetus, most often the head, making certain rotational movements with its smallest size, gradually descends to the pelvic floor with each contraction and emerges from the genital gap. After that, the head is born, then the shoulders, and finally the whole baby is born.

During the period of exile, uterine contractions are called contractions. This is due to the fact that, descending to the pelvic floor, the fetus exerts significant pressure on nearby organs, including the rectum, as a result of which the woman has an involuntary strong desire to push.

How to behave?

The second stage of childbirth requires high energy costs from both the expectant mother and the fetus, as well as the well-coordinated work of the woman in labor and the obstetric-gynecological team. Therefore, in order to facilitate this period as much as possible and avoid various complications, you should carefully listen to what the doctor or midwife says, and try to follow their advice accurately.

In the second stage of labor, obstetric tactics are largely determined by the level at which the presenting part of the fetus is located. Depending on this, you may be advised to push during an attempt, making every effort, or, conversely, try to restrain yourself.

The desire to push can be accompanied by unpleasant pain sensations. However, if pushing is not recommended at this point, every effort should be made to contain the push, as otherwise cervical tears may occur. The doctor may ask you to "breathe" the push. In this case, you need to take frequent sharp breaths and exhale through your mouth - this is called "doggie" breathing. This breathing technique will help you resist the urge to push.

If you are already on the delivery chair and your baby is about to be born, you will be asked to push as hard as possible while pushing. At this point, you should concentrate as much as possible on what the midwife says, as she sees what stage the fetus is at and knows what needs to be done to facilitate its birth.

With the beginning of the attempt, you should take a deep breath and start pushing, trying to push the baby out. As a rule, during one push you may be asked to push 2-3 times. Try not to scream or let out air in any case, as this will only weaken the attempt, and it will be ineffective. Between attempts, you should lie quietly, try to even out your breathing and rest before the next attempt. When the fetal head erupts, i.e. will be installed in the genital gap, the midwife may ask you not to push again, since the force of the uterine contraction is already enough to further advance the head and remove it as carefully as possible.

What does a doctor do?

During the period of exile, the woman in labor and the fetus are subject to maximum stress. Therefore, control over the condition of both mother and baby is carried out throughout the second stage of childbirth.

Every half an hour, a woman in labor is measured blood pressure. Listening to the fetal heartbeat is carried out with each attempt, both during uterine contraction and after it, in order to assess how the baby reacts to the attempt.

An external obstetric examination is also performed regularly to determine where the presenting part is located. If necessary, a vaginal examination is performed.

When the head erupts, it is possible to perform an episiotomy - a surgical dissection of the perineum, which is used to shorten and facilitate the birth of the head. When giving birth in the breech presentation, an episiotomy is mandatory. The decision to use episiotomy is made in cases where there is a threat of perineal rupture. After all, an incision made with a surgical instrument is easier to sew up, and it heals faster than a lacerated wound with crushed edges with a spontaneous rupture of the perineum. In addition, an episiotomy is performed when the condition of the fetus worsens in order to speed up its birth and, if necessary, immediately carry out resuscitation.

After the birth, the baby is placed on the mother's stomach to ensure the first bodily contact. The doctor assesses the condition of the newborn according to special criteria - the Apgar scale. At the same time, such indicators as heartbeat, respiration, skin color, reflexes and muscle tone of the newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth are evaluated on a ten-point scale.

succession period

During the third stage of labor, the placenta, the remnant of the umbilical cord and the fetal membranes are separated and released. This should happen within 30-40 minutes after the baby is born. In order for the placenta to separate, after childbirth, weak uterine contractions appear, due to which the placenta gradually separates from the uterine wall. Having separated, the placenta is born; from that moment on, it is considered that the birth has ended and the postpartum period has begun.

How to behave and what does the doctor do?

This period is the shortest and painless, and practically no effort is required from the puerperal. The midwife watches to see if the placenta has separated. To do this, she may ask you to push slightly. If at the same time the rest of the umbilical cord is drawn back into the vagina, then the placenta has not yet separated from the placental site. And if the umbilical cord remains in the same position, the placenta has separated. The midwife will again ask you to push and with light, gentle pulls on the umbilical cord, gently bring the placenta out.

After this, a thorough examination of the placenta and fetal membranes is performed. If there is any suspicion or indication that part of the placenta or membranes remains in the uterine cavity, a manual examination of the uterine cavity should be performed to remove the remaining parts of the placenta. This is necessary to prevent the development of postpartum hemorrhage and infection. Under intravenous anesthesia, the doctor inserts his hand into the uterine cavity, carefully examines its walls from the inside, and, if retained lobules of the placenta or fetal membranes are found, removes them outward. If within 30-40 minutes there was no spontaneous separation of the placenta, this manipulation is performed manually under intravenous anesthesia.

After childbirth

After the birth of the placenta, a thorough examination of the soft tissues of the birth canal and perineum is performed. If ruptures of the cervix or vagina are detected, they are sutured, as well as surgical restoration of the perineum, if an episiotomy has been performed or its ruptures have occurred.

Surgical correction is performed under local anesthesia, with significant damage may require intravenous anesthesia. Urine is released by a catheter so that the woman in childbirth does not worry about an overfilled bladder for the next few hours. Then, in order to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, a special bag of ice is placed on the lower abdomen of the woman, which remains there for 30–40 minutes.

While the doctors are examining the mother, the midwife and pediatrician carry out the first toilet of the newborn, measure his height and weight, the circumference of the head and chest, and treat the umbilical wound.

Then the baby is applied to the mother's breast, and within 2 hours after the birth they remain in the maternity ward, where doctors monitor the condition of the woman. Blood pressure and pulse are monitored, uterine contraction and the nature of bloody discharge from the vagina are evaluated. This is necessary in order to provide the necessary assistance in a timely manner in the event of postpartum hemorrhage in full.

With a satisfactory condition of the puerperal and the newborn, 2 hours after birth, they are transferred to the postpartum ward.

Natural labor activity begins approximately upon reaching, and ends with the birth of the baby. In some cases, doctors have to stimulate labor. These may be medical indications that arose before the expected date of birth, or due to over 42 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes labor starts spontaneously and does not go very well or even stops. If the contractions stop or they are simply not enough for the normal opening of the cervix, doctors talk about weak labor and resort to stimulating it.

So medicines are used in the event that twelve hours after the waters have broken, childbirth has not begun. Of course, stimulation is carried out only under the supervision of a qualified doctor and with the utmost care. At the same time, it is mandatory to find out if the woman has allergic reactions to any medications.

In order to act on the cervix, both medicinal and non-drug agents can be used.

Signs that cervical dilation during pregnancy needs to be stimulated:

The presence of diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia or high blood pressure in a woman in labor;

Too early discharge of amniotic fluid, at the risk of infection;

A strongly stretched uterus, which is caused by polyhydramnios, too large fetal sizes, or twins;

The uterus does not open;

Weak or short, or completely absent;

Heart problems, the presence of Rhesus conflict;

Premature abruption of the placenta (as a threat to the life of the child);

In some cases, late toxicosis;

Deterioration of the condition of both mother and child.

The decision on stimulation is made by each doctor independently, focusing on the mother's condition and research data (ultrasound, blood and urine tests, etc.). The waiting period for childbirth can be extended for another one or even two weeks, while the woman is advised to go to the hospital in order to fully control her and, if necessary, resort to prompt resolution of childbirth.

Non-drug methods of stimulation include amniotomy, the so-called piercing of the fetal bladder. The main indication for this procedure is a dilatation of 2 cm, which then stopped. As a result of the puncture, there is an increase in labor activity. So amniotic fluid is poured out, which leads to a decrease in pressure.

The baby's head begins to press on the pelvic bones, and this contributes to the necessary opening of the neck. This method is quite painless and safe, it is not capable of harming the child, and there are no nerve endings in the fetal bladder.

In the event that the amniotomy does not lead to sufficient dilatation, doctors use medications to speed up this process.

* One of the medicinal methods of stimulation include the use of prostaglandins. These elements effectively prepare the cervix for subsequent dilation. This method is very good, since it has practically no side effects.

The specialist inserts a candle deep into the vagina, and the cervix begins to open faster. This is the beginning of labor activity. The drug affects only the mother's body and is unable to harm the child. It begins to act in half an hour, and until this time the free movement of the woman in labor around the room is allowed.

* Stimulation with oxytocin is another type of drug effect on the opening of the cervix. This drug can be introduced into the body using tablets or solution for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, as well as for intravenous use.

Its side effects include increased pain during childbirth, so it is most often used in parallel with antispasmodics, and in addition, too active contractile activity of the uterus, which causes circulatory disorders and can harm the child.

With intravenous administration, a woman is forced to lie down, and this also negatively affects the opening of the cervix.

* Many expectant mothers manage to speed up labor by walking around the room. But it is worth remembering that each person is completely individual.

* There are several ways that a woman herself can use to prepare the cervix for labor. To do this, starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, she is recommended to include in her diet more salads seasoned with any vegetable oil.

* An excellent result is given by swimming and diving, as well as long walking.

* You can drink a decoction of raspberry leaves, massage the ear and little finger.

The expectant mother should carefully read the literature on childbirth and learn how to behave during labor. In addition, it is recommended to perform some physical exercises. This will reduce fear and learn to control your body. The ability to "listen" to your body is the best stimulation of labor. It is important to remember that pain is an integral part of childbirth and to control yourself when thinking about the baby.

It's no secret that you need to prepare for childbirth. This preparation includes not only "raids" in stores with children's things and a psycho-emotional mood. You need to prepare for childbirth and in which your little one grows and develops for 9 months. In principle, nature itself made sure that all female organs “ripe” as much as possible before childbirth and did not fail at the right moment. However, not everything always goes according to plan.

Unprepared for childbirth uterus

The "house" of your bladder is an elongated organ, which consists of muscle and fibrous tissue - the uterus, which ends in the lower part of the neck. As soon as childbirth occurs (researchers, by the way, still cannot figure out why childbirth occurs at one time or another), the uterus begins to contract, that is. During the contractions (the first stage of labor - disclosure) should fully open and release the fetus. At this time, incredible events occur in the still pregnant body: the uterus, contracting, “slides” from the fetal egg, rising up, and the fetus itself lowers into the cervical canal. The full opening of the cervix is ​​fixed when the baby's head can "crawl" through it. As soon as this happened, the second stage of childbirth begins - exile and attempts, which end with the birth of the baby.

In order to be born, the child has to go through a very difficult path, but the buzzer does not stop at nothing. For example, if the cervix does not let him in, he still climbs, so breaks are obtained, which are frequent companions of childbirth. It is easy to guess why this complication occurs - due to insufficient elasticity of the muscle tissue of the perineum. It is clear that there are other causes of ruptures during childbirth, but nevertheless, the elasticity of the uterus is a prerequisite for successful childbirth.

Interestingly, during pregnancy, the uterus prepares itself for the upcoming birth. In the last trimester of pregnancy, muscle tissue is very actively replaced by collagen fibers, which provide it with the ability to stretch. Doctors call this condition "maturity of the uterus and its cervix." Usually, this “maturity” is determined by the attending physician, at which the length of the cervix should be up to 2 cm, its “consistency” should be soft, one transverse finger should be passed beyond the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe internal pharynx (this is the result of a shortening of the cervix) and the cervix should be located in the center of the vagina.

Deviations from these norms (too long cervix, its dense consistency, closed cervical canal and external pharynx) indicate the immaturity of the cervix, that is, the body is not ready for childbirth and it needs “feeding”. Doctors call an immature neck "oak". You should not hope that the uterus, ready for childbirth, will ensure that you do not have ruptures, but it is precisely its “maturity” that will greatly reduce their likelihood. Therefore, you should not neglect the preparation.

How to prepare the uterus for childbirth?

There are many ways to prepare the cervix for childbirth, to help it mature in time. When diagnosed with an "immature" cervix, doctors prescribe medications and procedures that should stimulate the process of maturation of the cervix. You may even be prescribed the use of prostaglandins, which are injected into the cervical canal and contribute to the maturation of the cervix, or kelp suppositories will be injected into the uterus, which stimulates the production of collagen, which makes the tissues more elastic.

Sometimes the cervix does not ripen due to strong muscle tension, so in the last weeks of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe antispasmodics (No-shpa, Papaverine) either intramuscularly or in the form of tablets or rectal suppositories.

Given the characteristics of a particular pregnant organism, the doctor may also prescribe cervical massage, or nipple stimulation, and possibly even acupuncture. However, these procedures must be carried out according to indications and under the supervision of medical staff.

There are also other ways to prepare the cervix for childbirth, simpler ones that can be carried out without prescriptions, but only if there are no contraindications. For example, a widely known and simple method is systematic. First, orgasm trains the muscles of the perineum and cervix. However, be extremely careful (especially when threatened), because the same orgasm is an excellent natural labor stimulant. Secondly, male sperm helps the uterus to mature (therefore, you need to have sex without a condom), because it contains a huge amount of the natural hormone prostaglandin, which contributes to the maturation of the cervix. Probably, it’s not even worth talking about the fact that the husband must be absolutely healthy so as not to infect you at such an important moment with some kind of sore.

An excellent preparation for childbirth is a reception. Often it is prescribed in the form of capsules (1 capsule per day half an hour before meals, drinking plenty of water) a month before the upcoming birth. Primrose oil contains a huge amount of fatty acids that provoke the production of prostaglandin. But do not take this medicine without your doctor's advice! A safer way to saturate the body with fatty acids is to eat fish and vegetable oil, for example.

Many women also resort to folk recipes, which also contribute to the maturation of the cervix. For example, they drink a decoction of dried raspberry leaves (100 ml of decoction before meals), (200 g before breakfast on an empty stomach), hawthorn tincture (pharmacy version in drops) or strawberry decoction (strawberry compote with leaves). However, even with these infusions, you need to be extremely careful. Be aware of possible allergic reactions, and not every woman needs stimulation of the maturation of the cervix, as the process occurs by itself without delay.

They prepare the whole body as a whole for childbirth and special exercises (train the muscles of the vagina). There are special courses for future parents, where they always do gymnastics with pregnant mothers or tell them what exercises to do. Squatting is very effective, but only with the normal position of the fundus of the uterus. You need to do it daily starting from the 35th week, first for 2 minutes, then the squat time can be gradually increased to 15 minutes. However, gymnastics for pregnant women also has contraindications, so do not make any decisions yourself.

And finally, remember that the course of childbirth largely depends on a positive attitude. Believe in yourself from the very first days of pregnancy, and then your body will cope with this difficult, but most pleasant task - it will easily give birth to a healthy and strong baby. Good luck to you!

Specially for- Tanya Kivezhdiy