The expectant mother is looking forward to the birthday of the child (birth), not only because she wants to see her baby, but also because she is tired of pregnancy. At the same time, a pregnant woman, especially a primipara, worries about how long the birth will take, and how easier it is to endure contractions during childbirth.

A little about fights

Labor pains are called periodic contractions of the muscles of the uterus, accompanied by pain. The average duration of contractions varies from 9-13 hours, while the contraction period is from 15-20 minutes.

If at the beginning of the onset of contractions, the frequency between them is about half an hour, then by the time of delivery, the time between contractions is reduced to 2-3 minutes.

The pain of contractions also increases. At first, a pregnant woman can still endure pain, but as the contractions become more frequent, they seem to her more and more painful each time. This is due to the fact that as you move along the birth canal, the fetus puts more and more pressure on the woman's pelvis.

Labor pains cause quite painful sensations, but it will be much easier to transfer them if you follow a few rules. Let's look at the main phases of contractions, as well as recommendations on how to reduce pain during them.

preparatory

This phase is considered latent, its duration is from 5 to 9 hours. In this phase, the birth canal opens. All this time the woman can stay at home. The main task during this period is to relax and save energy. During the latent phase, the cervix can dilate up to 5 cm. The duration between contractions at the beginning is 30 minutes, and by the end of the phase it reaches 10 minutes.

What to do to mom:

• Keep a fight diary
• At the time of contractions, breathe deeply into the abdomen (inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth). The ratio of inhalation and exhalation is 1 to 2 (inhale for 3 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds)
• Lie down, relax, spend time with your husband
• listen to music
• Carry out hygiene procedures, put yourself in order. You can take a shower, the water temperature should be no more than 38-39 degrees.
• Have a bite. A small amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy products is acceptable.
• Collect a bag for the hospital

What not to do in the preparatory phase:

• Panic and randomly rush around the apartment
• Eat well before the birth
• Forget about the necessary documents in the maternity hospital

Active

In this phase, contraction intervals are reduced from 10 minutes at the beginning to 3 minutes at the end. There is an opening of the neck by 7-8 cm and the discharge of water due to the natural rupture of the bladder. It is important here not to miss the moment and come to the hospital when the intensity of contractions is at least 5 minutes.

What to do to mom:

• Talk and interact with your child
• Focus on the result, not the process
• Stroke your stomach in the direction from the waist to the navel. You can also clench your hand into a fist and at the moment when the next contraction overtakes, rub your lower back with it in the area along the spine. It will help you endure the pain.
• Breathe slowly and deeply, trying to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
• Look for a comfortable position in which it would be easier to endure contractions.
• Stimulate the approach of childbirth, walk more.

Yes, yes, do not lie in bed, but move along the corridor or generic. When a labor pain overtakes a pregnant woman standing on her feet, it is easier to bear it, since the woman’s body is not relaxed, but is in some tone.

In addition, the periodic movement of a woman on her feet will allow the fetus to descend faster to the cervix, which will speed up its opening. And, therefore, will bring the moment of childbirth closer.

A pregnant woman should not be afraid that she will become exhausted as a result of being constantly on her feet, and she will not have the strength to give birth. Enough strength, as nature intended.

What not to do in the active phase:

• Sit up straight on a solid whole pelvis
• Drink and eat
• Retain urination
• Taking painkillers on your own
• Refuse doctor's advice
• Contract and tense muscles
• Go to the hospital on your own
• Shout, fear, panic

The last point can lead to the termination of labor due to a stressful situation. In addition, during the cry, the air is inhaled superficially and the mother and child may experience oxygen starvation.

Transitional phase (lowering)

Phase period from 1 hour to 2 hours. In this phase, contractions last up to 2 minutes. There are pain sensations in the sacrum, it can feel sick, tear, freeze, throw in a fever.

What to do to mom:

• If there is a desire to push, then you must first call a doctor.
• If the doctor says that the dilatation has occurred, but it is still too early to give birth, this means that the baby's head is still high. In this case, the mother needs to push vertically at the time of contractions.
• If the opposite situation occurs, when there is no full disclosure, but you want to push, you need to stand in a knee-elbow position, thus rolling back the child in order to reduce pressure on the perineum.

What not to do:

• Start pushing without doctor's permission
• Squeeze hips, stand up abruptly, jump
• Push in the face and puff out the cheeks
• Holding back a bowel movement due to inconvenience and shame

Positive attitude during childbirth

By talking to your child and assuring him that everything will be fine, you set yourself up in a positive way. Follow these tips and by doing so, you will help yourself to ease labor pains.

Partner childbirth is always a big responsibility: whether a friend, husband or one of the relatives will be with the expectant mother, he should become support and, if possible, alleviate the suffering of the woman in labor. Teachers at prenatal training courses often mention ways to alleviate the suffering of a woman due to contractions, but we decided to systematize this information.

1. Facial massage helps to get rid of stress and relax;

2. Remind the expectant mother to go to the toilet every hour: a full bladder is not only very unpleasant, but also increases the feeling of contractions;

3. Put a cold compress on the neck and face of the woman in labor or lightly moisten with cool water;

4. If doctors do not forbid, you can offer a woman water and light snacks - they will help replenish the energy that the expectant mother loses during contractions;

5. Help the woman in labor to change her position to speed up the process of dilating the cervix. Some positions will be painful, others will give a little respite from pain, your task is to find the best option for her;

6. During contractions, the expectant mother suffers from back pain: massage her lower back, lightly press on the sacrum. Also, the “on all fours” position helps to cope with pain;

7. Be there: Even if a woman doesn't want to be massaged during contractions, feeling the presence and support of a loved one is very important. Encourage her with words, hold her hand;

Light shower. Many doctors agree that water perfectly relaxes muscles and relieves pain, so if there are no contraindications, you can help a woman take a warm shower;

9. Try to distract a woman from pain: if her condition allows, talk to her, listen to your favorite music, read something interesting. Be an intermediary between the woman in labor and the medical staff;

10. Remind her that soon the pain will pass, and the expectant mother will be able to hold her baby in her arms - this always works.

Video: Childbirth without pain

The appearance of contractions

Many first-time moms worry they'll miss the offensive. contractions. In the last weeks of pregnancy, false contractions are observed, which are taken as harbingers of childbirth, but real contractions cannot be confused with anything. Harbingers of contractions can be: discharge of amniotic fluid, the appearance of a mucous plug that clogged the cervix, dull pain in the hips or back. The first contractions are similar to pain and cramps during menstruation, but soon these sensations intensify. When contractions become regular, it's time to rush to the hospital. When the situation stabilizes, the duration of contractions is from 40 seconds.

This is the beginning of the first stage of labor, when the cervix begins to open. If it's the first birth, the muscles of the uterus can contract for 10-12 hours, so don't be scared or worried. You will have a formal survey and the first examination at the maternity hospital, you may be asked to take an analysis for the presence of protein and sugar. If the water has not broken yet, you can take a shower.

Video: How to survive a fight

Comfortable contraction positions

You can relieve pain, or at least get a little distracted, by changing body positions - a birth partner can help you with this.

• vertical position. Effective at the initial stage of contractions: you can lean against a wall or bed. You can sit on a chair (facing the back), leaning on a pillow. To make it softer to sit, another pillow can be placed on the surface of the chair. Lower your head on your hands, breathe calmly and measuredly, spread your knees to the sides;
• Kneeling or with support. During contractions, you can put your hands on your husband's shoulders and lean on your feet. Ask for a relaxing massage. You can also kneel, spread your legs, and lower your hands on the pillow. Try to keep your back straight;
• "On knees". It is most convenient to take this position on the mattress: make forward movements of the pelvis, try to relax between contractions, resting your head on your hands. If you transfer the weight to your hands, then reduce the back pain that the baby's head causes in cephalic presentation (it rests directly on the mother's spine). In the intervals between spasms, you can walk around, massage can be performed by your partner - pressure in a circular motion on the base of the spine is especially effective;
• Movement helps to cope with pain from contractions - it is worth walking in intervals, keeping your back straight, then the baby's head will rest against the cervix and the opening process will go faster. Try to relax during breaks, focus on breathing. Visit the restroom more often - a full bladder is not the best feeling, and it can interfere with the progress of the fetus.

Second phase of labor or pushing

For a woman, the most difficult time is the end of the first phase, the contractions become long and painful, and also very frequent. At this point, the woman needs help and support, as you may be faced with tears, depression, the expectant mother may begin to feel chills or begin to fall asleep. Breathe with her, support her, wipe away sweat. If you see that the woman in labor is cold, take care of a warm bathrobe and socks. If you start pushing, call the midwife.

The second period is the expulsion of the fetus, so in addition to contractions, the woman in labor needs to make her own efforts, listen to the guidance of the midwife. The duration of this period is up to several hours.

Video: Breathing during contractions and attempts

Poses for the second phase of childbirth:

• "On knees". Under the influence of gravity, the lumen of the pelvis opens faster, but you can quickly feel tired. It is best if the husband sits on the edge of the chair and spreads his knees, and you can comfortably sit between them and rest your hands on his hips;
• On the knees. Less tiring position, it reduces pain. It is best if your spouse supports you so that the body is more stable. If you feel tired, lean on your hands, but keep your back straight;
• Sitting on the bed. If it's not very comfortable, cover yourself with pillows. With the beginning of attempts, you can lower your head down, and clasp your legs with your hands, do not forget to rest in the interval.

childbirth

During this period, all that the expectant mother needs is to listen to the instructions of the doctors. As soon as the baby's head appears, you will no longer need to push, relax, catch your breath. After a few contractions, the baby's body will also appear: after the little miracle is placed on the woman's stomach, the torment is quickly forgotten. Then the baby is taken for examination: the neonatologist makes control weighing, measurements, cuts off the umbilical cord.

After giving birth, women are often given an injection that increases uterine contractions so that the placenta comes out faster, otherwise, if you wait until it comes off naturally, you can lose a lot of blood. This issue is discussed in advance with the doctor, as well as anesthesia.

Childbirth is a tedious and complicated process, but all the unpleasant sensations are forgotten when you hold the baby in your arms for the first time.

How was childbirth a few decades ago? From the stories of our mothers and grandmothers, we know that from the beginning of labor and during all childbirth, the woman lay in bed. But giving birth only lying down is not always convenient and effective, there are other ways of experiencing contractions, and they very often help to significantly reduce labor pain.

In the old days, a woman during the period of contractions had to go around the whole house, open all the locks, drawers, doors and untie all the knots. This meant the symbolic opening of the birth canal and the readiness of the woman herself for childbirth. It turns out that even before the woman moved during the period of contractions, because by the time you open everything and untie it, enough time will pass.

active movement

During contractions, especially in the active phase of the first stage of labor, when the contractions are strong, it is necessary to take a comfortable position. For this, the usual walking. You need to move at your own pace, calmly, without sprints. You can walk from the first contractions until you have the strength, you can periodically rest, and then resume movement again. The gait can be any - you can roll over with a "duck", rotate your hips, walk with your legs wide apart. Any option will do - the main thing is that it should be comfortable. Many women in labor are helped to reduce labor pain dance movement.

Important: do not move abruptly, move smoothly and slowly. To relax while dancing or walking, you can turn on your favorite music (for example, listen to it from your phone or tablet).

Water

Being in the water is a great way to relieve the pain of contractions. In water, our body is affected by the law of Archimedes - the liquid simply pushes the woman out, she does not feel the weight of the body and perceives water as a massage. Warm water warms the muscles of the back and abdomen, they relax, relax and the birth canal - as a result, the pain decreases. A bath is taken in the first stage of labor (convulsions), this can be done both at home and in the maternity hospital - today many birth boxes are equipped with bathroom or at least shower cabin. In any case, the water will have a relaxing effect on the woman in labor.

Important: do not take a very hot bath, even if it seems that heat helps to better endure contractions, the temperature of the water should be comfortable.

Ball

In many maternity hospitals today they use fitball A rubber inflatable ball commonly used for aerobics. With the help of a fitball, you can take a variety of poses: swing, rotate your pelvis, spring, roll from side to side while sitting on the ball. You can also, kneeling, lean on the ball with your hands and chest, swaying back and forth. Sitting on the ball, the woman in labor takes a vertical position, and it contributes to a better opening of the cervix. In addition, riding while sitting on the ball affects the reflexogenic zones and reduces the pain of contractions.

Important: the ball should not be fully inflated - it is comfortable to sit on such a ball, it cannot be rolled off, as from the most inflated ball, the position on such an incompletely inflated ball does not prevent the baby's head from moving.

Don't be afraid to look stupid during childbirth. No one in the delivery room cares about how you move if it helps you get through your contractions. There is nothing funny, ridiculous, and even more stupid in any of the types of movement in childbirth. You won't surprise anyone in the rodblok.

"Hanging" the stomach

As contractions intensify, you can take poses in which the stomach is, as it were, in a “suspended” state. So the weight of the uterus will put less pressure on the large blood vessels, and therefore, the uteroplacental blood flow will improve. In addition, the load is removed from the spine, which will reduce pain.

You can simply lean forward and rest against a support that will turn up under your arm - a table, a chair, a headboard, a window sill. Some maternity hospitals have swedish walls and ropes attached to the ceiling. During a fight, you can hang on them, leaning on a wall or a rope. Previously, special tight ropes were used almost everywhere, however, they were fixed not on the ceiling, but at the foot of the bed. During contractions, the woman in labor pulls the rope with all her might, kneeling. In partner labor, postures can be used to transfer body weight onto the partner. You can hang on your husband's neck or lean on him.

What if you're still lying down?

Sometimes, for medical reasons, a woman needs to give birth in a horizontal position. In this case, you should not lie on your back, since in this position the large uterus compresses large blood vessels - as a result, the blood supply to the child worsens. It is better to lie on your side with something under your chest and between your legs, such as a pillow or blanket. In modern maternity hospitals, instead of traditional beds, there are transforming beds. On such a bed, a woman in labor can take a position that is convenient for herself, choose her height for herself, lower or raise some of its ends - and therefore, facilitate the experience of contractions.

You can show your imagination and come up with your own positions that are comfortable for you. It is only important that they help you relax, are stable and safe.

"Hello. I am in my ninth month of pregnancy. Coming soon to maternity hospital. It would be desirable to receive the psychological help in "this business". Scary ... I'm afraid of losing control of myself during childbirth. I don't feel like I can handle it when the contractions start. Linx"

Linx, such fears are common for first-time births. With the second birth, everything is much simpler - the head is full of completely different things 🙂

The most important psychological help is know more about childbirth. Learn the smallest details of the process itself, go to courses for pregnant women, watch educational films, read books. Read everything-everything-everything on the topic of childbirth.

And I will try to answer the most important questions about childbirth.

Is it really painful to give birth?

Not true! Sure, it hurts, but not so much that you can't bear it all. In addition, this pain is very quickly, well, just instantly forgotten!

Very painful 1st stage of labor- that is, fights. This is the time of opening the cervix, it lasts for primiparous 10-20 hours (although anything can happen, for me, for example, everything quickly opened). The cause of the pain is the dilatation of the cervix, it should open up to 10 cm. The pain is similar to the pain on the first day of menstruation, only much stronger.
You cannot influence the opening of the cervix, you can only endure.

One BUT: if you cannot surrender to pain and resist it with all your might, then the neck will open more slowly.

The second stage of childbirth - attempts: the baby comes out through the vagina. It lasts 10-50 minutes. Pain during this period relief(can even be an orgasmic birth!!!)

5 Factors That Affect How Painful Childbirth Is

1. Presence of PMS
If you usually suffer from severe pain during your period, then you are likely to have a more painful birth than those who are not familiar with PMS.

2. Level of education and income
The higher it is, the less painful childbirth. In this case, the woman simply knows more about childbirth, has the opportunity to learn in advance the technique of pain relief, etc.

3. Age
Young women tend to suffer more from pain than older women because they have less self-control and panic more often.

4.Degree of anxiety
If at 32 weeks pregnant you experience severe anxiety, then childbirth is likely to be very painful.

5. expectations
Those who give birth for the first time always experience more pain than those who already have children. This is explained by the intense expectation of this very pain, the degree of which many women greatly exaggerate in advance. Experienced women already know what exactly awaits them, they worry less, and therefore everything goes easier for them.

How to survive contractions?

No way in a fight no need to yell: firstly, with your cry you cut off the oxygen to the child (and it is much harder for him in childbirth than for you), and secondly, your strength is lost.

Better sing the sounds Oh, U, I. The sound should be lingering, as if going inward. Point it to the lower abdomen. This helps open the cervix.

If you don't want to sing, try breathe through the fight. At the beginning of the contraction, breathe deeply and slowly, counting to ten, and at the peak of the contraction, breathe short and briskly.
Personally, it helped me a lot.

During fights, the most important thing is relax. Yes, it won't be easy. But, having coped with these tasks at least once, you will feel how much easier it is to survive the fight if you do not strain.

Think about the fact that with each contraction, the time of your meeting with the baby is approaching, which is now many times more difficult and painful than you.

Now in many hospitals create a pleasant and comfortable, close to home environment, offer lots of relaxation. This is calm music, and aromatherapy, and the opportunity to take a bath. Enjoy it!

Ease contractions will help:

• Warm bath or shower
• Sitting on a fitball (gymnastic ball)
• Proper breathing
• Comfortable posture. You don't have to lie down at all. You can walk, squat, kneel - experiment and you will find a comfortable position for yourself.
• Communication with husband or relatives. If you want to see them, their very presence will help you. Let them massage your lower back, distract you with conversations, sing along with them.

And the most important thing - try to keep calm in childbirth! This will help you concentrate on the prompts of the doctor and midwife and correctly follow all their instructions.

How to survive pushing

When attempts begin, you need to rejoice, because this means that very soon everything will end.
In attempts, the main thing:

• Do not push "in the face", but push "in the ass" (this is quite difficult to do without training. For example, I did not succeed).
• Do not shout.
• Obey the doctors, because you will not be left alone with your task, everyone will tell you and help if you cannot cope with something on your own.

The faster you give birth, the less harm you bring to the child, this is the most difficult moment for him, since various injuries are possible.

Moreover, the faster you give birth to a child, the less the muscles will stretch, the faster the postpartum recovery will be.

Medical intervention in childbirth

Medical intervention is justified only when more benefit than harm. Don't feel sorry for yourself, don't ask for an epidural or a caesarean section for no reason! The epidural takes away not only pain, but also sensitivity, and you will not be able to control the process of childbirth. As for the caesarean section, I will say this: the pain will be forgotten quickly, but the scar on the belly will remain forever!

perineal incisions ( episiotomy) is not to be feared. Nowadays, 80% of women in labor do it.
Why should you agree?

• If the doctor insists, it means only one thing - without an episiotomy, you will tear yourself, and no one can predict how much.
• An episiotomy is performed under local anesthesia, so chances are you won't feel a thing. And even if you feel - I assure you, it will not be before!

General advice about childbirth

Think first about the welfare of the child and then everything else.
Forget about discomfort, shyness and work at full strength. I assure you - the medical staff of the maternity hospital saw nothing like that!

Do you still think that you will not cope with childbirth? Then look around - people are everywhere, and they somehow came into the world. So, their mothers did it!

They did it - you can too!

Yes, by the way, childbirth is a purely natural process. You can give birth without even knowing anything about it. This is not an e-mail to send to you over the Internet 🙂

Most expectant mothers look forward to the approaching day of childbirth. But most often this expectation is accompanied by fear and experience - fear of unbearable pain. It turns out that easy childbirth without pain and anesthesia is real!

Easy childbirth without pain

The pain experienced during childbirth is incomparable to anything. This stereotype strikes fear into all expectant mothers and girls planning a child. Fear of pain during childbirth sometimes even becomes the reason for postponing “for later” the realization of the dream of having a first child. Let's see if there are natural childbirth without pain.

What to do so that the sensations experienced during childbirth do not discourage the desire to have a second child. Let's answer right away: easy childbirth without anesthesia and without pain is real. And it is entirely up to you.

How to relieve the pain of childbirth

Before answering the above questions, let's find out what pain is.

Pain is a signal to the brain that some kind of malfunction is occurring in the body, there have been disturbances in the functioning of internal systems. Having received this signal, we must take measures to eliminate the “problem”. This is how nature intended.

Childbirth is a physiological process for which the expectant mother has been preparing for several years. The girl's body develops in such a way that she is ready to endure and give birth to healthy offspring. The birth of a child is not a malfunction in the body, so pain should not occur.

So why do the vast majority of women in labor experience unbearable pain during childbirth? This is due to several factors, the first of which is increased physical activity.

The sedentary lifestyle of modern women leads to a decrease in stamina, and this, in turn, causes the body to respond with pain to the increase in physical activity that is required during childbirth.

When the process of childbirth is already started, pain covers the body during contractions. What are contractions? This is an intense and very strong contraction of the longitudinal muscles of the uterus. The strength of the tension of these muscles is unusual for the body, since it has not experienced such loads before. Relief of pain during labor pains will bring regular sports during the planning of the child and moderate physical activity and special exercises during pregnancy.

The second factor of pain is psychological. Even before being a mother and even pregnant, we know that giving birth is very painful. This is instilled in us by those around us: mothers, grandmothers, girlfriends, acquaintances and strangers. While waiting for the birth of a baby, we are already sure that it will hurt. Why not dispel this stereotype with your own experience, setting yourself up in advance for the opposite - easy and painless childbirth. Pass this on to yourself and your loved ones. Tune in to the positive, think about the result. And don't skip childbirth preparation classes. In addition to physical and breathing exercises that will help in childbirth, you will be provided with psychological support.

The third and no less important item on the list of reasons is fear. The expectant mother is afraid of the pain that she will have to endure, she is worried that suddenly something will go wrong. From this, excitement and anxiety grow, which causes tension in the muscles, including in the uterus. How does this affect the course of childbirth? During contractions, the longitudinal muscles of the uterus contract, and the circular muscles of the cervix, which were tightly compressed throughout pregnancy, on the contrary, relax. The feeling of fear causes tension in these muscles, preventing them from doing their job. As a result, there is opposition. The muscles of the uterus push the baby out, and the muscles of the cervix, if they are clamped, do not allow him to come out. This is where the pain comes from.

How to deal with the pain of childbirth

Let's summarize. How to prepare so that you do not have to endure the pain of childbirth?

1. Take physical activity as a rule. If you are planning a child, give sports at least two days a week. If you are already expecting a baby, do not neglect yoga, swimming pool, fitness for pregnant women and special exercises that will help prepare your body for childbirth. Even if you already have a long term, believe me, there are special programs for you too.
2. Attend courses for future parents. It is better for both parents to go to such classes. As a rule, in courses, expectant mothers are taught to take the correct postures in childbirth and teach breathing exercises. And dads will learn how to do massage, which will help relieve pain during contractions.
3. Set yourself up in a positive way and enlist the support of loved ones. You should not read scary stories about childbirth on the Internet, listen to the stories of girlfriends about how it hurts. Everything will be different for you.
4. If you are already in the hospital, follow the recommendations of doctors and obstetricians. They are also interested in everything going well for you.
5. Invite your husband to attend the birth. When a loved one is nearby, causing positive emotions, childbirth will not seem as scary and painful as we used to perceive them.