How should you behave during childbirth? What to do, in what order? How can you make labor easier for yourself and help your baby be born? Correct behavior during childbirth How to behave correctly during labor.

Useful prohibitions

Or what not to do during childbirth

Nowadays there is a lot of talk about the fact that childbirth is a natural, or, in the language of doctors, a physiological process. But this does not mean that at the moment the baby is born, his mother can behave as she pleases. In order for the birth of a baby to end successfully, a woman needs to learn some restrictions that must be observed during childbirth.

Don't forget your exchange card . When going to the maternity hospital, you definitely need to put this important document in your bag, because in its absence, doctors can glean information about your pregnancy only from your lips, but even if you are a doctor and all the information presented turns out to be reliable, then there is no official confirmation that you went through all the examinations and tests, no. And this circumstance allows us to think that the tests, in particular for AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis, could be positive. Therefore, a woman without an exchange card may not be admitted to the maternity hospital or placed in a special observational unit. You also need to take your passport with you, and if a contract was concluded with the maternity hospital, then documents confirming this. In addition, you must have an insurance policy with you, preferably with a copy.

By the way, if you forget some of your personal belongings at home, it will not be so important, because in all maternity hospitals, if necessary, you will be given slippers (but it is better, of course, to take them with you), and a robe and nightdress In the vast majority of medical institutions, it is obligatory for the mother to give birth.

You can't rush, you can't fuss. With the onset of labor, with the first contraction, there is no need to rush out of the house. After all, contractions - involuntary contractions of the muscles of the uterus, manifested by pain in the lower abdomen or lower back - may at first be irregular and appear at long intervals (30 minutes or more). Such contractions in no way lead to rapid dilatation of the cervix; they allow you to take your time, think everything through, get ready and get to the maternity hospital. Thus, the duration of the first birth, as a rule, is 10-12 hours, the second and subsequent births occur faster (6-8 hours), but the woman still has enough time to get to the maternity hospital. Your relatives should also remember that there is no need to rush, especially if among them there is a driver who has undertaken to deliver the expectant mother to the maternity hospital. You should hurry in cases where the previous birth was fast or rapid, when the waters poured out, especially if the waters are not clear, but have a greenish tint, which indicates that the baby is suffering inside the womb; and, of course, in cases where blood is released from the genital tract, this is possible with placental abruption - a condition that threatens both mother and baby. In other cases, during the first birth, you can go to the maternity hospital when the intervals between contractions average 10 minutes, and during the second and subsequent births - 15 minutes. This statement is true if you can get to the maternity hospital within an hour to an hour and a half.

In many maternity hospitals, women in labor are not allowed to eat or drink during labor. . This requirement is justified by the fact that during childbirth there may be a need for general anesthesia, and there is a possibility of regurgitation - the reflux of stomach contents into the mouth, and from there into the lungs, which, in turn, can lead to severe pneumonia (pneumonia). In addition, during contractions, due to the reflex connection that exists between the cervix and the stomach, vomiting sometimes occurs. The more contents are in the stomach, the greater the likelihood of such phenomena.

During contractions, you should not squeeze or strain - on the contrary, you should relax all muscle groups as much as possible. During the first stage of labor, the cervix smoothes out, the uterine os opens, which allows the baby to be born. At the same time, uterine contractions seem to push the fetus out of the uterus. If you tense your muscles pelvic floor, muscles of the limbs, then this tension creates an obstacle to the baby’s movement along the birth canal. In addition, tension in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to cervical spasm. A situation may arise in which painful contractions do not lead to the opening of the cervix. Among other things, tension during contractions can cause increased pain. When tension occurs in the body, hormones are released, which cause a decrease in the pain threshold. It turns out that what more woman tenses, frightened by the pain of the upcoming contraction, the stronger the pain becomes. If muscle tension is absent, then all emotional reactions fade, including manifestations of pain. Thus, if during childbirth the body is completely relaxed, then this eliminates the excess tone of the circular fibers of the lower segments of the uterus and cervix, which cause pain during contractions. In a state of complete relaxation (relaxation) and calm, the activity of the uterus during childbirth is perceived simply as muscle contraction.

In order to minimize stress during childbirth, you should use all possible reserves, which lie in inhalation, taking a comfortable position, self-numbing massage and mood.

With the onset of contractions, when the pain is not severe or prolonged, you can breathe deeply and evenly during the contraction (so-called slow breathing). When involuntary contractions of the uterine muscles become more frequent and painful, rapid shallow breathing (similar to dog breathing) can be used.

Certain poses help you relax as much as possible: standing by the bed with support on the headboard, sitting on a large ball, lying on your side.

You can reduce pain and relax by doing circular movements fists in the lumbar region, stroking under the abdomen on both sides of the pubic symphysis parallel to the inguinal fold. A warm shower is also relaxing.

During childbirth, it is important to think about their successful outcome and the upcoming meeting with the baby.

Having relaxed at least once during a contraction, you will understand that it is much easier to endure the unpleasant sensations associated with uterine contractions.

You should not strain during doctor’s examinations (during these examinations the doctor determines the dilation of the cervix, the position of the fetus, the advancement of the head or pelvic end), since tension will also only increase the pain. During the vaginal examination, try to breathe quickly and shallowly, relax all muscle groups, especially the muscles of the perineum.

During childbirth, you should not lie on your back. This restriction is valid not only for the period of childbirth, but also for the second half of pregnancy. Lying on her back, the pregnant uterus compresses large vessels (such as the aorta and inferior vena cava), which leads to a deterioration in blood flow to the heart, brain, other organs, uterus, and fetus. This, in turn, leads to oxygen starvation of the baby and stagnation of venous blood in internal organs(including in the uterus). This is what the so-called inferior vena cava syndrome consists of. Therefore, if for one reason or another you are in bed during contractions, you need to take a semi-sitting position or lying on your left side.

You should not sit during childbirth. This rule should be followed towards the end of the first stage of labor, when contractions have already become quite frequent - after 1-2 minutes - and strong, and even more so when you first have the desire to push. At this time, the baby’s head is already entering the birth canal, and by sitting down on the bed, the expectant mother creates an obstacle to the birth of the head.

You should not scream during contractions. While screaming, you exhale air and lose strength, while air is vital for the baby, who already experiences pain during contractions. oxygen starvation. This is due to the fact that at the moment of contraction of the muscles of the uterus, the uterine vessels feeding the placenta are compressed, their lumen becomes narrower, the fetus receives less oxygen and nutrients. During the scream, the expectant mother also experiences oxygen starvation; as already mentioned, she loses strength, which will be very useful to her during pushing. By the way, screaming during pushing also does not contribute to the successful course of the process of expulsion of the fetus.

It makes no sense to demand a caesarean section during painful contractions. Operation caesarean section is carried out only in accordance with medical indications, since it, like any surgical operation, is associated with certain risks that exceed the risks arising during childbirth. A caesarean section is performed only in situations where vaginal birth is fraught with serious danger to the life and health of the fetus or the woman herself.

Childbirth cannot end through the natural birth canal in the following cases:

· Premature placental abruption - this situation is accompanied by bleeding, which is dangerous for the life of the mother and fetus.

· Placenta previa (the placenta blocks the exit from the uterus).

· Transverse and oblique position of the fetus in the uterus.

· Severe late toxicosis of pregnancy - convulsions, increased blood pressure, which cannot be treated with medications.

· Discrepancy between the sizes of the mother's pelvis and the fetal head.

· Loss of umbilical cord loops.

· Tumors of the uterus, ovaries, bladder, blocking the birth canal and preventing the birth of a child (for example, uterine fibroids).

Doctors monitoring the course of pregnancy and childbirth, if any of these complications occur, will promptly raise the question of the need for surgery, but in the absence of indications, it is not advisable to require surgery.

It is not advisable to demand pain relief when the doctor says it is too late. The most commonly used medications for pain relief are nitrous oxide, narcotic analgesics, and epidural anesthesia. Nitrous oxide, which is given through a mask, can be used until the end of contractions because this mixture is eliminated immediately after inhalation - through the upper respiratory tract. Other methods of pain relief - the administration of narcotic analgesics, epidural anesthesia - are used only at a certain point in labor. Thus, narcotic analgesics are usually administered when the opening of the cervix is 5-6 cm; if the analgesic is administered later, then there is little time left until the end of labor (full opening of the cervix is 10 cm, while opening up to 3-4 cm is the longest stage of labor), and the baby who received a certain dose of the drug may be born in narcotic depression , up to depression of the respiratory center. If epidural anesthesia is performed before the end of labor, then at the moment of pushing the woman will not feel the urge to push and will not be able to effectively strain the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.

You cannot push for the first time without the permission of your doctor or midwife. When, after a period of contractions, you have a desire to push, similar to the urge to defecate (the desire to empty the intestines), you cannot realize this desire immediately. Premature pushing can lead to injury to both mother and baby. The urge to push occurs when the fetal head begins to press on the pelvic floor muscles. It should be borne in mind that the sensitivity threshold for all women is different, therefore, for some, pushing begins when the head has not yet moved far along the birth canal and is high, and for others, when the head is already located on the pelvic floor and There is only a short section of the road left to cover. If events develop as described in the second case, then you will be allowed to try your hand immediately, but if the head is still high, then you need to make attempts using special breathing techniques. This need is justified by the following: the fetal head must pass through the birth canal gradually, since during this short but difficult path it undergoes a so-called configuration: while passing through the birth canal, the bones of the skull are superimposed on one another like a tiled roof. This occurs due to the fact that between the bones of the skull there are sutures and fontanelles - areas where there is no bone tissue, but for now there is only connective tissue (after the birth of the baby, these areas begin to be covered with bone tissue). If you start pushing when the fetal head is still at the very beginning of the birth canal, the change has not yet occurred, then its passage may be traumatic for the child.

Another circumstance that determines the need for timely pushing is the condition of the cervix. If you start pushing when the cervix has not yet fully opened, then when moving the head forward with the help of contraction of the abdominal muscles (and this is pushing), there is a possibility of injury - rupture of the cervix with the fetal head.

Thus, when you first feel the urge to push, breathe quickly and shallowly (push), and then call one of the medical staff to come to you.

While pushing, you should not push on your face or puff out your cheeks. . Correct attempts are the key to the success of the second stage of labor - the period of expulsion of the fetus, that is, the condition of both the woman herself and her baby depends on the behavior of the mother during this period of labor. In order to push well and correctly, you need to take in a full chest of air; this can be done without difficulty even if this is your first time trying to master it. Further actions may be incorrect. Thus, some women in labor puff out their cheeks, strain their facial muscles, but the pushing is ineffective, and the fetal head does not move along the birth canal. In addition, after such attempts, small hemorrhages may form on the face and eyes. In order for the birth to end quickly and safely, it is necessary, after you have taken a full chest of air, to swallow it (but not exhale), press your chin to your chest, rest your feet on the devices provided specifically for this on the birthing bed, and use your hands to pull the rails of this bed towards you. It is necessary to strain the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall as much as possible (a person performs similar actions when constipated). You need to push for an average of 20 seconds, after which you need to exhale smoothly, then immediately inhale a full chest of air and repeat all over again. Such actions must be repeated three times in one attempt.

You can’t expect your baby to start smiling at you in the first second and sucking your breast with pleasure. Childbirth is a complex, time-consuming process not only for the mother, but also for the baby. Sometimes the baby needs rest in order to grasp the nipple well with his lips and receive the first drops of colostrum, because in order to eat, the baby needs a lot of strength. And a smile is a conscious manifestation of emotions that appears only when the brain structures reach a certain level of development.

After the birth of your baby, you can’t think that everything is over. After the baby is born, you still have to give birth to the placenta, after which you will have a procedure for examining the birth canal. And all this is the very beginning of your new life as the mother of your wonderful baby.

We hope that following these prohibitions will help you successfully overcome all the difficulties that are possible during childbirth.

Poses for relief

We're going to the maternity hospital

Difference from pushing

The wait for childbirth is nine long months. All this time, the woman mentally imagines how this will happen, and even if she has already given birth before and has experience, thoughts about the upcoming process still cause excitement.

It is clear that it is impossible to be calm and calm when going to the maternity hospital, and no matter how psychologists call for calm, in practice this is not feasible. But certain rules of behavior still need to be followed. This will help you give birth easier and faster, without injuries and complications, and will not cause disappointment with your inappropriate behavior among medical staff or your partner if a joint birth is planned.

We will talk about the rules of conduct during childbirth in this article.

“It seems that it has begun!”

After watching the heroines of films clutch their stomachs with such a cry and begin to scream and moan heart-rendingly, a woman may think that this is exactly how contractions begin, and that screaming from the very beginning is quite natural. This is a misconception. It all starts quite smoothly and gradually, and there is absolutely no need to scream, because you are not in a movie and do not set out to dramatize the situation.

Having felt the rhythmic, repeating contractions of the uterus (tension and relaxation at certain intervals), calmly arm yourself with a watch or smartphone with a contraction counter program. Determine two important points: how long it takes for the contractions to repeat and how long the uterus remains tense from the moment the contraction begins until it ends.

You need to go to the maternity hospital when contractions occur every 10 minutes. But at first they usually repeat once every 30-40 minutes, and this is completely normal. Monitor the frequency and calmly wait for the desired intensity.

If labor began not with contractions, but with the fact that the waters broke, without panic, dial the number “03” and tell the dispatcher the duration of pregnancy, home address, the color of the broken water, wait, lying on your side, for the ambulance crew and go to the maternity hospital.

The first contractions are usually not as painful as many people think. A woman may well take a shower with them, check that she has everything ready for the maternity hospital, call her husband, mother, friend, drink tea with a small piece of chocolate (to gain strength). There is no hurry - this period is the longest, it can last several hours.

At this stage it is very important not to tense up or be nervous.. Stress and fear give rise to the production of shock doses of the hormones adrenaline and cortisone, the muscles tense because of them, dilatation of the cervix becomes difficult, which increases pain and increases the risk of complications during childbirth.

What should not be allowed in behavior at this stage?

Fuss, panic, hysterics and tossing– we tune in to the good, remember the methods of relaxation, meditation, you can lie down for a nap to stock up on strength. We take a reminder with a list of things and calmly check that everything is in our bag. If you don’t have something, don’t frantically rush around looking for it - then your relatives will bring everything. If contractions do not start at home, you should not rush home to get your bag - everything you need, including a shirt and robe, will be given to you at the maternity hospital, and then you can ask your family or friends to bring your things.
Haste– the period of contractions is quite long, and several hours is enough to wash, get dressed, and calmly arrive at the maternity hospital. Rushing while taking a shower can lead to a fall, injury, placental abruption, broken arms and legs, and this is completely untimely now.
Lack of documents– if you can forget things, then the policy, exchange card and passport should be with you from the very beginning of the 3rd trimester, especially if you leave the house for a long time. Without these documents in the maternity hospital you will be assigned to the observation department where patients give birth infectious diseases and unexamined women, because the doctor will not have evidence that you were examined.
Mindless heroism– attempts to get to the maternity hospital with contractions or broken waters while driving your own car can lead to dire consequences. Contractions can become more intense precisely at the moment of making a maneuver on the road; you can provoke an accident, causing harm to yourself and others. It’s better to go to give birth in an ambulance. This is a special transport, equipped with everything necessary in case of unforeseen situations, and the team knows what to do if labor suddenly becomes rapid and the child asks to come out right in the intensive care unit.

You also need to behave correctly in the emergency department of the maternity hospital. Don’t try to hide anything from the doctor – neither the number of abortions, nor your illness childhood. Everything matters.

Period of contractions

This period is the most difficult, and it is during labor that women often demonstrate the most disgusting behavior - screaming, crying, cursing the staff and the entire male family. If you want to give birth faster, you definitely shouldn’t behave this way during labor.. As already mentioned, muscle tension causes weakness of labor forces, the cervix opens slowly and painfully.

The task of the woman in labor at this stage is to relax as much as possible muscularly and psychologically after each contraction, to seize every minute to rest. Proper breathing will help.

Deep breaths and slow exhalations between contractions and a series of short inhalations and exhalations at the peak of contractions will help the cervix open more efficiently and give the baby the amount of oxygen he needs now.

As long as the contractions are not too strong and frequent, you can lie on your side, stand, including on all fours, with support on a chair, table, windowsill, partner, use free behavior - move, walk. This promotes faster opening. Treat this like work - there is a task to survive the next contraction in order to help yourself and the baby, and no one but you can cope with it.

Maternity hospital rules usually prohibit eating and drinking during labor. This is a reasonable prohibition, because a woman may require anesthesia, anesthesia, for which a full stomach is a contraindication. And therefore You should not demand food and drink, complain about refusal and threaten with complaints to the Ministry of Health.

What not to do at this stage of labor.

Scream– when screaming, the air quickly leaves the lungs in a continuous stream, and breaths are shallow and shortened. This leads to fetal hypoxia and also takes away the strength of the woman in labor. If there is a need to make sounds, it is better to replace the scream with a groan while exhaling, but the exhalation should still be done long and smoothly.
Drink water- It is only permissible to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out if you feel dry.
Retain urination– go for minor needs as much as you want. The bladder should be empty, this will speed up the process of contractions and reduce the pressure of the bladder on the uterus.
Categorically refuse anesthesia or other obstetric care measures. Even if you are an ardent supporter of natural childbirth without pain relief or other assistance, listen carefully to the information that the medical staff conveys to you. There are procedures and manipulations in which the need arises suddenly, and your persistent refusal can cause the death or disability of the fetus.

Separately, I would like to talk about pain. There is no point in demanding pain relief right away and now.. Cervical dilatation during contractions is a natural, painful, necessary process.

But, by law, any woman can request certain pain relief measures if the pain becomes unbearable. They cannot refuse her this.

Such measures include epidural anesthesia, intravenous administration of analgesics and antispasmodics, and sedatives.

Period of pushing

Attempts begin when the cervix is fully dilated and, unlike contractions, a woman can control them, or rather, regulate their strength at the command of the obstetrician. The main thing at this stage is to trust the staff as much as possible. During this period, doctors are with the woman in labor constantly and do not go anywhere.

It must be remembered that you can push only after the obstetrician gives the appropriate command.

The sensations of the fetus when passing through the narrow birth canal are also not the most pleasant, and you should not complicate them with unauthorized actions that can cripple the child.

The instructions are very simple: focus on the obstetrician or doctor who is next to you. As soon as the command “push” is heard, you need to draw air into the chest and hold your breath while pushing, “squeezing” the baby out. Behave correctly while pushing - this means not trying to sit up, not trying to squeeze or squeeze your hips.

At this stage you cannot:

push on the head– when pushing, direct the force downwards, not upwards, otherwise this can lead to hemorrhages in the face, eyes, and the effectiveness of the pushing will be almost zero - the child will not move along the birth canal.
Scream– as during labor, screaming at this stage of labor takes away the strength of the woman in labor and deprives the baby of sufficient oxygen supply. The baby goes through the birth canal, but it is still connected to you by the umbilical cord, through which it continues to receive oxygen from the blood.

Failure to comply with the obstetrician's requirements when pushing is fraught with perineal ruptures and birth injuries to the baby.

Succession period

The biggest mistake a mother makes in the final stage of labor is early relaxation. After the baby is born, you should not relax ahead of time, because the placenta will also be born. And this period is very important. The duration of the afterbirth period can be short - from 10 minutes, or long - up to an hour. In any case, having rejoiced at the birth of your baby, it is important to continue to listen to the doctor’s requirements.

It is very important for both the expectant mother and the baby. After all, not only does a woman help her baby to be born, but he also moves along the birth canal and participates in labor. The health and life of the child depend on how the mother behaves during childbirth. This requires informational and psychological preparation.

This complex and natural process

Childbirth is divided into three periods. The first, the longest and most difficult, is characterized by contractions. Its duration can be from several hours to a day. In the second period, the fetus is expelled. He is the most important. The third - postpartum period - is characterized by the birth of the placenta.

The onset of labor is heralded by contractions; the most important thing here is to pay attention to their regularity. Contractions of the uterus begin with barely perceptible ones in the lower abdomen. Then the periods of regular uterine contractions increase to 1 minute, and the intervals between contractions decrease from 10-15 minutes to 2-3. Primipara women experience this period of up to 16 hours, or even more. In multiparous women, contractions last 6-8 hours.

Much depends on how the woman behaves during labor. To ease this process,

you need to know some tricks. The baby needs oxygen, so during the onset of a contraction you need to take a deep breath and then exhale, this will ensure the necessary flow of oxygen into the blood. To understand how to behave during childbirth, you need to listen to your body, be able to relax and rest in between contractions.

If you are giving birth with a partner, then ask him to massage your lower back, alternate it with and regular breathing during contractions is the key to successful completion of the first and eliminating the risk of hypoxia in the child. When you feel an irresistible urge to have a bowel movement, this means that the second stage of labor has begun. You need to push correctly so that there are no internal or external tears in the perineum. Attempts must be made as follows: when a contraction occurs, take a deep breath and clasp your legs with your hands and, raising your head, pull them towards you, pressing your chin to your chest. When you can no longer push, exhale. Such actions must be performed three times during the fight. Correctly performed manipulations during pushing speed up the process of expulsion of the fetus and reduce pain. The third period is the shortest and most painless. It takes about 30 minutes.

Proper preparation

Techniques on how to behave during childbirth are taught in many public and private clinics. It is very important to attend such classes, especially for women who are pregnant for the first time and have little idea of childbirth. If this is not possible, then listen carefully to your obstetrician and follow all his recommendations to give birth. healthy child, while reducing pain and speeding up the process. Various printed manuals for women in labor can also help you understand how to behave during childbirth, with the help of which you can learn many techniques for pain relief and practice breathing.

As you know, the calmness of the woman in labor, as well as the “disposition” to follow the instructions of the doctor and midwife, largely determine the outcome of the birth. Let's talk about what the “correct” behavior of a woman is at each stage of this complex process and how to behave during childbirth.

Labor activity

Periods of labor

As a rule, the process of childbirth begins with contractions - involuntary contractions of the muscles of the uterus. Contractions open the cervix. The first stage of labor begins with the onset of regular labor and ends with the complete opening of the cervix (10-12 cm).

If labor begins with contractions, then it is necessary, if possible, to remember the time of the first contraction, and then clearly (preferably on paper) record the time of contractions: what time each contraction begins and how long it lasts. Such records will help your doctor determine the time of the onset of regular labor, judge its correctness and timely diagnose the weakness of labor, in which the intervals between contractions become large and the contractions themselves become short. Recording contractions will help you take your mind off the pain that may accompany them. In addition, in this way you will be able to distinguish true contractions from false ones. If during true contractions the duration of contractions of the uterine muscles increases and the intervals between contractions decrease, then during false contractions the intervals between contractions are different and tend to increase.

If before the start of regular labor (contractions) your amniotic fluid leaks, you need to remember the time at which it leaked or began to leak and get ready for the maternity hospital. The fact is that the amniotic sac is a barrier to infection entering the uterine cavity and the fetus. Therefore, from the moment of rupture of amniotic fluid until the birth of the baby, no more than 12 hours should pass, otherwise the likelihood of infection is very high.

Childbirth can also begin with preliminary pain - nagging pain in the lower abdomen, and more often in the lumbar region, which does not have a periodicity, that is, it occurs at different intervals and has different durations. After observing yourself for 1 - 1.5 hours and realizing that these are preliminary pains, but not contractions, you can take 2 tablets of no-shpa, 2 tablets of valerian and try to sleep. If these actions do not lead to a positive result, then it is necessary to seek help from the maternity hospital, since preliminary pain exhausts the woman and predisposes her to the development of weakness in labor in the future. In the maternity hospital, for preliminary pain, the woman is given medicated sleep and rest.

The appearance of copious bright red bleeding at any stage of labor is a reason to contact the maternity hospital. Such discharge may be a sign of placental abruption, in which the baby experiences an acute state of oxygen deficiency, and the mother experiences bleeding. It should be noted that normally during childbirth there is slightly bloody or bloody discharge.

After you understand (assume) that you are in labor, you should not eat or drink. This is due the following rules. In the first stage of labor, reflex vomiting may occur during the opening of the cervix. A full stomach predisposes to this trouble. In addition, any childbirth can be considered as a potentially risky situation due to the need for surgical intervention, because theoretically any childbirth can end in a cesarean section, there may be a need for manual separation of the placenta, etc. The listed surgical interventions are carried out against the background of anesthesia, and at the time of giving anesthesia, regurgitation is possible, that is, the release of stomach contents into the oral cavity, and from there into the lungs. A full stomach is a predisposing factor for such complications.

It is very important not to hold your breath during contractions. During the period when the muscles of the uterus tense, the lumen of all uterine vessels narrows, including those that go to the placenta, that is, they nourish the fetus. Therefore, it is extremely important to use any of the suggested breathing techniques. All these types of breathing, used at the moment of contraction, ensure that an increased amount of oxygen enters the woman’s blood, and therefore delivers a sufficient amount of blood to the fetus.

For less painful contractions, a type of breathing that can be called slow is suitable. The ratio of the duration of inhalation and exhalation is 1:2. Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. It is very important to remember that you need to start and end the contraction with a calm inhalation and exhalation.

You can breathe this way not only at the beginning, but throughout the entire birth: everything will depend on your feelings, on the nature of labor and, what is very important, on your psychological and theoretical preparedness.

During the active phase of labor, when contractions become more painful and frequent, you may find it helpful to breathe with a vocal expression of pain. In this case, the exhalation is “sung” or “pronounced” with the vowels o, a or u. In this case, the sound sung should be low; this is important because when pronouncing low sounds large group the muscles of the body (including the pelvic floor muscles, cervix) involuntarily relax. At high notes, cervical spasm is likely.

Also, for the first stage of labor, you can master breathing “through plump lips" At the peak of the contraction, inhale through your nose with a loud sniffle, and exhale through your mouth, creating a “puffy lip” and making a “poo” sound.

You can also use the diaphragmatic-thoracic type of breathing. Its frequency is arbitrary: it will be determined by your sensations. At the beginning of the contraction, 3-4 deep diaphragmatic-thoracic inhalations and exhalations are performed. In this case, place your hand on your stomach in the navel area, the other on your chest. During inhalation (contraction of the diaphragm), you should strive to ensure that the hand lying on your stomach rises higher than the hand lying on your chest. When the hand lying on your stomach rises as much as possible, continue inhaling by expanding the chest, raising the hand lying on it.

With the development of labor, as the intensity of contractions increases, and the intervals between them become smaller and smaller, it becomes more and more difficult for many women in labor to realize the types of breathing that we talked about earlier, i.e. slower ones. There is a need to breathe frequently and shallowly – like a dog. The pattern of such breathing is as follows: on the rise - 1-2 diaphragmatic-thoracic inhalations and exhalations, with a deep cleansing exhalation, then inhale and at the peak of the contraction - frequent, shallow breathing, with the tongue pressed to the palate. At the end of the contraction, breathing becomes less frequent - a cleansing exhalation, and at the end - 2-3 diaphragmatic-thoracic inhalations and exhalations. The contraction lasts on average 40 seconds, at home this exercise should be performed for 20 seconds (to avoid hyperventilation - excess air intake, which can lead to dizziness).

During contractions you should not tense up - you should try to relax as much as possible. Tension prevents the opening of the cervix, the process of childbirth is delayed, which negatively affects both the condition of the woman in labor and the condition of the fetus. When the opening of the cervix is already large and close to full (10-12 cm), the tension prevents the head from moving along the birth canal, which prolongs labor.

After several hours of contractions, with a large opening of the cervix (more than 5-6 cm), as a rule, amniotic fluid is discharged. After the outpouring amniotic fluid it is necessary to lie down and not get up, since the flowing water, especially with polyhydramnios, can entail the umbilical cord or the fetal hand. Therefore, immediately after the release of amniotic fluid, a vaginal examination is performed, during which the head is pressed tightly against the pelvic bones, and the above-described complications no longer arise. The doctor records the fact that the head is pressed and, if necessary, spreads the membranes of the amniotic sac so that this happens during the examination and complications are excluded.

If the doctor does not give any special instructions, then during the first stage of labor (contractions) you can walk and take any comfortable vertical positions. The only thing you should not do is sit on a hard surface (chair, bed, etc.). This is due to the fact that by occupying any vertical position - standing with support on the back of a bed or chair, hanging on an assistant's neck or on a rope - you contribute to the advancement of the presenting part of the fetus along the birth canal. But you can sit on a ball or on the toilet if your doctor allows it. At the end of the first stage of labor, a situation may arise in which it is necessary to somewhat speed up the movement of the head along the birth canal (for example, when the opening of the cervix is already complete, and the head is moving slowly), or, conversely, to slow it down (for example, with premature birth) . In the first situation, the woman in labor is asked to squat, and in the second, she is asked to lie on her side.

It is very important to empty your bladder regularly during the first stage of labor. This needs to be done every two hours. A filled bladder interferes with intense contractions of the uterus.

Attempts

What to do during pushing

After several hours of contractions (8-10 hours during the first birth and 4-6 hours during the second), the cervix opens completely and a transition period begins when the baby’s head begins to intensively move down the birth canal.

After a while you will want to push, but call your doctor or midwife before doing so. You will be examined and then allowed to push. By the period of pushing, the cervix should be completely open, and if you start pushing on your own, for example, with the cervix not yet fully open, then cervical rupture will occur. Premature pushing can also have adverse effects on the fetus. The fact is that during movement along the birth canal, the fetal head configures, that is, the unfused bones of the head come one after another.

Thus, the size of the head gradually becomes smaller. If you start pushing before the head has “shrinked,” injuries (bleeds in the brain) may occur. In this case, the adaptation period for the baby will be more difficult. Some women in this situation become restless and scream. As a result, oxygen does not enter the lungs, and an oxygen deficiency is created in the blood, including the placental blood, which affects the condition of the child. On at this stage Breathing like a “sob” will also help a woman in labor. As the contraction rises, you exhale cleansingly and take a deep, full breath, then your breathing quickens and becomes shallow; three or four shallow inhalations must be completed with an intense exhalation, sharply blowing through lips elongated into a tube, as if you were blowing out a candle or inflating a balloon. (This is exactly how a person breathes when he sobs). You can breathe on a count: one, two, three - exhale; one, two, three - exhale. At this stage of labor, doggy breathing is also suitable.

After the baby is born, your task is to give birth children's place. This is not difficult - to do this, you just need to push again after the midwife asks you to do so.

It will be easier to follow these tips if you remember that the most precious thing she has - the life and health of her child - depends on the reasonable behavior of a woman during childbirth.

During pregnancy, a woman thinks about the upcoming birth of a baby. Because the expectant mother is aware of how to behave during childbirth, what is allowed and prohibited. The well-being of childbirth depends on the actions of the woman in labor.

Behavior before birth

Some signs indicate an imminent onset. Every woman’s body is different, so the warning signs may be different. By paying attention to them, the woman in labor will be able to arrive at the hospital on time.

Signs of the onset of labor:

the stomach drops;
the mucus plug comes off;
the cervix changes;
discharge increases;
fetal movement decreases;
training contractions appear.

When your stomach drops expectant mother I need to start preparing for the trip to the hospital. During a woman’s first birth, the baby is born 10–20 days after she notices the prolapse. With the second - on days 2–4, sometimes after a few hours. Under the influence of estrogen, the discharge becomes liquid and mucus is noted. Contact a doctor to confirm or deny leakage of amniotic fluid. The mucus plug goes into different terms from two weeks before the start of contractions.

Childbirth is a natural but painful process. The duration of delivery takes from two to twenty hours. The first time the period is from 12 to 18 hours. The second time, less time passes, since the tissues of the birth canal are elastic and prepared for stretching.

According to Komarovsky, preparation is carried out in three directions:

women in labor;
partner;
places where the process will take place.

During contractions before childbirth, a woman needs to learn to breathe correctly, take deep breaths, and hold her breath. This will reduce pain and prevent tears and cracks. Special training and preparation videos will help you behave correctly.

Behavior by stages

Despite the emotional state, a woman needs to behave calmly during childbirth, as this will help set her up for a positive outcome. At this time, they remain calm and avoid actions that negatively affect the course of the process. The duration of the period depends on individual characteristics. During childbirth, the uterus opens, reaches 10 cm, and the baby begins to move along the birth canal. Every enlargement of the uterus is accompanied by contractions.

Behavior during childbirth by stages:

at the first stage of contractions, the woman endures uterine spasms, breathes deeply, uses self-massage, and acts on biologically active points;
during pushing, push three times in one contraction without putting pressure on the uterus;
in the third phase of placenta rejection, you need to breathe through the contraction once, then push.

Depending on the period of labor, contractions may be rare, then intensify and become frequent. A woman needs to record the duration of the breaks between them so as not to miss a moment. At this time, painful sensations arise in the lower back, lower abdomen, and legs. The woman in labor experiences anxiety, agitation, and uncertainty.

How to behave correctly for a woman during childbirth:

keep track of time;
breathe correctly;
listen to the midwife's advice;
do not shout;
relax;
choose a comfortable position;
push.

Useful tips will help a woman in labor prepare for the process. At first you need to rest. It’s better to sleep at night, do household chores during the day: cook food, pack a bag, tune in to a positive outcome of the birth and arm yourself with the support of relatives.

The next stage will begin in the maternity hospital, when it is necessary to take the correct position. During childbirth, an upright position is practiced due to the force of gravity. The uterus opens, labor proceeds quickly and does not drag on. Massage of the lower back and sacrum will help relax the stomach, reduce tension in the spine, which will lead to a decrease in pain. Regardless of the chosen position, the legs are placed so that they are wide apart.

When contractions begin, the woman behaves actively, but does not forget to rest. You need to save your strength, because the third stage is ahead, when you will have to make efforts for the fetus to be born. During pushing, they mobilize their strength and listen to the midwife. Her tips will help you understand how to push and breathe correctly.

Actions during contractions

Many pregnant women do not know how to behave correctly during the first contractions. The stages of childbirth occur in a certain sequence. The first period is the most painful and longest. Contractions pass, then pushing begins natural childbirth. Correct behavior affects the duration, well-being of the woman in labor and the condition of the fetus.

How to behave during contractions:

take an upright position and walk so that the uterus opens faster;
perform circular movements with the pelvis using an inflatable ball;
massage the sacral area;
breathe correctly to prevent oxygen starvation of the baby.

During labor and childbirth, a woman in labor should not strain her muscles, otherwise the pain will only intensify. Tension occurs and the delivery process slows down. The severity of pain depends on the characteristics of the body, pain sensitivity, and the emotional mood of the woman. During contractions, endorphins are released, which help you relax and get rid of pain. If labor has begun, with relaxed muscles the cervix opens faster, and there are no difficulties in moving through the birth canal.

What to take to the delivery room:

slippers;
socks;
compression underwear;
water;
mobile phone;
first clothes for a newborn.

During contractions, choose a comfortable position. It is allowed to lie on your side, walk, and stand on all fours. You cannot sit or lie on your back. This leads to compression of large vessels, disrupting blood flow to the heart. A woman's blood pressure decreases.

What is the best thing to do during contractions:

do not lie down;
move;
take a comfortable position;
Do massage;
pay attention to breathing.

At the beginning of labor, when contractions begin, the woman can sit. It is recommended to use a fitball. Towards the end of the process, the head crashes into the birth canal. Sitting down creates additional pressure, so they prefer a lying position.

Is it possible to drink during childbirth? Eating and drinking are prohibited in the maternity ward. During childbirth there is a need to use anesthesia. A woman often feels sick, so her stomach should be empty.

Pushing behavior

At this stage, the mother controls the birth process. Although contractions are involuntary, they can be controlled by intensifying or holding back. The woman is transferred to the prenatal ward, at which time she will need to remember the doctors’ advice. It is necessary to prepare for the meeting with the baby.

How to behave when pushing:

sit on the bed;
take a horizontal position;
do not squeeze your thighs;
don't push in the face.

If a woman in labor tenses and sulks, hemorrhages will appear on her eyes and face. The effort is aimed at emptying the body. If a woman is weak, the obstetrician guides the pushing period in order to increase or decrease the strength in time. To do this, relax, breathe frequently and shallowly. You cannot scream, as the muscles contract, which leads to rupture.

How not to harm your baby during childbirth:

push with the midwife's permission;
do not raise the pelvis;
collect energy in the abdominal muscles area;
relax in time between contractions.

After the birth of the baby, the mother awaits the third final stage - the birth of the placenta and examination of the birth canal. The separation takes place within 5–30 minutes. The woman feels weak contractions that pass quickly.

How to behave correctly for your husband during childbirth:

make sure your wife relaxes;
provide moral support;
comfort;
praise;
massage if necessary.

Correct actions during childbirth will help you recover faster and the woman will be able to play sports. This will avoid the transition of psychological discomfort into physical and will not harm the mother and baby.

What happens after childbirth

Recovery is an important stage that will go faster if a woman knows what to do. Everything happens gradually, there is no need to rush. Conventionally, the process is divided into two parts: the first hours and days after delivery. The transfer of the mother to the delivery room occurs under the supervision of doctors. Sometimes there is fever, thirst, chills. At this stage, the uterus is examined and a massage is performed.

After a few days, such care will no longer be needed, as the condition improves over time. After childbirth, muscle pain and cramping sensations appear. At this time, postpartum uterine contractions occur. When ruptures occur, discomfort in the perineum and chest occurs.

Mom needs rest and hygiene. During the period of active healing, you should not sit down due to the risk of suture ruptures. Within a week, the woman is examined to ensure there is no infection.

In the first weeks, pain remains. The discharge lasts up to two months. It is important to keep an eye on your stitches while showering. Adhesions are treated with antiseptics. The scar appears a week after birth. In the absence of complications, discharge is made on days 3-5. If psychological discomfort occurs, the mother needs to take more walks and rest.

How to behave after childbirth:

lie on your stomach so that the clots come out;
apply ice for half an hour;
in the first hour a massage is performed to check the absence of afterbirth residues;
after an hour, the woman in labor is transferred to the ward, the pain is relieved, and the general condition is monitored;
after 8 hours, all indicators are measured: pressure, temperature, pulse.

After a caesarean section, the same manipulations are carried out, only the time the woman in labor spends under the supervision of an obstetrician increases. Then the woman and baby are transferred to the ward. If the woman in labor is with her husband, the father will look after the newborn so that the mother can rest.

How to behave with your wife after childbirth:

give the woman the first few days to rest: get some sleep, come to her senses;
help establish lactation: with nutrition, often offer to put the newborn to the breast;
help physically: bring things, accompany you to the toilet;
take on household responsibilities for the first 2 weeks;
do not be offended, be calm, understand that the spouse has suffered stress, is weak physically and psychologically.

Mom often thinks about how to withstand moral and physical activity. My husband will come to the rescue. Dad will be nearby to take care of the baby.

After childbirth, a woman has more responsibility than during pregnancy. The body is exhausted, in order to recover, you need to go for a walk, enjoy communication with the baby, and concentrate on positive emotions. Attend proper nutrition and moderate physical activity.