How to stimulate the opening of the cervix. How to speed up the process of childbirth: stages of cervical dilatation, methods of stimulation at different times. Acceleration of the opening of the cervix. Medical method

In order for the baby to be born, the birth canal needs to prepare for this. The bones of the pelvis diverge, the cervical canal is smoothed out and becomes shorter. To speed up the opening of the cervix before childbirth, drugs and non-traditional techniques will help.

Indications and contraindications

The cervix is ​​the connecting tube that runs from the vagina all the way to the uterus. At the stage of gestation, it is completely closed because it has a protective function for the baby (stops all infections and bacteria). Before childbirth, the cervix opens, and with it the birth canal.

Indications for stimulation of uterine dilatation:

1. prolongation of pregnancy (after 41 weeks);
2. lack of development of labor activity;
3. deterioration in the condition of a woman in labor or a baby;
4. placental abruption;
5. discharge of water;
6. severe diseases of the expectant mother (diabetes mellitus);
7. multiple pregnancy.

There are also situations where the use of drugs to open the cervix is ​​prohibited. It is required to familiarize yourself with the main contraindications.

• the fetus is too large in relation to the woman's pelvis;
• there are difficulties with the child's heartbeat (frequent or vice versa very rare);
• the baby is incorrectly positioned;
• poor health of the woman in labor is temporary or permanent (high blood pressure, dizziness, difficulty in the work of the heart).

It is required to consult a doctor in a timely manner and report changes in your condition in order to prevent complications. The well-being of the child is monitored by measuring the baby's heart rate, as well as under the control of his physical activity. Depending on the characteristics of the organism of the woman in labor, the doctor selects stimulating measures that are best suited to a particular case.

Disclosure stages

Mothers do not always know enough information about the course of the birth process. The uterus opens in three stages, which not every woman in labor will be able to recognize.

The first stage (latent). A woman feels light, chaotic contractions, pain is not felt. The duration of the first stage ranges from 2 hours to 2 days. At this time, it is better to abstract and sleep in order to gain strength and vitality. Usually, at the initial stage, stimulating procedures are not prescribed. But if there is evidence for this, the doctor will definitely take action and help accelerate the opening of the uterus.

Second period (active phase) characterized by increased contractions, they become longer and more intense. The opening at this point is 4-5 cm.

How to speed up the process of opening the cervix before childbirth:

1. constantly move;
2. do not lie on the bed;
3. walk around the room or corridor;
4. perform breathing exercises correctly.

Usually, in the second period of opening, the fetal bladder breaks in the woman in labor, and the water leaves. If this does not happen, an amniotomy is performed.

The third period is the full opening of the cervix, labor activity is already in a fairly active form. Between the second and third phases, a different amount of time can pass, both rapid labor and prolonged labor are quite likely. That is why at such a moment it is better to be in a hospital so that the doctor has time to correct the condition of both the fetus and the mother.

Symptoms and sensations during opening

The opening of the cervix is ​​attributed to the first period of delivery. Gynecologists measure this phenomenon with obstetric fingers. The full opening is equal to 5 fingers or 10 cm. This process is easy to recognize, because the beginning of labor cannot be confused with anything.

Symptoms:

• pain, similar to menstruation;
• discharge of the mucous plug (a clot of mucus mixed with blood);
• drawing pain in the lower abdomen.

How does cervical dilatation occur during pregnancy? The main symptom indicating the beginning of the opening is the presence of regular contractions with the same interval. At the first stage, the interval between uterine contractions is 25-30 minutes, but with the progress of disclosure, it decreases to 5-6 minutes. The intensity and duration of labor spasms also depends on the degree of opening of the uterus.

How quickly does the cervix dilate before childbirth? Everything is individual, because each woman in labor has her own characteristics. On average, the opening rate is 1 cm per hour, counting from the moment when labor enters the active phase. How long before birth the cervix softens depends on the speed of its opening. Examination of a pregnant woman is carried out every 2-3 hours, provided that she feels well.

You can’t confuse the symptoms of disclosure with anything, in fact, this is the beginning of childbirth. The main thing is to get together and behave correctly (count contractions).

Non-drug methods of opening the cervix

This process does not always take place naturally. Sometimes a doctor's help is needed. In addition to medicines, there are non-traditional therapies that help eliminate the problem.

How does the cervix open before childbirth:

1. with the help of physical activity;
2. yoga or meditation;
3. active sexual life;
4. breast stimulation;
5. enema;
6. through a Foley catheter;
7. puncture of the fetal bladder;
8. after taking a bath with aromatic oils;
9. administration of prostaglandins;
10. when performing massage of certain parts of the body;
11. through diet modification.

Physical exercise to open the cervix before childbirth - one of the simplest methods of stimulation, the essence of which is to maintain motor activity in the last stages. You need to walk more, walk in the fresh air, do breathing exercises. This contributes to the rapid opening of the cervix, but the method can be used provided that the expectant mother feels normal.

What postures contribute to the opening of the cervix:

• constant change in body position;
• lotus position, butterfly;
• On knees.

The main thing here is to stay calm and relax. Then the opening process will go on by itself.

Yoga or meditation are also gaining popularity among pregnant women in need of opening stimulation. The point is to positively visualize the process of opening the cervical canal. That is, you need to try to set yourself up for a positive result. Meditation to open the cervix will only help those who believe and delve into it.

Muzheterapiya. Some obstetricians advise pregnant women to have an active sex life after 40 weeks. This can help to open up, because semen softens the neck, and it will ripen faster. Sex is allowed in the absence of medical contraindications to it.

Nipple stimulation also belongs to the means for opening the cervix. The principle of action is to produce oxytocin (the hormone that causes contractions) naturally. You can perform breast massage yourself or ask your husband, which will be more pleasant for both. Suitable and stimulation of the nipples with water from the shower.

Foley catheter placement- insertion of the balloon into the neck cavity. This is a quick and painless procedure. First, the pregnant woman is examined, then the obstetrician inserts a tube with a balloon at the end into the neck, and injects 10 ml of liquid. The reservoir is filled and expands the walls of the channel to the sides. If this is not enough, saline is injected through the catheter directly into the fetal bladder. The Foley catheter can be inside for about a day, after which it must be removed.

Enema helps to open the neck faster, stimulating its back wall, thereby accelerating the process of softening and smoothing. The disadvantage of the procedure is discomfort. But on the other hand, it is also a cleansing of the intestines before childbirth, for reinsurance against unforeseen situations in childbirth

Amniotomy - puncture of the fetal bladder. This is an absolutely painless procedure, after which the disclosure occurs much faster. And in general, labor activity is reduced by 2-3 hours. There are, of course, negative nuances - amniotomy leaves the fetus without a water cushion, which softens its passage through the birth canal.

Taking a bath with aromatic oils can cause the neck to open, but it is better not to apply the method in practice. After all, it is very difficult to guess with the temperature of the water so that it is useful, and not harmful to the fetus. In addition, most oils are allergic components.

Laminaria are widely used by obstetricians. After the insertion of the algae stick, the uterus quickly opens, and the process of childbirth is constantly progressing. The essence of the method is the introduction of a tampon of algae into the neck. After they swell in the moist environment of the vagina, the canal expands and matures.

Massage of bioactive points- a way to stimulate the cervix before childbirth with your fingers. Sessions of massaging certain areas of the skin are held. The most effective is palm massage to open the cervix. The bottom line is to stimulate special areas that are responsible for the birth process. Massage of the little finger to open the cervix is ​​also effective if you know how to stimulate and where to press.

Eating certain foods affects opening. It is recommended to include in the diet products that cause cervical dilatation, such as olive oil, strawberries (according to the season), dried fruits, prunes. Tea from raspberry leaves helps well, it promotes the production of estrogens. Some expectant mothers drink alcoholic beverages as a method of influencing the uterus. An excellent stimulant is the use of chili peppers.

It is necessary to stimulate the opening of the cervix at home only after discussing the method of influencing the cervical canal with the obstetrician leading the birth. This will help keep the baby and his mother calm and healthy.

Medical stimulation

Sometimes gynecologists decide to influence the softening of the cervix and its opening with the help of drugs. This is a large number of drugs that have an effect on labor activity.

Gel for opening the cervix before childbirth - is widely used in medical practice, it is based on prostaglandins. This method has almost no side effects, for which the channel opens quickly. After using the gel, it is extremely rare for rapid labor to occur.

Candles for opening the cervix also contain prostaglandins. The positive quality of the method of stimulation is the freedom of movement of the woman in labor. A significant disadvantage is the cost of the drug.

Homeopathic preparations- another option to cause the opening of the neck. This medicine is based on herbal ingredients.

What pills are given to open the cervix before childbirth? Various medications are prescribed, but Caulophyllum 30 is one of the brightest representatives of such remedies, which helps the uterus to ripen faster. The result is not long in coming, but the price for it is not small. It is allowed to use pills for cervical ripening before childbirth only after prescribing a certain medication by a doctor.

Introduction of oxytocin- the variant of influence on the connecting channel prevailing in obstetric practice. With this drug, a dropper is placed to open the cervix or injections are prescribed. A significant disadvantage of the stimulation procedure is the constant restriction of the woman's movement, because she is tied to the system and the tripod on which the medicine is held.

Opening the cervix manually carried out by an obstetrician during the examination, if the pregnant woman overbearing the fetus. Then the doctor tries to stick his fingers into the cavity of the cervix to open the way to the uterus.

Complications

Starting from 37 weeks, the female body prepares for the childbearing process. Most expectant mothers, because of the fear of the unknown, panic. This leads to a slowdown in the production of hormones necessary for childbirth and the cervix opens for a long time.

Reasons for the lack of disclosure:

1. polyhydramnios;
2. oligohydramnios;
3. age after 35;
4. thyroid disease.

When the cervix is ​​ready for childbirth, it dynamically opens. With a pathologically slow process of divergence of the walls of the cervical canal, they resort to stimulation. In a hospital setting, an injection is made to open the cervix or a dropper. At home, you can try to start with non-drug therapy.

Quick disclosure- this is also not normal, but it is impossible to influence the running mechanism. The body of a pregnant woman does not have time to prepare for delivery and tears and cracks appear. The child also suffers great stress, it is difficult for him to adapt to a new environment.

After stimulation, which is carried out to accelerate the opening of the neck during contractions, pathologies also occur. This is a slowdown in labor activity, and its rapid development. Therefore, when starting therapy for affecting the cervical canal, it is better for a woman in labor to be in the hospital.

A hard neck is also an anomaly that occurs as a result of the regular maintenance of pregnancy. Therapy based on strengthening drugs exacerbates the opening process. The only way out of the situation is a caesarean section.

Cervical opening is an important period of childbirth, without which the baby will not be born naturally. You can use medicines or non-traditional techniques. Both options are quite productive. Before proceeding with stimulation, you need to discuss all the nuances with the obstetrician who is responsible for childbirth.

The main organ in a woman's body, without which it would be impossible to endure and give birth to a baby, is the uterus. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ. It distinguishes 3 main parts: bottom, body and neck. As you can see, the cervix is ​​an integral part of the main organ during pregnancy, respectively, the normal course of the processes of gestation and natural childbirth will also depend directly on its condition. How? Let's figure it out.

Cervix during pregnancy

The cervix is ​​a tube connecting the uterus and the vagina, the ends of which end in holes (the internal os opens into the uterus, the external os opens into the vagina), and the cervical canal passes inside. Normally, throughout almost the entire period of pregnancy, it should have a dense consistency with a tightly closed cervical canal, which allows you to keep the fetus in the uterine cavity, and also protect it from infection from the vagina.

information Only a few weeks before the date of the expected birth, the cervix begins to undergo changes that will later allow the baby to move freely through the woman's birth canal and be born unhindered.

Sometimes these changes can start ahead of time. The opening of the cervix during pregnancy is a poor diagnostic sign that threatens the loss of a child or premature birth. The reasons for this condition are often:

• Burdened obstetric history (abortions, miscarriages in the early and late stages);
• Injuries of the cervix (operations, childbirth with a large fetus, ruptures in previous births);
• Cervical erosion;
• Hormonal disorders (progesterone deficiency).

Softening and opening of the cervix should occur immediately before childbirth!

Disclosure

In the process of progression of pregnancy in the cervix, there is a partial replacement of muscle tissue with connective tissue. "Young" collagen fibers are formed, which have increased flexibility and extensibility than similar ones outside of pregnancy. Some of them are absorbed, forming the main substance, which leads to an increase in the hydrophilicity of the tissue. Clinically, this is manifested by loosening and shortening of the cervix and gaping of the cervical canal.

Preparation of the cervix for childbirth begins at about 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. It begins to soften along the periphery, but the area of ​​dense tissue along the cervical canal is still preserved. In nulliparous women, during vaginal examination, the external os can pass the tip of the finger, in multiparous women, the canal becomes passable to the internal os for 1 finger. Already by 36-38 weeks, the cervix is ​​\u200b\u200balmost completely softened. The fetus begins to descend into the small pelvis, with its weight it creates a certain pressure on the neck, which helps to further open it.

The opening of the neck begins with the internal pharynx. In primiparas, the canal takes the form of a truncated cone with the base facing upwards. The fetus, gradually moving forward, stretches the external pharynx. In multiparous women, the opening of the cervix is ​​easier and faster, due to the fact that the external os by the end of pregnancy is most often already open by 1 finger. In them, the opening of the external and internal pharynx occurs almost simultaneously.

Immediately before the onset of labor, the cervix of the uterus, both in primiparous and multiparous women, is sharply shortened (smoothed), exhausted, the canal is passed by 2 fingers or more. Gradually, there is a complete opening of the cervix up to 10-12 cm, which allows the head of the fetus and its trunk to pass through the birth canal.

Possible problems

Starting from the 37-38th week of pregnancy, the dominant of pregnancy is replaced by the dominant of childbirth, and the uterus turns from a fetus-place into an expelling organ. Some pregnant women are very afraid of the date of birth, building a psychological barrier to the formation of that very necessary dominant. Against the background of nervous overstrain and the lack of proper psychoprophylactic preparation for childbirth, a woman experiences inhibition of the production of the necessary hormones. The cervix remains unchanged, and the preparation for childbirth of the body is delayed.

For a complete and normal opening of the cervix, the development of regular labor activity is necessary. If weakness of labor pains develops, the process of opening the neck also stops. Not infrequently, this happens with polyhydramnios (overdistension of the uterus occurs and, as a result, a decrease in its contractility) or oligohydramnios (a flaccid or flat fetal bladder does not allow the neck to be properly affected).

Women over the age of 35 are at risk of this problem. In their case, the cause may be the rigidity (decrease in elasticity) of the tissues.

remember The general condition of a woman's body before childbirth plays an important role. The presence of extragenital endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, obesity) often leads to the development of complications during childbirth.

Stimulation of the preparation of the cervix for childbirth

Often, just before the date of the expected birth, after visiting the doctor, a woman may find out that her cervix is ​​\u200b\u200b“not mature” and there is a need to artificially prepare her for childbirth. This issue becomes especially relevant after the 40th week of pregnancy, since at these times the placenta depletes its functionality, which leads to fetal hypoxia.

Stimulation of this process can be carried out by two methods: drug and non-drug.

Medical method allows you to achieve the desired result with the help of medicines and only in a hospital setting.

• Introduction to the cervical canal of kelp sticks. Sticks of kelp (seaweed) are placed in the cervical canal for its entire length. Under the influence of moisture, after about 4-5 hours, they begin to swell, mechanically opening the channel. Laminaria also secrete endogenous prostaglandins necessary for the maturation of the cervix. Gradual mechanical and biochemical action of kelp sticks leads to quick and careful preparation of the cervix for childbirth;
• Introduction to the cervical canal of synthetic prostaglandin in the form of candles or gel. Allows you to achieve the desired effect within a few hours;
• In a hospital setting, amniotomy(piercing of the amniotic sac). After this procedure, the anterior waters leave, the fetal head descends, the pressure on the neck increases, and the opening begins to occur faster.

Non-drug method can be used at home, but you should be extremely careful and take into account all the pros and cons.

• Cleansing enema. Its use irritates the back wall of the uterus, causing it to contract. It was also noticed that after this procedure, the mucosal plug is discharged, and the opening of the cervix begins. But it can be done only for those women whose expected date of birth has already arrived or passed;
• Sex. Natural labor stimulant. Firstly, it causes contraction of the muscles of the uterus, increasing blood flow to it. Secondly, semen contains prostaglandins, the "hormone of childbirth." Contraindication: departed (high probability of infection);
• Physical exercise. Long walks, cleaning the house, climbing stairs to the upper floors. Contraindicated in hypertension, placenta previa.

Now you know how, when and why the cervix is ​​prepared for childbirth. You know the reasons why this might not happen and how you can fix it. Having the information, you can correct or prevent the possible occurrence of problems. Do not forget one thing: it is better to do this in consultation with your doctor!

Basically, childbirth begins naturally, after about 37 weeks, and logically ends with the birth of the baby. But there are cases when this does not happen or there are other medical indicators for the onset of labor.

Also, childbirth that began spontaneously may not proceed so well, and then stop altogether. Contractions may stop or be insufficient for further dilatation of the cervix. Doctors call such generic activity weak.

If 12 hours after the water breaks, labor does not begin, doctors advise using stimulation. Accordingly, it is carried out very carefully and only under the supervision of a doctor. Be sure to take into account whether a woman is allergic to any medications.

There are medicinal and, accordingly, non-medical methods of influencing the cervix. There are also several signs that stimulation is a must:

• if a woman suffers from preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure;
• premature discharge of amniotic fluid (there is a risk of infection);
• the uterus is too stretched (may be a consequence of polyhydramnios, twins or a large child);
• the uterus does not open;
• short and weak contractions, or their cessation altogether;
• complications with the heart or Rh conflict can also serve as a reason for stimulation;
• premature detachment of the placenta. This is very dangerous, as it can threaten the life of the child;
• some have late toxicosis;
• worsening condition of mother and baby.

Recommended stimulation of labor activity in cases where the child is postponed. Postterm pregnancy is considered to be a pregnancy that lasts more than 40 weeks. Each doctor must make his own decision: stimulate or wait. Moreover, the waiting period may be different. For some it's a week, for others it's two. In this case, it is best for a woman to be placed in a maternity hospital in order to fully control the process and, if necessary, promptly allow childbirth.

The decision to stimulate and how to speed up the eve of childbirth. takes the doctor. He must determine what is more dangerous: to continue waiting or to stimulate labor.

Non-drug method - puncture of the fetal bladder or amniotomy. This procedure is carried out if the disclosure occurred only by 2 cm and stopped. The result is an increase in labor activity. When the fetal bladder is pierced, amniotic fluid is poured out, as a result of which, the pressure decreases. The baby's head presses on the pelvic bones, which contributes to the further opening of the cervix. This method is considered quite safe and painless, since no harm is done to the child and the fetal bladder simply does not have nerve endings. If sufficient disclosure, after the use of amniotomy, does not occur, then further doctors use medications to accelerate the opening of the cervix.

One of the drug methods of stimulation is the use of prostaglandins. They help prepare the cervix for dilation. The method of using prostaglandins is good because side effects are minimal. The doctor inserts a candle deep into the vagina. Such actions are performed with only one purpose - to help the cervix open up faster. And this is already the beginning of childbirth. Candles are absolutely harmless and act only on the mother's body, without causing any harm to the baby. The action of the candles begins after 30 minutes, and before that you can safely move around the room and wait for the medicine to work.

Stimulation with oxytocin. This is another type of drug exposure, how to speed up the opening of the cervix before childbirth. Oxytocin can be in the form of tablets, in the form of a solution for subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, and especially intravenous administration. Side effects: increased pain during childbirth (therefore, it is used, for the most part, together with antispasmodics), too much contractile activity of the uterus, and, as a result, circulatory disorders and harm to the health of the child.

If oxytocin is taken by means of a dropper, then the woman is completely immobilized, which can also negatively affect the further opening of the cervix. For some expectant mothers, walking around the room can be a natural way to dilate the cervix. It is worth remembering that each person is individual.

There are several ways to prepare the uterus before childbirth:

• eat more salads dressed with vegetable oil;
• walking and swimming, especially diving, you need as much as possible. Walking barefoot works especially well;
• ear and little finger massage;
• use a decoction of raspberry leaves;
• oddly enough, have more sex (especially in a pose on all fours);
• drink tea with lemon, bitter chocolate and honey.

All of the above can only be used after 37 weeks. But before you do anything, you must always consult a doctor. You should make sure that there are no contraindications.

So, of course, many doctors use medications to resolve labor. At the same time, all psychologists say one thing: childbirth is the same stress for the child as for his mother. Therefore, no matter how difficult it may seem, a woman should think first of all about the baby. Usually, after stimulation, labor activity enters the active phase. Pain is an integral part of labor activity, but it is always necessary to control yourself and think not about yourself, but about a tiny little man who is even harder than her.

The expectant mother must definitely study the literature, which describes in detail how to behave during childbirth. Even a minimum of information received will help with contractions. You also need to do physical exercises. All this will lead to the fact that the fear of childbirth will decrease and, as a result, the woman will be able, for her part, to control and help resolve childbirth. The most important thing is to “listen” to your body - this is the best stimulation of labor before childbirth.

The opening of the cervix indicates the readiness of the woman's body for the onset of labor. There are many ways to speed up this process. They are divided into drug and non-drug, respectively, used independently or in a hospital. Stimulation of the opening of the cervix must be carried out taking into account certain rules, otherwise you can provoke the development of dangerous complications or lose a child.

What is “male therapy” before childbirth? How to speed up labor activity with the help of physical activity? What medical methods are used to achieve full dilatation of the cervix?

Stages of cervical dilatation before childbirth

There are situations in which this process begins ahead of schedule. Too early opening of the cervix is ​​dangerous for the loss of a child or premature birth. This phenomenon can be caused by:

• hormonal imbalance;
• a history of cases of artificial or spontaneous pathological termination of pregnancy;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
• surgical interventions before conceiving a child;
• previous childbirth burdened with complications;
• inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.

The opening of the cervix begins with the external pharynx (for more details, see the article:). In primiparous women, the cervical canal has the shape of a truncated cone, the widest part of which is located at the top. In patients who have already given birth, the opening of the external os occurs much faster (by one finger). To expel the fetus from the uterus, the opening of her cervix should be 10 cm, that is, 5 fingers. Information about the processes that occur before the start of attempts, during contractions, is indicated in the table.

How long this process takes depends on whether the woman is primiparous or multiparous. In the first case, the full opening of the cervix occurs in 8-10 hours.

In women who have already given birth, the period until the moment when the cervix opens to 5 fingers, in most situations, takes no more than 6-7 hours.

Associated symptoms

At this stage of preparation for the onset of labor, a woman may not feel any changes in the body at all. In some cases, the period of maturation of the cervix is ​​accompanied by:

• periodic irregular contractions - do not deliver any painful sensations to the future woman in labor, a mild pain syndrome is characteristic;
• pulling pains in the lower abdomen, lumbar and sacral regions;
• secretions of mucous consistency from the vagina (in some cases, they may contain minor bloody inclusions).

These symptoms are normal and indicate that the female body is preparing for labor. However, if these signs appeared in a pregnant woman before the 37-week period at which the fetus is considered full-term, it is recommended to urgently consult with your doctor.

Non-pharmacological methods of opening the cervix

There are several non-drug methods that help stimulate the procedure for expelling the fetus from the uterus (especially relevant after 40 weeks of pregnancy). You can speed up this stage of preparing the female body for childbirth with the help of physical activity, yoga and meditation practices. The so-called “male therapy” - sexual intercourse with a spouse can also help prepare a woman’s body for labor.

Physical exercise

Various physical activities help to open the cervix. Particularly effective in stimulating labor are:

• squats;
• long walk;
• climbing up the stairs;
• breaststroke swimming - contributes not only to the contraction of the muscles of the abdomen and back, but also to the elimination of edema of the lower extremities;
• squatting for a long time (the exercise is used in cases of a high location of the fetus in late gestation);
• rocking back and forth on a fitball or swing.

When performing exercises, you need to consider 2 important points:

• movements must be done carefully and smoothly;
• twisting and jumping should be avoided.

You can also stimulate labor at home with the help of cleaning, window cleaning, hand washing (more in the article:). Active dancing also contributes to the opening of the cervix.

Yoga and meditation

Effectively opens the cervix of yoga, which is based on spiritual, psychological and physical practices. In order for the stimulation of labor to be more successful, during the performance of asanas, certain rules must be observed:

1. Movements should be smooth.
2. During exercise, it is recommended to listen to relaxing soft music. The best option would be the sounds of nature: the sound of rain, water, birds singing.
3. You need to carefully focus on each element of yoga. Incense sticks or oils will help to achieve this.

To perform asanas correctly, you must first study the video or audio lessons. Shavasana is considered one of the most effective postures in yoga, which helps to stimulate labor activity. Meditation also helps to speed up the opening of the cervix. For the greatest effect, it should be carried out for at least 30 minutes. During the sessions of these spiritual and health practices, there is a maximum relaxation of all parts of the body and liberation from thoughts. After class, it is recommended to drink tea, herbal decoction or infusion on raspberry leaves (we recommend reading:).

sex stimulation

It has been proven that “muzheterapiya” stimulates labor activity, therefore, before childbirth, many doctors recommend expectant mothers to have sex. The relationship of sexual intercourse with the acceleration of delivery is explained by the fact that the special substance contained in male sperm has a beneficial effect on the elasticity of the cervix, resulting in its rapid and painless opening.

There are a number of rules to keep in mind when using male therapy:

• you can have sex only if the woman feels well (we recommend reading:);
• movements should be as careful as possible;
• it is forbidden to squeeze the stomach;
• you should choose the safest postures (for example, on your side);
• during intimacy, special attention should be paid to careful massaging of the nipples;
• if you feel the slightest discomfort, you should immediately stop sexual intercourse.

Medical stimulation

Most women give birth at 38-40 weeks. If this does not happen, and after the 40th week the uterus is still not ready for labor, forced stimulation is used. Decades ago, before medical dilatation became widespread, doctors attempted to open the cervix manually (with a finger). In modern medicine, there are more advanced methods that accelerate labor activity. Information about drug methods of labor induction is indicated in the table.

Foley catheter insertion

For the induction of labor in some cases, a Foley catheter is used. This device consists of a tube and a small cartridge. There are several types of device, but the most common is a two-way catheter. The principle of operation of this device is that a balloon filled with liquid increases the tone and motility of the uterus of the expectant mother, squeezing and bursting it. It is forbidden to insert a Foley catheter on your own; only a qualified doctor can do this.

How to open the cervix at home?

In addition to the above non-drug methods of stimulating labor, you can independently stimulate this process using:

• decoction or tea from raspberry leaves;
• the use of castor oil;
• cleansing the body with an enema or the use of products that have a laxative effect;
• massage of the auricles and little fingers;
• Kegel exercises;
• daily intake of 1 capsule of evening primrose oil;
• consumption of fatty fish;
• taking a warm bath.

The listed methods of stimulation of labor activity must be agreed with the attending physician. Otherwise, you can provoke the development of serious complications up to the loss of the child.

What are the possible complications?

Labor activity can be complicated by too weak contractions, as a result of which the condition of the uterus is maintained at the prenatal level. As a rule, this occurs due to excess volume of amniotic fluid and multiple pregnancies. With excessive stretching of the uterus, its tone decreases, as a result of which labor activity weakens, and the cervix does not open well.

Not every pregnant woman knows that her body needs to be prepared for childbirth. Many people think that this process should take place without their participation, but recently there have been more cases of medical exposure due to the fact that the cervix is ​​not ready for the birth process.

Why is the cervix not ready and when should it be prepared for childbirth?

The cervix is ​​the anatomical structure of the female reproductive system, through which the fetus necessarily passes during natural childbirth. For the normal course of this process in the last weeks of pregnancy, many changes occur in the body of the expectant mother. This structure undergoes a series of metamorphoses, allowing it not to be injured during the expulsion of the fetus. When she is completely ready for the birth process, this indicates her maturity. This is determined only by the doctor during a gynecological examination.

Scoring table:

The doctor summarizes the points obtained during the examination and determines the readiness of the cervix for childbirth. Evaluation results:

• up to 2 points - the neck is immature;
• 3-4 points - insufficient maturity;
• 5-8 points - indicate a mature neck.

The cervix before childbirth should be soft, short, with the opening of the internal os and occupy a median position. Such indicators are of great clinical importance for determining the further management of a pregnant woman. In a planned manner, the doctor begins to examine the cervix, starting at 38 weeks at each visit.

If for the first time it turned out that there is no normal degree of maturity, then you should not worry. Changes may occur later, due to the individual characteristics of the organism. Softening of the cervix before childbirth can happen quite quickly. In the absence of the necessary dynamics, the gynecologist gives general recommendations and prescriptions that speed up this process.

This is important for the prevention of birth trauma for both the mother and the fetus. With an immature cervix, the risk of rupture during expulsion of the fetus is very high. All measures are aimed at its reduction.

An immature cervix at 40 weeks can be associated with a number of reasons:

Important for the opening of the cervix and its maturation is the regulation of changes by the nervous system. In the later stages, the dominant of childbirth is formed in the pregnant woman, in which the woman is mentally prepared for the childbirth process. With panic attacks and extreme fear, the nervous system can indirectly inhibit the necessary changes.

Not all pregnant women and not always need to prepare themselves for childbirth artificially. Why the cervix does not open is difficult to say. Any interference from outside must have certain indications:

A contraindication is the impossibility of natural childbirth in a pregnant woman (planned or emergency caesarean section). Only a doctor can determine whether it is necessary to accelerate the process artificially and how to soften the cervix in the safest way.

Drug effects and how to prepare at home for the birth process?

Drug methods of preparing the cervix for childbirth can be carried out as a preliminary stage before childbirth or immediately at their onset.

If the period has already come, and the cervix is ​​immature before childbirth, then doctors use the following methods:

Of the medicines prescribed:

• prostaglandin preparations;
• antispasmodics.

Prostaglandins are used in the form of gels - Prepidil, Prostin E2. They not only contribute to better “ripening”, but also activate labor activity. Therefore, the cervical softening gel is administered vaginally only in a hospital setting.

Indications for their appointment is maturity, assessed by the doctor at 0-4 points. However, despite the effectiveness, doctors do not often prescribe them due to the high cost and a large number of contraindications. Of the antispasmodics, the appointment of Buscopan suppositories is permissible, but in recent years their use has been small. This is due to the low degree of efficiency.

Laminaria sticks are inserted into the cervical canal. They are small seaweeds. Being in a humid environment, kelp absorb water molecules and increase. Thus, the internal pharynx opens mechanically, contributing to a faster shortening and softening of the neck. The effect is observed within a day. With any attempt to artificially accelerate the "maturation", the woman in labor will have more intense contractions than during the natural process.

If a situation arises when the waters have broken, labor activity has begun and the cervix does not open, doctors quickly take emergency measures to ripen it. These include:

• the appointment of Prostenon (prostaglandin) intravenously;
• installation of a Foley catheter in the cervical canal above the fetal head;
• manual opening of the cervix (with the ineffectiveness of all the above methods).

The danger of such situations is:

• weakness of labor activity;
• pathological uterine contractions;
• high risk of bleeding;
• fetal suffering from hypoxia.

Before preparing the uterus for childbirth at home, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is indicated!

He will tell and explain what is permissible in each case, and what is contraindicated. Preparation of the cervix for childbirth includes:

The choice of method for improving the maturation of the cervix is ​​quite large. It is worth knowing some of their features.

Regular sexual life without the use of a condom implies the absolute health of the partner, so as not to infect the pregnant woman. During sex, in addition to the mechanical effect on the vagina, there is also a hormonal one. Semen contains natural prostaglandins that stimulate smooth muscle contraction, which accelerates the process of cervical maturation.

Contraindications:

• discharge of the mucous plug and water;
• the risk of preterm labor.

The diet is due to the presence in certain foods of substances that promote the production of prostaglandins. These include oily fish, flaxseed oil, blackcurrant. Refusal of preservatives, margarine-containing products that interfere with the production of the necessary substances.

Evening primrose oil is often prescribed from 34 weeks, gradually increasing the dose to 3 capsules.

Before using them, you should consult your doctor. It must be remembered that a number of medicinal herbs do not affect the maturation of the uterus, but activate the birth process.

Physiotherapeutic methods of influence are carried out under the careful supervision of specially trained personnel.

Of the antispasmodics, if the cervix is ​​not ready for childbirth, suppositories with papaverine are prescribed. They are safe for the baby, but help soften the cervix better.

The immaturity of the cervix complicates the natural course of childbirth. This situation is accompanied by a number of unpleasant complications. Only a doctor knows how to prepare the cervix for childbirth! Self-administration of certain methods can lead to serious consequences.

The maturity of the cervix determines an adequate and less traumatic course of childbirth. However, no one is safe from injuries at the birth of a baby, but a mature cervix reduces the risk of their occurrence.