What are the symptoms before childbirth. The first signs of approaching childbirth in multiparous. Pain that portends the day of childbirth

Women in anticipation of a child experience a variety of feelings. This is excitement and joy, self-doubt, expectation of changes in the usual way of life. By the end of pregnancy, there is also a fear caused by the fear of missing important point start of childbirth.

So that the state before childbirth does not turn into a panic, the expectant mother needs to carefully monitor her well-being. There are certain signs that indicate the imminent appearance of a long-awaited baby.

What are the harbingers of childbirth

Immediately after conception, the hormonal background of a woman begins to change. In large quantities, the body produces progesterone - a hormone that is responsible for maintaining pregnancy. And in the last stages, the aging of the placenta occurs, which significantly reduces the production of progesterone. Against the background of such changes, the body begins to produce another hormone - estrogen, the main function of which is to prepare the body of the expectant mother for childbirth.

When the level of such hormones reaches a maximum, the brain receives a certain signal that contributes to the onset labor activity. The change in hormones causes certain changes in the state of the pregnant woman.

Before childbirth, certain symptoms appear that indicate the imminent appearance of the baby. These are the harbingers of the long-awaited birth. The above changes begin to occur in a woman's body at the 32nd week of pregnancy. A woman can feel the harbingers of childbirth starting from the 36th week.

Change in the cervix

The state of the cervix before childbirth changes, it matures. As a result of morphological changes, the connective tissue softens, which makes the neck soft, pliable and easily extensible. There are three degrees of maturity of this body:

immature - the neck is long, dense, the external pharynx is either closed, or passes only the tip of the finger;
insufficiently mature - the neck is slightly softened, shortened, the cervical canal passes one finger (in nulliparous to a closed internal pharynx);
mature - the neck is smoothed and shortened as much as possible, softened, centered, the cervical canal easily passes one finger.

The whole process of childbirth and their successful completion depend on the state of the cervix.

Fetal activity

Of course, a pregnant woman is concerned about the question: what is the condition before childbirth in the baby inside? By the end of pregnancy, the fetus reaches its maturity: it gains the required weight (about three kilograms), the organs are formed and ready for extrauterine existence.

By this time, the uterus has already stopped growing, so the baby becomes cramped in it. This leads to the fact that the child inside moves less. At the 34-36th week, the expectant mother notices that the baby has begun to roll over less, and from the 36th week she may feel that small movements become less frequent, but they are very noticeable, and there are also pain in the places of poking with arms or legs .

The main harbingers of childbirth

The condition of a woman before childbirth undergoes some psychological and physiological changes, indicating to the mother that she will soon see the long-awaited baby. In order not to miss anything important and not to harm herself and the baby, a woman should know the main signs of an imminent onset of labor.

Their main precursors are as follows:

Weight loss. Almost all pregnant women testify that the weight before the onset of childbirth stabilizes or decreases by 0.5-2 kilograms. This is due to a decrease in edema and the excretion of excess fluid from the body by the kidneys. So the body begins to adapt to the fact that the tissues are better stretched, become plastic and flexible. Thanks to the work of hormones designed to remove all unnecessary, the intestines are cleansed. Therefore, a woman may experience abdominal pain and frequent urge to empty.
Loss of appetite. Simultaneously with care excess weight in a pregnant woman, appetite decreases or completely disappears. This is a normal state before childbirth, you do not need to force yourself to eat through force.
Dropping of the abdomen. This is one of the main harbingers of childbirth. A child two or three weeks before an important event sneaks closer to the exit. As a result, abdominal tone decreases, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe.
Appearance This harbinger of childbirth is directly related to the previous one. The baby sinks down the abdomen, so the pressure on this part of the body increases. It becomes difficult for the expectant mother to sit down, get up, she is tormented by pain and stretching in the lower back.
Frequent urination. It is caused by increased work of the kidneys and pressure in the bladder area.
Restless sleep. The condition of a woman before childbirth becomes alarming, sleep becomes restless. This is caused not only by emotional experiences, but also by ongoing changes in the body. Due to the fact that the baby begins to actively move at night, pressure increases on bladder which causes the urge to urinate. This is what causes sleep disturbance during pregnancy.
Diarrhea. Due to the prolapse of the abdomen, there is pressure on the intestines. The expectant mother notices the urge to defecate. Constipation is replaced by diarrhea. It is she who is the harbinger of the approaching birth. Often, pregnant women confuse this harbinger with poisoning or intestinal upset.
Change of pain sensations. Throughout pregnancy, a woman may feel slight back pain. Before childbirth, pain is observed in the pubic part. This is due to softening of the bones, which is an important factor for normal labor activity.

cork discharge

By the end of pregnancy, the cervix matures: it shortens, softens, the cervical canal opens slightly. Inside the cervical canal there is thick mucus, the main function of which is to prevent the penetration of harmful microorganisms into the uterus, which can cause infection of the fetus. This mucus is called the mucus plug.

As mentioned above, by the end of pregnancy, the body begins to produce estrogens, which affect the general well-being of the expectant mother and her condition before childbirth. A few days before the onset of labor (three to ten), under the influence of hormones, liquefaction and expulsion of mucus from the cervical canal occurs.

The mucous plug looks like a small lump of a transparent or yellowish color, streaks of blood can be observed in it. The mucus plug can come off in parts over several days. Pregnant women usually cannot determine the discharge of the mucous plug on their own.

Sometimes future mother there are doubts - the cork leaves or the amniotic fluid leaks. Leakage of water will be constant, such discharge is transparent in color (may be with a yellowish or greenish tinge) and watery. The cork leaves in portions, the discharge is thicker and disappears after a few days.

If a pregnant woman doubts whether a cork is coming off or water is leaking, then you should not hesitate and contact a gynecologist.

false contractions

These are training contractions that can bother a woman a few weeks before the date of the expected birth. They are caused by the body's overproduction of the hormone oxytocin. The role of false contractions is to prepare the myometrium for childbirth. Such contractions do not lead to the development of labor activity, they do not affect the general condition before childbirth. Signs of training fights are as follows:

they are neither regular nor intense;
they differ from real ones in relative painlessness and an interval of rest between contractions with an interval of thirty minutes;
appear 4-6 times a day (mostly in the morning or evening), last no more than two hours.

A pregnant woman feels false contractions as a hardening of the abdomen in response to the movement of the fetus or any physical activity. To relieve tension, you should relax, take a warm bath and massage.

The difference between false contractions and real ones

The main difference between false contractions and true labor contractions is the gradual increase in the latter, followed by a reduction in the interval between them. Labor pains are stronger, brighter, more painful. If training fights do not have regularity, then with real ones it is mandatory.

The main purpose of labor pains is the opening of the cervix, therefore, no matter what a pregnant woman does, they will only intensify. False contractions can be weakened or completely removed discomfort.

Outflow of waters

The most striking and alarming sign that a pregnant woman needs to urgently go to the hospital is an outpouring amniotic fluid. Such an event can occur simultaneously with contractions. Normally, the water should be clear and odorless. The presence of red discharge may indicate placental abruption. All waters can leave at once, but leakage is possible. In the latter case, you should put a gasket on and consult a doctor.

Some women confuse water leakage with involuntary urination, which can occur periodically on later dates pregnancy. The difference in these processes is the absence of the smell of urine in the waters and their transparent color. If the water is greenish, yellow or brown, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

The mood of the expectant mother

The emotional state before childbirth in pregnant women also changes. The mood can be joyful and cheerful, but suddenly sadness-sadness suddenly rolls over or starts to irritate everything. This is due primarily to the fatigue of a pregnant woman, with a long wait and natural excitement. The mother-to-be can't wait to give birth.

This condition of a woman before childbirth is influenced by endocrine processes occurring in the body. An interesting fact is that a few weeks before the birth, the expectant mother has a desire to put the apartment in order and establish comfort in the house. Psychologists call this condition "nesting syndrome." A woman with enviable zeal begins to equip her “nest”, create comfortable conditions for living with a baby: clean, wash, clean, hem, etc.

What is the state before the first birth

Primiparous women experience more excitement and anxiety about the upcoming event. They may not be aware of the harbingers and may not pay attention to the main symptoms of the approaching birth. For women who are preparing to become a mother for the first time, the harbingers may appear in three weeks, or may be in a day. The condition of a woman before childbirth depends on the reaction of the body to the changes taking place. There are no specific dates or periods.

Primiparous women should remember that there may be several signs of approaching the onset of labor, it is not at all necessary that they all appear. Due to their inexperience, a pregnant woman may simply not notice them.

It is important to carefully monitor your condition before childbirth, pay attention to the slightest changes in time and report them to your gynecologist.

Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous

The mental state before childbirth in women who survived childbirth is much more stable. Their body clearly reacts to the ongoing changes, and the precursors appear brighter. This is because the uterus has changed and enlarged after a previous birth. The exception is women who had their first birth by caesarean section. This is due to the fact that the cervix does not stretch, as the baby does not pass through it.

Women who are already mothers pay attention to the severity of prenatal symptoms during a new pregnancy. They clearly monitor the physiological state before childbirth. Signs (in multiparous women) of approaching childbirth and their severity differ in the course of some processes:

Cork has larger size.
False contractions start earlier.
The abdomen drops at a later date.
There may be profuse vaginal discharge.

When to go to the hospital

So, what condition before childbirth requires immediate hospitalization? First of all, it should be said that all pregnant women on recent weeks pregnancy should be prepared for an emergency trip to the hospital. Therefore, you need to collect in advance the “alarming suitcase”, documents and carry out the necessary hygiene procedures (shave your hair and remove varnish from your nails).

Emergencies that require the immediate call of an ambulance are as follows:

outflow of water (especially against the background of the absence of other signs of the onset of labor);
the appearance of bleeding;
pressure jump;
the appearance of a sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
severe headache, flies flashing, blurred vision;
absence of fetal movements for six hours;
the beginning of regular labor activity (two or three contractions in ten minutes).

What week is the due date

There is a concept that the baby should be born at the fortieth week of pregnancy. But only three percent of children are born on a precisely specified date. Usually a woman gives birth before or a little later than the due date.

It is considered normal if the pregnancy lasts 280-282 days. Premature is considered each additional week increases the chance of a baby being born healthy.

Full-term babies successfully adapt to new living conditions. Therefore, if there is a threat of termination of pregnancy, it is urgent to contact the clinic and go to hospital.

There are cases when a woman "walks" pregnancy, that is, gives birth after the due date. In this case, the pregnancy is called post-term or prolonged. In the first case, the baby after birth shows signs of postmaturity. With prolonged pregnancy, such signs are absent in the newborn, the baby is born healthy.

It is not at all necessary that every pregnant woman will have all of the above symptoms before the onset of childbirth. Moreover, you should not wait for their simultaneous appearance. The intensity of precursors and the state before childbirth depend on the body's response to ongoing hormonal changes and on the number of previous births.

Childbirth is the inevitable end of pregnancy. How they go depends on many factors. The closer to the finish line, the more experiences a woman experiences. There are categories of dubious and reliable signs of approaching childbirth. It is important for a future mother to know about the main harbingers of the imminent birth of a child.

We determine the approach of childbirth

When pregnancy proceeds without pathology, the female body a few days before childbirth will certainly give signals about the outcome of the process. In very rare cases, there are no symptoms. It is important for a woman to learn about them in advance, prepare if possible and carefully observe the manifestations of the body.

Harbingers of childbirth in primiparous and multiparous are almost the same. The only difference is that during the first pregnancy, signs of an early resolution may appear in 1-2 weeks. Subsequent babies tend to be born more quickly and symptoms are noticed 1 to 2 days before onset. However, despite the statistics, everything is individual.

In the pathological course of pregnancy, the birth process is unpredictable.

After 37 weeks, a pregnant woman should carefully observe the manifestations of the body in order to go to the hospital on time

Subjective signs

Since each organism is individual, a woman can notice both all the signs of the next delivery, and their absence. Even if any of the subjective symptoms do not appear, it is necessary to be aware of them in order to prepare for the main event. Let's highlight the most common harbingers of childbirth:

Dropping of the abdomen. When a woman notices that it has become easier for her to breathe, heartburn has disappeared, digestion has improved, it means that the fetal head has come closer to the exit. Relatives may notice that the pregnant woman has changed her gait. She became more like a duck. Due to the displacement of the uterus, it is difficult for the expectant mother to fall asleep, since it is impossible to find comfortable posture. The abdomen may drop 1-4 weeks before delivery or a day before. Everything is very individual, so the sign is not reliable.
Bulging of the umbilicus. The uterus descends and protrudes slightly forward, so the navel can turn outward.
Decrease in fetal movements. Sometimes there is a slight decrease in the activity of the fetus before childbirth. And sometimes, on the contrary, women note an increase in the movements of the child before the birth.
Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, lower back. The ailments are aching in nature, as during menstruation. If the pain acquires a cramping rhythm at certain intervals, then it's time to go to the hospital. A frequent sign of the onset of labor, but can also indicate pathological conditions of neighboring organs.
Decreased appetite, weight. A slight decrease in the amount of food consumed and the release of excess fluid contribute to weight loss up to 1-2 kg.
Frequent urination and diarrhea. Since the fetal head has sunk into the small pelvis, it presses on the bladder, and the urge to go to the toilet increases. Before childbirth, spontaneous bowel cleansing occurs, as the production of the hormone progesterone decreases, and oxytocin begins to be produced, which increases peristalsis.
Nesting instinct. A few days or weeks before the birth, the expectant mother has a desire to clean up the house, create comfort, prepare things for the newborn, etc.
Change of mood, fear. Either explosions of emotions, or a depressed state is characteristic before the start of the process. Very often, a woman begins to pursue inexplicable anxiety. The reason for such reactions is hormonal changes.

The last two points are related to the psychological state of the woman. It is impossible to determine the onset of childbirth, relying only on the emotional component. The remaining signs are reflected at the physiological level, therefore, to some extent, they can indicate the likelihood of a baby being born soon. Subjective signs cannot be considered 100% reliable harbingers of immediate labor.

Objective signs

Objective signs are classified as reliable and are considered a clear signal for the onset of labor. If the first two symptoms are detected, the expectant mother should seek medical help.

contractions. The process is typical for the first stage of labor, when the cervix opens. It is impossible to independently determine the disclosure, it is available only to a gynecologist when viewed on a chair. Contractions begin with small painful sensations for 10-15 seconds with a break of 10-20 minutes. Gradually, the interval is reduced to 2-3 minutes, and the contraction time increases to 60 seconds. There is an increase in pain. With the first pregnancy, contractions can drag on for up to a day. When necessary, physicians use medications for quick opening of the cervix, since this period is very painful and very tiring for a woman. Repeated births occur with a reduction in the contraction period by 2-3 times. Some pregnant women experience false contractions, which, unlike real ones, do not lead to the opening of the cervix. hallmark false contractions is their irregularity and lack of increasing strength.
Outflow of amniotic fluid or leakage. Often childbirth begins with a premature release of fluid. Water can be released in minimal portions or immediately in large volumes, and then little by little. Options may vary. The main thing is that amniotic fluid cannot be confused with other secretions, it is very difficult not to notice them. The liquid should be clear and odorless. A greenish or other color of water with an unpleasant odor indicates intrauterine suffering of the fetus.
The passage of the mucous plug is considered a relatively objective sign, since its release does not always guarantee the immediate onset of labor. The cork can move away 1-2 weeks or a day before the birth of the child. When the birth process begins with the outflow of amniotic fluid, cervical mucus may go unnoticed. As a rule, the cork comes out within 1-3 days in parts. The color of the mass can be different: white, yellow, brownish, with streaks of blood - all this is a variant of the norm.

The mucus plug is like a jelly-like mass, so it cannot be confused with normal secretions.

An urgent trip to the hospital is necessary only with regular contractions and / or outflow of amniotic fluid. The discharge of the mucous plug is a symptom that does not cause rapid hospitalization.

Is it necessary to have signs of approaching labor?

Each birth takes place according to an individual scenario. The body of any pregnant woman is rebuilt before childbirth. Someone may not notice this, while the other feels minimal changes. There may be no subjective signs at all, but without objective signs, childbirth will not begin.

Contractions are the main sign of the onset of labor.

In the case when the process is rapid, then contractions and / or discharge of water occurs several hours, or even minutes before the birth of the child. In some cases, against the background of active contractions, the outflow of amniotic fluid does not occur, which forces doctors to puncture the bladder.

If a woman has doubts about diagnosing the harbingers of childbirth, you can always call the attending gynecologist and get advice.

Video: obstetrician-gynecologist about the harbingers of childbirth

Anna Churylina

Scientists still cannot systematize the causes of the onset of labor. Once the famous doctor Hippocrates believed that the child rests on his legs and goes out as soon as his digestive system matures, and he no longer has enough nutrients coming through the umbilical cord.

Modern theorists of medicine are inclined to the chemical theory - a change in the composition of the blood, the production of special hormones. The combined effect of these factors causes the uterus to contract.

Unfortunately, the body gives an incentive to start labor activity not only at the end of the formation of the fetus. Symptoms premature birth may also appear early.

preterm birth

Premature births are those that occur before the 38th week of gestation.

At the level of development of modern medicine, children have learned to nurse from 22 weeks if they weigh more than 500 g when they are born. But it is possible to save such a baby if the hospital has special equipment.

Therefore, until now, most doctors call abortion before 28 weeks a miscarriage.

You can classify such delivery as follows:

very early - from 22 to 27 weeks - fetal weight from 500 g to 1 kg;
early 28-33 weeks - from 1 kg to 2 kg;
premature 34-37 - from 2.5 kg.

Women are very afraid of premature birth, even if there are perinatal center. The chances of survival increase every day, every next day that the baby is in the mother's womb, favorably affects the health of the child.

Therefore than faster woman consult a doctor, feeling the symptoms of contractions before childbirth, the higher the likelihood that early labor can be stopped. Therefore, it is very important for primiparas to know the signs of the onset of labor and not to miss this moment.

Signs of close birth

Almost all signs and symptoms of the onset of labor, regardless of the timing, are similar.

But before the birth, which takes place on time, harbingers appear:

It becomes easier for a woman to breathe - the bottom of the uterus drops and the diaphragm is released. This occurs 2-3 weeks before the onset of labor;
The presenting part of the fetus descends, the head of the fetus can even enter the pelvis with a small segment;
Thick mucous transparent discharges appear, and bloody spotting;
Periodically there are short small contractions that cause pain in the lumbar region and sacrum, lower abdomen. But they do not yet lead to the expulsion of the fetal bladder.

In addition, a woman may notice that she has begun to lose weight, as water begins to be expelled from the body due to changes in the signals that the CNS gives to the excretory system.

For 2-3 days before childbirth, the mucous plug completely leaves - it closed the entrance to the uterus, protecting the fetus from the introduction of pathogenic flora. It can move away gradually, or go out for 1 time.

Following her, the first signs of the onset of labor will appear - contractions, at first rare, and then they will become more frequent.

In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to go to the maternity hospital already at this stage - the cervix begins to open.

I constantly want to go to the toilet - there are attempts, the intestines are freed from the contents, while frequent urges to urinate.

With the active release of hormones that are responsible for stimulating labor, the following may occur:

feverish state;
intestinal disorders;
nausea.

Symptoms of childbirth in nulliparous and multiparous practically do not differ. The only thing is that women, who are not the first time faced with ongoing changes in the body, already know what awaits them.

Start of labor

The cervix opens due to wave-like contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus - in the future they will contribute to the expulsion of the fetus from its cavity.

The first signs of childbirth - contractions, occur involuntarily, a woman cannot control them at her own will.

Painful sensations during contractions increase progressively - the first symptoms of contractions before childbirth are more like pain during menstruation and are tolerable.

At first, the contractions last for 10-15 seconds, between them there may be intervals of up to 40 minutes. Then uterine contractions - from the bottom and tubal angles to the lower segment - last for 2-3 minutes, and the gaps between them are practically not felt.

generic activity

After the contractions, the pushing begins. - the striated muscles of the abdominal press and diaphragm are reduced. These contractions are necessary during the expulsion of the fetus, and the woman can already control them herself.

The cervix opens completely during contractions, and attempts do not affect it.

In primiparas during childbirth, the internal os first opens, then the cervical canal opens. Contractions cause the channel to expand, the cervix straightens out, smoothes out. The edges of the external pharynx stretch, become thinner, diverge to the sides.

The symptoms of childbirth in multiparous women in most cases are less painful and the birth itself is faster. The pharynx is already ajar by the beginning of labor activity - previous births have already stretched it, the edges are thinned. He freely passes the tip of the obstetrician's finger already in the last weeks of gestation. The external os, the opening of the internal os, and the smoothing of the cervix occur almost simultaneously.

The fetal bladder and the outpouring of amniotic fluid occur with the full opening of the pharynx. But the fetal bladder "gives" not all the water. The head of the child, being installed in the position necessary for childbirth, divides them into anterior and posterior. The remaining water in the bladder drains after the baby is born.

Early discharge of amniotic fluid pathologically affects the course of labor - this can cause hypoxia. If the fetal bladder bursts after the full opening of the pharynx, when labor has already begun, the child is adversely affected by the pressure difference - intrauterine and atmospheric.

This disrupts the outflow of venous blood in the newborn, in connection with which a birth tumor is formed.

The duration of childbirth largely depends on the constitution of the woman, her preparation for childbirth, health status, first or repeated births, skills of an obstetrician. On average, the duration of the process can vary from 14 hours to 24 hours.

Modern medicine in difficult cases reduces the time the baby is born, stimulation or surgery is carried out - C-section. It can be planned and urgent.

The birth process is divided into 3 stages:

the period of contractions, during which the cervix opens;
attempts - and directly the birth of a child;
separation and expulsion of the placenta.

The last stage is also accompanied by contractions of the uterus, less painful and less prolonged. The expulsion of the placenta and its separation from the walls of the uterus is accompanied by physiological blood loss - a woman "gives" about 250-300 ml of blood. Hemorrhage does not affect health.

Experienced obstetricians check whether the entire placenta has separated, whether any lobules remain in the uterus. The residual location of the placenta increases the possibility of postpartum complications: severe bleeding and inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs.

A woman who successfully coped with childbirth is no longer called a woman in labor, but a parent. Now she will have to think not only about herself. Her task is to rest as much as possible, recover, and take care of your baby.

In the normal course of childbirth, it is already possible to get up after them after 3 hours. If the birth itself went without complications, but there were tears and stitches, then after 7-9.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Introduction. How to recognize the onset of labor?

Many pregnant women often wonder about the upcoming date. childbirth, and women who are about to give birth for the first time are especially worried. As a rule, they are very afraid of not recognizing the labor that has begun in time and confusing it with a temporary malaise. In many cases, a close observation of the woman for the changes that occur in her body will help to resolve these unrest.

Already at 38 weeks, the prenatal period begins, when the first harbingers of childbirth and the first, as yet irregular (training) contractions, appear. Such contractions appear irregularly, and they pass after a change in body position or a short rest. In nulliparous women, such training uterine contractions can continue for five, and in some cases even more, days before delivery. When they appear, you do not need to worry and urgently go to the hospital, but the expectant mother should inform her doctor, relatives and friends about such changes in her body.

When the first signs of leakage or outflow of amniotic fluid appear, which may indicate the onset of labor or premature labor, the woman should immediately notify the doctor or contact the medical institution to decide on further hospitalization.

If a woman has learned to recognize training contractions, then she will be able to distinguish them from the onset of labor, or true contractions. These sensations are difficult to confuse with any other symptom, since they are characterized by periodicity and rhythm. For example, a fight lasts 20-30 seconds, and then there is a 20-minute pause - this is repeated many times in a row, and the time intervals hardly change.

At the beginning of the onset of labor pains, a woman in labor or her relatives should inform the doctor about the onset of labor, call an ambulance or go to the maternity hospital on their own.

Reasons for the onset of labor

By the beginning of childbirth, a lot of complex processes take place in the body of a pregnant woman, which, being in close relationship, provide the beginning of such a reflex act as labor activity.

The main reason for the onset of labor is the readiness of the uterus for the birth of the unborn child and the maturity of the fetus.

Ready for childbirth uterus:

gaining sufficient weight and size;
her neuromuscular apparatus is ready for contractile activity;
fully mature placenta.

2 or 3 weeks before the onset of labor, the uterus is released from the excess of part of the nerve fibers. This provides a reduction in pain during childbirth and increases the contractility of the walls of the uterus.

Several factors influence the onset of labor:

neuro-reflex - as a result of a decrease in the excitability of the brain, an increase in the excitability of the spinal cord and an increase in the sensitivity of the muscle fibers of the uterus to oxytocin, an increased contractile activity of the uterus is produced;
hormonal- in the end pregnancy the production of progesterone decreases and the production of a complex of estrogens increases, which stimulate the onset of labor;
neurohumoral - at the end of pregnancy in the body of a woman, the synthesis of oxytocin, prostaglandins, serotonin and other bioactive substances increases, which increase the sensitivity of the uterus to substances that cause active contraction of its muscles;
bioenergy - a sufficient amount of substances (glycogen, ATP, phosphorus compounds, electrolytes and trace elements) accumulate in the mother's body, which make the uterus capable of increased contractile activity;
mechanical - the ripened uterus loses its ability to stretch, and in response to the motor activity of the fetus and an increase in the level of oxytocin-like hormones, it begins to actively contract;
trophic and metabolic - the accumulation in the body of a mature fetus of some waste products leads to its active movement, and degenerative processes in the mature placenta and the full maturation of the muscle fibers of the uterus contribute to the onset of labor.

The main role in the formation of all mechanisms of the onset of labor is nervous system women in labor, because it is she who ensures the readiness of the uterus for natural childbirth.

All of the above factors, being in close relationship, contribute to the appearance of contractions, which are replaced by attempts and end with the expulsion of the fetus from the uterine cavity and the birth of the placenta.

Harbingers of the onset of labor

Harbingers of childbirth are called a set of signs that indicate early start active labor activity. There are many harbingers of the onset of childbirth, but for each woman their totality is individual and depends on the characteristics of the body of the expectant mother.

Harbingers of childbirth:

Dropping of the abdomen.
Such a change, which is determined externally by a slight downward displacement of the abdomen, is individual for each pregnant woman, and may not always be noticed on its own. In nulliparous women, this harbinger may appear 2-4 weeks before the day of delivery, and in multiparous women, a few days or immediately before childbirth.

Gait changes.
The nature of the gait changes after the prolapse of the abdomen. The woman begins to walk "waddling" due to the pressure of the baby's head on the pelvic bones and the bottom of the uterus.

Changes in the nature of urination and defecation.
A prolapse of the abdomen can cause more frequent urination or urinary incontinence as the uterus puts more pressure on the bladder. The mechanical impact of the pregnant uterus on the intestinal wall can provoke constipation, and in some cases diarrhea, a few weeks or days before delivery.

Change in the nature of secretions from the genital tract.
Discharge from the vagina under the influence of hormonal changes becomes more abundant and liquid. In some cases, to exclude the discharge of amniotic fluid, a special test is performed by an obstetrician.

Removal of the mucous plug.
This harbinger of labor can occur 2 weeks before the onset of labor, and a few hours before it begins. In some cases, the mucous plug does not come off entirely, but in small portions. In practice, this sign looks like a discharge of vaginal discharge (sometimes mixed with a small amount of blood). A pregnant woman should inform her obstetrician-gynecologist about the discharge of the mucous plug.

Decrease in the body weight of the expectant mother.
A few days before giving birth, a pregnant woman may notice that she weighs 1-2 kg less. This weight loss can be explained by the removal of excess fluid from the body under the influence of changes in the hormonal background.

Reducing the number of fetal movements.
The fetus, a few weeks before birth, moves less frequently. This is due to its rapid growth. The future baby becomes crowded in the uterine cavity, and its movements are difficult.

Training bouts.
Closer to the date of birth, the uterus begins to increasingly come into increased tone, which is expressed in the feeling of training contractions. They differ from labor pains in a number of features: short duration, irregularity, weak pain sensations (reminiscent of pain during menstruation), spontaneous disappearance after a change in body position or rest.

The manifestation of the instinct of "nesting".
Many women in the last days and even hours before childbirth begin to prepare their homes for the upcoming birth of a child. These actions can be expressed in the fact that a woman begins to diligently clean, wash, and even start repairs.

Changes in the cervix.
Only an obstetrician-gynecologist can notice such a harbinger of an approaching birth when examining a woman on a gynecological chair. Under the influence of estrogen hormones, the cervix shortens and becomes more elastic by the 38th week. The external os of the cervix begins to open before the onset of labor pains.

Harbingers of childbirth in primiparous and multiparous women have their own characteristics.

Harbingers of the onset of labor - video

Signs of the onset of labor

Reliable signs of the onset of labor are:
1. contractions;
2. Outflow of amniotic fluid.

These two signs always indicate the onset of labor and every pregnant woman should know how they proceed.

Contractions

True, or labor pains are called contractions of the muscle fibers of the uterus, which occur at regular intervals, and which a woman cannot control. It is this sign that indicates the moment of the onset of childbirth.

The first true contractions are accompanied by minor painful sensations, which most women compare with pain during menstruation. The pain is tolerable and can be given to the lower back or localized in the lower abdomen. Most women in labor begin to feel contractions at night. Some women note that during labor pain the uterus “hardens”, i.e. if during the contraction the woman in labor puts her hand on her stomach, then she can feel a hard, tense uterus.

You can determine the truth of contractions using a stopwatch. Their periodicity and constant occurrence, which is not eliminated by a change in body position, taking a warm bath or rest, indicates the onset of labor.

At first, contractions occur at intervals of half an hour (in some cases more often). With each contraction, the woman in labor begins to feel not only soreness, but also rhythmic contractions of the muscles of the uterus. Gradually, contractions become more noticeable, and their frequency, duration and intensity increase. At every fight amniotic sac and the head of the fetus presses on the fundus of the uterus, causing a gradual opening of the cervix.

Outflow of amniotic fluid

In the classical course of childbirth, the outflow of amniotic fluid occurs after the opening of the cervix to 3-7 cm. Under the pressure of the fetus, the amniotic membrane is torn, and part of the amniotic fluid is poured out.

A woman in labor, with a classic outpouring of water, may seem to have involuntarily urinated. In some cases, water is poured out gradually, in small portions. In this case, a woman may notice the appearance of wet spots on her underwear or bedding and experience such sensations as when separating vaginal or menstrual flow.

Sometimes the rupture of amniotic fluid can occur before the onset of regular contractions and dilatation of the cervix, or much later than the full opening of the os of the uterus. These conditions do not always mean that there will be a pathology of childbirth or the fetus, but usually gynecologists use various special tactics for the further conduct of such labor to prevent possible complications.

Signs of the onset of labor - video

Contractions at the beginning of labor

Obstetrician-gynecologists distinguish three phases of labor pains:

Initial (hidden) phase:

the duration of the fight is 20 seconds;
the frequency of contractions is 15-30 minutes;
opening of the cervix - 0 or up to 3 cm.

The duration of the initial phase is from 7 to 8 hours.

Active phase:

the duration of the fight is 20-60 seconds;
the frequency of contractions is 2-4 minutes;
opening of the pharynx of the uterus - 3-7 cm.

The duration of the active phase is from 3 to 5 hours. Usually it is in this phase that the amniotic fluid is poured out.

Transitional (transient) phase:

the duration of the fight is 60 seconds;
the frequency of contractions is 2-3 minutes;
opening of the pharynx of the uterus - 7-10 cm.

The duration of the transition phase is from half an hour to an hour and a half.

Labor pains occur in the first stage of labor (the period of disclosure).

Beginning of labor in primiparas

Probable harbingers of childbirth in primiparas have their own characteristics. As a rule, they have a more pronounced time difference between the day of birth and the date of the appearance of precursors. Some expectant mothers are overly emotional and take any slight ailment for the harbingers of childbirth. If they do not know about this or that sign, they may not notice them.

The last weeks of pregnancy are the most exciting. The woman is eager to know when the birth will begin, how it will be, how her baby will look. This is especially true for those women who give birth for the first time. At the same time, they are also interested in the question of how childbirth begins, so as not to confuse malaise and training with signs of the appearance of a child. It is important to follow all the changes taking place in the body, and then you can easily understand that it is time to go to the hospital. This article will help you figure it out.

How to find out about the approach of childbirth in order to be able to prepare and get to the hospital?

This question is of interest to every expectant mother, especially primiparous. The fact that childbirth will begin soon will be prompted by the body itself. All his changes will say for themselves that it's time to give birth soon. The main thing is to listen to him and pay attention to every little thing.

The prenatal period is considered to be from the 38th week of pregnancy. It is from this moment that you can notice the symptoms before childbirth, the harbingers of the fact that it will soon be time to give birth. At this time there are training fights. They are irregular, occur mainly when the position of the body changes. In primiparas, they appear 5 or more days before delivery. They prepare the uterus for a future event, so do not worry and immediately go to the hospital. How then to know that you are giving birth? The real ones are distinguished by periodicity and rhythm. If their interval is 10-15 minutes, and they last at least a minute, then you can safely go to the hospital.

What are the harbingers of childbirth in primiparas? In fact, they are the same, regardless of which births are in the account. When preparing the body, loose stools can be observed, and the urge to go to the toilet is even more frequent. The baby becomes less mobile due to lack of space. However, the main feature is that the appearance of contractions in primiparas is less intense and rapid. The harbingers of premature birth are the leakage of amniotic fluid or their outflow.

The main signs of incipient labor

The onset of childbirth has its own characteristics for primiparous and multiparous women. The first signs of childbirth are the appearance of regular contractions, the discharge of water. It is not worth going to the hospital if the contractions are periodic, they appear very rarely, and mainly with sudden movements. These are not signs of the onset of labor, but training contractions.

In the first pregnancy, the signs of childbirth begin in advance and do not converge with the date of this event. So, how are births in primiparous? The first signs of childbirth in primiparas can begin 1-2 weeks earlier. There are pain in the lumbar region, nausea, vomiting, abdominal prolapse is observed. Generic signs in the form of contractions and discharge of water are quite long. This is due to the inelasticity of the previously nulliparous birth canal, as well as the need to open the cervix, the process of which takes longer.

Signs of childbirth in primiparas often consist of a burning sensation in the lower abdomen. It can also be emotional changes associated with nervous strain from the unknown signs of the onset of labor and the approach of the process. In what week does labor begin in primiparas? The answer is strictly individual. The fetus can be ready to appear at both 38 weeks and 42 weeks.

Harbingers of the second birth usually begin at 37 weeks. Signs of the onset of labor activity develop much more rapidly than in primogeniture. First signs early delivery can be seen as early as 1-2 days before delivery. The belly in multiparous people usually drops already in front of the hearths themselves. The birth canal is more prepared, so the process is much faster. The main signs of childbirth and the second pregnancy are the appearance of contractions, the interval of which is getting smaller.

10 signs that labor is approaching

The course of pregnancy and childbirth is individual for each woman. Including signs of approaching childbirth are not necessarily observed all together, and each expectant mother has her own special combinations. How then to know that the birth is coming soon? So, the following signs speak of their approach:

1. Removal of the mucous plug

The mucus plug is essential to protect the baby from infections. When the cervix opens, the mucous plug is discharged, which can be whole or in portions. This sign can be seen both two weeks before childbirth, and before the very beginning of the process of giving birth to a baby. It looks like a discharge of vaginal discharge. In some cases, bleeding is allowed.

2. Outflow of water

The outpouring of water indicates the beginning of labor activity. This process can take place in different ways. Water can pour out even before the start of contractions, it can leak a little, and in some situations it is necessary to pierce the fetal bladder so that they move away.

3. Contractions

A sign of contractions are wave pains that appear first in the lower back and move down the abdomen. They have a regular periodic character. Gradually there is an increase in pain. In primiparas, they usually last longer than in multiparous ones.

4. Lower back pain

In late pregnancy, lower back pain begins to manifest itself due to a change in the center of gravity, the appearance of false contractions, the production of the hormone relaxin, and the preparation of the cervix. Pain is regular. More prolonged pain, turning into excruciating torture, having an irregular character, may indicate pathologies that require examination by a specialist.

5. Abdominal prolapse

In nulliparous women, the abdomen becomes lowered two weeks before childbirth. If the pregnancy is not the first, then this can happen just a day or two before the birth. This is the so-called preparation of the baby for the birth. It descends into the pelvic area, pressed against the exit. At the same time, it puts even more pressure on the bladder, which is why urination becomes more frequent.

6. Frequent urination and bowel movements

Increased urination is associated with a change in the position of the child and its lowering into the pelvic area. However, women often wonder why the discharge during bowel movements becomes more plentiful and liquid. This is due to the effect of hormones that relax the cervix on the intestines, resulting in diarrhea. Symptoms are relevant 27 days before delivery.

7. Change in fetal activity

The activity of the fetus before childbirth becomes much less noticeable as it grows and there is not enough space for it in the mother's uterus.

8. Change in Appetite and Weight Loss

Shortly before giving birth, a woman who has eaten well throughout her pregnancy may lose her appetite. If she ate badly throughout the pregnancy, then before giving birth, on the contrary, her appetite may increase. Also during this period, the absorption of fetal water occurs, due to which the landmark is slightly reduced.

9. Nesting syndrome and unexpected mood swings

One of the signs of an imminent birth is the desire to actively prepare for the birth of the baby. The woman withdraws into herself, begins to do cleaning, laundry and other household chores. At the same time, the mood becomes very changeable. She can laugh, and in a minute cry.

10. Soft neck

This sign can only be considered by an obstetrician-gynecologist during examination. The cervix smoothes and becomes more elastic due to the action of hormones.

Thus, determining the onset of labor is not so difficult. How do you know when labor is about to begin? The main thing is to listen to your body, its changes and not panic. After identifying signs of imminent childbirth, you need to go to the hospital. Do not forget that childbirth in primiparas is usually less rapid compared to the second and subsequent pregnancies.