How is the birth going?

Some women believe that childbirth is a very dangerous and painful process that is difficult to control.

This attitude to the birth of a baby often becomes the cause of the strongest fear. It is caused, first of all, by the lack of information about the processes that occur during childbirth.

When will the birth begin?

Childbirth is the interaction of the nervous, endocrine and other systems of the baby and mother's organisms. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the exact date of birth. We can only assume the time of their onset with an accuracy of several days.

Days in the hospital

We are going to the maternity hospital: the expert tells us what includes a "disturbing suitcase" for the mother, and that it is necessary to prepare for the return of the mother with the child home. This knowledge will help make the days in the hospital more comfortable.

On average, pregnancy lasts 280 days or 40 weeks, counting from the first day of the last menstruation. From this date, count three months ago, add a week and get an approximate date of birth.

More precisely, the doctor who observes the pregnancy will tell you about the date of birth. He determines it by the size of the uterus and the data of ultrasound examination of the fetus.

Births that start earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered premature, and after 42 weeks, they are considered late.

What does it say about the beginning of labor?

Experts consider the appearance of so-called "training" contractions to be the harbingers of childbirth: short and irregular. In addition, it becomes easier for a pregnant woman to breathe, as the fetal head descends, and the uterus ceases to put much pressure on the diaphragm.

The beginning of labor foreshadows the appearance of abundant mucous secretions, possibly with streaks of blood-the departure of the "plug" from the cervix. Usually after this, the birth begins in the next day or two.

Before the onset of labor, sometimes there is an outpouring of amniotic fluid. If your water broke – you need to urgently go to the hospital. Be sure to inform your doctor about the color and amount of water. Normally, they are light.

Labor, as such, begins with the appearance of contractions of the muscles of the uterus every 10-15 minutes. Gradually, the strength of the contractions increases, and the interval between them is reduced.

How is the delivery going?

In the first and longest period of labor, there is a gradual opening of the cervix. In the first-born, it lasts nine to ten hours, in those who have previously given birth-five to seven hours. When the cervix opens completely, the second period of labor begins.

In the second period of labor, the very appearance of the baby is born. It lasts one to two hours. First, the head of the fetus descends into the pelvic cavity, then the contractions are joined by attempts – contractions of the abdominal muscles, which help push the child out of the birth canal. The doctor takes the baby, and he makes his first cry.

At the third stage of labor, the afterbirth – the placenta and the shell of the fetus-departs. At this time, the doctor controls the output of the placenta. This process lasts five to ten minutes and is accompanied by light contractions that help the placenta to separate from the walls of the uterus.

After giving birth

After the hospital

The appearance of a baby in the family often causes young parents a lot of questions. Chief specialist neonatologist of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia talks about the skills of handling newborns and the first days of a newborn at home.

The woman remains in the maternity ward for two more hours under the supervision of medical personnel.

Doctors carefully examine the placenta and birth canal, assess blood loss, eliminate possible injuries that the woman received during childbirth and, if necessary, administer medications.

At this time, the first application of the baby to the breast takes place. Then the young mother is transferred to the postpartum department.

The most important thing

There is no need to be afraid of childbirth – this is a completely natural process for the female body.

It is necessary to know what happens to the body during childbirth and not be afraid of unusual painful sensations, as well as carefully follow all the requests of doctors who will facilitate the birth of the baby. To do this, the expectant mother should attend training courses or carefully study the relevant literature.