Preparing for childbirth - practical advice. How to prepare for childbirth without pain and tears on your own? What to prepare for childbirth

When there are several hours left before the baby arrives, and the contractions become incredibly painful, unprepared women in labor begin to panic. Once on the delivery table, such mothers cross their legs and do not listen to the prompts of the obstetrician, without thinking about what terrible consequences this can lead to.

In women unprepared for childbirth, especially those pregnant with their first child, the birth canal is often damaged, and babies are born with birth injuries. In this regard, physical training is the key to the health of the mother and the newborn. It is important to know that the psychological aspects are equally important, because successful childbirth depends on the mood of the expectant mother and her ability to control her actions.

Psychological nuances of preparing for childbirth

Some believe that the main condition for a full-fledged birth is the preparation of your body. This is an erroneous opinion, since the course and result of childbirth directly depends on the moral state of the woman in labor, her ability to relax in time and keep her emotions under control.

It has been proven that a woman who has attended courses that prepare for the upcoming motherhood, copes with pain during contractions more easily, responds more adequately to the requirements of medical personnel. In addition, children in this case do not receive birth trauma.

The level of readiness of the woman in labor

Each woman in her own way relates to the upcoming event:

women expecting their first child are afraid of the unknown;
multiparous are afraid of already experienced pain.

The psychologist must find out how prepared the pregnant woman is mentally, and if necessary, support the woman, dispelling all her doubts and prejudices. There are 3 levels of prenatal psychological readiness: low, medium and high.

Low requires immediate help from a psychologist, is characterized by the following negative emotions on the part of the woman in labor:

excitement, intensifying every day;
constant fear of dying during childbirth or losing a child;
expectation of labor pains;
dislike for the father of the child, sometimes for the baby;
disregard for the advice of medical personnel.

Intermediate does not need emergency assistance, since the expectant mother perceives the upcoming birth relatively calmly:

optimistic mood for childbirth;
constant doubts about a favorable outcome;
lack of confidence in their abilities;
susceptibility to other people's tragic stories of childbirth, projecting such situations onto oneself.

A woman with a high level of psychological readiness does not need the help of a psychologist and is looking forward to the birth of a baby. For her, the main thing is to maintain such a mood in the hospital. High level signs:

everyday expectant mother brings happiness;
daily physical training: teaching proper breathing, self-massage, etc.;
implementation of all recommendations of the midwife;
genuine joy in every little thing.

In addition, in the latter case, the woman plans to take all the burden on herself, facilitating the birth process for the baby, and is set to breastfeed.

How to deal with fear

Optimistic women also worry about everything going well and worry about everything. How to deal with emerging fear? It is enough to know and follow the following recommendations of a psychologist:

distract from anxious thoughts. Be more outdoors, preferably where babies walk, watch instructive videos about caring for newborns.
A pregnant woman has a lot of free time, especially in the last month. It is not surprising that a woman may have new hobbies (for example, knitting or origami), which bring a lot of positive emotions.
Do exercise, yoga, gymnastics. In a sports woman, the production of endorphin, the hormone of happiness and a natural antidepressant, increases.
Understand the intricacies of absolute relaxation. To do this, you can listen to relaxing music, inhale aromatic oils, sign up for massage sessions, relax in nature, etc. The main thing is to allocate time for relaxation.
Follow your whims. The whims of a pregnant woman are the requirements of the baby, which should be fulfilled. You should not restrain your impulses, because the joy experienced by the mother is transmitted to the child.

Physical training

In order for the body to withstand the enormous load during childbirth, physical preparation is important. Due to internal organs future mothers work for two, the immune system weakens, hormonal background changes, leading to disturbances. To support the work of the body and reduce the load as much as possible, a woman needs to try.

Exercises and gymnastics for pregnant women

There are special exercises that help prepare the body for childbirth. They can be performed under the guidance of a midwife or on your own. Gymnastics is simple to perform, but effective against muscle spasms with concomitant pain, promotes rapid delivery without additional complications:

As a warm-up - walking in place. Runs for 1 minute.
Put your feet shoulder-width apart, feet parallel to each other, stretch your arms forward, your back should be straight. Performing slow half-squats, raise and lower your hands (to the beat). Follow your breath. (10 tricks)
Extend your arms to the sides. Leaning forward, take turns touching your toes with them. Do it at an average pace. (12 tricks)
Bend the torso slightly, stretch the arms at the seams. Slowly tilt your head, relax your arms and shoulders. After 5 seconds, stand straight and bend your back a little. (8 reps)
Stretch your arms to the sides, put your feet shoulder-width apart. Bending over, turn the body to the right, while touching the toes of the left foot with the right hand, to the left - the toes of the right foot. After completing 10 repetitions, take the starting position and relax. (4 passes)
Tilt the body to the right, raise the left hand above the head, bring the right hand behind the back. When the side of the slope changes, the hands change places. Perform at an average pace. (12 reps)
Put your feet together, straighten your back, stretch your arms at the seams. Tilt the body to the left and right, while sliding your hands along the sides and not tearing them off. Follow your breath. (10 reps)
Do some breathing exercises. Inhale deeply through your nose 10 times and exhale through your mouth.

Breathing training

Proper breathing improves blood circulation, gas exchange, relaxes the uterus and soothes. For a noticeable effect, the exercises must be performed daily. A pregnant woman should listen to inner feelings. As more oxygen enters the brain, dizziness may occur. Breathing algorithm:

Breathe rhythmically. Getting ready for the upcoming fight. Inhale (5 s) - hold the breath for 3 s - exhale (5 s) - hold the breath for 3 s.
To relax between contractions, breathe with your diaphragm. By placing a hand on the chest, you can control the fluctuations of the abdomen and chest. Inhale deeply for 3 seconds, moving the diaphragm. The stomach should stick out. Exhale through your mouth for 3 seconds. Then repeat.
To restore breathing after a contraction, breathe from the chest. Hands at the sides, slightly above the waist. Inhale deeply and slowly through your nose, and exhale even more slowly through your mouth, making your lips whistle.
To relieve pain during contractions, doggy breathing is suitable. Stick out your tongue and breathe deeply.

How to prepare the birth canal?

There are sets of exercises designed for a specific muscle group. To avoid tears, you need to prepare the vagina for childbirth by increasing muscle tone.

You can do the following exercises:

Sit down with legs wide apart, stay in this position for 7 s. Slowly get up and stand for a while. Do 5 repetitions.
Sitting on your haunches, take the straight leg to the side, and transfer the weight of the body to the second. Stretch your arms out in front of you to help you keep your balance. Do 5 repetitions.
Standing on joined knees, slowly roll back and sit on your heels.

By regularly performing Kegel training exercises, the future woman in labor will be able to strengthen the perineal area and prevent possible tears. During execution, the following recommendations must be observed:

exercises are recommended to be performed on a hard surface, alternately tensing and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor;
after the number of repetitions reaches 50 times, you can proceed to the next stage (maximum tension and muscle retention, slow relaxation with pauses);
a week after the start of classes, you should strain-relax the muscle quickly.

Breast preparation

Often, women in labor with unprepared breasts already in the hospital begin to have difficulties with feeding the baby. Microcracks appear on the nipples, the breast loses elasticity, is covered with stretch marks. To eliminate these problems, the exercises are performed in the following algorithm:

Keeping your hands in front of your chest, each alternately toss a small ball. Do not change hand position.
Standing on all fours, bend your elbows. Then sharply straighten your arms and legs.
Standing facing the wall, rest your hands on it (at shoulder level). Perform 15 push-ups.
Arms spread out to the sides shoulder-width apart. Make “scissors” with sharp swings with your hands.
Straight arms to the sides. Do "scissors", but behind your back, trying not to bend your arms.

Each exercise should be done at least five times. Daily exercises will help to maintain the shape of the breast after childbirth and provide the child with healthy mother's milk without additional complications during lactation.

When is additional preparation of the cervix necessary for childbirth?

According to statistics, about 17% of women expecting their first child and 3.5% of multiparous women during natural childbirth experience difficulties with the opening of the uterus. If the woman in labor has endocrine system disorders (obesity, diabetes), the cervix needs additional preparation. Also, special training is necessary if the following factors arise:

Hormonal changes take place in the body. Estrogen, which is responsible for the full functioning of the ovaries, is produced in insufficient quantities, respectively, the cervix does not have time to prepare for childbirth.
Tumors and scars in the uterus. As a rule, women over 35 are at risk.
Much less often, such factors as anemia, gynecological diseases in an advanced stage, which led to a decrease in the elasticity of the birth canal, become the cause.
genetic predisposition.

If these risk factors occur, the cervix needs special procedures, which are recommended to start from the first weeks of pregnancy. Otherwise, ruptures of the perineum, birth canal, injury and even death of the baby may occur. If the baby is ready to be born and the uterus has not opened, surgery may be needed to save the baby's life.

Proper nutrition in the third trimester

Preparation for natural childbirth includes a special diet. In the last weeks of pregnancy, a woman needs to correctly compose a menu, because the birth process can begin at any time. Basic rules of the diet:

Vegetables and fruits rich in fiber will help to avoid postpartum complications such as hemorrhoids. Preference should be given to apples, pears, plums and broccoli, completely abandoning flour.
It is necessary to abandon allergenic foods (honey, nuts, citrus fruits, chocolate). Due to the fact that childbirth can begin rapidly, the baby's face can be strewn with prints of "mother's sweets."

Special preparatory courses

Attending courses for pregnant women will be useful, because competent preparation for childbirth is the key to a positive result. The instructors teach breathing exercises, body control techniques and explain how to make the birth easier for the baby. Psychologists help to overcome fears, setting up for childbirth without pain.

When it comes to partner childbirth, you can attend courses with the father of the child. Experts say that communication with the same frightened women has a positive effect on the condition of the future woman in labor. The woman becomes more confident, fears gradually disappear. Video courses do not give such results.

Methods of preparation for childbirth (Grantley Dick-Read, Lamaza, R. Bradley, M. Auden)

There are many ways to prepare for childbirth. Each includes 3 key aspects:

breath;
relaxation;
positive attitude.

The methods are similar to each other, but have some differences. The most popular include:

The Grantley Dick-Read method prepares for a gentle natural birth. To do this, you need to overcome fear, since it is he who provokes physical stress, which increases pain during delivery.
Preparation according to the Lamaz method is quite in demand and gives a tangible result. The bottom line is that the future woman in labor studies and performs certain techniques for a long time, improving so much that she is able to control labor pain.
R. Bradley's method teaches you to listen to the body during natural childbirth and interact with it. The methodology is based on diet, physical and spiritual exercises. On a subconscious level, the expectant mother must be aware that childbirth is not a terrible pain, but a physiological process. Gradually, she calms down, gaining confidence in her abilities.
M. Auden's method teaches a woman to respond freely for the development of intuition. She tries her hand at creativity, looking for her favorite pastime. The author of the technique is sure that developed intuition helps to speed up and simplify the birth process, in addition, he promotes vertical childbirth.

What to take with you to the hospital?

For a trip to the maternity hospital, the expectant mother needs to prepare in advance. The standard list for which you need to collect includes the following items:

money and documents (passport, insurance, exchange card, birth certificate);
phone, charger;
rubber slippers;
2 nursing bras;
2 bathrobes;
comb, elastic band;
baby soap, toothpaste with a brush, towel;
tableware;
drinking water without gas;
prenatal, postnatal and breast pads;
disposable diapers and underwear;
wet wipes for mom and separately for baby;
cream "Bepanten";
diapers No. 1, if the estimated weight of the newborn is not too small;
thin and flannel diapers, undershirts, sliders, hats, socks, mittens so that the baby does not scratch himself, etc .;
large towel;
children's hygiene products (powder, ear sticks);
pacifier, bottles with nipples.

Preparation of a pregnant woman for childbirth begins long before the onset of the ninth month. From the moment of conception to hospitalization, it is necessary to learn how to properly "tune" your body, thereby facilitating the entire outcome of pregnancy - childbirth. All effective and useful tips from professionals, experienced mothers and obstetricians. How not to become a hostage to the fear of childbirth and wait with pleasure for the birth of the most precious little man?

Pregnancy is not only pleasant jolts from inside the baby, languid expectation, enjoyment of one’s “special” status, but also the active preparation of the future mother for the most important day in her life and the child - childbirth.

The well-being and ease of the process of the birth of a child depends on how thoroughly the woman in labor and her relatives approached such a process. Preparing for childbirth is a set of processes that will help the uterus and the whole body to better adapt during a period of difficult physical activity.

The whole process of birth is complex and very difficult. exercise stress for mom and baby. The woman's body knows how and when to respond to any "signals" of the child and each individual organ, but in any case, it is important to prepare the body to respond to contractions and attempts "correctly", involving all its reserve forces in this process.

How to prepare for childbirth: the period before conception

In fact, preparing for childbirth and everything you need to know about such a process is a complex event that does not begin exclusively at the moment when a pregnant girl finds out about her situation. Indeed, during this period, changes are already taking place that provoke your hormonal and reproductive system.

Preparation for the birth of a child takes place long before it appears in the world. The first preparatory stage is the family planning period. Before getting pregnant, ideally, you need to examine your body, eliminate possible problems, prepare yourself mentally, in the end. After all, wanting does not mean giving birth without pain and complications. In many ways, childbirth without breaks and incisions is not an accident and luck, it is a whole complex of body events that was carried out even before conception.

How to properly prepare for childbirth even before the onset of conception, and what is such preparation? It must be remembered that preparing the body for childbirth before pregnancy is:

Quit smoking and alcohol. Complete elimination of nicotine from a woman's body occurs 3 years, but if you do not take such harmful substances a year before pregnancy, this reduces the risk of ruptures and bleeding after childbirth.
Healthy sex life. Irregular sex, frequent change of partners is harmful not only for pregnant women, but also for girls who plan to raise a healthy and beautiful child.
Calorie control. Eating the right food is not starvation, it is a complete diet with the necessary amount of all useful macro and microelements, vitamins, fats, proteins. A positive and uncomplicated pregnancy is greatly influenced by exhaustion, or vice versa - obesity. Proper nutrition is a supply of useful vitamins and elements for the development of a full-fledged and healthy child in every sense.
Emotional mood. The most important thing for a woman is to be mentally prepared for motherhood. “It’s necessary, it’s time, it’s necessary, mom will say” - this is all that a woman who wants to give birth should not have healthy child and enjoy motherhood. Only full awareness and harmony of body and soul will help the body bear and give birth to a baby.

Preparing pregnant women for childbirth: important points

Conscious motherhood is the emotional, physiological and psychological readiness of a woman to become the most important person in her child's life. Preparing the body for childbirth, and at the same time remain as attractive as ever, is a whole art. In addition to preparing the birth canal, uterus and the whole body, you need to understand the importance of exercises for women in labor, the relevance of moderate physical activity. Therefore, proper preparation is a quick and safe birth for mother and child.

Planned childbirth: how to prepare correctly?

Planned childbirth and preparation for them is the most the best way for a woman: she knows where to go, who will take delivery, and how the whole process will go. Therefore, in order to be ready for the start of delivery, it is first worth clarifying the following points:

Choice of maternity home. Beforehand, coordinate all the questions with your obstetrician: which maternity hospital will you be taken to in case of hospitalization in an ambulance, what is the reputation of the institution, what kind of doctors are there. You can pre-visit the maternity ward (not earlier than 36 weeks). As a rule, employees of the maternity hospital even allow you to see the conditions, the wards (in the absence of women in labor).
Generic "disturbing bag". The entire package of documents (passport, outpatient book), diapers, undershirts and all required list, which is provided by the lead obstetrician, must be ready and assembled.
Money. If you are planning to give birth in a private maternity ward, it is important to clarify how much the birth can cost you. But, even in the case when childbirth is planned at the place of registration, money should also be available even for the most elementary: taxi, first aid, medicines if necessary.
Transportation of the mother. It is necessary to agree on how you will get to the hospital: planned or urgently at the start of contractions. In any case, it is necessary to clarify such a moment as a free spare transport that can deliver a woman in labor to right time day and night.

These are important organizational points that must be agreed upon before the start of labor. Among other things, it is worth remembering that planned childbirth and the preparation of the body increase the rapid outcome of the process of the appearance of the baby. And in order to prevent such unpleasant consequences as tears, incisions, section and bleeding, it is necessary:

prepare for childbirth - exercises for pregnant women;
in women in labor who are expected large fruit, it is necessary to conduct additional research, if necessary - stimulation ahead of time;
so that there are no gaps during childbirth, you need to do special intimate exercises (preparation of the cervix);
prevention of stretch marks (stretch marks on the abdomen, chest, thighs) - frequent lubrication (oiling) of the skin.

Women in labor who are preparing for childbirth, approach thoroughly to the beginning labor activity from the moment of conception or long before its onset, everyone knows about childbirth, moreover, they are mentally and physically ready. Improving labor activity on your own at home is a feasible task for every pregnant woman.

Preparing the cervix for childbirth

The most painful part of childbirth is the opening of the cervix. The closed pharynx of the uterine cavity at the beginning of labor activity gradually opens (from one finger on palpation to 10 cm). In the process of such an expansion, the cervix is “erased” before childbirth, the cork is peeled off, and water is discharged (before the onset of childbirth, in about 2-3 weeks). After that, the most painful thing begins - the contraction of the uterus, which is ready to push the baby out.

In some women in labor (especially primiparas), this process lasts longer for the reason that the uterus did not previously know such processes, and the moment of opening is slower. The faster the opening of the cervix, the easier and faster the baby appears. Therefore, the main task of a pregnant woman is to prepare the cervix for childbirth long before their onset.

Nature took care of the woman in labor during childbirth: the release of hormones, which occurs starting from the 36th week of pregnancy, erases the cervix, increases its elasticity, which reduces the risk of ruptures. However, this requires a complete and proper nutrition, a healthy body.

Although nature itself took care of the hormonal preparation of the uterus before childbirth, the woman in labor should still carry out some auxiliary procedures that will facilitate labor. There are several methods of such preparation: from massage to intimate exercises. The choice of preparation method depends on the desire of the woman in labor and her time, which she is ready to devote to such preparatory procedures.

Preparation of the perineum for childbirth - oiling

Preparing the perineum for childbirth is also an extremely necessary procedure, because the small and large outer labia may not stretch to the required size, and the obstetrician will make an incision in the perineum.

To carry out such an intimate procedure for preparation before childbirth, you need to buy linseed and peach oil in a pharmacy, mix them in equal parts. After bathing, instead of a cream, apply the composition of oils to the perineum. Do not be zealous: an increased amount of oil is also not needed.

Interesting!

There is an opinion that if a baby is born on early term or prematurely, and his weight is below 3 kg, then the mother endures childbirth easily, without breaks. In fact, the perineum is not ready for stretching until 37 weeks, and therefore the woman in labor runs the risk of tearing even with a baby weighing 2.5 kg.

Additionally, such oiling should be carried out in places where stretch marks can form: hips, sides at the waist, thighs and chest. All manipulations should be carried out only after bathing, rub and wait a bit until the oil is absorbed. You will be surprised how quickly the skin absorbs the oily mixture.

Preparation of the perineum for childbirth - intimate gymnastics

You can also prepare the perineum for childbirth with the help of intimate gymnastics, which no one will see except the woman in labor. For exercises, you need to take the "lotus" position, relaxing the back muscles completely. To do this, you can lean your back on a soft sofa.

Then you need to shrink the vagina, in such a way as during the waiting period for urination. So do 50 times in one exercise. The number of gymnastics per day depends on the desire of the pregnant woman. Only the muscles of the vagina and buttocks should work. The back and abdomen are completely relaxed.

The second option is an exercise during urination. At the moment when a pregnant woman urinates, it is necessary to delay urination several times. At such a moment, the muscles of the vagina are involved, training takes place before childbirth.

Physical preparation for childbirth

To understand how to properly and effectively prepare the body for childbirth, you need to use all your strengths and resources. It is unlikely that you will get and see the results right away, but when labor activity occurs, your body will “say” you a big thank you. As practice shows, childbirth in women who have carried out proper preparation before childbirth endure pain more easily, and childbirth itself lasts a few hours less, since the cervix is elastic and trained.

Exercises to prepare for childbirth

To facilitate labor pains, professionals have developed special exercises to prepare for childbirth, which help to improve the effectiveness of contractions without haughty pain.

#1 - Kegel exercises before childbirth

For proper preparation to childbirth without gaps, you can use the Kegel method. To do this, it is necessary to periodically compress the muscles of the vagina and anus to the most possible strength. Do this anytime convenient time: before going to bed, in the bathroom, when preparing to eat. The more exercise you do, the better for you.

No. 2 - charging pregnant women

To prevent damage to childbirth without ruptures, gymnastics from ruptures will help. To do this, you need to take the pose of a dog on a stable surface. First put a pillow on the floor, which will be a kind of insurance. Then lift and try to align one leg, then the other. After - arching the back like a cat's "arc". And so alternate several times.

#3 - water vagina training

A simple exercise that can be done with every bath. It is important to pre-steam the body well, but remember that a hot bath is contraindicated. Before you get out of the bath, gently lie on your back, leaning your feet forward. Then stand as on toes, stretching your legs as much as possible. So 5-10 exercises. After such gymnastics, do Kegel exercises initially in a lying position, and then sitting.

Psychological preparation for childbirth

Psychological readiness for childbirth is perhaps the most important aspect that helps to spend the baby's birthday as comfortably as possible. Of course, the pain during childbirth is very strong, and only those who have never experienced such pain can say that you can enjoy such a process. But, simplifying labor activity and preparing mentally is already half the battle.

You can learn a lot of information, go to seminars for expectant mothers and do Kegel exercises every day. But, all this preparation comes to naught if the woman in labor begins to panic in the first minutes of childbirth. In moments of fear, panic and tears, all the muscles of a pregnant woman are compressed, the access of oxygen to the baby is blocked, and therefore such a process as childbirth only becomes more complicated.

It will hurt, but you need to understand that without this pain you cannot enjoy motherhood. You just need to be able to approach this issue thoroughly, not forgetting about proper breathing, moral rest between contractions and the doctor's recommendations. And if you prepared your body for childbirth in advance, then the whole process will pass as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, at present, not every pregnant woman devotes enough time to prenatal preparation, mistakenly believing that at the right time her body at the level of instincts will tell her what to do and how. This opinion is absolutely wrong. It is the preparation for childbirth that contributes to the normal course of this process and helps to significantly reduce pain, as well as possible risk occurrence of any complications.
In order to properly prepare the body for the upcoming process of labor, you need to know what stages are included in it, if you want to take specialized psychological courses, establish the right diet and pay due attention to physical exercises.

What you need to know when preparing for childbirth?

What main points should be given more attention and how to behave when labor activity has begun? Every pregnant woman should know the answers to these questions, not only to improve her own education, but also to facilitate the process of giving birth to a baby as much as possible.
First of all, in order to properly prepare for the inevitable birth, you need to know exactly how this process proceeds, how long it lasts, what stages it includes, and also what sensations are characteristic of a particular period of labor activity.
Childbirth is a completely natural, but rather painful process that can last from two to twenty hours, of course, significant deviations up or down are quite possible, since the body of each woman is unique.
So, for example, the first birth is usually longer, and lasts about twelve to eighteen hours. As for the second birth, they take a shorter time period if less than five years have passed since the birth of the first child. This happens due to the fact that the tissues of the birth canal in women who become pregnant again are more elastic and prepared for stretching.

Stages of childbirth

There are three main stages in the birth process:

The first stage of the birth process begins from the moment when the cervix begins to open and ends when the opening is approximately ten centimeters. This period occupies the main part of the birth process and can be either a few hours or several days. Right at this time, the woman in labor feels pain contractions, which become more and more strong by the time this stage is completed.
The second stage includes the birth of a child itself, that is, attempts. This period usually lasts about half an hour. The peak of discomfort occurs precisely at this moment, since the birth canal stretches as much as possible, trying to push the child out.
The third stage is absolutely painless, and includes a period of time that starts from the moment the baby is born until the birth of the placenta. At this stage, the woman in labor can afford a long-awaited rest.

So, each separate period of childbirth should be accompanied by certain actions on the part of the woman in labor in order to minimize pain and prevent the occurrence of possible complications.
Directly in the process of labor, a woman should be able to breathe properly, relax her muscles and push. Of course, obstetricians provide needed help, and also say what should be done at a given moment. But not all women listen to their advice. Accordingly, such preparation for childbirth is extremely important and mandatory.

What should be done in preparation for childbirth and how best to prepare the body for the upcoming process of labor?

To begin with, the expectant mother must learn to breathe correctly. The ability to take deep breaths when necessary, to breathe quickly and often, and to hold your breath will be necessary both in the process of labor pains and attempts.
Proper breathing will allow a woman to significantly reduce pain, and will also help prevent tears and cracks in the perineum. In order to learn proper breathing, a woman can either attend special courses for pregnant women, or simply watch a video of preparing for childbirth, where specially trained instructors will explain everything in an accessible and intelligible way.

Nutrition in preparation for childbirth

Proper nutrition in the third, final trimester of pregnancy is the key to an easy and safe delivery.

Physical activity

Physical preparation for childbirth is extremely important.

Currently, there are special training courses for childbirth, where instructors explain to expectant mothers exactly what exercises and gymnastics need to be done in order to maximize the strengthening of those muscles that are directly involved in the process of labor.
In the absence of the possibility of attending such courses, a pregnant woman should pay great attention to physical activity. Don't spend all your free time on the couch.
If possible, take long walks every day. You need to walk slowly, enjoying the peace and fresh air as much as possible.
If there is no opportunity to go for a walk, for example, in severe winter colds, you can watch a special video showing physical preparation for childbirth, choose a set of suitable exercises for yourself and perform it daily.

Auxiliary drugs

Currently, there are many different drugs, the use of which includes preparation for childbirth. These can be both various creams, the action of which is aimed at increasing the elasticity of tissues, and various drugs that contain certain substances that help soften the cervix and prepare it for labor.
Medicines containing a certain amount of hormonal substances should be used only after consulting with your doctor, since their inept use can lead to such a danger as premature birth. Often, such funds are used by obstetricians and gynecologists only in the case of a post-term pregnancy, to induce contractions.
Also, at the time of the onset of labor, the use of anesthetic drugs is allowed, which completely or partially relieve pain. Most of them have practically no contraindications and do not cause any harm to either the woman in labor or the baby. However, it is worth taking such drugs or not, each woman decides for herself.

Preparation of the intimate area for childbirth

One of the best means, which can and should be used during pregnancy, are those whose action may include preparing the cervix for childbirth. Typically, such preparations are made on the basis of various oils of natural origin. They help to increase the elasticity of tissues, which helps to avoid such significant troubles during childbirth as cracks or tears, the appearance of which, especially at the birth of the first child, is almost inevitable if the woman does not pay special attention to this problem in a timely manner.
Oil for preparation for childbirth usually includes a number of components such as essential oils of almond, rose, wheat germ. In the event that it is not possible to purchase such a drug, it is quite acceptable to use the usual olive oil or sunflower. However, the latter must be boiled and then cooled to a comfortable temperature before use.
In order to prepare the area for the perineum for childbirth, it is necessary to massage this area daily with the oils listed above. A number of manipulations included in the complex of such a massage include such actions as treating both the external genital organs and the internal region of the vagina with the agent. Massage should be done carefully, slightly stretching the tissue.

Weleda prenatal oil

One of the best means, the action of which is aimed at increasing the elasticity of tissues, is Weleda oil. This drug is intended directly for women who are pregnant and includes a number of special substances that contribute to the proper preparation of intimate areas for childbirth.
So, for example, the tool contains essential oil roses, as well as wheat germ oil, which greatly contribute to the fact that the skin and mucous membranes become more elastic and easily give in to significant stretching.
Also, the advantage of this oil lies in the fact that the instructions attached to the drug contain an accessible and intelligible explanation of exactly how to massage the intimate area to achieve the best effect.

Psychological preparation

An important point, which includes the preparation of pregnant women for childbirth, is the psychological attitude. Fear of pain, the unknown, the expectation that the sensations at the onset of labor will be very unpleasant, does not add to the woman's self-confidence and that the birth will go well. Accordingly, this aspect should be given special attention.

At many antenatal clinics, a childbirth preparation school often operates, which can be attended by any woman observed in this medical institution. Mostly this service is provided free of charge, that is, in fact, it is an easy free preparation for childbirth.
In this school, experienced obstetricians-gynecologists will tell a pregnant woman in an accessible form what exactly awaits her during childbirth, as well as what sensations will accompany her during this time period.
Also, if there is no opportunity to visit such an institution, the future mother may well prepare herself psychologically. So, for example, you can draw and hang in a conspicuous place a bright poster in which certain points are described in detail. It is necessary to read the inscriptions on this poster several times a day. Gradually, all the points will be learned by heart, and the pregnant woman will have a strong confidence that she will have a successful course and the subsequent outcome of childbirth.
Items to be written on the poster could be something like this:

I am determined that my birth will be easy and painless;
I know that the labor will begin right on time;
I am absolutely calm and do not worry about the fact that quite unpleasant sensations can await me;
I am absolutely sure of myself;
I am madly in love with my future baby, and I will do everything so that childbirth causes him as little discomfort as possible;
I can breathe properly due date I will not forget about this knowledge;
I look forward to the first contractions as it brings me closer to meeting my baby;
I will wait with great joy for each next contraction, and help my body with proper breathing;
With each passing day, I am accumulating more and more energy and strength in myself in order to easily and painlessly endure childbirth;
My organs are absolutely ready for the birth of my miracle.

Of course, any woman can add to the list those items that she considers necessary. It should contain only positive phrases and set the woman up for a successful outcome of childbirth.
Any pregnant woman should set herself up emotionally to the fact that each new contraction, each attempt, reduces the waiting time for the meeting of mom and baby.
One of the main arguments in this case should be that not only the woman in labor experiences pain during the period of active labor, but also the baby. For him, the birth is not only fear, because he left such a warm and cozy house, but also very unpleasant sensations that can be significantly reduced only if the expectant mother learns to breathe properly and control her body.
In a word, the correct psychological preparation for childbirth is one of the key points in their successful resolution.

Physical training

Physical preparation for childbirth is no less important than psychological. It should include certain exercises, or aimed at improving the elasticity of the muscles of the perineum.
So, for example, exercises to prepare for childbirth can be as follows:

It is necessary to squeeze the muscles of the vagina as much as possible and keep them in this state for a minute, and then relax as much as possible. Repeat at least twenty times;
Alternately, with a frequency of a few seconds, relax and compress the muscles of the vagina.
Such exercises can significantly improve the elasticity of this muscle group and prepare them for significant stretching at the time of the birth of the baby.

What are the births

The closer the birth, the more often any pregnant woman thinks about what the main types of childbirth are. There are only a few of them, and each of them has its own specific advantages and disadvantages.

perinatal birth

Under the term perinatal delivery it is understood that the process of labor activity is absolutely natural. That is, the absolute intervention of unauthorized persons in it can lead to bad consequences.
Perhaps such a statement made sense several centuries ago, however, at present it has lost its relevance. Quite often, women who are at the stage of active fetal eruption are in wait for various complications, but the intervention of doctors in such cases is necessary.
It is also characteristic of perinatal childbirth that in this case the much-needed preparation for childbirth is almost completely absent. This process should take place at home, without the presence of an obstetrician. In a word, such a delivery does not justify itself.

What to buy

Preparing for childbirth also includes a number of certain things and items that will be useful to the expectant mother directly in the maternity hospital. Usually each maternity hospital has its own list of things, but it is still worth buying the following:

Underwear designed specifically for breastfeeding your baby;
Corset. After childbirth, this accessory is necessary so that the uterus quickly decreases to its original size;
Comfortable dressing gown and shirt;
Personal hygiene items;
Clothing and hygiene items for the baby.

How to give birth without breaks

Every expectant mother thinks about this, since the presence of tears, as well as incisions, which in some cases are performed by obstetricians, significantly slows down the process of postpartum recovery.
To avoid unpleasant consequences of this kind, you need to worry about this in advance and carry out a number of specific activities in a timely manner, including treatment with a special oil of the intimate area, as well as exercises aimed at improving the elasticity of tissues.
Proper breathing is also important. It is the ability of a woman in labor at a certain moment to breathe deeply, or vice versa, often on the surface, that affects the process of delivery and the risk of perineal injuries.

Training courses

In almost every city or other locality there are institutions such as a school or a birth preparation center. Attending such courses is not mandatory, but it will be very useful for every pregnant woman.

Preparation for childbirth includes not only physical exercises, gymnastics, proper nutrition, but also a psychological component. It is in such a center that the expectant mother can receive all the information about childbirth that interests her.
The instructors will tell you how to breathe, how to control your body in order to make it as easy as possible for the child to pass through the birth canal. They will also advise special preparations that will help increase the elasticity of tissues, preparing them for delivery.
One of important points The fact that a pregnant woman visits such a center is also the fact that she is surrounded by the same future mothers who are also afraid of childbirth and possible negative consequences. It is communication of this kind that can serve as a decisive factor in terms of the psychological preparation of a woman.
In addition to a pregnant woman, a future father can also attend courses. This is essential if the spouses are going to have a partner childbirth.

Training cost

Different localities have their own specific price limits for attending childbirth preparation courses. Also, the cost can vary significantly depending on how long a woman will visit the training center.
Preferably, the training school includes courses lasting about three months. Their cost is about ten - sixty thousand rubles, depending on the region.
In addition, in almost every antenatal clinic or maternity hospital there are schools for preparing for childbirth, visiting which is absolutely free. Anyone can come there. Physical and psychoprophylactic preparation of pregnant women for childbirth, which is directly carried out by specialists operating at such schools and centers, is very important for the expectant mother. And, if there is such an opportunity, it is necessary to visit this institution.

Pregnancy planning

Pregnancy planning and its correct course also directly affect how the birth will take place. Of course, not all possible risks can be foreseen. For example, ectopic pregnancy practically does not depend on the general state of health of the woman.
However, complications such as hypoxia, fetal malnutrition, it is quite possible to prevent, significantly reducing the percentage of the risk of such a pathology in the fetus. To do this, the expectant mother should take vitamins and eat foods that contain all the necessary nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and others. The optimal period when you should start preparing for an upcoming pregnancy is six months before conceiving a child.

So, summing up everything that has been said above, it should be noted that many different factors affect the course of pregnancy and how exactly the birth itself will take place.

The expectant mother should pay sufficient attention to her diet, eating healthy and wholesome food in sufficient quantities. It is not worth limiting yourself unnecessarily in food, but it is also impossible to abuse, overeating excessively. Products must be natural and fresh.
You should also move and walk as much as possible. Walking in the fresh air not only has a beneficial effect on the general physical condition of a woman, but also serves as an excellent psychological component. The pregnant woman becomes more calm, balanced, headaches disappear, if any.
In order to future baby received a sufficient amount of substances necessary for its proper development, the wife should take vitamin complexes suitable specifically for her. It is also acceptable to obtain useful substances directly from the use of any products. For example, dairy products contain in large numbers calcium.
One of the important moments in the psychological state of a woman is the family atmosphere. Close and dear people should surround the expectant mother with attention and care, so she will feel more calm and self-confident.

When pregnancy comes to its logical conclusion, every woman begins to experience worries about the upcoming birth. Even those women who have already gone through this process and have children cannot avoid certain fears and questions. After all, each time the birth takes place in its own way, and it is impossible to predict exactly how everything will be in this case. And therefore, from about the thirty-fourth week, it is necessary to start attending courses for pregnant women, passing online seminars on this topic and studying other information posted on forums and various sites. In general, preparation for childbirth should take several weeks. What needs to be included in it is described in this article.

Let's talk about the birth process

Preparing a pregnant woman for childbirth is not always given due attention. Most often, at various courses, women are told about the three stages of the birth process, they are taught breathing exercises and try to reduce the level of fear among primiparas. However, in fact, many pregnant women note that they did not have enough information on how to properly respond to everything that happens to the body and control this process. After all, it is known that those women who take an active part in childbirth go through them more painlessly and have every chance of avoiding breaks.

Therefore, any process of preparing for childbirth should include several important points, which we will consider in the article:

setting the date of birth;
signs of contractions that have begun;
list of things needed for;
the need and possibility of anesthesia;
three stages of the birth process;
pros and cons of partner childbirth;
preparation of the cervix for childbirth;
selection of courses for pregnant women and maternity hospital.

Of course, expectant mothers have a lot of questions regarding childbirth. Many of them are embarrassed to ask, and therefore experience nervousness and fear. This negatively affects their emotional state and affects the baby. Sometimes such problems even slow down the onset of labor or prevent the process from proceeding naturally. Therefore, every pregnant woman should take it very seriously in preparation for childbirth and be sure to allocate time for this, even if she works until the last days of bearing the crumbs.

Date of birth: calculate the exact day the baby was born

In childbirth preparation courses, specialists only briefly touch on the estimated date when you can expect the onset of labor. But, in fact, this topic worries most pregnant women. As practice shows, the real and estimated date of birth often have significant differences. This causes a lot of fears in women, they are worried that contractions may start unexpectedly, they will not have time to get to the hospital and this will harm the baby. Therefore, expectant mothers begin to fall into two extremes: they insist on hospitalization several weeks in advance, or they are so worried that they provoke premature birth in themselves with such a condition. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to clearly understand when to expect contractions.

So, first of all, the expectant mother should know that the obstetrician installed and the ultrasound examination cannot be considered accurate. A very small percentage of women give birth at this time, but it allows you to navigate in weeks and be ready to leave for the maternity hospital at the right time.

In modern obstetrics, full-term pregnancy is considered from the thirty-seventh to the forty-second week. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that this time interval is subject to a certain classification:

Early maturity. This category includes children born in the period from the thirty-seventh to the thirty-eighth week and six days. Babies are fully viable and ready to exist outside the mother. In their condition, they are no different from children who were born later.
Full delivery. Most newborns delight their mothers with the appearance of thirty-nine to forty weeks and six days. This interval is considered classic and by this time the woman should be fully prepared for the upcoming process.
Late term. If your baby has decided to be born at forty-one weeks or forty-one weeks and six days, then do not worry. The baby did not linger inside you at all, he just waited in the wings, which is quite within the norm.
Postmaturity. Within forty-two weeks, doctors usually diagnose postmaturity. But for this diagnosis, they conduct a lot of additional examinations to eliminate the error in setting the estimated date of birth.

Based on the information received, preparation for childbirth should be completely completed by the thirty-sixth week. From this period, the pregnant woman should be more often at home or in the circle of close people who will help her in case of contractions. A woman should carry with her everything necessary for admission and a charged cell phone with enough Money on the balance sheet to contact relatives.

It is also necessary to have a clear idea that preparation for childbirth consists in moral and informational preparation. In no course should you be given any pills, advise infusions or decoctions for a speedy resolution of the burden. Such interference in natural processes is unacceptable and in almost one hundred percent of cases will lead to a tragic outcome.

What is the first step in preparing for childbirth? What do women need to know by the thirty-sixth week? We will discuss this topic in the section on choosing courses for pregnant women.

We are going to the hospital: we will discuss the harbingers

Information about how childbirth is going usually reassures women. After all, owning it, they know exactly what to expect, and will be able to classify the problem if it occurs.

So, childbirth should be expected in speed if you notice that it has become easier for you to breathe. This is due to the fact that the baby's head descends into the pelvic region and the stomach, as if, is located lower than usual. This can happen two to three weeks before delivery. Sometimes expectant mothers notice that the stomach has dropped just a couple of days before the baby is born. In any case, this fact is the first harbinger of the upcoming birth.

At the same time, vaginal discharge increases. They may have a brownish or pinkish tinge, and are often white. In this way, the mucous plug leaves, which throughout the entire pregnancy prevented the penetration of any infections from the vagina into the uterus.

Often, training contractions become more frequent a couple of weeks before the birth. They differ from real ones in the absence of regularity and almost painlessness. With a change in position, the pain usually goes away and does not occur again.

The harbingers of the upcoming birth include pulling and dull pain in the lower back, slight weight loss within two kilograms and a feeling of pressure in the pubic area. All of the above symptoms indicate that your family will soon be replenished with a baby. However, you should not go to the hospital with such signs, but the following characteristics should make you call the ambulance or your husband to go with him to the birth.

First of all, pay attention to bloody discharge from the vagina and discharge of amniotic fluid. They can move away immediately or flow out gradually, but it is difficult to confuse them with something else. Amniotic fluid should be transparent, small white lumps of primordial lubricant are acceptable. But the greenish or brown color of the liquid is a danger signal. It means that in amniotic fluid got meconium and the baby risks his life every minute. In this case, it is important to get under the supervision of doctors as soon as possible, warning them by phone about your condition.

Regular contractions also become an occasion to immediately go to the maternity hospital. They always go on increasing, gradually reducing the intervals to ten minutes. If you notice that the pain is getting stronger, then it's time to go to the hospital. However, before that, be sure to do an intimate haircut and a cleansing enema. Of course, the last procedure is also done in the maternity hospital, but many women are embarrassed by strangers and prefer to carry out all the manipulations at home. It is noteworthy that in the preparation courses for childbirth, many experts say that you can refuse an enema. However, midwives always note that such a solution is fraught with problems during attempts. Since the baby presses on the intestines during passage through the birth canal, all its contents in the process may involuntarily come out. Therefore, this delicate issue should be resolved in favor of an enema.

Packing a bag for the hospital

Any woman who has attended childbirth preparation courses knows pretty well what to take with her. However, it should be borne in mind that the list of things must be checked against the one located in the hospital where you plan to give birth. Each institution has the right to impose certain restrictions, so in this section we will provide a fairly generalized list of things needed in a hospital.

Naturally, the most important documents for pregnant women are documents. They need to be put in a separate file and always carried with you. You will need a passport, an exchange card, a health insurance policy, a pension insurance card, a birth certificate, and a service agreement concluded with a medical institution. The last papers are needed if you have agreed on paid childbirth.

For yourself, you should put washable slippers, a comfortable bathrobe, a pair of nightgowns or pajamas in your bag. After giving birth, women will need bra inserts, highly absorbent pads, disposable underpants, and cosmetical tools for body care. Don't forget your shower accessories, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Put the children's things in a separate bag. The baby will need diapers, several sets of clothes, cotton pads and sticks, powder (at the discretion of the mother), socks, a hat and anti-scratch mittens on the handles.

Making a decision about anesthesia

All women dream of childbirth without pain. But, unfortunately, this natural process cannot take place without pain. However, at the moment there are a number of techniques to reduce discomfort. They are divided into non-drug and pharmacological.

The first is always told in some detail in prenatal schools. These include massage of certain points on the body, hypnosis, meditation, self-hypnosis, acupuncture and others. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the most effective method of anesthesia for you. However, keep in mind that you need to work it out for several months, otherwise in a stressful situation you will forget about everything that you were taught in the courses.

There are quite a few pharmacological methods to anesthetize childbirth. But obstetricians and ordinary women often argue about them. Despite the fact that the effect of the drugs used on the body of the expectant mother and baby has been well studied, it is believed that the introduction of drugs has a negative effect on labor activity. Often, doctors write that the use of medications that reduce sensitivity causes various injuries and provokes numerous tears during attempts. Therefore, in any case, the decision always remains with the obstetricians who take birth. Only they can administer this or that drug to you, but if you refuse to insist, it’s still not worth it - specialists are responsible for you and the health of the newborn.

How is childbirth going?

The expectant mother should be fully aware of what lies ahead for her during the birth process. It is best that she takes an active part in everything that happens. This is the key to a successful resolution of the burden and successful cooperation with doctors. They argue that trained women behave more calmly and confidently. They listen carefully to midwives and follow all their recommendations. Therefore, we will consider all three stages of childbirth and talk about what will happen at each of them.

First step

The contraction period is the first and longest. Women giving birth for the first time note that it lasts up to twelve hours. The next time this stage is reduced to seven to ten hours. During this time, the cervix dilates and prepares to let the baby through. The preparation of the cervix for childbirth occurs gradually to exclude ruptures and other injuries. The slower this happens, the more likely it is that the birth will be successful. Contractions at the first stage become more and more frequent. Initially, they last no more than twenty seconds and occur after fifteen minutes. As the cervix opens, they go every minute and last up to sixty seconds.

Second phase

Attempts become the second stage of childbirth. Its duration depends on physiological features woman and how she will follow the recommendations of obstetricians. Keep in mind that the pushing period can last up to two hours. However, all this time the baby will lack oxygen, and therefore it is necessary to help him to be born. Attempts are an involuntary contraction of the muscles, which allows you to literally push the crumbs out. A woman can and should control these contractions. At this stage, she needs to listen carefully to the doctors and push or hold back when necessary.

This period does not end with the birth of a baby, because the female body must still reject the placenta. This process usually stretches for thirty minutes, and the doctor who came out carefully examines it so that not a single piece remains inside, which can lead to an inflammatory process and bleeding in the future.

Third stage

At the third stage of childbirth, the woman is examined for ruptures, checking and carrying out manipulations with the baby. About two hours after birth, the mother spends under the supervision of doctors and with a dropper. If everything is in order, then the woman will be transferred to another department, where a baby will be brought to her in a few hours.

The truth about partnerships

One can argue endlessly about their necessity, but if we are talking about preparing for childbirth, then it is better for a pregnant woman to go through it with some close person. It has been proven that in a stressful situation, which, undoubtedly, is childbirth, a woman is well influenced by the presence of native person. In addition, a partner can not only help a woman in labor, but also partly control the actions of doctors. Unfortunately, they are not always professionals in their field, and the presence of an adequate person in the delivery room can be fatal.

However, I would like to note that you should not insist on partner childbirth with your husband if he does not want it. This decision must be voluntary and mutual, otherwise your man will experience serious stress and will not be able to help you. IN similar situations you can take your mother, girlfriend or any other person in whom you are sure with you.

Preparing for childbirth: what to do

Childbirth is not only a serious emotional stress, but also a physical burden on the body. If you are well prepared for it, then it is likely that everything will go well, and the recovery process will not take much time. Not the last role in the resolution of the burden is the preparation of the uterus for childbirth. You can learn about the methods and exercises that contribute to this in courses for pregnant women. Typically, a gymnastics complex combines yoga, Kegel exercises and stretching. However, do not practice at home. Remember that such physical activity should be supervised by specialists. Otherwise, you may go into premature labor. Preparing the cervix is a long process. It takes at least three months.

If you are afraid of tears and care about the elasticity of tissues, then be sure to purchase oil to prepare for childbirth and massage the perineum with it. Starting from the thirty-sixth week, this is done daily. The procedure usually involves dipping your fingers into oil and slowly stretching the back of your vagina. The process can be accompanied by pressure and last about ten minutes. Judging by the reviews, women highly appreciate Weleda oil to prepare for childbirth. It is sterile, softens tissues and increases their elasticity. Oil "Weleda" (to prepare for childbirth) does not cause allergies and can later be used as a regular care product.

Choose courses and maternity hospital

Today, women can choose the institution in which they plan to give birth. Do not refuse this opportunity and read reviews on the forums, visit the maternity hospital and learn about its rules, and also talk with doctors. It is better if you already know people to take delivery. This provides a special level of emotional stability and a feeling of peace.

There are also quite a few courses for pregnant women. They have different orientations and accents, so the choice always remains with the woman. However, please note that good school preparation for childbirth should include the following points in your program:

breathing techniques;
study of the stages of childbirth;
methods of pain relief by massage and other methods;
features of newborn care;
differences between normal and pathological births.

It is important that information about the upcoming birth is as complete and useful as possible, then the pregnancy will end safely.

Experienced pregnant women begin to prepare in advance for childbirth. But women who are going to become mothers for the first time are a little confused and do not quite understand what they need to do.

Step by step preparation

When to prepare for childbirth? The preparatory process for the birth of a baby is recommended to begin during pregnancy. The sooner a woman begins to mentally tune in to delivery, the easier it will be to master the rest of the upcoming process.

How to prepare yourself for childbirth

pay attention to the physical condition of the body;
learn how to breathe properly during contractions;
master the methods of psychological preparation;
additional incentive;
collect a bag with things and documents that will be needed in the hospital.

If the timing of the birth of a child is delayed, a woman can prepare for natural childbirth by stimulating the process. Harbingers will tell the future mother about the readiness of the baby - the separation and exit of the mucous plug, the discharge of water, painful cramping sensations in the lower abdomen.

But these are not yet signs of real contractions, but evidence that the child has sank lower - into the upper pelvic region and begins to slowly put pressure on the cervix. If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, you should not panic when contractions appear - perhaps they are false.

It is necessary to go to the hospital when the cramping pains take on a progressively increasing character. Between the first spasms and natural childbirth, there is time to go to the hospital without haste.

Stages of childbirth:

the period of opening the pharynx of the uterus, which lasts several hours;
transitional stage, when the uterus is fully opened; it lasts from 15 to 60 minutes;
period of exile, or advancement through the birth canal.

At the first birth, the third stage takes at least an hour, since the muscles of the uterus are not elastic enough for the procedure. In women who give birth again, the birth of a child occurs faster (sometimes even rapidly).

The period of exile, which lasted for 2 or more hours, is a threat to the life of the baby. The woman in labor is cut in the perineum to widen the passage for the baby's head, or special devices (vacuum extraction or forceps) are used to forcefully remove the newborn.

Sometimes they resort to caesarean section. If the operation is planned, the woman is placed in the hospital in advance to prepare for the upcoming procedure. The same applies to situations where several children are expected to appear at once. As for partner childbirth, here preparation is needed not only for the mother, but also for the future father (primarily psychological).

Physical hardening of the body

To make it easier for the child to be born, the expectant mother must prepare herself physically for the upcoming procedure. This will make the body more resilient, ensuring the normal course of delivery.

Physical preparation for childbirth

therapeutic exercises for pregnant women;
hardening;
massage procedures;
mastering postures to ease contractions.

Every woman who attends the School of Expectant Mothers is given physical exercises that her mother can do at home. In addition, a pregnant woman needs to be active and often walk in the fresh air.

Gymnastics. If before that a woman went in for sports, you can continue training, but in a more gentle mode, stopping physical activity a month before giving birth. It is recommended to visit the pool during gestation. Swimming makes the muscles of the buttocks, perineum, legs more elastic.

Massage. Massage of the lower abdomen and perineum will help prepare for the first birth. Light kneading actions will relieve tension from the muscles, bring the uterus out of tone. It is necessary to massage the lower back, on which there is a special load in the last trimester. Massage relieves swelling of the legs.

Poses. Preparation for childbirth includes the correct behavior of a woman during labor. She will have to master several poses to choose a comfortable position at each stage. It is easier to cope with cramping pains in a standing position, and some prefer to move at this time.

It is more convenient for someone to lean against a wall or a partner standing nearby, other pregnant women squat or get on all fours. You can sit on a chair facing the back, while spreading your legs.

A pregnant woman should master the ability to walk in single file and sit properly on squats from the first trimester. And the “butterfly” and “lotus” poses are also good way relaxation. It is not advisable to take a horizontal position on the back - this will limit the flow of blood to the child. In extreme cases, it is allowed to lie on your side, this will help to gather strength.

Proper breathing allows you to self-anesthetize, which should not be fast and strong. It is easier to endure contractions of women who know how to relax and be distracted from the negative.

Preparation in the last weeks

It happens that with severe stress, all knowledge, in the process of preparing for childbirth, fly out of my head. The woman panics, which negatively affects the psychological state. Therefore, it is necessary to fix everything with practice, which includes breathing exercises, the ability to relieve pain and the ability to stimulate labor to speed up the process. The body itself must react reflexively to a situation that is difficult for a pregnant woman to control.

Breathing exercises:

chest breathing - inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth;
diaphragm (with protrusion of the abdomen) - deep breath 3 seconds, pause, exhale 5 seconds, pause again;
rhythmically - inhale and exhale for 5 seconds, delay for 3 seconds;
"dog-like" - rapid breathing (usually with tongue hanging out), standing on all fours.

The last exercise helps to relieve severe pain of frequent contractions. Rhythmic breathing is used together with labor pains.

A woman in a hospital, with unbearably strong contractions, is given an anesthetic injection. At home, you have to rely on your own strength and apply massage to special points on the body.

Massage to relieve pain during contractions:

stroking movements of the abdomen from the center to the sides;
slight kneading of the lower back;
slight pressure on the pits above the buttocks;
pressure on the lateral bones of the pelvis;
massaging the area on the palms between the index and thumb.

Acupressure. If you press on the points above the ankle on the inside of the lower leg, then you can not only ease the contractions, but also speed up the opening of the neck. This will prepare you for an easy birth.

Nutrition. When contractions begin, some women lose their appetite, while others, on the contrary, want to eat. Do not deny yourself this desire - light snacks contribute to the restoration of strength that will be needed during childbirth. You need to drink plenty of fluids, while not forgetting to empty your bladder often.

Nipple stimulation. Closer to the date of the baby's appearance, women prepare for childbirth, stimulating the breasts with their hands, and the nipples bath towel. Good contrast showers, air baths and rubbing the nipples with ice cubes from herbal decoctions.

By scrolling and pulling the nipples with your fingers, a pregnant woman provokes the production of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates childbirth. Therefore, the procedures should not be carried out in advance, only immediately before the date of birth of the child.

Last stage

It is necessary to physically prepare for childbirth in the last days, not only in order to minimize the pain, but also to try to avoid perineal tears. The labia and vagina are massaged with oils to make the skin softer, more elastic and stretchable.

How to prepare for childbirth:

use prostaglandins;
use a Foley catheter;
introduce kelp.

Bladder puncture. A gentle method is the drug prostaglandin, produced in the form of a gel or suppositories. The drug is injected into the vagina and, in rare cases, into the cervix. The medicine does not penetrate into the amniotic sac, but contributes to its rupture. If this does not happen, then the midwife opens the bladder.

Prenatal processing. It is worth taking care of the hygiene of the intimate area by shaving off the hair, they not only interfere during childbirth, but can also become a source of infection. At the maternity hospital, pregnant women are shaved (this is a standard procedure), but it is better to prepare yourself at home.

The process of the birth of a child can be fast, and the woman simply does not have time to shave. If it is inconvenient for the expectant mother to do it herself hygiene procedure, it is recommended to entrust it to her husband. It is not enough just to prepare for the birth of a child, you need to ensure that the contractions do not subside or do not last too long. Sometimes medical intervention is needed to induce delivery.

Foley catheter. With contraindications to medical stimulants, a Foley catheter made of silicone is used. With this device, a woman will walk for several hours until the birth enters the final phase.

The most popular in recent years is the use of algae to stimulate labor. The effect is observed already 3 hours after the introduction of kelp into the cervix. The stick, increasing in size, begins to put pressure on the walls, contributing to the opening of the pharynx. In parallel, kelp excite the muscles of the birth canal, and also activate the production of oxytocins.

Psycho-emotional mood

Emotional mood for the natural passage of childbirth is another way to properly prepare yourself for the appearance of the baby. The more conscious a woman is about upcoming contractions, the easier it is to cope with pain.

You need to mentally adjust yourself throughout your pregnancy, but the last hours before childbirth are important. This is where auto-training courses will help. Knowing what to prepare for, it is easier for a woman to do without medical anesthesia.

Contact with the beautiful will allow you to tune in to a positive perception of the upcoming birth. Psychologists recommend listening to relaxing music, contemplating beautiful pictures or drawing them yourself. Similar methods of self-preparation for childbirth are practiced all over the world.

Grantley Dick-Read. A doctor with many years of experience is sure that the pain during labor would not be so strong if the woman in labor did not panic. The psycho-emotional state taken under control will immediately reduce physical stress. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to learn auto-training.

Lamaza. This technique is based on Pavlov's teachings on reflexes. When preparing for childbirth, it is necessary to perfectly master breathing exercises and be able to relax on a subconscious level. The actions brought to the mechanism will make childbirth and the hours preceding the process more comfortable.

Robert Bradley Schools. This implies partnership participation not only during the appearance of a newborn, but also for the entire period of gestation. A pregnant woman listens sensitively to changes in the body, mentally tuning in to the upcoming delivery. This helps her to concentrate on the main point in time and consciously control the whole process. The support of a partner will give strength and confidence.

Sheila Kitsinger. The author of the technique invites a woman to reconsider the perception of the situation and evaluate childbirth as a new stage in personal development. The realization that pregnancy is not a hindrance in the usual rhythm of social and sexual life increases one's own self-esteem. This gives self-confidence, the practice of breathing techniques, massage, hardening.

Michel Auden. The concept suggests trusting nature and your own intuition. The only thing that will depend on a woman is to learn to be liberated. Emotions play a big role, which should be positive. Pregnancy will be filled with positive thanks to the opportunity to learn hidden talents (drawing, singing, dancing).

Hypno childbirth. Self-hypnosis, the ability to meditate, hypnosis is akin to the teachings of yogis. Mastering the technique of self-hypnosis begins in the first weeks of pregnancy. This will allow you to perceive the situation only in a positive way. But mastering hypnosis on your own will be difficult, as you will need a practitioner.

Things in the hospital

How closer deadline the birth of a baby, the more attention is paid to the practical side of preparation. The expectant mother chooses a hospital and an obstetrician who will deliver the baby. When negotiating with a doctor about a separate room, a woman discusses the terms of partnership participation.

What to take with you to the hospital:

exchange card of a pregnant woman;
the passport;
clothes for yourself, the baby and in the delivery room;
personal hygiene products.

Usually, pregnant women are given a list of what they need to take with them to the maternity ward at the antenatal clinic. This allows you to quickly and properly prepare for childbirth.

In this case, it is desirable to distribute things in 2-3 bags. One will contain documents and everything that is required in the delivery room, the other will contain what the mother and baby will need during their stay in the hospital. If everything fits into one bag, then things of prime necessity are placed on top.

It is worth discussing with the doctor in advance whether it is possible to be in your nightgown in the delivery room, what to cook from clothes in the first place for the child, and what the partner should wear. Useful during childbirth and toiletries.

When choosing underwear, they buy special bras for nursing, they will need at least 2 pieces. Briefs should be large, close-fitting and comfortable for padding. All items are selected from natural materials- no synthetics.

For the baby, a package for newborns is prepared. Usually first-aid kits are sold already equipped with everything you need. But the mother can separately purchase diapers, undershirts, hats, sliders in the amount indicated in the list issued to the woman. Do not forget about baby hygiene products.

Prepared childbirth helps a woman feel confident in the last stage of pregnancy. Having started to tune in in advance at the time of the birth of the child, the expectant mother will be able to master the techniques and techniques that contribute to an easy outcome. The ability to control the entire upcoming process is the key to a happy birth.