How longer term pregnancy, the more the woman is not confident in herself, she is more afraid of childbirth, and, moreover, she can’t wait to see her baby as soon as possible. Many women hold on to the expected date of birth as if it were a saving straw. However, to actually calculate or predict the exact date childbirth is simply impossible, you can only guess.

Already at 38 weeks the pregnancy is considered full-term, and they begin to talk about post-term pregnancy at the 42nd week. This means that labor can begin at any time within about 4 weeks. However, this does not mean that a woman will not have the opportunity to prepare at all. Before childbirth, the body goes through a huge number of changes that can indicate that the baby will be born very soon.

Harbingers of childbirth

These changes are called harbingers of childbirth. Precursors include such signs as:

• lowering of the abdomen;
• false contractions;
• stabilization or reduction of maternal weight;
• discharge of the mucus plug;
• sudden changes in mood and nesting instinct;
• frequent urge to urination and defecation.

It is extremely rare that all these signs appear in one woman; more often, a situation occurs when a few weeks before giving birth a woman 2-3 signs appear. In some cases, especially among first-time mothers, there are no precursors of labor at all, or the woman simply does not recognize them.

When do the precursors of labor begin and how long do they last?

Everything is very individual, for some women 3-4 weeks before birth, others have everything in a couple of days. In fact, already at 35-36 weeks of pregnancy, the harbingers of labor can make themselves felt. A lot depends on whether a woman is giving birth for the first time. In the second and third births, the precursors are usually more obvious and are observed closer to the beginning of labor. Despite the fact that the precursors of the onset of labor are not at all necessary, it is still worth talking about them in more detail so that women are prepared for them and know about them. what this or that sign says.

Descent of the abdomen

Not only is the woman preparing for childbirth, her baby is also in a hurry to be born. 10-20 days before the onset of labor, the fetus can radically change its position - move closer to the pelvis. Together with it, the fundus of the uterus, and therefore the woman’s abdomen, also descends. It moves lower and changes shape. Following this, the pressure on the stomach and diaphragm decreases. It becomes easier for a woman to breathe and eat, but it is now more difficult for her to walk and sit. Like many other precursors of childbirth, in multiparous women, lowering of the abdomen occurs later, sometimes literally on the eve of childbirth. Approximately, lowering of the abdomen, as a harbinger of labor, occurs at 37 weeks for primiparous women, and at 39-40 weeks for multiparous women.

Increased urge to urinate and defecate

The prolapsed uterus puts pressure on bladder, as a result of which it has to be emptied more often. Besides, hormonal changes affect the intestines and the rate of fluid excretion from the body. All this leads to the fact that a pregnant woman has to go to the toilet more often.

Because the this phenomenon is directly related to the lowering of the abdomen, then this harbinger of labor in first-time mothers is usually observed at 37-38 weeks.

Stabilization or weight loss

Another harbinger of an approaching birth may be stabilization of the pregnant woman’s weight. As mentioned above, fluid is removed from a woman’s body before childbirth at a faster rate, while her appetite decreases, and sometimes she doesn’t feel like eating at all.

This leads to the fact that the pregnant woman’s weight stays at one value, and sometimes decreases by 1-2 kg. However, only those women who weigh themselves regularly can notice this.

Instability of emotional state

Sudden changes in mood can also be a harbinger of the onset of labor. The woman becomes anxious, apathy may suddenly give way to a thirst for vigorous activity.

Often during this period, a pregnant woman begins to clean the apartment, sort children's things, and in especially acute cases even starts renovations. Or, on the contrary, she tries to seclude herself, hide from everyone.

All this is called the nesting instinct. Thus, a woman instinctively prepares for the arrival of a baby; she wants not only her, but also the “nest,” that is, the apartment, to be ready for his birth.

False contractions

Many women experience the phenomenon of false or training contractions. The uterus is preparing for the birth process. For this organ, it is associated with prolonged and intense stress.

Under the influence of the hormone oxytocin, 2-3 weeks before delivery, the uterus begins to voluntarily contract from time to time. These contractions feel similar to contractions. Many women get scared and immediately begin to get ready for the maternity hospital.

You need to make sure that we're talking about specifically about labor, and not about the harbingers before childbirth. Doing this is both simple and difficult at the same time.

It's best to calm down and try to relax first. You can lie in a warm bath; false contractions from such a procedure usually either disappear completely or become less sensitive.

There is one more significant difference: training contractions, unlike real ones, are not regular, and moreover, the interval between them is not shortened. It is necessary to count the breaks between contractions and their duration.

Mucus plug

The surest harbinger imminent birth is, perhaps, the exit of the mucus plug. This usually happens 1-2 days before labor begins. The plug may come out immediately - a dense mucous lump, brownish in color, or in the form of a spotting discharge. This harbinger childbirth can make both primiparous and multiparous women happy at 40-41 weeks.

Harbingers of premature birth

Talk about harbingers premature birth that wouldn't be entirely true. However, there are some signs that may be symptoms of preterm labor:

• nagging pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen;
• bloody issues from the vagina;
• cramping pain;
• leaks of clear liquid.

You should not take the calculations presented here too seriously, since each woman’s body is individual. The main thing is to listen to your feelings and in the last weeks be prepared for a trip to the maternity hospital, without relying entirely on the harbingers of labor.

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Women expecting a child experience a variety of feelings. This is excitement and joy, self-doubt, anticipation of changes in the usual way of life. Towards the end of pregnancy, fear also appears, caused by the fear of missing out. important point the beginning of labor.

To prevent the state before childbirth from turning into panic, the expectant mother needs to carefully monitor her well-being. There are certain signs that indicate the imminent arrival of the long-awaited baby.

What are the harbingers of labor?

Immediately after conception, a woman’s hormonal background begins to change. IN large quantities The body produces progesterone, a hormone that is responsible for maintaining pregnancy. And on latest dates The placenta ages, 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 promotes the onset of labor. Changes in hormones cause certain changes in the condition of the pregnant woman.

Before birth, certain symptoms appear that indicate the imminent arrival of the baby. These are the harbingers 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 labor starting from the 36th week.

Cervical change

The condition of the cervix before childbirth changes, its maturation occurs. 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 organ:

• immature - the neck is long, dense, the external pharynx is either closed or allows only the tip of the finger to pass through;
• not mature enough - the cervix is ​​slightly softened, shortened, the cervical canal allows one finger to pass through (in primigravidas, up to closed internal pharynx);
• mature - the neck is smoothed and shortened as much as possible, softened, centered, the cervical canal easily allows one finger to pass through.

The entire process of childbirth and its successful completion depend on the condition of the cervix.

Fetal motor activity

Of course, a pregnant woman is concerned about the question: what is the condition of the baby inside before giving birth? By the end of pregnancy, the fetus reaches its maturity: it gains 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 causes the baby inside to move less. At 34-36 weeks, the expectant mother notices that the baby has begun to roll over less, and from the 36th week she may feel that small movements are becoming less frequent, but they are very noticeable, and pain also appears in places where they are poked with arms or legs .

The main precursors of delivery

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 starting soon childbirth

Their main harbingers are as follows:

• Weight loss. Almost all pregnant women indicate that their weight stabilizes or decreases by 0.5-2 kilograms before labor begins. This is due to a decrease in edema and the kidneys removing excess fluid from the body. This is how the body begins to adapt so that the tissues stretch better, become plastic and flexible. Thanks to the work of hormones designed to remove everything unnecessary, the intestines are cleansed. Therefore, a woman may experience abdominal pain and frequent urge to defecate.
• Loss of appetite. Simultaneously with leaving excess weight A pregnant woman's appetite decreases or completely disappears. This is a normal state before childbirth; you don’t need to force yourself to eat.
• Abdominal prolapse. This is one of the main harbingers of childbirth. Baby two to three weeks before important event makes his way closer to the exit. As a result, abdominal tone decreases, and 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 and stand up; she is tormented by pain and stretching in the lower back.
• Frequent urination. It is caused by increased kidney function and pressure in the bladder area.
• Restless sleep. The woman's condition before childbirth becomes anxious, her sleep becomes restless. This is caused not only emotional experiences, but also the changes occurring in the body. Due to the fact that the baby begins to move actively at night, pressure on the bladder increases, which provokes the urge to urinate. This causes sleep disturbance in the pregnant woman.
• Diarrhea. Due to the prolapse of the abdomen, pressure also occurs on the intestines. The expectant mother notices the urge to defecate. Constipation gives way to diarrhea. It is she who is the harbinger of the approaching birth. Often pregnant women confuse this harbinger with poisoning or an intestinal disorder.
• Change in pain sensations. Throughout pregnancy, a woman may feel slight back pain. Before childbirth, pain is observed in the pubic region. This is due to the softening of bones, which is important factor for normal labor activity.

Plug coming out

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

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

The mucus plug looks like a small lump of transparent or yellowish color, there may be streaks of blood in it. The mucus plug may come off in parts over several days. Pregnant women usually cannot independently determine the passage of the mucus plug.

Sometimes expectant mother Doubts arise - the plug is coming out or amniotic fluid is leaking. The leakage of water will be constant, such discharge is transparent in color (may be yellowish or greenish tint) and watery. The plug comes off in portions, the discharge is thicker and goes away after a few days.

If a pregnant woman doubts whether the plug is coming out or water is leaking, then she should not hesitate and contact a gynecologist.

False contractions

These are training contractions that can bother a woman several weeks before the expected date of birth. They are caused by the body's intense production 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, they do not affect general state before childbirth. The signs of training contractions are:

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

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

The difference between false contractions and real ones

The main difference between false contractions and real labor pains is the gradual increase in the latter with a subsequent reduction in the interval between them. Labor contractions are stronger, brighter, more painful. If training contractions lack regularity, then during real contractions it is mandatory.

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

Breaking of water

The brightest and a worrying sign, indicating that a pregnant woman urgently needs to go to the maternity hospital is the 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 the water may go away at once, but leakage is possible. In the latter case, you should put on a gasket and consult a doctor.

Some women confuse leaking water with involuntary urination, which can occur periodically in late 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 tint, you should consult 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 or sadness suddenly rolls in or everything starts to irritate. This is primarily due to the fatigue of a pregnant woman, long waits and natural anxiety. The expectant mother 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 giving birth, the expectant mother has a desire to tidy up the apartment and create comfort in the house. Psychologists call this condition “nesting syndrome.” A woman with enviable zeal begins to equip her “nest”, to create comfortable conditions for living with a baby: cleaning, washing, cleaning, hemming, etc.

What is the condition before the first birth?

Primipara women experience more worry and anxiety about the upcoming event. They may not be aware of the warning signs and may not pay attention to the main symptoms of impending labor. For women preparing to become mothers for the first time, warning signs may appear three weeks in advance, or within a day. A woman’s condition before childbirth depends on the body’s reaction to the changes occurring. Specific dates and there are no gaps here.

Primiparous women should remember that there may be several signs that the onset of labor is approaching; it is not necessary that all of them will appear. Due to her 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.

Precursors of labor in multiparous women

Mental condition before childbirth, women who survived childbirth are much more stable. Their body clearly reacts to the changes taking place, and the warning signs appear more clearly. This is because the uterus has changed and enlarged after a previous birth. The exception is women whose first birth took place through 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, during new pregnancy pay attention to the severity of prenatal symptoms. They clearly monitor the physiological state before childbirth. Signs (in multiparous women) of approaching labor and their severity differ in the course of some processes:

• The cork has larger size.
• False contractions begin earlier.
• The stomach drops more later.
• There may be copious vaginal discharge.

When to go to the maternity hospital

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

Emergency situations, which require an immediate call for an ambulance, are:

• rupture of water (especially in the absence of other signs of the onset of labor);
• the appearance of bloody discharge;
• pressure surge;
• the appearance of sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
• strong headache, flickering of spots, blurred vision;
• absence of fetal movements for six hours;
• the beginning of regular labor (two or three contractions in ten minutes).

What week is the birth expected?

There is a concept that a baby should be born in the fortieth week of pregnancy. But only three percent of children are born on the exact date indicated. Usually a woman gives birth earlier or slightly later than her due date.

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

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

There are cases when a woman “overcomes” her pregnancy, that is, she gives birth after the due date. In this case, the pregnancy is called post-term or prolonged. In the first case, after birth the baby shows signs of postmaturity. During a prolonged pregnancy, the newborn does not have such signs, and the baby is born healthy.

It is not at all necessary that every pregnant woman will experience all of the above symptoms before the onset of labor. Moreover, you should not wait for them to appear simultaneously. The intensity of the precursors and the state before childbirth depend on the body’s reaction to the hormonal changes occurring and on the number of previous births.

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There is one interesting opinion among the people that the child himself chooses the time of birth. But scientists say that this factor is directly influenced by the level of hormone activity, as well as how prepared the female body is for the upcoming birth. That is why doctors can determine the expected date of birth as accurately as possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out certain calculations and also do an ultrasound. Due to these indicators, the due date may be adjusted.

But the predictions made by doctors are not always completely true. As a result, future parents become constantly nervous. But every woman who is expecting a child should closely monitor the state of her own body and notice even minor changes, monitor the “signals” that the body gives.

Preparation female body labor begins long before the first contractions. Before the birth of a child, women can experience a variety of things emotional condition- ranging from complete relaxation to extreme overexcitation.

Psychological mood before childbirth

The female body is completely unique, because nature took care to prepare it naturally for the upcoming birth. But many expectant mothers in the last weeks of pregnancy are haunted by the question of when exactly this will happen. happy moment. In order not to be nervous over trifles, women need to try to fully understand what signs appear before childbirth and do not forget to follow all the instructions and recommendations of their doctor.

As a rule, all pregnant women pay close attention to changes in their own body. In almost all cases, it is very difficult to miss the signs that indicate that labor is imminent.

It is extremely difficult to determine the date of birth with an accuracy of one day; this moment can occur at the 38th week of pregnancy, and in some cases at 40. This process is strictly individual and has many aspects, which are sometimes simply impossible to calculate as accurately as possible.

After the 36th week of pregnancy, the onset of labor can occur at almost any time, which is why you should always remain very careful and, if you feel the first feeling of discomfort or worsening of your condition, immediately seek help from a doctor.

How to understand that labor will begin soon?

The main signs that indicate the onset of labor include:

1. As a rule, swelling disappears almost before childbirth, and with it a few extra pounds may disappear. The fact is that at this moment excess fluid is removed from the body naturally.
2. In some cases, the onset of labor is indicated by a drooping belly. This is due to the fact that the child gradually moves towards birth canal. If this is your first birth, your belly may drop around 37 weeks of pregnancy. And for those who are giving birth not for the first time, this process may occur a little later. At this time, the pressure on the diaphragm and stomach begins to decrease, and the fundus of the uterus gradually drops by several centimeters. Most pregnant women notice that it has become much easier to sit, heartburn and shortness of breath have ceased to bother them.
3. As a result of the increased pressure on the bladder, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent. There is a feeling of pressure and severe heaviness in the lower back and sacrum. This phenomenon is directly related to the change in the position of the child, as well as the expansion of the woman’s pelvic bones. The fetus can put pressure on the nerve endings, causing leg cramps.
4. Most pregnant women, including in the case of their first birth, may notice a decrease in the baby’s activity - by the time of birth, the baby has grown enough, so it becomes difficult for him to move in a small space.
5. Intestinal motility increases as the body begins to actively prepare for childbirth. Possible loose stools, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
6. As birth approaches, the “nesting effect” often appears, which was created by nature itself. Signs of labor may include a change habitual behavior a pregnant woman - for example, there is a desire to stay alone or do things in the house general cleaning. Sudden bouts of activity are also unexpectedly replaced by peace, apathy and a sense of calm.
7. Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are also called preparatory “false” contractions. These are the fights that take place effective training body and softening of the cervix before the upcoming birth. In these cases, tension occurs and the woman practically does not experience discomfort. This type of contraction is not regular, and they are also not capable of dilating the cervix.
8. Bloody mucous discharge in small quantities. This sure sign that the uterus begins to actively prepare for childbirth. This symptom may be a thinning or expansion of the uterus.
9. As a result of shortening of the cervix, the mucous plug is discharged (in whole or in parts), which served as a natural barrier between the fetal membrane and the vaginal microflora. Pulling sounds may indicate the upcoming separation of the mucus plug. painful sensations in the lower abdomen. Most women simply notice the appearance heavy discharge- the cork comes out gradually. If it goes away immediately, a mucous lump appears, which a woman can notice while visiting the toilet. From the moment the plug comes out until the start of labor, quite a long time can pass - a couple of hours or several weeks.

If at least one of the signs listed above appears, you can be sure that the moment of childbirth will come very soon. Therefore, it is necessary to go to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Today, experts distinguish several main signs that are sure harbingers of the onset of labor. They need to be monitored very carefully, since you need to apply for a qualified license in time. medical care. As the due date, set by the doctor, approaches, it is necessary to collect all Required documents and things that will be needed in the maternity hospital.

Leakage of amniotic fluid

If the pregnancy proceeds normally, and there are no abnormalities or complications, the discharge of amniotic fluid occurs immediately before the onset of labor, at the moment when the cervix dilates.

Quite often you can encounter a situation where there is a risk of rupture before the onset of labor around amniotic sac. In this case, the woman will not experience any accompanying sensations that portend this phenomenon (for example, spasms, contractions).

In such a situation, it is necessary to go to maternity hospital. The fact is that anhydrous period cannot last longer than 12 hours. During pregnancy, upon reaching the 37th week, the breaking of waters indicates that premature labor has occurred, so doctors may need to prepare the baby for independent breathing.

If there is constant, slow and periodic intermittent leakage of amniotic fluid, there is a risk of premature labor, development intrauterine infection, as well as other serious complications, both for the health of the child and the pregnant woman.

If one of the above reasons occurs, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible. If there is no onset of labor, the doctor will prescribe medical stimulation.

Contractions

The appearance of contractions (regular labor contractions), which are accompanied by unpleasant and quite strong nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region, contributes to the onset of dilatation of the cervix.

In primiparous women, signs of the onset of labor may be minor contractions, the duration of which often reaches a day and at the same time they gradually intensify.

At first the contractions will not be too strong pain, as well as duration (about 10–15 seconds), and they occur periodically. In the pauses that appear between contractions, the uterus relaxes, which allows the pregnant woman to rest a little.

There is a gradual development of labor and contractions begin to become more frequent - both the pain and their duration increase. Now the rest period will be approximately 15-20 minutes, and at the time of birth 2-3 minutes.

Contractions also include pain that manifests itself in the lower abdomen, lumbar region, calves, thighs and rectum. Quite often these symptoms are accompanied by chills. After a 10-minute break is reached between contractions, the duration of which is at least 60 seconds, this is a sure harbinger of the onset of early labor.

Both primiparous and multiparous women exhibit exactly the same signs of labor. In this case, the main difference is the greater speed of births subsequent to the first.

Experts say that when repeated births quite common premature passage water before contractions begin. If none of the above signs of labor have appeared before the 40th week of pregnancy, you should be examined by a doctor to determine the condition of the baby.

What is the difference between true contractions and false ones before childbirth?

False contractions have all the features similar to prenatal ones. However, their main difference is the interval and dynamics. If you lie down, move around a little, or take a shower, the discomfort may stop.

Unlike prenatal, when false contractions occur, a pregnant woman can fall asleep. Training contractions are irregular in nature and interval, but they will not increase in intensity and will not begin to lengthen. When they appear, the cervix does not dilate.

The appearance of false contractions at 39 weeks of pregnancy may be perceived as prenatal. But in some cases they can appear at 30 weeks.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that in each case, pregnancy proceeds on a strictly individual basis, and the woman will not necessarily exhibit the symptoms listed above. That is why the expectant mother needs to closely monitor the state of her own body and listen to the signals it sends that indicate the onset of labor.

How to determine when you need to go to the maternity hospital, watch this video:

During their second pregnancy, most women feel much stronger and more confident. But it is important to know that since the birth of your first child, your body has undergone many changes: vitamin stress has occurred on the reproductive system, weight fluctuations, frequent back pain and others. In addition, the signs of labor in multiparous mothers are completely different.

So the second pregnancy may be radically different from the first. Therefore, it will be very useful to prepare yourself for this difference and once again go through the “hard path”. Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to make things go away. the best way and soon you saw the smile of your second baby.

How to prepare yourself for the birth of your next child?

Undoubtedly, important issue remains your health. Again, you should remember a few “rules” of pregnancy. Namely:

• every day (up to 12 - 15 weeks of pregnancy) take 400 mcg folic acid which will help protect the child from problems with nervous system and diseases of the spine;
• eat healthy products(vegetables, fruits, fish, milk, cottage cheese, meat, nuts, cereals, whole grain bread) to make sure you and your baby are getting enough nutrients;
• limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day - this is two cups of green tea or 2 mugs of instant coffee;
• do it every day physical exercise, having previously agreed with your doctor; they will help you be energetic and stay in good shape;
• Take time to bond with your child: rub his belly, listen to classical music, talk to him.

Changes in the body

Of course, your second pregnancy will be a little different than your first. Here are some examples:

• You will feel the movements of the fetus much faster, but these sensations will also be magical.
• Your joints may hurt more. Talk to a professional about how you can relieve tension in your back and pelvis.
• If you did not experience nausea during your first pregnancy, then most likely you will be able to avoid these unpleasant sensations this time. Conversely, if you suffered from vomiting, then you will not escape from it again.
• Problems like varicose veins veins, hemorrhoids or frequent urination, may happen again. But this time you will already know how to deal with them.
• Unfortunately, if you have suffered from diseases such as gestational diabetes, obstetric cholestasis or preeclampsia, they may appear this time too.

The main advantage of a second pregnancy is your awareness and experience. That is, in the event of any illness, you will know what medications to take and how to behave so as not to harm the child. In any case, do not forget to consult your gynecologist.

Second pregnancy: first signs of labor

When your second pregnancy comes to an end, you will, of course, remember this. This is absolutely natural, and it is also very interesting to find out whether everything will be the same this time.

The signs of labor during your second pregnancy may be radically different from those associated with your first experience. For example, you may feel that your stomach is lowering more slowly this time. However, contractions may become stronger, and the cervix will open faster.

If you did not have a caesarean section, it will be easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. The point is that muscles pelvic floor and your vaginal walls have already been tense before. Active period labor (when the cervix dilates from 4 to 10 cm, and the intervals between contractions become increasingly smaller) will last no more than 5 hours. This is less than the first time this stage takes 8 hours. And the process of giving birth to a child will not take more than two hours this time.

Let's take a closer look at the signs of labor during a second pregnancy.

Descent of the abdomen

It should be noted that not all pregnant women experience this before labor begins. However, if this happens, you will feel much better: you will breathe easier, shortness of breath will go away, and even heartburn will no longer bother you.

But, unfortunately, your sleep will become a little worse: you will find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Remember that in multiparous women, the belly drops just a few days before labor begins.

How does a mucus plug come out?

In fact, the so-called one may not depart at all, or it will do so immediately 2 - 3 days before the actual onset of labor. However, because the cervix opens much faster in women who are pregnant for the second time, they will begin giving birth within a few hours after the mucus plug has passed.

A mucus plug is a jelly-like clot, transparent or Brown, which comes straight out of the vagina. Sometimes it contains particles of blood. It is important to remember that it does not always go away before childbirth: it can also happen during the birth of the baby. So the woman may not even realize that the plug has come out.

Acute abdominal pain

When you become a second-time mother, it will be easier to distinguish true contractions from training (Braxton Hicks) contractions, which occur only once during the day, without any change in frequency. They usually appear in the 26th week of pregnancy, but can occur later. A criterion such as the intensity of contractions will help to recognize them.

You can be absolutely sure that you will begin to give birth when contractions become regular and frequent, and the intervals between them become shorter.

Child behavior

There are also signs of labor during the second pregnancy - this is the condition and movements of the fetus. As a rule, a few days before birth, the baby's activity decreases significantly, and he sends only some “lazy” signals to the mother.

And very soon this calm will be replaced by excessively fast movements of the child, telling the mother that her baby no longer wants to “sit in the stomach.”

Weight loss

During pregnancy, of course, all women carefully monitor their weight. But on the eve of the baby's birth, you may notice a real loss of several kilograms. Unpleasant swelling may also go away along with them.

In addition, the expectant mother may experience loss of appetite and indigestion. Don't be scared and aching pain in the lumbar region.

Diarrhea

This unpleasant sign also sometimes worries a multiparous woman. In addition, she may notice a sharp upset normal stool: As a rule, expectant mothers often run to the toilet. And this only means one thing: labor is about to begin.

In addition to severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Flurry of activity

Sometimes before giving birth it is not clear why a pregnant woman with a huge belly feels an unusual surge in herself vitality. She begins to quickly resolve unfinished matters: carry out general cleaning, move furniture on her own, prepare the children's room.

The expectant mother seems to be floating with happiness! And there are really many reasons for this, because everything will begin soon.

Active period of labor

As a rule, contractions in most women begin with the breaking of water, that is, with the spontaneous rupture of the membranes.

Monitor the frequency of contractions. Initially, you may experience contractions within 10 to 15 minutes. But over time, this period will be reduced to 2 - 3 minutes.

Urination may occur more frequently due to increased fetal pressure on the bladder.

When the above signs of labor are noted in multiparous women, the cervix undergoes structural and functional changes. If it opens to 10 cm, it means you are ready to give birth.

Obstetrician's help

A nurse who will be with you at all times will be able to determine how the plug is coming out and how dilated your cervix is. Your obstetrician will tell you what stage you are at: the first - the cervix will open 1 - 3 cm, the second - from 4 to 7 cm, the third - 8 - 10 cm.

The specialist on duty will also be able to tell you how your baby is positioned and where his head is. Water - you can and should discuss all this with your doctor.

C-section

If your first child was born by caesarean section, then this time you will have a chance to give birth on your own. An obstetrician-gynecologist will help determine if you are experiencing recurrences. similar symptoms(for example, preeclampsia), which may be an indication for surgical intervention.

As long as your pregnancy is going well, your specialist will prepare you for a vaginal birth. According to statistics, three out of four women do not have a caesarean section a second time.

Premature birth

If during your first pregnancy your baby was born prematurely, this does not mean that this time everything will be the same. There is a four out of five chance that the fetus will be full term. However, changes can occur and they will be related to your condition.

Scientists have proven that early birth can happen again if:

• the first time the baby was born between 20 and 31 weeks;
• you gave birth more than twice prematurely.

If contractions really start earlier during your second pregnancy due date, you will already know what to do. The main thing is to get to the hospital on time.

Child's weight

There is an opinion that second children are born much larger than the first. But this is not always the case. However, if your firstborn was born weighing 4.5 kg or more, then most likely this time you will have a hero.

To obtain information about the size and weight of your unborn baby, the gynecologist will constantly measure your abdomen and also prescribe an ultrasound. This procedure will help you get an accurate picture of the fetus.

Now we can conclude: the signs of labor during the second pregnancy, of course, may differ significantly from those during the first. But in most cases they are repeated. Therefore, you will already know what to prepare for. And your obstetrician will help to identify violations in time, prevent them and take care of the safety of the baby and mother. So don't be afraid to give birth a second time. After all, every woman wants to feel the joy of motherhood again and see the first smile of her baby.

Childbirth and maternity hospitals

If a pregnant woman is attentive to the signals of her body, she will never miss the harbingers of labor, as a sign of an imminent meeting with her beloved baby.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, a woman's hormonal profile gradually changes. As the placenta naturally ages, the amount of progesterone it produces decreases, and the relative amount of other female hormone- estrogen - on the contrary, increases. Progesterone “reigned” in the body throughout the entire period of gestation, ensuring the preservation of pregnancy, while the effects of estrogen are directed in the opposite direction, in preparation for childbirth. When the concentration of estrogen in the blood reaches its maximum, the brain receptors perceive this as a signal for labor and labor begins. labor activity. Those changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman under the influence of changing hormones and prepare the birth canal for the birth of the baby are called the harbingers of childbirth. This is the logical final stage of pregnancy, which in obstetrics is often called preparatory period childbirth, the purpose of which is to ensure the gentle, least traumatic movement of the fetus along the birth canal. According to medical literature, this process occurs at 38-39 weeks of pregnancy, but for many women, some of the warning signs may appear a day or two before giving birth. If this is your second birth, the warning signs will probably begin a little later, closer to the time your baby is born.

9 harbingers of childbirth:

1. The popularly known sign of an early birth - “prolapse of the abdomen” - is absolutely correct and is based on anatomical changes at the end of pregnancy. If the baby is positioned upside down, then during this period his head drops even lower and is now a little more fixed. In medical terms, it is inserted into the small pelvis. Top part The uterus also descends and no longer puts pressure on the lungs and stomach so much, so women rarely ignore this harbinger of childbirth, because it becomes a little easier for them to breathe. Sometimes a protrusion of the navel appears, and the skin of the abdomen stretches even more.

2. A slight increase in the amount of discharge from the genital tract as a result of Bottom part the amniotic sac has detached from the walls of the uterus. This sign of an imminent meeting with the baby sometimes suggests a possible leakage of amniotic fluid and is very worrying for expectant mothers. To clarify the situation, you can use a special test for express diagnostics, which will reliably show whether the discharge contains amniotic fluid.

3. Changes in the cervix. This does not affect the condition of women in any way; such anatomical harbingers of an imminent birth are noticeable only to the doctor during a vaginal examination, but, perhaps, pregnant women will be interested in learning about this process. If previously the cervix, along which the baby will move during childbirth, was, figuratively speaking, a tube, about 4 cm long, with a narrow pinhole on both sides, now it looks different. WITH inside, where the baby’s head fits, it opens quite strongly, and the rest, its narrow part is now only 1-2 cm and still resembles a pipe, but with an expanded hole passable for one finger. Membranes now very close and easily accessible to infections, which is why a woman, towards the end of pregnancy, is not recommended to take baths, limiting herself to a shower with the obligatory daily toilet of the genitals.

4. If you weigh yourself often, you will probably notice that in the last weeks of pregnancy your weight has dropped sharply by 1-1.5 kg. This occurs as a result of a decrease in tissue swelling. Pay attention to your feet - if previously the elastic band from your socks left a pronounced mark on them, but now it is not so noticeable - childbirth is just around the corner and it’s time to start mentally preparing for the meeting with the baby.

5. Isolation of mucus plug. This harbinger of childbirth is probably the most famous and shrouded in myths. It is very important to understand what a mucus plug is. This is a collection of mucus, usually slightly denser than daily vaginal discharge, colorless or with slight streaks of blood, about 2-3 ml in volume. If you notice bloody or heavy watery discharge, consult a doctor, this may be a dangerous symptom.

6. Change in posture. As a result of uterine prolapse, the center of gravity shifts. The woman takes on a characteristic proud look, and her head is usually thrown back somewhat, and her gait becomes “duck-like.”

7. Increased frequency of urination and loose stools, which occur due to compression amniotic sac pelvic organs. It should be noted that, according to some experts, stool liquefaction occurs under the influence of fairly high, close to peak concentrations of estrogen, so this sign can be considered a harbinger of early labor, unlike the previous ones, which can last for weeks.

8. The appearance or intensification of “training” contractions. Unlike true ones, these contractions are irregular, painless and of varying duration. Thus, the muscles of the uterus, which will soon have a huge job to do, are preparing, so to speak, warming up, training.

9. Discomfort in the lower abdomen and back. Doesn't mean sharp pain, and pulling and aching sensations, as a result of a natural sprain of the ligaments. In that case. If this is not the first, but the second birth, harbingers of this nature may not bother you.

Precursors of labor in first-time mothers

Since the described symptoms are mostly subjective, that is, they are felt by the woman, pregnant women without childbirth experience more often interpret the precursors as a malaise. A special role is also played by the fact that the precursors of labor in first-time mothers are usually smoother. They can begin two weeks or a week before birth and therefore serve as a very arbitrary time guide. It is important to know fundamental differences between false and real contractions, since to a woman unfamiliar with the sensations of childbirth, a training contraction may seem quite strong and cause anxiety. It is worth noting that the precursors of labor in first-time mothers often go unnoticed at all or include 2-3 of the listed signs.

Precursors of labor in multiparous women

The anatomical difference between women who have already given birth is that their cervix has a wider lumen and responds more quickly to hormonal stimuli. Therefore, some precursors of labor in multiparous women are more pronounced and begin at a later date. early stages. Thus, there are observations that the mucous plug in women who give birth repeatedly is larger, as well as liquid discharge, intensifying towards the end of gestation. Training contractions during the second pregnancy begin to bother you earlier, however, most likely, this is due to the fact that the woman clearly differentiates them. It should be noted that for the second and subsequent times not only birth process occurs more rapidly, but the time between precursors and birth is often reduced. Sometimes the precursors of labor in multiparous women appear a day or two before birth. It is characteristic that usually abdominal prolapse in these women does not occur 1-2 weeks before childbirth, but almost immediately before it. Carefully listen to your well-being during pregnancy; if you are about to give birth for the second time, the warning signs can be interpreted as a signal to pack your bags for the maternity hospital and prepare for contractions.