How does a child behave before birth: why is the child quiet or active (moving). The calm before the storm: how the baby behaves before childbirth The child does not calm down before childbirth

Even experienced mothers do not always remember that childbirth is a gradual process. And preparation for it begins long before contractions. Below are 10 signs that you are about to give birth. But it’s not a fact that it’s tomorrow, which means there’s time to prepare.

1. The stomach has become lower
In experienced mothers, this sign is usually absent until the last day. But those who are expecting their first child one day notice that sitting and walking have become more difficult, and breathing has become easier. This means that the baby’s head has dropped slightly down and “inserted” into the small pelvis. For some, this happens almost a month before giving birth, more often - 1 week before it.

2. Constipation said goodbye
Pressure on the bladder and rectum increases towards the end of pregnancy. In addition, hormones begin to affect the intestines, relaxing the cervix (and along the way, other smooth muscles, which also make up the gastrointestinal tract). As a result, the stool becomes much thinner. Many women even confuse the onset of labor with “being poisoned by something.” Such symptoms may appear 2-7 days before birth.

3. No appetite!
You don’t want to eat, and this is very strange: after all, during pregnancy you could not be pulled away from the refrigerator. Even your favorite strawberries and chocolate do not evoke a storm of emotions in you. Moreover, you lose weight! Yesterday, for example, the scales showed that your weight has decreased by almost 2 kilograms! And the swelling has also disappeared somewhere - now you can sleep without putting a pillow under your feet.
In fact, the body is getting rid of everything unnecessary: ​​very soon it will need strength that it cannot now expend on digesting food. Weight loss occurs due to fluid removed from the body. In general, there are at most a couple of weeks left before the birth, so get ready.

4. The baby is quiet
Before giving birth, most women note that the baby's movements have changed. The baby is not so tiny now, and he is simply cramped in the uterus. Therefore, he may not make himself known with kicks and pushes for a long time. You run to a CTG in a panic, but the machine shows that the child’s heartbeat and activity are normal. By the way, it is better to do CTG in the last month before childbirth, if not every day, then at least 2 times a week.

5. And laughter, and tears, and love
Even very seasoned expectant mothers may notice that their mood towards the end of pregnancy changes like the weather in May. Either a sunny smile, or raining tears. Sometimes a woman is overcome by fatigue and apathy, and then suddenly she begins to remind herself of an electric broom whose “Off” button has broken. And then, without five minutes, the woman in labor scrubs the apartment, washes tiny things for the tenth time, starts rearranging the furniture, and goes on a grand shopping spree. In a word, he loads himself up to the fullest, and then collapses from fatigue.

6. I want peace
The nesting instinct is not so much the arrangement of a family nest in anticipation of a speedy replenishment, but rather the desire to retire from everyone and withdraw into oneself. If you cannot see your loved ones, if you want to hide in the farthest corner, curl up and ask not to be touched under any circumstances, then the birth is very close - the clock is ticking. And the body feels this: it requires a break for the expectant mother so that she can psychologically tune in to the birth of a child.

7. Back hurts
The most elusive sign, especially in cases where the expectant mother suffered from back problems throughout pregnancy. However, in this case, the pain is caused by the child moving down and stretching the sacroiliac connective tissue, and the main “blow” falls on the lower back and tailbone. A pregnant woman may also be bothered by strange sensations in her legs - as if an electric current is running through them from time to time. This baby moves lower and pinches the nerve endings.

8. Training contractions
They can also be easily confused with Braxton Hicks contractions, which can appear as early as the 30th week of pregnancy. “Training” contractions are a little stronger, a little more noticeable, but also painless and, most importantly, irregular. They do not mean the onset of labor unless the intervals between them are reduced. But they say that the birth is already close.

9. What kind of slime is this?
What is impossible not to identify is the mucus plug. But her departure is not an indicator that you will give birth tomorrow. Cervical mucus can come out 2 weeks before birth, or a couple of days, or maybe only during childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, the plug reliably closes the cervical canal and protects the uterine cavity from infections. If you notice thick, clear, yellowish mucus on your underwear, sometimes mixed with blood, call your doctor for advice on what to do next. And this must be done if the mucus comes out earlier than two weeks before the expected due date!

10. Soft neck
This sign of imminent labor can only be noticed by a doctor during an examination in the chair. Before childbirth, the cervix must “ripen”: this is greatly facilitated by an increase in the level of estrogens and prostaglandins in the woman’s body. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix should be more than 2 cm long, tight and completely closed along its entire length. But by the 40th week, the cervix gradually shortens (its length is 0.5-1 cm), becomes softer, and the cervical canal can open up to “one finger”.

Signs that labor has begun are:
Regular contractions of the uterine muscles - contractions. Real labor contractions repeat every 15-20 minutes, they are regular, and the period between them gradually decreases. You can recognize them by drinking no-shpa or inserting a suppository with papaverine: if these contractions are false, they will stop, if labor, their intensity will not change.
Discharge of water. In this case, you need to immediately go to the maternity hospital: the water-free period should not be more than 12 hours. If the water is stained with blood or green meconium, be sure to notify your doctor.

Overshoot or undershoot?
On average, a normal pregnancy lasts 280-282 days. But from 10 to 25% of pregnancies end in birth before the 37th week, approximately 8% of pregnancies are “long-lasting” and last up to 42 weeks (294 days).
A pregnancy is considered post-term if its duration exceeds 42 weeks. The birth is called late, and the baby is born with signs of overmaturity.
A prolonged, or physiologically extended, pregnancy also lasts more than 40 weeks, but the child is born without signs of postmaturity, functionally mature, and healthy. There is also no pronounced “aging” of the placenta.
Premature birth is defined as birth between the 28th and 37th full weeks. At this time, with each “extra” week the baby spends in his mother’s tummy, his chances for successful and rapid rehabilitation after premature birth increase significantly. Every day the baby gains weight, improves its vital systems and becomes better prepared for life outside the womb. That is why, when this pathology threatens, doctors try to do everything to keep the baby inside for at least a few days.

It is clear that childbirth, especially the first one, is a very exciting event. But try to calm down, do not fuss or panic, even if you notice several of the above signs and even if it happened earlier than expected. After all, success in childbirth largely depends on the calmness and concentration of the expectant mother. And from her confidence that everything will be fine in the end.

They say that before birth the baby becomes quiet. Actually this is not true. A complete lack of movement is a serious reason to immediately go for an examination, but too much activity also worries the expectant mother.

Stomach change before birth
pulls discomfort level
pregnant dress
dream observation in nature

Manifestations of normal activity

The embryo begins to move as early as the 9th week of pregnancy. While he is still very small, his mother does not feel any movements. For the first time, tremors are felt at 20 weeks, with the second and subsequent pregnancies a little earlier. The child's greatest activity is observed at 24-36 weeks, before the onset of labor it decreases. Also find out.

At week 24, the fetus’s limbs are already quite developed. The shocks are strong and confident. In addition, the space and amount of amniotic fluid inside the mother is still quite enough for free turns, coups, and somersaults. A child before birth finds himself in a completely different situation.

When there are about 14 days left, the position of the fetus stabilizes. As the mother's body prepares for birth, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases and the uterus descends. The baby seems to be “fixed” between the pelvic bones, making it more difficult for him to change position before birth. And for the same reasons, it is more difficult to move as actively as before.

A pregnant woman may not feel tremors, but slight spasms. This is how hiccups manifest in a baby. This is a good sign indicating the absence of central nervous system pathologies. Hiccups last no longer than 20 minutes and can occur several times a day.

Active movement

Doctors take into account the baby’s activity starting from the 28th week. This is an important indicator that provides certain information about development. The presentation of the foal can change even before the birth; sometimes the baby is turned by the obstetrician already in the delivery room. At different stages, the position of the fetus is assessed in advance:

• up to 37-38 weeks it can be anything and doesn’t mean anything yet;
• in 33 they have a preliminary presentation based on ultrasound;
• prenatal examination is carried out as close as possible to the end of the term, at 37-38, when most babies have already turned “upside down”.

The change in the child’s behavior before birth is explained by its position, size, as well as the physiology of the mother’s body.

1. Turning his head down, the baby most often hits the bottom of the uterus with his legs. In this place, sensitivity is reduced due to the small number of nerve cells. Therefore, it seems to the mother that the baby is calming down before labor begins.
2. The baby is already large, but there is not enough space, and there is also less amniotic fluid. Therefore, it becomes difficult to push as actively as before.

Of course, the baby should not move constantly. By the third trimester, he begins to experience periods of wakefulness and rest. It has been noticed that increased activity of the child before childbirth is observed after the mother has eaten or an example of an uncomfortable position. Most often - lying on the left side.

Each woman experiences fetal movements differently. Some children are more active, others less so. To determine the number of movements, different methods are used.

Methods for determining movements

There is an indicator indicating how the baby should move before labor begins. On average it is two movements per hour. The minimum acceptable amount is three to six instances of physical activity per day.

Everything goes according to plan

A simple way to make sure everything is going according to plan is to do the Pearson test, or “count to ten.” It will clearly show whether the baby is quiet or active on the eve of birth.

You will need to draw a table with 24 columns. Put the time in them every half hour, from morning to evening. It will be 12 hours. The rows of the table will be dates.

Starting from the 28th week or before giving birth, when you feel the baby moving, you need to note this fact in the column with the appropriate time. Several movements in a row are counted as one movement. When 10 marks are reached in one day, the counting for that date can be completed. The next day, start again.

Such a calendar will clearly show when the baby is most active and when he is resting. Any changes will be immediately noticeable. You can take it to an appointment with a gynecologist, for which the doctor will only praise you.

If a baby is too active before birth, this is not a cause for concern. Maybe he's just playing. It happens that in this way the baby reports a lack of oxygen and nutrients in the blood. Then mom can do the following:

• take a walk for half an hour in the fresh air;
• lie down to rest, this way blood circulation is restored;
• or, conversely, move around if before this the pregnant woman was lying down and sleeping.

Still, before giving birth, many women note that the baby calms down. For the above reasons, this feeling is largely subjective. But it means that there is very little left before the baby is born, about two weeks. We need to get ready for the maternity hospital, now it’s better not to leave home alone.

When a child's behavior before giving birth makes a woman very anxious, it is better to visit a doctor. He will assess the condition of the fetus in the following ways:

• listen to the heartbeat;
• if this is not enough, he will refer you for an ultrasound;
• can use a fetal doppler - a device capable of recording movements even at 12 weeks;
• Another method is cardiotocography.

If everything is fine, then before giving birth, to calm herself down, the woman herself can cause the baby to move. To do this, you need to eat something sweet, drink milk or tea, and lie down on your left side. Usually the reaction is not long in coming.

Health hazards

There are signs that appear some (usually 10-14) days before birth and indicate that the baby is calming down.

1. Reducing the intensity and number of movements per day.
2. Ease of breathing due to prolapse of the uterus.
3. Feeling of pressure in the pelvic area, difficulty walking, increased urination as a result of pressure from the fetal head on the lower uterus.

Observation by a doctor

The baby does not always calm down before labor begins, and all these signs are not dangerous. But there are more serious situations that require you to immediately go to the gynecologist.

1. No more than three movements occur per day.
2. The baby has become too active.
3. A pregnant woman feels pain from the aftershocks.

Sometimes pain from the baby moving appears before the start of labor due to incorrect posture of the pregnant woman. There are pathologies of internal organs in which fetal kicks cause pain.

1. On the right under the ribs - indicates possible problems with the gallbladder.
2. Behind the breastbone there may be a diaphragmatic hernia.
3. Around the scar on the uterus, if there was once a cesarean section, it is necessary to prevent the possibility of its divergence during labor.

It is wrong to say that a child completely quiets down before giving birth. He begins to move less, less frequently, not so intensely, but does not freeze at all. If the expectant mother notices a decrease in activity, this is not dangerous and indicates the imminent arrival of a newborn.

: Borovikova Olga

gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, geneticist

Before giving birth, women experience a whole range of indescribable feelings: among them insomnia, fear, impatience. They also feel some physiological changes, such as prolapse of the abdomen, removal of the mucous plug and slight weight loss. Let's take a closer look at what happens to the expectant mother in the last weeks, what she needs to be prepared for, and give some recommendations.

How to get rid of anxiety and sleep well

Fear of childbirth occurs in all women in labor, even those who are not going through this process for the first time. The fear of pain, that something will happen to you or the child, poisons the pleasant anticipation of the birth of the baby. What can you recommend? Rather switch to something else, interesting. Have you been wanting to watch a series for a long time? Right now! Stock up on DVDs and immerse yourself in the experiences of the characters, so you will take your mind off your own. Don't want to watch TV? Then buy books. And don't forget about walks. You shouldn't spend the whole day at home. Baby, and you yourself need an influx of fresh air saturated with oxygen. For the mother, this is also a plus because fresh air and light physical activity provide restful, deep sleep before childbirth.

By the way, about a night's rest. Insomnia often worries expectant mothers in recent weeks. Too frequent and strong movements of the child, plus a huge belly, with which it is not easy to take a comfortable position, force you to think about sleeping pills. But expectant mothers should not drink them. And valerian, which doctors so often prescribe, provides more of a placebo effect. But if you believe in the effectiveness of this herb, then you can safely drink it, it is not harmful.

But it would be much better to take care of your sleep differently. Before birth, the baby becomes quiet because there is too little space in the uterus, which means that you will be able to fall asleep much easier and sleep longer. You need to find a comfortable position. Doctors recommend sleeping on a medium-hard mattress on your left side. You can place pillows between your legs and on your right side. It is very important to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity in the room where you sleep. Don't forget to ventilate the room regularly, and always before going to bed. Don’t drink a lot before going to bed, otherwise you’ll have to get up to go to the toilet several times during the night; Expectant mothers already urinate quite frequently during long periods of pregnancy.

Before going to bed, do not watch TV, so as not to gain impressions for the night. This is especially true for heavy films - dramas, horrors, thrillers, etc. Gynecologists recommend watching only comedies that evoke positive emotions before giving birth.

Shortly before the onset of labor, and sometimes even a few hours before contractions, the expectant mother makes her way to spring cleaning, and the “nesting instinct” is triggered. Just don’t overexert yourself, don’t lift weights, otherwise placental abruption may begin, or amniotic fluid may break.

Physiological changes

Changes begin to occur in the body of the expectant mother 1-3 weeks before birth. Preparations for the birth of a child are in full swing. So, what can the expectant mother feel and notice?

1. Contractions before childbirth, the so-called preparatory ones. They do not lead to dilatation of the cervix, last a few seconds, are not regular and are painless. There is no need to be afraid of them and just go to the doctor or call an ambulance. It’s a completely different matter if these contractions are accompanied by bloody vaginal discharge or discharge of amniotic fluid - then immediately consult a doctor.

Before childbirth, the stomach and lower back hurt, contractions are regular, their strength is increasing. Painful sensations cannot be relieved without medication. Here's what you need to know about the start of labor.

2. The cervix also begins to prepare in advance to release the baby from the uterus. This is especially noticeable in multiparous women, in whom dilatation of 1-2 fingers can occur 2 weeks before the hour of X. Usually, simultaneously with this slight dilatation, the plug comes off before childbirth. This is a rather noticeable, voluminous lump of mucus with bloody streaks. These veins appear due to the fact that small vessels burst in the cervix as a result of its opening. It should be noted that the plug may come off during contractions. Some expectant mothers don’t even notice it, especially if they have to lie under an IV during contractions.

3. And another common phenomenon is weight loss before childbirth. Typically, expectant mothers lose up to 1 kilogram. This physiological weight loss is associated with ridding the body of excess fluid. You may notice that the swelling becomes smaller or disappears. The elastic bands of the socks no longer leave marks after prolonged wear, and the wedding ring can be easily removed from the finger at the end of the day.

4. The stomach drops. Over the course of 9 months, your uterus has been growing upward and has already begun to prop up your ribs quite strongly, making it impossible to sit straight for more than a few minutes or breathe calmly. Heartburn often occurs. But shortly before birth, the presenting part of the fetus (most often the head) moves deeper into the pelvis, and accordingly the uterus descends slightly. Those close to the expectant mother will easily notice these changes in the shape of her abdomen, and the woman herself will feel that it has become easier to breathe. Life is getting better! The gynecologist determines that the child has descended deeper into the pelvis by palpating the presenting part. In the case of the head, it practically loses its mobility.

Prenatal medical procedures

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely to be possible without them. But perceive them as a necessity that will make the process of bringing your child into the world more pleasant and civilized, so to speak. What are these procedures?

1. Shaving before childbirth - you should get rid of hair in the pubic and perineal area. Of course, it is better to do this yourself, although this is not always convenient due to the large size of the abdomen. In extreme cases, this cosmetic procedure can be performed by honey. sister upon your admission to the maternity hospital. If you are shy, take care of shaving in advance. By the way, it doesn’t have to be shaving. Many women get rid of hair in the bikini area with wax - the procedure is performed in a salon quickly and inexpensively. The main thing is to ensure sterility. But if you've never tried waxing before, it's not your choice. Since the painful sensations for the first time, until the skin gets used to this procedure, are quite pronounced.

2. Another not very pleasant, but not painful procedure is an enema before childbirth. Although they say that nowhere else abroad do they “bully” women like this, believe me, it’s not just honey that is needed. to the staff, but also to you. During the second stage of labor, when pushing begins, and during the process of the baby passing through the birth canal, the entire contents of your intestines will come out... An enema before childbirth can be done at home, or you can entrust this very simple procedure to a medical professional. sister in the maternity hospital. Some women who have already gone through childbirth recommend that their pregnant friends use glycerin-containing preparations instead of a “classic” enema. The most famous of them are Microlax microenemas and glycerin suppositories. But at present, unfortunately, they are not on sale in Russia and it is not known when they will be. And you can’t cleanse the intestines well with glycerin alone.

Here are the main things you need to know before giving birth. Good luck!

18.12.2019 21:09:00 5 Snacks to Help Lose Belly Fat Snack without adding belly fat? This is possible with snacks that provide satiety and satisfy small hunger. You can find out about them in our article!

18.12.2019 07:58:00 How to use cold days to lose weight? Now that the last leaves have fallen from the trees and it's getting cold, it's time to accept that winter is here. But this is not a reason to be sad: cold days can be used to lose weight!

All mothers, without exception, are concerned about the date of their upcoming birth. And it is precisely this question that cannot be given an absolutely precise answer. Even if a woman knows the date of fertilization up to an hour, it is still impossible to take into account all the factors influencing the birth of a child.

Doctors believe that a normal pregnancy lasts 280 days. Based on this period, they calculate the due date. There are several ways to calculate the baby's date of birth. For example, this can be easily determined by menstruation. From the first day of the last menstruation, 3 calendar months are subtracted and 7 days are added. This will be the possible due date.

There are also ways to calculate the day of the upcoming birth that are only available to a doctor. For example, by the size of the uterus, its location and the volume of the abdomen. However, these methods do not provide complete confidence in the correct determination of the child’s date of birth.

Now doctors are increasingly inclined to the conclusion that dividing children into full-term and premature does not make sense. They explain this by saying that if the pregnancy proceeds normally, without pathologies, then there will be nothing terrible if the child is born a little earlier or a little later than the due date. The main thing is that the child is physically mature at this time to be born. Therefore, a pregnancy that occurs between 35 and 45 weeks is now considered normal.

Harbingers of childbirth

As your due date approaches, certain signs may appear that indicate that labor is about to occur.

1. Breathing becomes easier

By moving the baby down, pressure is relieved from the diaphragm and stomach. It becomes easier to breathe. Heartburn may go away. This increases pressure on the lower abdomen. Sitting and walking become a little more difficult. After the baby is displaced downwards, a woman may experience difficulty sleeping; at this time it is difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

2. Change in appetite

Appetite may change just before giving birth. More often, appetite decreases. It’s good if a woman at this time trusts her intuition more when choosing products. You shouldn't eat for two.

3. Reducing body weight

Before giving birth, a woman may lose some weight. A pregnant woman's body weight may decrease by about 1–2 kg. This is how the body naturally prepares for childbirth. Before childbirth, the body must be flexible and flexible.

4. “Prolapse” of the abdomen

A woman may notice that her stomach has moved downward. “Descent” of the abdomen occurs due to the lowering and insertion of the presenting part of the fetus into the inlet of the small pelvis and the deviation of the uterine fundus anteriorly due to a slight decrease in the tone of the abdominal press. The child begins to descend deeper into the pelvic area. In primigravidas, this is observed 2–4 weeks before birth. For those giving birth again - on the eve of childbirth.

5. Unexpected change of mood

The woman is looking forward to “her time.” She can’t wait to give birth (“I wish I could do it soon.”). The mood may “suddenly” change. Changes in mood are largely associated with neuroendocrine processes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman before childbirth. Explosions of energy are possible. The state of fatigue and inertia can suddenly give way to vigorous activity. The “nest” instinct appears. A woman prepares to welcome her baby: she sews, cleans, washes, tidies up. Just please don't overdo it.

6. Frequent urination and bowel movements

The urge to urinate becomes more frequent as pressure on the bladder increases. Childbirth hormones also affect a woman’s intestines, causing the so-called pre-cleansing. Some women may experience mild abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Almost like before an exam.

7. Pain in the lower back

After the baby is displaced downwards, a woman may experience uncomfortable sensations in the lower back. These sensations are caused not only by pressure from the child, but also by increased stretching of the sacroiliac connective tissue.

8. Changes in fetal motor activity

The baby may either calm down a little or move very actively. It is as if he chooses the rhythm and the most suitable moment for his birth.

9. Irregular uterine contractions

After the 30th week of pregnancy, false contractions may appear. Perceptible but irregular contractions of the uterus in this preparatory (preliminary) period are mistakenly mistaken for the onset of labor. A woman may feel certain contractions several weeks before giving birth. If a regular and continuous rhythm is not established, if the intervals between contractions are not reduced, then, as a rule, they do not at all mean the onset of labor.

10. There are three main signs of labor:

The beginning of labor is considered the appearance of regular contractions of the uterine muscles - contractions. From this moment on, the woman is called a woman in labor. Rhythmic contractions are felt as a feeling of pressure in the abdominal cavity. The uterus becomes heavy and pressure can be felt throughout the abdomen. The importance of the sign is not in the fact of contraction itself, but in its rhythm. Real labor contractions should be repeated every 15–20 minutes (other frequency is possible). Gradually, the intervals decrease: contractions begin to repeat every 3-4 minutes. During the period between contractions, the stomach is relaxed. When your stomach is relaxed, you should try to rest.

- Vaginal discharge of cervical mucus - mucus plug. The mucus plug may come off 2 weeks before birth, or maybe 3-4 days. This usually occurs after uterine contractions begin to widen the cervical canal - thereby displacing the mucus plug. The mucus plug keeps the canal closed during pregnancy. Loss of the mucus plug is a definite sign of labor. Discharge of colorless, yellowish, or slightly blood-stained, slightly pink mucus may occur.

- Discharge of water. The amniotic sac may leak, then the water will slowly flow out. It may burst suddenly, then the waters will “gush out in a strong stream.” Sometimes this happens before the rhythmic contractions of the uterus begin. This occurs more often in multiparous women. When the amniotic sac ruptures, no pain is felt. If the water breaks immediately, before the onset of rhythmic contractions, you should go to the birth center immediately!

Childbirth, how it happens

Every woman begins labor differently. Some women give birth “classically,” that is, contractions develop gradually, the intervals between contractions gradually decrease, and the desire to push arises. Others give birth “quickly,” that is, contractions are immediately active and the intervals between them are short. For others, the prelude to childbirth is delayed. Although every woman experiences labor differently, there are some things that are the same for most women.

Has it really started?

The long wait should soon be over - the mother will be able to hold the baby to her chest. She is happy, but as the deadline approaches, her anxiety grows. How to understand that labor has begun? Is it possible to relieve the pain?

A young woman who has never given birth before has a great many questions about the upcoming birth. Naturally, this process takes place individually for each person. Many pregnant women begin to feel anxious the day before contractions begin, sometimes experiencing palpitations, fever, or headaches. For some, painless uterine contractions may intensify or appear for the first time. Intestinal upset or increased blood pressure may occur, pain in the back, lower abdomen or pelvic bones may occur. The majority experience increased mucous discharge, including ichor - the discharge of the so-called mucus plug.

It comes suddenly

However, there may be no warning signs - in some cases, labor begins suddenly, with the appearance of contractions. Contractions are contractions of the uterine muscles that help open the cervix and gradually move the baby forward along the birth canal. They make themselves felt by periodic nagging pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, which becomes more regular and stronger. If contractions are repeated regularly and often, then it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. If the maternity hospital is far away, go there at the first sign, do not try to waste time waiting, for example, for your husband (or mother) to return from work - immediately call a specialized ambulance.

It is important

Powerful contractions of the muscles of the uterus and abdomen gradually push the baby's head through the uterine os and the birth canal. Expulsion of the fetus is a rather painful and difficult stage of childbirth, but by experiencing it, the woman gains confidence that the matter is vigorously moving forward. When the contractions are joined by pushing, the final period of the birth of the child begins. During pushing, the woman in labor feels an irresistible desire to push with all her might (at this moment she needs to carefully listen to the recommendations of the doctor leading the birth) - her muscles literally push the baby out.

Most women want to have a child naturally, without any medical intervention. It is clear that contractions can be quite painful. However, midwives and doctors know the means and methods to relieve pain.

Dispelling fears

Some women in labor fear that they will not be able to cope with labor pain, and therefore ask for pain relief in advance. Just like with a regular headache: some try to relax, get distracted, go out into the fresh air, others immediately grab medications.

It’s good that today doctors have many opportunities to help a woman during labor. And expectant mothers in the delivery room do not behave passively, as before - they can consciously influence the birth process. For a pregnant woman, it is important to thoroughly find out in advance what kind of help a particular clinic can offer. In addition, it is worth talking about your wishes and fears with your gynecologist. It is likely that he will dispel your fears and inspire firm confidence in a successful outcome.

Obstetrician-gynecologists suggest that the onset of labor occurs on. Statistics show that only 15% of girls give birth exactly on time. The remaining births often occur at 37-39 weeks. This especially affects women who are not primiparous. Every woman expecting her second child should know how labor begins in multiparous women, since the process can differ significantly from the first time.

When can multiparous women notice the first warning signs?

The body of each woman in labor is unique in its own way. No one can predict when labor will begin in a mother giving birth again. We can only highlight the average indicators: 37-38 weeks mark the beginning of the appearance of the first signs of labor in multiparous women. More often than not, it is the subsequent pregnancy that ends. The baby is considered fully term and ready for life outside the uterus.

Read more useful information o on the main page of our website (opens in a new window).

Precursors of labor in multiparous women

Harbingers are a combination of several signs indicating the imminent onset of labor. But usually, in multiparous women, the warning signs indicate that childbirth will not be long in coming, whereas in multiparous women, these signs may appear within a few weeks. This happens because the body of a woman giving birth again is already ready to produce offspring and is familiar with the signs of labor beginning.

The main warning signs for multiparous women include the following signs.

Abdominal prolapse

Towards the end of pregnancy, the baby is preparing for birth, and its head enters the pelvis. Thereby . In women who are not giving birth to their first child, this can be noticed in 1-2 days, or during the birth itself, and in first-time mothers, such sensations can appear in 2 weeks, or even a month.

After the height of the uterus decreases, the pressure on the diaphragm decreases, which leads to easier breathing, heartburn and discomfort in the stomach disappear. But other inconveniences appear: the stomach puts pressure on the bladder, and the expectant mother notices frequent urination. It may become more difficult for a pregnant woman to move, as the baby puts pressure on the pelvic bones, which can cause pain.

Weight loss

Before the due date approaches, a woman experiences a weight loss of 1-2 kg. This occurs as a result of the release of organs from excess fluid, which could cause swelling during pregnancy. In women giving birth to a second and subsequent baby, the manifestation of this symptom is observed a week before the onset of labor.

Mucus plug discharge

This is a white mucous discharge, sometimes with blood stains. Multiparous women are familiar with this process and can determine when their pregnancy will pass. The plug may come off piece by piece, in which case a small amount of mucus that is brown or streaked with blood will be released. A clot of mucus may disappear immediately before childbirth. This is observed in primiparous women. Those who give birth repeatedly may see mucous discharge on their underwear a few days before giving birth or just before the start of regular contractions.

nesting syndrome

Most often, in the first trimester of pregnancy, a girl feels unwell due to long-lasting toxicosis. The expectant mother is deprived of the strength to carry out her daily duties at home. But when the nausea has passed and the physical condition has stabilized, the hormonal levels of the pregnant woman begin to improve, and the expectant mother begins to feel a surge of vital energy, encouraging her to do various housework.

The woman is ready for any feat, even up to major repairs. Often, pregnant girls begin to do general cleaning in the house, sort through their own or children’s things, and arrange the children’s room. This is called “nesting syndrome,” which is often a sure sign of the onset of labor in the coming days.

This symptom is observed in women at approximately 36-37 weeks. Nesting often improves a woman’s emotional state and gives her strength to do the hard work of giving birth to a baby.

The appearance of colostrum in the mammary glands

Colostrum is the first, vital food for a baby. Its release in multiparous women can be noted after the 20th week of pregnancy. However, this sign is noticed several days before birth. Most often, a woman does not experience any discomfort from the release of colostrum, but she should carefully monitor breast hygiene.

Decreased baby activity

Throughout pregnancy, the baby moved intensively in the womb, as he had enough space to perform various maneuvers. But about 3-4 days before the birth process begins, the baby in the womb becomes quiet. This is explained by the fact that the child has reached the size required for birth, and it is already difficult for him to make sudden movements in the uterus. The child is preparing to do hard work, so about a day before the onset of labor, the fetus freezes.

As birth approaches, the baby slightly reduces its activity and movements.

Important! A decrease in the number of fetal movements is considered a physiologically normal process, but the woman needs to note the number of movements per day. It must be at least 10 times. Do not forget that if the absence of movements can last more than 12 hours, this may indicate fetal hypoxia, and you should immediately contact the maternity hospital.

Changes in the functioning of the digestive tract

2-3 days before the expected birth, a girl may notice the presence of loose stools, nausea, and vomiting may occur. This occurs due to the body's release of excess toxins. Approximately 24 hours before birth, signs of indigestion may become intense. For women who give birth again, everything goes much faster, since the body is already familiar with the birth process, and digestion can make itself felt shortly before the onset of labor.

Contractions that are of a training nature

Training contractions, also called false contractions, are the most important signal that labor is approaching. The purpose of these trainings is to prepare the expectant mother’s body for the hard work ahead.

The main distinguishing features of real contractions from false ones

Of course, a woman who has already given birth once will be able to distinguish the precursors of labor in multiparous women from real labor pains.

Here are some of the main differences between real contractions and precursors:

1. The interval between contractions. With false contractions, contractions of the uterus occur, which are irregular and do not intensify, and may even stop after a few hours. When uterine contractions begin, which will subsequently lead to the birth of a baby, the pain gradually intensifies and becomes regular.
2. Changing your posture. If severe girdle pain begins, then changing the position of the woman’s body can help reduce the nature of the pain. During real contractions, changing position does not help relieve pain.
3. Intensity of pain. With false contractions, the intensity of the pain may change from time to time, and then go away completely. When real labor begins, the pain increases and sometimes becomes unbearable, and the interval between uterine contractions decreases. This leads to the opening of the cervix, and subsequently to the expulsion of the baby.

Of course, there are women who give birth due to irregular contractions or do not experience pain at all when the uterine os opens.

Signs of approaching labor

The following symptoms will help you understand that labor will begin in the next 24 hours:

1. Exit of the mucus plug. For multiparous women, the appearance of this phenomenon is typical within a few days.
2. Regular contractions of the uterus. True uterine contractions lead to full opening of the external os of the uterus. Contractions become more intense over time, and the interval between painful sensations becomes shorter.
3. Opening of the uterine os. Even a multiparous woman will not be able to independently determine how dilated the cervix is; only an experienced obstetrician can determine this phenomenon during examination.
4. . This is the truest sign of the imminent onset of labor. If the membranes rupture, the woman should give birth within 12 hours.

A girl giving birth again will identify these symptoms immediately.

The process of childbirth in multiparous women

The onset of subsequent labor may occur at the 38th week of pregnancy, when the fetus in the uterus already occupies quite a large space. The first warning symptoms in experienced women in labor may appear shortly before the expected date of birth and lead to the rapid completion of pregnancy.

The process for women giving birth repeatedly can be very painful. The pain becomes very intense, but the process of childbirth usually ends faster than the first, since the cervix is ​​already ready to open and accept the child. On average, the process of contractions during the second and subsequent births lasts from 6 to 8 hours, while first-time mothers can give birth for 12 hours. Well, the process of pushing out the fetus itself can take 15 minutes for women giving birth again, 30-40 minutes for women giving birth for the first time.

Stages of labor

When is it time to go to the maternity hospital?

If a woman notices the following symptoms, she should contact her immediately, especially if this is not her first birth:

1. Discharge of amniotic fluid.
2. Bleeding from the genital tract.
3. Regular contractions lasting at least an hour, spaced 5 minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds.
4. The intensity of pain during contractions is so strong that the woman in labor cannot help but notice them and relax.

So, although no one can predict the exact date of birth, a woman giving birth again is already familiar with this process, and will be able to know and feel that labor is just around the corner. Each woman in labor is individual, some may not have any warning signs at all, while others will experience them all at once. It is important for a woman to visit her doctor on time, who will suggest the most correct decision in any situation. But we can say with certainty that any woman should know the harbingers of the onset of labor, and how long labor lasts for multiparous women, in order to prepare her body for such an important and complex process.