Every pregnant woman is waiting for childbirthimpatience and some apprehension. And this is not surprising. After all, all expectant mothers without exception want the birth of their baby to pass without any unpleasant excesses and complications. But do you know that the successful outcome of childbirth largely depends not only on how qualified the medical staff is and how well equipped the maternity hospital is, but also on the individual characteristics of the body of each specific woman. And on how prepared the expectant mother herself is for the birth of the child. Among everything else, far from the last place is occupied by the preparation of the cervix for childbirth, carried out in the last months of pregnancy. Moreover, we are talking not only about the preparation of the cervix that doctors prescribe for medical reasons, in the event that it is not ready for childbirth by the 38th week of pregnancy. Independent preventive preparation is very important and necessary, which allows you to avoid possible ruptures of the cervix during childbirth. We will tell you about both types of preparation, but remember that the use of any drugs to prepare the uterus for childbirth without a doctor's prescription is simply unacceptable.
Drug stimulation of cervical ripening
As a rule, doctors consider maturation to be normalcervix by about 38 weeks of pregnancy. And if the uterus is immature by this time - in gynecology there is even a specific term "oak" - the gynecologist can decide on the need to carry out one or another procedure, the purpose of which is to stimulate the beginning of the process of maturation of the cervix. Today, the following procedures are most often used for these purposes:
- Use of antispasmodics
Sometimes the cervix does not ripen due to excessmuscle tension. Therefore, very often, two weeks before the expected date of birth, doctors prescribe various antispasmodics to a woman - for example, no-shpa or papaverine. The drugs can be administered both intramuscularly and in the form of tablets and rectal suppositories. Only a doctor can determine which drug you need.
- The use of prostaglandins
In some cases, a woman may be prescribedthe introduction of various drugs into the cervical canal, which include prostaglandins. They significantly contribute to the rapid maturation of the cervix. In some cases, the expectant mother may also be shown the introduction of laminaria into the cervix - but this procedure is carried out exclusively in a hospital setting.
- Physical stimulation
Sometimes doctors do without pharmacological treatmentpreparations - either by means of cervical massage, or by means of nipple stimulation, or by means of acupuncture. The method is selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body of the expectant mother and the nature of the pregnancy.
Preparation of the cervix in the home
Let's take the topic a little further and talk abouthow to prepare not only the cervix for childbirth, but also the entire perineum. This will make the birth process itself easier: reduce its time and avoid possible perineal ruptures. Such preparation does not require too much time or effort from a woman. But, nevertheless, the result exceeds all expectations - observations of obstetricians indicate that women who carry out this preparation experience various complications 60% less often than those who neglect them.
- Having sex
Surely many expectant mothers have heard about thisa joke concept, such as "husband therapy". And in fact, many gynecologists recommend starting to have sex systematically 4 weeks before giving birth. And pay special attention - without using a condom. Sex in this case is the best and most effective way to prepare the body of the expectant mother for childbirth. And all this is explained very simply - friction is a good massage that prepares the walls of the vagina for significant stretching during childbirth. During orgasm, the muscles of the walls of the uterus and its cervix are trained. By the way, orgasm can become a trigger for the onset of labor - a kind of natural natural stimulation. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that this will only happen if both the mother's body and the baby's body are physiologically ready for childbirth. Therefore, you can also have sex until the last month of pregnancy. Of course, if there is no threat of premature birth. It is not for nothing that in some cases, with a complicated course of pregnancy, doctors impose a strict ban on sexual activity. And in milder cases, they prescribe the use of condoms, which prevent sperm from getting onto the cervix and, as a result, prevent its premature maturation. Pay attention to another important point - you do not need to use condoms. Sperm contains a huge amount of the natural hormone prostaglandin. Remember, we already learned that it is this hormone that is responsible for the maturation of the cervix? This is why it is so important that sexual intercourse ends with ejaculation in the woman's vagina. However, it goes without saying that the man must be completely healthy - a woman preparing to become a mother does not need infections at all. We hope that such a question cannot arise in your family, but you still need to remember this. Often, many future fathers, having heard such a proposal from their wives, are extremely scared. And this fear is completely natural - they are simply afraid of harming the woman and the baby. Therefore, be sure to talk to your husband, explain that if you take basic precautions and choose the right position, there will be absolutely no harm. But the benefits are very difficult to overestimate.
- Evening primrose oil
In addition, to prepare the uterus for childbirthIt is recommended to use evening primrose oil. You can buy it at almost any pharmacy, without a prescription. Starting from the 36th week, the expectant mother should drink one capsule per day - but no more! And starting from the 38th week - two capsules. The capsules should be taken half an hour before meals, with plenty of water. The action of this drug is based on the fact that evening primrose oil is extremely rich in fatty acids. And fatty acids, in turn, very intensively provoke the production of prostaglandin, which ensures the timely maturation of the cervix. However, remember that before using this product, it is imperative to consult a gynecologist.
- Fish consumption
Another remedy that is used forThe most common way to prepare the cervix has been eating fatty fish for decades. The principle of this advice is the same - fish contains a large amount of fatty acids that stimulate the production of prostaglandin and, as a result, the maturation of the cervix.
- Nipple Massage
Gentle and gentle stimulation of the nipples is also veryeffectively helps the cervix to ripen in a timely manner. The main thing to remember is the need to be careful. All movements should be smooth and gentle. It is advisable to use baby massage oil. Nipple massage should be done two or three times a day, starting from the 38th week of pregnancy. The duration of the massage is at least 5 minutes, but no more than 10. By the way, you can involve dad in this process - he will certainly not refuse to help you. As a result of nipple stimulation, the hormone oxytocin is produced, which is also necessary for the ripening of the cervix and the timely onset of labor.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In folk medicine there are also severalrecipes that our great-grandmothers used to prepare for childbirth. Moreover, these recipes really work if everything is done correctly. However, the expectant mother should never forget that before using any of these recipes, it is imperative to consult with your doctor - a gynecologist. And only after receiving his approval can you try. And, of course, only if you are not prone to allergic reactions to any component of the recipe.
- Decoction of raspberry leaves
To prepare a raspberry decoction you will need:You will need one tablespoon of dried leaves, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Or two tablespoons of fresh raspberry leaves, if it is summer. Chop the raspberry leaves and place them in an enamel bowl, pour in one liter of water and bring to a boil. Cover the pan with a lid and leave to infuse for at least two hours. After this, strain the decoction using gauze. Take 100 grams of it before each meal. You can start using the decoction from the 38th week of pregnancy, not earlier. And you need to continue taking the raspberry leaf decoction right up until the birth.
- Infusion of dog rose
Rosehip infusion is actually a real thinga godsend for the expectant mother. Firstly, rose hips contain a huge amount of various vitamins, minerals and microelements necessary for the body of both the woman and the child. In addition, some substances contained in rose hips, in the most wonderful way prepare the uterus for the upcoming birth. The infusion is easy to prepare - place 150 grams of dried rose hips in an enamel bowl, pour one liter of boiling water and leave to infuse for two hours. After that, when the berries swell, strain using gauze. It is necessary to take the decoction 200 grams, on an empty stomach, before breakfast, starting from the 36th week of pregnancy.
- Hawthorn tincture
Hawthorn tincture will not only helpprepare the cervix for the upcoming birth, but also help you sleep more soundly at night. After all, shallow and restless sleep in the last month of pregnancy is a very common problem for almost all expectant mothers. Hawthorn tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy. It is taken as follows - 2 drops for every 10 kilograms of the pregnant woman's weight. Before use, the infusion must be dissolved in water. The resulting solution must be drunk an hour before breakfast and dinner. The intake must be started two weeks before the expected date of birth.
- Decoction of strawberries
Strawberry decoction is no less useful.Strictly speaking, this decoction is nothing more than the most common strawberry compote. The only difference is that you need to add some strawberry leaves to this compote and do not exclude sugar. Place 100 grams of fresh berries and two tablespoons of chopped strawberry leaves in an enamel bowl, pour in a liter of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for an hour. Then strain the decoction. If you are not allergic to bee products, you can add a little natural honey. You need to drink at least a liter of such a decoction per day, instead of tea. You should start taking the decoction from about 37 - 38 weeks of pregnancy. As you can see, there are not so many ways to prepare the uterus for childbirth. Surely you will be able to choose the most suitable for you. However, as mentioned above, remember that no matter which method you choose, you should definitely consult with your doctor. By the way, do not forget that in some cases, the ripening of the cervix begins not a week or two before labor, but just a few days before it begins. Therefore, do not despair if, despite all your efforts, the cervix does not want to ripen. This does not mean that you will not be able to give birth on your own and without complications. In most cases, nature turns out to be much more reasonable and the baby is born without problems. The main thing you need in these anxious last days of waiting is a positive attitude and a good mood. Our team sincerely wishes you an easy birth! We recommend reading:
