How to prepare the cervix for childbirth ? This question is very important for expectant mothers and greatly worries them closer to the end of pregnancy. Many women are interested in, why did everyone give birth before easily, without even knowing that it was necessary to somehow prepare for this? The fact is that absolutely healthy representatives of the weaker sex really do not need this. However, in the modern world these can be counted on the fingers. Therefore, many often learn that the cervix is not ready for childbirth, shortly before them, or even in the process, and doctors have to do this urgently and artificially.
How the uterus is arranged, its functions
To know how to prepare the cervix for childbirth, you need to have information about why it is needed and what role its cervix plays. The uterus is an organ that is a hollow sac. Before pregnancy, it looks like a deflated ball with sizes up to 10 cm. During pregnancy, an embryo develops in it, and the uterus stretches as it grows. Special collagen fibers that appear during pregnancy make it supple. At 38–39 weeks, the uterus becomes completely ready for childbirth and is able to push the fetus out with its contractions. The first obstruction at the exit of the fetus is the cervix. And if it is not soft and elastic, then it will interfere with the normal course of childbirth. In order not to urgently wonder how to prepare the neck for childbirth, when they already occur, it is necessary to do this in advance.
Determining the maturity of the cervix and what it depends on
Doctors measure how much the neck has matured on a special scale, taking into account the degree to which the following symptoms are expressed: the length of the cervix, its consistency and location relative to the axis of the pelvis, and also how far the cervical canal is passing.
Each of these signs is evaluated on a scale of 0-2 points. Hormones called prostaglandins are responsible for preparing the cervix. They affect
uterine contractions. Synthetic hormones, analogues of natural ones, are used for artificial preparation of the neck for childbirth.
How to prepare the cervix for childbirth
You can start preparing the cervix from the 34th or 36th week of pregnancy as prescribed by the doctor. You can do this with medications with the intervention of doctors or on your own. Let's consider both of these options in more detail.
How to prepare the cervix for childbirth with drugs. Advantages and disadvantages
For these purposes, the use of synthetic prostaglandins is common - Cytotec (E1 misoprostol) or Prepidil gel (E2 dinoprostone). These are highly effective drugs that can prepare the uterus within a few hours. However, they have the following disadvantages and side effects:
- relatively high cost. Therefore, their use is possible only if the birth is paid, and in a paid clinic. In a simple hospital, they will prepare the neck manually or prescribe a cesarean section;
- a large number of contraindications;
- the possibility of excessive stimulation, leading to rupture and hypertonicity of the uterus. Therefore, a woman should constantly be under the monitor, which excludes the adoption of comfortable poses during contractions.
How to prepare the cervix for childbirth yourself
For self-preparation of the cervix, you can use the following methods:
- eating foods containing gamma-linolenic acid. Namely: blackcurrant, borage, evening primrose, oily fish, linseed oil. You should also exclude the intake of such food in which there is margarine;
- the use of capsules with evening primrose oil ;
- sex in the last weeks of pregnancy without a condom. Sperm contains natural prostaglandins, which softens and prepares for childbirth of the cervix.