You live in expectation of a magical moment - the birth of your baby. The expected date of birth has already arrived, but the baby is in no hurry to be born. Doubts, fears and insecurity appear in my head. What to do? How to speed up childbirth?
Before committing rash acts, let's figure out what's what. So, pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. Delivery is considered timely from 38 to 42 weeks. Of course, some doctors try not to delay until the last, because a postponed pregnancy negatively affects the development of the child. Therefore, usually at a period of 41 weeks, drug-induced labor stimulation is performed. .
Stimulation of the birth process is carried out by a doctor only after a comprehensive and thorough examination, which includes:
- Control over the movements of the child. Stirring should be regular and constant.
- Ultrasound monitoring. The amount of amniotic fluid and the general condition of the fetus are estimated.
- CTG control. The contractile features of the uterus and the health of the fetus are evaluated.
- Dopplerometric indicators allow you to assess the state of blood flow in the umbilical cord and the maturity of the placenta.
- Blood test. The hormonal background of the pregnant woman is determined. In postponed pregnancy, the level of hormones (progesterone, estriol, lactogen) is below normal. A fairly informative indicator is the level of hCG.
If during the examination all the indicators are normal, then, accordingly, the pregnancy develops properly.
Indications for artificial labor stimulation
- Postponed pregnancy is dangerous for the child. An aging placenta cannot provide proper nutrition with necessary substances and saturate the fetus with oxygen. As a result of this, oxygen starvation occurs. In addition, the bones of the skull become denser, so the risk of birth injury increases. Amniotic fluid aspiration may occur, in other words, amniotic fluid begins to linger in the lungs, which can lead to irreparable consequences.
- Suspension or complete cessation of labor. This is characterized by cessation of the swirls and insufficient disclosure of the cervix. These moments, observing the birth, the doctor observes.
- Premature detachment of the placenta.
- Rhesus is a conflict. If the treatment has insufficient effect, and the antibody titer is constantly increasing.
What are the ways in which labor is stimulated?
Oxytocin - is used in case of weak labor and with artificial induction of labor. Basically, the drug is administered as an injection. Its effect does not affect the readiness to open the cervix. Typically, the drug is used in combination with antispasmodic drugs.
Prostaglandins - are hormones that stimulate smooth muscle and cervix to delivery. The introduction of suppositories or a viscous gel containing these hormones into the vagina is quite popular.
Amniotomy is the process of opening the amniotic fluid. This method is carried out during the examination and does not affect the condition of the fetus. Stimulation of labor by amniotomy is the safest method that affects uterine activity.
How to cause childbirth on your own so as not to “pass over” your term?
It is believed that it is the baby that produces the hormones oxytocin and prostaglandins, which, entering the mother’s blood, begin to stimulate labor. Perhaps a lack of hormones or a failure in the reaction chain contribute to inhibition of childbirth.
Let's look at the ways in which self-stimulation of labor is carried out.
- Decoction of raspberry leaves. This tool is recognized by official medicine. A decoction reduces the muscles of the uterus and pelvis.
- Nipple massage. This massage promotes the release of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions.
- Unprotected intercourse. Sperm contains prostaglandins that soften the muscles of the uterus and contribute to the onset of labor.
- Enema. With the help of a simple procedure, you can push a ready-made uterus to the birth process.
- Exercise stress. Long walks, light gymnastics, washing windows and mopping without using a mop contribute to the opening of the uterus and tone its muscles. However, excessive loads are harmful.
I would like to note that the stimulation of childbirth is an artificial process that carries a certain risk. Such births always take place more painfully than natural ones, and the baby experiences extreme stress in the process. Of course, there are serious cases when additional stimulation is simply necessary. But, if the expectant mother is in the mood and will be mentally ready for childbirth, then she most likely simply will not need stimulation.