Often, expectant mothers are no longer afraid of the birth itself, but the period of contractions. They really take up most of the time during childbirth. How can you survive them? And are contractions really as scary and painful as they think about them? Let's face it, what is shown on TV in TV shows and films is far from the truth.
Childbirth does not always begin with the fact that the waters leave, as shown in the films. Sometimes labor begins with contractions. I can't say how many percent of births start with contractions. I think the majority. Do not be afraid of contractions. At first they are very weak and the time between them is quite long. If this happens at night (most often labor begins late at night or in the morning), then between the first contractions, you may even take a nap.
If this is your first child, you can still be at home. There is no need to rush to the hospital at the first contraction. Moreover, the very first contractions are very similar to training ones, which regularly occur at the end of pregnancy and do not at all mean the beginning of labor. If this is your second or subsequent birth, then you should not wait, immediately go to the hospital. The second birth can take place much faster, as the body already "knows what to do". You can stay at home during the first birth until the contractions become regular - about once every seven minutes. In order to keep track of the time, it is convenient to use a "scraper reader", there are a lot of such programs on the Internet.
The first contractions are not so painful. The strength and soreness of the contractions increases gradually. As my doctor friend says: "If it seems that there is no more strength to endure, then you will soon give birth." Over time, you yourself will be surprised how gradually the contractions intensified, and how incomparable the first and last contractions are.
Most modern maternity hospitals have fitballs and mats so that a woman can find a comfortable position for herself during labor. We are not talking about cases when the entire period of contractions a woman lies under some device (for example, one that records the fetal heartbeat). If you are allowed to stand, then the most important thing is to look for a position that is more comfortable and easier for you. For some, contractions are less painful when sitting on a fitball, for others, standing on all fours. Gravity also helps to move the baby. Therefore, it is good if you can stand during the fight. A very comfortable posture: in a standing position, legs wide apart, bend over slightly and rest your hands on a bed or table. You can wiggle slightly in this position. Important - do not crouch.
Now in many maternity hospitals the possibility of partner childbirth is provided. Such childbirth involves the presence of your husband or another person close to you in the ward. It is during the contractions that this person can stretch your lower back. Massaging your lower back during a contraction can relieve pain. To reduce pain, sometimes it helps to concentrate attention on something: someone counts the number of tiles on the wall, someone watches the second hand of a clock, etc.
Between contractions, be sure to try to rest: you will need strength later, when there is a tiring period, that is, when you are already giving birth to a child on a chair.
Remember: everything in a woman's body is designed to carry and give birth to a child. Therefore, even the number of nerve endings in the cervix decreases by 40 weeks of pregnancy. You should not unnecessarily wind up your fears of childbirth. If you feel that you are very afraid of childbirth or pain during labor, visit a counseling psychologist. Now in many antenatal clinics there is a full-time perinatal psychologist from whom you can get free help.
