How to open the cervix before childbirth on your own

The dilatation of the cervix indicates the readiness of the woman’s body to begin labor. There are many ways to speed up this process. They are divided into medicinal and non-medicinal, respectively, used independently or in a hospital setting. Stimulation of cervical dilatation must be carried out taking into account certain rules, otherwise you can provoke the development of dangerous complications or lose the child.

What is “husband therapy” before childbirth? How to speed up labor with physical exercise? What medication methods are used to achieve full dilatation of the cervix?

Stages of cervical dilatation before childbirth

There are situations in which this process begins ahead of schedule. Dilation of the cervix too early can lead to the loss of the baby or premature birth. This phenomenon can result from:

• hormonal imbalance;
• a history of cases of artificial or spontaneous pathological termination of pregnancy;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
• surgical interventions before conceiving a child;
• previous births complicated by complications;
• inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.

The dilation of the cervix begins with the external os (more details in the article: stages of dilation of the cervix before childbirth). In primigravida women, the cervical canal has the shape of a truncated cone, the wide part of which is located at the top. In patients who have already given birth, the opening of the external pharynx occurs much faster (by one finger). To expel the fetus from the uterus, the dilation of the cervix must be 10 cm, that is, 5 fingers. Information about the processes that occur before the start of pushing, during contractions, is indicated in the table.

Associated symptoms

At this stage of preparation for the onset of labor, a woman may not feel any changes in her body at all. In some cases, the period of cervical ripening is accompanied by:

• periodic irregular contractions - do not cause the expectant mother in labor any painful sensations, a mild pain syndrome is characteristic;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen, lumbar and sacral regions;
• discharge of a mucous consistency from the vagina (in some cases, minor bloody inclusions may be present).

The listed symptoms are normal and indicate that the female body is preparing for labor. However, if these signs appear in a pregnant woman before the 37-week period at which the fetus is considered full-term, it is recommended to urgently consult with your doctor.

Non-drug methods of dilating the cervix

There are several non-drug methods that help stimulate the procedure of expulsion of the fetus from the uterus (especially relevant after 40 weeks of pregnancy). You can speed up this stage of preparing the female body for childbirth with the help of physical activity, yoga and meditative practices. The so-called “husband therapy”—sexual intercourse with a spouse—can also help prepare a woman’s body for labor.

Physical exercise

Various physical activities help open the cervix. The following are considered especially effective in stimulating labor:

• squats;
• long walking;
• climbing up the stairs;
• breaststroke swimming - helps not only to contract the abdominal and back muscles, but also to eliminate swelling of the lower extremities;
• squatting for a long time (the exercise is used in cases of high position of the fetus in late gestation);
• rocking back and forth on a fitball or swing.

When performing exercises, you need to consider 2 important points:

• movements must be done carefully and smoothly;
• Twisting and jumping should be avoided.

You can also stimulate labor at home by cleaning, cleaning windows, and hand washing (more details in the article: how to stimulate labor at home?). Active dancing also helps to open the cervix.

Yoga and meditation

Yoga effectively opens the cervix, which is based on spiritual, psychological and physical practices. In order for the stimulation of labor to be more successful, certain rules must be followed while performing asanas:

1. Movements should be smooth.
2. It is recommended to listen to relaxing, quiet music during exercise. The best option would be the sounds of nature: the sound of rain, water, birdsong.
3. You need to carefully concentrate on each element of yoga. Incense sticks or oils will help achieve this.

To perform asanas correctly, you must first study video or audio lessons. Shavasana is considered one of the most effective poses in yoga, which helps stimulate labor. Meditation also helps speed up the opening of the cervix. For the greatest effect, it should be carried out for at least 30 minutes. During sessions of these spiritual and health practices, maximum relaxation of all parts of the body and freedom from thoughts occurs. After classes, it is recommended to drink tea, herbal decoction or infusion of raspberry leaves (we recommend reading: raspberry leaves during pregnancy: why do they drink tea, herbal decoction or infusion before childbirth?).

Benefits of squats

A popular method of beneficial physical activity is squats before childbirth.

Can labor be induced by squats? Yes, the principle of squats for childbirth is the same as other exercises. The main task is to smoothly move the baby closer to the exit and prepare the cervix. The training program necessarily includes squats to stimulate labor.

First of all, the main thing is to adequately assess your strengths. Nobody needs records, this applies to those women who decided to squat after not having active physical activity for 9 months. It is better to perform exercises with support, such as a chair.

How to squat correctly to induce labor:

1. legs must be spread at shoulder level or wider;
2. do a slow deep squat;
3. the knees are spread out to the sides as much as possible, there is no need to rush;
4. back straight;
5. When we reach the lowest possible position, we smoothly return to the starting position.

Squatting. Such peculiar squats speed up labor, which is weak. From a standing position, you need to slowly squat down, your feet should be firmly on the floor. You need to stay at the bottom for 10-15 seconds, then rise just as slowly. The squatting period gradually increases to a minute.

Before you start exercising to speed up labor, you should know the possible risks. Excessive activity is fraught with premature detachment of the placenta. This may cause undesirable consequences for the fetus and the woman. Therefore, the conclusion is this: squats cause labor, but it is better to do them consciously.

Inserting a Foley balloon catheter

In some cases, a Foley catheter is used to induce labor. This device consists of a tube and a small can. There are several types of device, but the most common is the two-way catheter. The principle of operation of this device is that a balloon filled with liquid increases the tone and motility of the uterus of the expectant mother, squeezing and expanding it. It is forbidden to install a Foley catheter yourself; only a qualified doctor can do this.

How to open the cervix at home?

In addition to the non-drug methods of stimulating labor listed above, you can independently stimulate this process using:

• decoction or tea from raspberry leaves;
• consumption of castor oil;
• cleansing the body with an enema or eating foods that have a laxative effect;
• massage of the ears and little fingers;
• Kegel exercises;
• daily intake of 1 capsule of evening primrose oil;
• eating fatty fish;
• taking a warm bath.

The listed methods of stimulating labor must be agreed upon with the attending physician. Otherwise, you can provoke the development of serious complications, including the loss of the child.

Actions of medical staff

It is worth emphasizing that not all gynecologists are of the opinion that accelerating labor is a necessary procedure . Some may wait quite a long time, explaining this position by the fact that nature itself knows when the best time for childbirth comes.

In any case, methods of cervical stimulation are universal for most doctors:

• Digital dilatation of the cervical canal is a very painful process and has recently become less and less popular.
• Perforation of the amniotic sac (amniotomy) . This action requires the doctor to be extremely careful not to harm the fetus. The procedure itself is quick and painless.
• Introduction of the hormone oxytocin, or more precisely, its synthesized analogue . It is used in tablets or as an injection, often using an IV to administer it. A side effect is that the uterus begins to contract too much, which can harm the baby. In addition, the drug increases the pain of the woman in labor and requires the simultaneous administration of an anesthetic.
• Injection into the cervix of a gel based on prostaglandins . This method of stimulating labor is one of the most gentle. The expected effect is achieved 40 minutes after administration, but sometimes you have to wait another 4-5 hours. There are also suppositories based on prostaglandin that act quite quickly and can accelerate the opening within 30 minutes.
• Tablets for inducing labor - mifepristone and miropristone, containing artificially synthesized antihistogens. But the use of these drugs has many contraindications.
• Laminaria . Due to the extraordinary ability to absorb moisture and increase in size, algae located in the vagina gradually expand the diameter of the cervix.
• Insertion of a Foley catheter into the cervix . This method is quite painful for a woman. The procedure itself involves placing a balloon catheter into the cervix and filling it with air.

The mother has the right to refuse any stimulation of labor. However, in this case she acts at her own peril and risk. The consequences may be unforeseen and, in some cases, tragic. Therefore, it is important for every woman to understand that sometimes interfering with the natural process of the birth of a baby is the only way to help him be born .

What complications can there be?

Labor may be complicated by too weak contractions, as a result of which the condition of the uterus remains at the prenatal level. Typically, this occurs due to excess amniotic fluid volume and multiple pregnancies. When the uterus is overstretched, its tone decreases, as a result of which labor weakens and the cervix does not open well.

When entering a maternity hospital, every woman experiences serious stress, especially when this happens for the first time. And this is connected not only with the change from the usual environment of her home to a hospital one, but also with the fear of what awaits her, of the unknown, and various terms from doctors, incomprehensible to the expectant mother, only intensify the state of stress and anxiety.

Perhaps the first frightening term for a woman when examined by a doctor in a maternity hospital is “cervical dilatation,” because it is this indicator that determines the body’s readiness for childbirth.

It is important to understand the meaning of medical terms and indicators, since understanding what the doctor is talking about will allow the woman to feel calm and comfortable.

What is the cervix

The cervix is ​​the lower part of this organ and is a kind of tube that connects the uterus to the vagina. The opening of the external pharynx of the cervix opens into the vagina, and the internal one into the uterus, forming the cervical canal between them.

During a normal pregnancy, the cervix should be tightly closed, holding the developing baby inside and protecting it from external threats. Before childbirth, the cervix begins to open, freeing the birth canal for the baby to be born.

As the duration of pregnancy increases, the cervix begins to change; natural physiological processes occur in it, in which muscle tissue is partially replaced by connective tissue.

In addition, the active formation of new collagen fibers begins, which makes the passage more elastic and increases the ability of tissue stretching.

The clinical manifestation of such changes is expressed in the shortening of the cervix and loosening of its structure, as well as the formation of a lumen.

Preparation for normal dilatation of the cervix during childbirth in the body begins at approximately 33 weeks, gradually softening and preparing for the release of the fetus, which at this time drops lower, creating additional pressure on the organ and facilitating the onset of dilatation.

In some cases, when the functioning of the organ is disrupted for various reasons, premature dilatation of the cervix may occur, which can lead to the onset of premature labor at a later stage or to a miscarriage if the labor process begins at a time when the fetus is not yet viable.

The opening begins from the side of the internal pharynx, where the baby’s head presses, while in women giving birth for the first time, the canal takes on a cone-shaped shape and the expansion of the external pharynx occurs gradually, as the fetus moves forward.

Sometimes the cervix does not dilate even at the beginning of active labor, which requires additional stimulation of the process.

In women who are giving birth not for the first time, dilatation occurs not only easier, but also faster, since by the time the pregnancy ends, the external cervical os is usually already open by 1-2 cm. Read more: cervix during pregnancy→

what to do to make the cervix dilate faster

The topic of natural childbirth comes up periodically in my articles, and I decided that it would be nice to create a small guide for those preparing for childbirth. Of course, this material alone is clearly not enough, but it still contains fundamental information on how to help your baby be born successfully and without complications.

Structure of the uterus

To begin with, it is very important to understand how this important organ, which has been a cozy home for the baby for 9 months, is tripled. You can control its activity during childbirth, and this will facilitate the process of the baby moving through the birth canal.

Childbirth begins with contraction of the muscles of the uterus - the hormone oxytocin produced by the pituitary gland gives them such a command. But not the entire uterus contracts at once, but each of its sections in turn.

- The outer layer of muscle covers the back, top and front of the uterus. It is he who pushes the baby along the birth canal to the “exit”.

— The middle layer is a mass of intertwined muscles with large blood vessels. It delivers the necessary nutrients so that labor continues.

— The inner layer of the uterus consists of circular muscles located at the cervix. With each contraction, the cervix expands in width and the outlet closes.

All muscle groups work harmoniously. During contractions, the external muscles push the baby's body down, and the middle and inner layers are at rest - the passage for advancement is open. Then a respite comes: the muscles of the outer layer relax, the inner ones contract to close the passage, and the middle ones resume supplying nutrients to the baby.

Violation of these coordinated actions is associated with pain. The muscles of all layers of the uterus are entangled in a network of nerve endings, so their contractions, or contractions, are sensitive to the mother. In other words, the moment when the baby’s head moves through the inner layer of the uterus, touching its nerve endings, is very painful.

What happens in the end? You tense up from pain, and the baby experiences pressure from internal and external muscles that are trying to move him down. And in the end this does not work out, and childbirth becomes difficult. In order not to interfere with the birth process, but rather to help it, we offer you some tips.

How to help your baby move through the birth canal

— Try as much as possible not to be afraid and to be aware of what is happening. To do this, get ready for childbirth, let you be surrounded by loved and balanced people whom you trust. Childbirth is a natural process, prepare yourself that nothing bad will happen.

- Stay in touch with your baby. Imagine what is happening to him at the moment, communicate with him.

- During the relaxation period, be sure to tell your baby that everything is going well for you, restore your breathing, breathe evenly and calmly. Drink some water, maybe try to eat something. Restore your strength in every possible way, you need it.

— During contractions, use one of the techniques that helps relax the internal muscles that open the passage so that the baby can successfully move through the birth canal.

Relaxation techniques

Breathing technique.

When you feel a contraction approaching, try to breathe deeply and deeply. As soon as it starts, breathe shallowly - then the diaphragm will not put pressure on the uterus, and therefore will not prevent it from completely contracting. At the peak of the contraction, take 4 breaths without exhaling, and then exhale calmly. Breathe normally between contractions. All this will allow you to control the process, despite the pain. This is the most important technique.

Voice technology can also help relieve pain.

. During childbirth, the mother's vocal reactions are the norm, not self-pity. Releasing the vocal cords from the clamps helps relieve tension and thereby reduce pain. If someone can’t stand your screams, that’s their problem, and you should think about the baby.

Use motor methods

reducing pain. During contractions, you can bend over, holding the support with your hands, squat down, kneel - all this will help the child adapt to the size of the pelvis and significantly reduce pain. If possible, a warm shower or bath and a light massage would be helpful.

Thus, the procedure for a woman in labor is as follows: if you feel pain, relax in any possible way, after the contraction is over, relax as much as possible, rest, and gain strength.

At some point there may be a lull. It was as if there were no contractions at all. This happens even if the water has already broken - and then delay becomes unsafe for the baby. In this case, the mother is asked to perform some active actions - brisk walking, going up and down the stairs, dancing and moving around. And, even if this does not help, doctors have the right to intervene with the help of medications.

In the case of physiological childbirth, this does not have to be resorted to. Normally, contractions become more and more rhythmic. They are repeated every 5-7 minutes, last 40-60 seconds and are very painful. This means that the cervix has dilated, but the baby has not yet entered the birth canal. At this moment, more than any other, it is important to continue to relax as much as possible during the moment of severe pain. Do not give up! Help yourself with your breath, voice and body.

Moment of birth

Here the most important role is assigned to the obstetrician. He will observe the progress of the baby's head along the birth canal and determine what actions are required of you. The command to push means that the baby needs help: you take a deep breath so that the lungs and diaphragm press on the uterus, and then exhale with a push - imagine that a powerful energy wave from the center of your chest is helping the baby to be born.

Ignore any sensations similar to bowel movements. They are due to the fact that the baby being born puts pressure on the rectum. It’s better to remember that after pushing you just need to restore breathing so that the child does not experience oxygen deficiency.

Don't hold back the urge to scream; it helps you relax. This is also important for the baby - he will know that you are nearby.

At some point, you may receive the opposite command - don't push. It is very important to listen to the obstetrician: he sees that excessive pushing can cause a rupture of the perineum or sharply push out the child’s head and thus injure him. To switch to shallow breathing, tilt your head back.

When the baby's head appears, we can say that labor has come to an end. You no longer feel pain, but feel extraordinary relief and joy. The first cry marks the beginning of the child's independent breathing, and then he simply needs contact with you in order to feel safe, loved and long-awaited.

It is highly recommended to visit an osteopath on the eve of childbirth and almost immediately after. An osteopath will prepare the mother’s body for a difficult test and will help all organs to be positioned correctly, which will minimize difficulties during the birth of a child. After childbirth, an osteopath can relieve the effects of stress, especially if something went wrong and outside intervention was required. This will help relieve possible consequences for the baby as effectively as possible - while the tissues of his body are as pliable as possible.

Stages of cervical dilatation

Many young women expecting their first child, arriving at the maternity hospital with weak contractions, hearing from the doctor during an examination that there is no dilation yet, begin to worry and wonder why the cervix does not dilate during childbirth?

But the process of expanding the lumen is divided into 3 main stages, which are not always possible to recognize independently.

The first stage of disclosure is considered to be the initial period, sometimes called slow or latent. During this period, irregular and usually mild contractions may occur. There are usually no special sensations when the cervix dilates at this time, contractions are not painful.

The duration of the first period can vary and take from several hours to several days. You should not sit and count each contraction, concentrating your attention solely on this moment, since in this case the whole process of childbirth may seem endless. If you have mild, weak contractions, you should try to sleep, as you will soon need a lot of strength and energy.

Drug assistance is usually not required in the first period, but if the doctor sees that complications may arise, he can speed up the dilatation of the cervix to avoid possible problems.

The second period is called medium or fast, as well as the active phase of opening. At this time, contractions begin to intensify, their intensity and duration increase, and the interval between them decreases. Dilation during this period can range from 4 to 8 cm.

At this time, the following rules should be observed:

• do not sit - this is what almost all doctors say; sitting during childbirth means sitting on the child’s head;
• lying down is also not recommended, since this often becomes the reason that the cervix does not open during childbirth or opens very slowly;
• It is best to walk at least around the ward during this period, this will stimulate faster opening and speed up the birth process;
• use special breathing exercises;
• if you have a strong desire to lie down, then you can, but you should find the most comfortable position.

Possible problems

From about 37 weeks, a woman’s body begins to actively prepare for the upcoming birth. Many pregnant women by this time, experiencing fear of the upcoming event, fall into panic.

Stress, nervous tension, and insufficient psychological readiness often lead to the fact that the production of hormones necessary for the beginning of the opening is inhibited, which is why the body is forced to delay the date of birth.

Many women wonder: what to do if the cervix does not open? First of all, don't be nervous. Secondly, you need to listen to the doctor and follow all his recommendations.

Often, cervical dilatation does not occur with severe polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios.

1. With polyhydramnios, the uterus stretches too much, which significantly reduces its natural contractility and leads to weakness in labor as a whole.
2. With oligohydramnios, the amniotic sac cannot exert the necessary pressure on the cervix for its proper full dilatation, and this also causes weakness in labor.

Also, problems with disclosure also occur in women over 35 years of age. In this case, difficulties are associated with a decrease in the elasticity of the tissues of the cervix and vagina.

In addition, difficulties during childbirth due to the fact that the cervix does not open often occur in women with various diseases of the endocrine system, for example, obesity or diabetes, as well as diseases of the genitals.

It often happens that when visiting a doctor before giving birth, a woman hears that the cervix is ​​not yet ready and does not have the required maturity, although the day of birth is already close. This problem is serious in cases where the pregnancy is already full term and exceeds 40 weeks, since during this period the placenta can no longer perform the necessary functions of providing the fetus with nutrition and oxygen, resulting in hypoxia.

Stimulation of labor and the onset of dilatation can be carried out using both medicinal and non-medicinal methods.

At the same time, medicinal stimulation using tablets and drugs to dilate the cervix is ​​carried out only in a hospital setting, since such actions can cause rapid labor.

Drug stimulation may include:

• the introduction of special drugs into the cervical canal, which allows you to achieve the desired result in just a few hours;
• insertion of kelp sticks into the cervical canal. Absorbing moisture, seaweed sticks begin to swell, opening the neck mechanically in 4-5 hours. But, in addition, the rods contain endogenous prostaglandins, which stimulate the ripening of the cervix in a biochemical way;
• amniotomy is also a stimulation method and involves puncturing the amniotic sac. After this procedure, the anterior waters are released, and the baby's descending head begins to put additional pressure on the cervix, forcing it to stretch.

Non-medicinal methods include not only a cleansing enema, which smoothes the posterior uterine wall and thereby causes its contraction, but also sexual intercourse, as well as physical activity.

But you should not use such methods yourself, since the risk of other complications will be very high.

Dilatation of the cervix is ​​the first stage of the birth of a baby, the correctness of which determines the entire birth process, its speed and the occurrence of possible complications.

You should not try to speed up labor on your own and influence the cervix to open it, if this is necessary - you need to entrust such actions to a doctor. It is important to properly tune in to childbirth emotionally and be psychologically prepared for this process, then everything will go much easier and faster.

Author: Irina Vaganova, doctor, especially for Mama66.ru

What can mom do?

The mother’s actions largely depend on the stage of labor.

If the pregnancy has dragged on, the due date has already passed, but there are no signs of approaching labor, then the pregnant woman can, while at home, follow simple recommendations that will help speed up the onset of labor. If contractions have already begun, then, already in the maternity hospital, the woman can also help the cervix to open faster.

Before arriving at the maternity hospital

In this case, non-drug or so-called traditional methods are suitable. However, it is important to remember that these methods are only allowed to be used after pregnancy exceeds 40 weeks .

So, the most effective ways to speed up the dilation of the cervix:

1. Physical exercise . This can be any load: walking, mopping, squats, exercise on a fitball.
2. Intimate relationships . This method is often recommended by doctors themselves, as it is the most natural way to trigger the onset of labor. In addition, during sexual release, a woman’s uterus begins to contract faster and more intensely.
3. Relaxation . It has long been proven that tension can slow down the birth process. Therefore, now a pregnant woman does not need to restrain her emotions, especially if a lot of them have accumulated. Any manifestation of emotions: laughter, crying, even screaming must be shown. So that as a result, nothing will prevent the woman from focusing on childbirth.
4. Stimulating the nipples is perhaps the best way to intensify labor. Some mothers even use a breast pump for these purposes.
5. For decades, obstetricians have been advising women to take the so-called “obstetric cocktail” with the addition of castor oil . Although its effectiveness has been proven by experience, however, from the point of view of its effect on the body, this method is not the best.
6. Some food products, including pineapple . This tropical fruit contains the enzyme bromelain, which softens the cervix and stimulates labor.

What can a mother do in the maternity ward?

When upright, the baby puts pressure on the cervix, causing it to dilate. Therefore, while in the maternity hospital, it will be more useful for the mother not to lie down, but to walk. If possible, you can jump on a fitball .

Very often, expectant mothers are advised to master proper breathing techniques in advance. This skill is incredibly useful, because in addition to accelerating the development of labor, it reduces the woman’s pain. One of the popular breathing techniques is called the Buteyko Method . Its essence lies in the fact that the woman in labor needs to inhale deeply once and exhale quickly 3-4 times.

There is no need to tense during contractions; it is very important to try to relax. You need to start pushing only after the cervix has dilated 8-10 cm, otherwise there is a danger of its rupture.

Many obstetricians argue that the condition of the larynx affects the cervix, and therefore advise women to try to keep it in a relaxed state.

In order for childbirth to occur as quickly as possible, a large amount of the hormone oxytocin must accumulate in the woman’s body. It is produced naturally when a woman feels comfortable. Therefore, any positive emotions will be useful now . In order for mommy to enjoy herself during this difficult period, she can be given a relaxing massage. Moral support from your husband in the form of kind words and hugs also helps a lot. But in some cases, women can be irritated by many things.

An alternative method of stimulating labor is acupressure . This is a very ancient way of influencing energy points. If mom has not studied the location of the necessary points in advance, it would be better to use the services of an expert in this area. It is immediately worth noting that not every maternity hospital has such specialists. Therefore, women can take into account the information that most of the points that help to relax and start the labor process are located in the palm of your hand.

The hei-gu acupressure point is located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger..

Those women who do not want to delve into complex acupressure patterns at all can simply clutch a comb or a spiked ball in their hands. The same ball can be placed under the lower back while lying down or standing against a wall - this way the acupressure points in the lumbar and sacrum areas are massaged.

Useful video about the stages of childbirth

Everyone knows that giving birth to a child is a long and painful process. However, you still need to survive it, and therefore many women ask the question: “Is it possible to speed up the process of childbirth?” After all, no one wants to suffer too long and wait to meet their baby. You have been worried and preparing for this event for a very long time. So let's try to find out how you can speed up the birth process and bring the long-awaited meeting with your baby closer.

Stimulation of labor

Childbirth is a complex and multifaceted process. For them to go well, you need to take into account a lot of nuances. Therefore, it is better to stimulate and accelerate this process under the supervision of a doctor or at least after consultation with him. Based on this, stimulation is possible at home and in the maternity hospital.

Initially, you need to be sure that the baby is ready to be born. To do this, you need to take into account the data of the last ultrasound and the duration of pregnancy. According to obstetricians, pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. Their months each last 28 days, so in terms of months, the woman is in position not for 9 months, but for 10. However, the last month, that is, from the 36th to the 40th week, is quite suitable for childbirth. A full-term pregnancy is considered from the 38th week. Therefore, before you are interested in how to speed up the birth process, you need to know exactly how long the baby is in the womb.

When should you give birth?

Pregnancy ideally lasts exactly forty weeks, or ten lunar months, but the child may be born earlier than the appointed time, or may linger in the womb. It is not considered a deviation from the norm if the baby decides to get out of the belly already at 38 or only at 42 weeks. In the first case, the baby is fully formed, continues to grow and gain weight, and in the second case, it does not yet show signs of postmaturity.

A woman’s body manifests itself very individually, but you can roughly calculate how long the pregnancy will last by looking at the length of her menstrual cycle. If menstruation recurs after 28 days, then the child will most likely be born exactly at the time determined by the doctors, but if the menstrual cycle takes more than 30 days, then the gestation will be long.

Cervix before childbirth

The main indicator of readiness for the birth process is the dilation of the cervix. The normal state of the cervix throughout pregnancy is characterized by its dense consistency, length from 3 to 5 cm, a closed canal filled with mucous plug. All this contributes to the successful bearing of a child.

But closer to childbirth, starting somewhere from the 34-36th week of pregnancy, the cervix begins to prepare for the process of delivery. This process is called cervical ripening and includes:

• shortening (up to 1 cm);
• change in consistency (it becomes soft and loose);
• change in location (movement to the center of the birth canal);
• opening of the internal and external pharynx.

All these points need to be known before speeding up the birth process using various methods.

How is cervical maturity assessed?

Starting from 38 weeks of pregnancy, during an examination with a gynecologist at a antenatal clinic or in a maternity hospital, the doctor conducts a vaginal examination to assess the condition of the cervix. It is also mandatory to examine the cervix before childbirth, as well as during labor. This is necessary to understand how quickly the process of maturation occurs.

There are four main parameters, by assessing which an obstetrician-gynecologist can conclude that the cervix is ​​ready for childbirth. Its maturity is determined by a special Bishop scale, according to which each of the parameters is assessed on a three-point system (from 0 to 2 points). If this scale is rated 5, then we can talk about readiness for natural childbirth.

Stages of cervical dilatation

The period of cervical dilatation is divided into 3 stages, each of which has its own duration. However, it is worth keeping in mind that this is purely individual, and also depends on whether the woman is primigravida or not.

The first stage is called latent (hidden) or slow. It lasts for 4-6 hours and opens the canal by 4 cm. During this stage, a woman may experience contractions every 6-7 minutes.

The second stage is called active or fast. During her period, contractions are observed every minute, the intensity of dilatation is 1 cm per hour. During this stage, the cervix opens up to 10 cm.

Methods for stimulating cervical dilatation

Since the process of dilation of the cervix is ​​already accompanied by painful sensations, it is natural that you want it to pass as quickly as possible. So, how to speed up the process of uterine dilatation before childbirth?

1. Castor oil. Taking this drug helps stimulate labor. In addition to having a laxative effect, it also stimulates uterine contraction and cervical dilatation. But you need to be extremely careful with it; in the early stages of cervical dilation, it may not work.
2. Herbal remedies. The effectiveness of taking, for example, a decoction of raspberry leaves or suppositories with belladonna extract has not been proven. But the good thing is that at least they are harmless.
3. Warm bath. Helps relax muscles and relieve tone, which makes the neck soft. But this method is unacceptable in cases where the mucus plug and water have already drained.

Other methods

Sex and picking up scattered matches from the floor are also effective exercises to stimulate labor. Collecting matches is a fun method, but it works on the principle of washing floors.

Husband therapy, as sex before childbirth is also called, has a great effect on the process of having a child. Semen contains substances that help the cervix open. Movements during sexual intercourse speed up the blood.

Can a hot bath induce labor? The effectiveness has not been proven, but women often resort to this method. The effectiveness is questionable, since the relaxation obtained while taking a bath can stimulate labor, but the risk of a hypertensive crisis is higher. Therefore, if you have any problems with blood pressure, heart problems or frequent dizziness, a hot bath to induce labor is contraindicated.

Women throughout human history have tried many ways to induce contractions. Massage of the nipples, causing a rush of oxytocin, No-spa a few days before giving birth, cleansing the intestines with castor oil or an enema, persuading the baby, eating foods that stimulate contractions (pineapples, chocolate, raspberries, hot spices), massage of the lower back and feet - the list goes on and on. The main thing is to find a suitable method for yourself.

Before starting any exercises to stimulate labor, you need to be 100% sure that they are needed. Often, the expectant mother unreasonably wants labor to begin faster. There are compelling indications for additional stimulation: post-maturity (we are talking about 42+ months), a large fetus, oligohydramnios, and others. Only a doctor can determine the pathology after diagnosis.

In order to give birth faster, it is forbidden to resort to folk methods on your own. It happens that the due date is simply incorrectly set, and premature birth is fraught with disability for the baby. It is important to listen to your body and the doctor’s instructions, to do what is best, first of all, for the child.

When the day passes on which the doctors suggested giving birth, mommy becomes truly anxious. Is everything okay with the baby? How long will it take for him to be born? Is it possible to induce contractions on your own? Every pregnant woman wants to quickly free herself from a heavy burden and press her beloved baby to her chest. There are several fairly effective ways to speed up labor at 40 weeks of pregnancy, the only question is whether it is necessary.

Stimulation in a hospital setting

Very often, stimulation of cervical dilatation is carried out in a hospital setting. In such cases, various medications are used to promote cervical ripening. An obstetrician-gynecologist deals with how to speed up the process of childbirth in a hospital; naturally, these means and techniques are much more effective than speeding it up at home. So what do doctors use?

1. Kelp sticks. Dried seaweed in the form of sticks is introduced into the slightly open cervix, and under the influence of moisture they increase in size and thereby open the uterus.
2. Balloon expansion. A special balloon is inserted into the canal and the cervix is ​​inflated using air or liquid.
3. Prostaglandins. Can be used in the form of intravenous drips, vaginal gels, suppositories or tablets. They successfully accelerate cervical ripening. By the way, these same prostaglandins are contained in sperm. This is why doctors recommend having sex to speed up labor.
4. Hormonal drugs. Not as fast acting. After taking it, labor can begin within 2 days.
5. Manual opening. This operation is performed by a doctor if the uterus contracts well but the cervix dilates poorly.
6. Amniotomy. In common parlance this is called a puncture of the amniotic sac. Usually contractions begin immediately after these manipulations.
7. Oxytocin. Administered intravenously as a dropper. The hormone provokes uterine contractions and, consequently, labor.

How is labor induced in the maternity hospital?

The time to give birth has long come, the belly is huge, the baby is cramped in it, and contractions still do not begin even with stimulation at home. What to do next? And then you need to go to the hospital. If conventional methods to speed up labor do not help, doctors will have to use medication or surgery.

Since all hospital options for inducing contractions have risks and contraindications, doctors carefully examine and advise patients before starting the procedures. Typically, two methods are used to stimulate the birth process in a maternity hospital:

• Introduction of special hormonal drugs that enhance uterine contractions. The expectant mother is placed under a drip through which the hormone oxytocin is injected into her body. This is an effective method that almost always leads to childbirth. But it is important to consider the dose of the substance, which depends on the age and health status of the woman in labor.
• Puncture of the amniotic sac. The procedure is performed in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. Fertilized fluid flows out of the punctured bladder, which provokes the rapid onset of contractions. After the internal waters drain, labor should begin no later than 12 hours later.

Contraindications for stimulation

As with any rule, there are exceptions to the issue of stimulation. You shouldn’t even think about how to speed up the birth process if:

• a planned cesarean section was scheduled;
• you have a narrow pelvis;
• there is a scar on the uterus from previous operations;
• abnormal presentation of the fetus is observed;
• a diagnosis of placenta previa was made;
• there is placental abruption;
• there are infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
• you have diseases of the cardiovascular and genitourinary systems.

In all of these cases, the birth process must occur under the supervision of a doctor, therefore, independent acceleration of labor is strictly prohibited. The life and health of the baby may depend on this.

Speeding up childbirth at home

So, if your pregnancy proceeded without complications and your baby is absolutely healthy and ready to be born, then you can safely prepare him for this. You can speed up the birth process at home using the following methods:

1. Hiking. They need to be included in your daily routine and done daily. Physical activity and fresh air will contribute to a faster onset of the labor process. However, it is worth keeping in mind that it is better not to walk on your own for such a long period of time. Involve your husband, girlfriend or mother in this process.
2. Climbing stairs. This can also help you start labor faster. Just skip the elevator. In this way, you will train your muscles and breathing apparatus, which will undoubtedly help you during the birth process.
3. Swimming. Also refers to methods of stimulating labor. In addition, water will help you get rid of the pain in your back and lower back that has been growing in recent weeks.
4. Sex. It's better if it ends with a woman's orgasm. This helps not only to distract yourself and relieve stress, but also to speed up the onset of labor. The partner's sperm contains substances that soften the cervix and facilitate its dilation. While orgasm helps the muscles of the uterus contract. However, it should be noted that this method is unacceptable if the mucus plug has already come off. In this case, this is fraught with infection of the fetus.

These methods are safe, and even the obstetrician-gynecologist himself can recommend them to you.

When does stimulation become necessary?

Usually, by 39-40 weeks of pregnancy, the cervix dilates by 3 cm. If this does not happen, the woman should try to stimulate its dilatation at home using non-drug means. These methods will also help with weak labor - when a woman feels contractions, but they are insignificant.

Labor stimulation is performed by medical staff in the following cases:

• With premature placental abruption.
• If there are all signs of post-term baby.
• 12 hours after the water breaks, since further waiting is dangerous for the baby. He becomes vulnerable - any infection can penetrate the cervix.
• Large fetus or multiple pregnancy.
• Rare irregular contractions.
• Complicated pregnancy.

For this, various medical methods are used, which will be discussed below.

Week 39

Methods of stimulating labor are recommended starting from the 39th week. As we already mentioned, the baby can be ready to be born at 38 weeks, but if you don’t know exactly when conception occurred, then wait another week before you start rushing the baby.

So, how to speed up the labor process at 39 weeks? The above methods are also suitable for this period. However, there are a few more recommendations:

1. Nipple and breast massage. This method promotes the production of oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. This will also be very useful for you when you put your baby to your breast after giving birth. This way you will not only speed up the process of the onset of labor, but also prepare your breasts for the start of feeding.
2. House cleaning. We combine useful with useful. Of course, everything should be within reason; you should not move cabinets or lift heavy objects. It is enough to simply move more during the cleaning process. For example, you can wash floors without a mop, moving on your haunches.
3. Fitball. If you have a large fitness ball at home, then you are incredibly lucky. Jumping on this device increases blood flow to the pelvic organs, including the uterus. This method is even used directly in maternity hospitals.

The simplest types of physical activity

Physical education is useful not only during pregnancy, but also for inducing labor. There are a number of exercises that help directly during the process of the birth of a baby; they eliminate pain during contractions and help the fetus to properly pass through the birth canal.

The most popular exercises that cause contractions are walking up the stairs before childbirth and washing floors. Sometimes even doctors give such recommendations. Of course, it is prohibited to be zealous to the detriment of yourself or your child. If there are deviations or contraindications, it is dangerous to engage in physical exercise and self-medication.

Does walking up the stairs help you give birth faster? Yes, any physical activity helps improve blood flow. Specifically, walking up the stairs helps to open the pelvis with each lift of the leg; rocking rhythmic movements push the fetus down to the neck. The baby gradually takes the correct position in the uterus and begins to put pressure on it. This causes the production of oxytocin, and as a result, contractions begin.

Walking up the stairs is great for stimulating labor, which has already begun but is progressing slowly. It is not uncommon to see pregnant women walking up and down the stairs in maternity hospitals.

40th week

What to do if you have already washed all the floors in the apartment a hundred times, and you have sex with your husband more often than before pregnancy, but labor still does not begin? Then we try other methods to speed up the process of childbirth at the 40th week. Here are some of them:

1. Laxative. Taking approved drugs has a stimulating effect on the walls of the intestines, and, accordingly, the uterus. Thus, you can not only speed up the onset of the labor process, but also prepare for it by emptying your intestines.
2. Simple gymnastics. Simple physical exercises saturate the body with oxygen and increase blood flow to the uterus. Squats will be especially effective. When performing them, we spread our legs to the sides, and we ourselves hold on to something with our hands. It is better to do the exercises in the presence of your husband or mother, as you may need help.
3. Kegel exercises. Their implementation is also necessary to prepare the muscles of the uterus and facilitate the birth process. It is recommended to perform up to 100 times a day.