How does the second birth proceed, what week do they give birth according to statistics?

It would seem, what questions might arise for a future mother who already has a child and is soon planning the birth of a second one? It turns out that women who decide to become mothers again, in some cases, have more questions than first-time mothers. How is the second birth? Will the second birth be easier and faster than the first? We will provide you with answers to the most relevant ones in our article.

When will the second birth begin?

It is quite common to think that the second birth and each subsequent birth after it occurs earlier than the first. There really is some truth in this, if only because the cervix no longer holds the fetus so tightly. But this fact does not have a significant impact, because everything is very individual.

It is worth noting that a lot depends on the mood of the expectant mother for the upcoming rebirth. Often women program themselves for a certain date of birth of the baby and it comes true. The approximate date of birth is determined by the doctor after an examination, but having experience of your first pregnancy and childbirth, you will be able to quickly recognize the onset of the labor process and take all measures in a timely manner.

What is second birth

Obstetricians-gynecologists divide all pregnant women into groups: first-time mothers and multiparous women. If there are no children, then the patient is classified in the first group. Those who have experienced the joys of motherhood are called second-bearing or multiparous. From a physiological point of view, repeated births are the happiest and most favorable. The body no longer experiences stress from what is happening, the uterus and cervix are more elastic, and pain is felt less. In addition, the woman is prepared psychologically: she knows what to expect and is not afraid.

How long does the second birth last?

According to doctors, the second birth and each subsequent birth process is easier and faster. If the first birth lasted about 11 hours, then on average the second birth will last about 8 hours. This is due to the fact that after the first birth the cervix becomes softer and more elastic, therefore the attempts are more intense. It’s easier for the woman herself: she breathes and pushes competently. At the same time, gynecologists agree that every birth is unique and there are cases when the second birth takes longer and is more difficult than the first time.

Reviews from women in labor

There are many myths among pregnant and postpartum women regarding the period at which the first and subsequent births . Practice shows that most often statements coincide with reality. Based on them, we can say that girls are born earlier than boys. In addition, each subsequent birth occurs at an earlier date than the previous one. Exceptions are quite rare. And most often it is associated with any pathologies during pregnancy.

Psychological moments

It is worth noting that psychological problems of the second pregnancy and childbirth also exist. Firstly, the second conception rarely occurs by chance and is already conscious, so the woman is initially ready for the birth of a second child. At the same time, in some cases, the second pregnancy can be as unexpected as the first, and the expectant mother may experience the same feelings as the first time.

Secondly, the expectant mother already knows about the pain of childbirth, so her worries are completely justified, because she will have to go through the same sensations. Especially if the first birth was problematic, then the fear and unwillingness to face difficulties the second time intensify. But according to statistics, women behave more confidently and calmly during their second birth.

Symptoms and causes of premature birth

Unexpectedly starting labor causes anxiety and stress in a woman. Let's look at why this situation occurs:

1. Infectious diseases.

This reason is one of the most common among pregnant women, which leads to early birth. The expectant mother feels unwell, and the baby’s suffering inside the womb acts as a trigger for the onset of labor. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo examination to ensure that the pregnancy is safe.

Aging of the placenta.

Doctors assess the condition of the placenta based on the results of ultrasound and CTG

The most important thing is to regularly visit a gynecologist and undergo all examinations. If the doctor detects aging of the placenta or its abruption, treatment is prescribed that improves blood flow and nutrition of the fetus

In advanced cases, medications are prescribed that accelerate the maturation of the baby’s respiratory system. Then even premature one-month-old babies survive and are nursed.

Viral diseases.

During the season of infectious diseases, not only the respiratory tract is affected, the amniotic fluid can become infected and the integrity of its membrane can be compromised. With early rupture or leakage of water, premature birth occurs.

Among the complications, it is noted that if the integrity of the bladder is broken, and the cervix is ​​not smoothed, the birth canal is not yet ready and the mucous plug has not moved away, an emergency cesarean section is required.

Placenta previa.

In this case, the pressure on the internal os increases, the cervix quickly smoothes out. By adhering to the recommendations of the gynecologist and observing bed rest, you can prevent premature birth.

Pathology of the cervix.

A shortened cervix and obturator dysfunction can be congenital or result from trauma from previous births or abortions. This leads to premature birth.

Sometimes early labor does not occur spontaneously, but the doctor prescribes an emergency caesarean section in order to preserve the health of mother and child. The causes are vascular, heart or endocrinological diseases.

New Generation

Early birth occurs at 28-36 weeks. If a woman experiences alarming symptoms, she should urgently visit a doctor:

• pulling in the lower abdomen that feels like menstruation;
• a feeling that something is pressing on the bladder;
• slight bleeding from the vagina;
• cramping pain lasting more than 30 seconds. Just don’t confuse it with training contractions;
• leakage of amniotic fluid;
• no fetal movements.

The gynecologist will assess the condition and suggest hospitalization if necessary. Don't panic, it's not scary. You can always slow down labor with special medications and procedures.

Harbingers of second birth

It is quite natural that the second birth begins in the same way as the first. However, it is worth noting that the harbingers of a second birth occur more quickly, which means the birth process may begin earlier.

After the first birth in multiparous women, an anatomical change in the cervix occurs, and the sensations of the harbingers of labor themselves become more pronounced:

1. Removal of the mucus plug. The mucus plug has a larger size, since the cervix after the first birth becomes slightly open, which allows it to open faster, which means the second birth will begin faster than the first. It is possible that the mucous plug, along with the amniotic fluid, comes out at the moment when the second birth takes place.
2. In late pregnancy, the volume and quantity of discharge increases.
3. Contractions. If we compare the precursors of the first birth and the second birth, then contractions in multiparous women usually begin prematurely. This may be due to physiological process and the ability to distinguish contractions based on previous experience. Moreover, if contractions are accompanied by brown discharge, then the second birth may begin within 8-10 hours.
4. A drooping abdomen can also be considered as a harbinger of a second birth, however, if we talk about a second birth, the belly can droop on the day of the birth itself.
5. The departure of amniotic fluid is the very first harbinger of labor, after which it is necessary to go to the hospital, especially if the process is accompanied by contractions. The water may drain either partially or completely in large volumes.
6. Weight loss of 1-2.5 kg also indicates that excess fluid is leaving the body, which means the second birth is approaching.
7. Hidden warning signs of labor: diarrhea, nausea, frequent urination.

Second birth: what week do they usually give birth?

A normal, that is, “urgent” birth is considered to be a birth between the full 37 weeks and the end of 41 weeks. The count is based on the date of the last menstruation, but sometimes obstetricians ignore this period. This happens with an irregular menstrual cycle or spontaneous pregnancy against the background of a complete absence of menstruation (breastfeeding period, hormonal amenorrhea). In this case, the main guideline for the due date will be the first genetic ultrasound at 11-14 weeks.

There is an opinion that the second birth occurs earlier than the first. In fact, there is no particular pattern here. It happens that the first birth occurred spontaneously at 38 weeks, and with the second baby the mother passed 42 weeks and gave birth only with the help of stimulation of labor. Therefore, you should not hope for a faster onset of the second birth.

It would be better and more correct to focus on the so-called harbingers of childbirth:

1. Exit of the “mucus plug”;
2. Periodic cramping, but painless and irregular contractions of the uterus - Braxton-Hicks or training contractions;
3. Aching pain in the sacrum and pubic joint;
4. Registration of pronounced uterine activity on CTG according to training contractions;
5. Lowering the abdomen and pressing the child to the pelvic bones;
6. Ease breathing, reduce heartburn;
7. Reduced body weight and swelling.

Second birth after cesarean

If the birth of your first child did not occur without surgical intervention, then the next pregnancy should not be planned in the next 5 years. During this time, the genitals will be completely restored. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the scar will diverge during the second birth. From 36 weeks, the woman is placed in a hospital, where she is observed by specialists. The gynecologist conducts a series of examinations, the results of which determine whether the woman can give birth a second time naturally.

The doctor gives permission for a natural second birth only if no complications were observed throughout the entire pregnancy. The weight of the fetus is also an important factor. It should not be more than 3.5 kg. For a natural birth, the baby must be in a cephalic position. The condition of the woman in labor must be satisfactory. If a multiparous woman has a narrow pelvis, this may cause a repeat cesarean section.

If complications suddenly arise as the child passes through the genital tract, doctors must immediately perform emergency surgery. If the second birth was carried out with the help of surgery, then all subsequent births will be carried out in the same way.

There are cases when, during the first birth, abdominal surgery was performed due to a large fetus or its pelvic position, but during the second pregnancy there are no such indications. Then the doctor may allow the woman to give birth naturally. But there are also the opposite situations: the first birth was natural, but the second birth must be performed by caesarean section.

A little about the timing

How long does the second birth last? Usually the process takes much less time from the mother in labor. The duration of the second birth is 7–9 hours. Contractions last about six hours. Mommy will have to push for about half an hour. After 15 minutes the afterbirth appears.

What week does labor begin? Having heard a lot about how the second birth goes, the pregnant woman expects the baby to arrive ahead of schedule. This is her mistake.

Statistics on second births show that a standard pregnancy can last up to 42 weeks. But in 90–95% of cases, resolution of the burden occurs before 39 weeks. At 38 weeks, contractions can occur at any time.

Sometimes women can carry a child for 41 weeks. Such delays in second births are known to medicine. Delivery is normal - from 37 to 42 weeks. Second birth statistics by week:

When labor begins depends on the woman’s age and how the first pregnancy progressed. If the firstborn is born prematurely, the situation may repeat itself.

How do second births occur in women over 30?

As mentioned earlier, doctors recommend having children before 35 years of age to avoid unpleasant consequences. But there are cases when the gap between the first and second births is more than 10 years. In this case, it is possible to reduce the sensitivity of the muscle tissue of the uterus to oxytocin, which is responsible for the frequency and strength of uterine contractions. An insufficient amount of this hormone can lead to weak labor. This complication is quite common among those who decide to give birth to a child after 35. During this period, chronic diseases worsen, which for some time went into a latent form, and now have made themselves known. The risks of fetal genetic diseases increase.

Although there are many reasons why pregnancy at 30-35 has more advantages than early pregnancy, for example, women take a more responsible approach to planning and preparation. Mature expectant mothers strictly follow doctor's orders and take their health seriously.

Late childbirth in the USA and here

Natural childbirth after 35 years is often pathological in nature, and therefore is often resolved by cesarean section. In the Russian Federation, the percentage of surgical births, according to various sources, ranges from 18 to 28%, in Brazil and Germany it reaches 50%, despite the fact that WHO recommends surgical intervention in only 15% of cases. In the United States, since 2007, a policy has been pursued aimed at reducing the number of operative births, which to date has given the national average result of 32%. This figure varies widely depending on the state: the lowest rate is Utah 18.3%, one of the highest 32.6% in Florida, which is associated with the mentality of the population. It has been proven that the risk of complications after surgical delivery, despite the powerful medical arsenal available in developed countries, is 1.5-2% higher than during delivery through the natural birth canal. In this aspect, the professionalism of the obstetrician-gynecologist plays an important role, which consists precisely in correctly conducting pre-conception preparation and delivering the baby, taking into account all sorts of factors, with the least risk of complications for the mother and child.

Summarizing the above, I note that in most developed countries, childbirth after 35 years has long become the generally accepted norm and the diagnosis - old primigravida, so relevant in Russia, has long lost its meaning for Europe and the USA. Of course, such women in labor require more attention from doctors, but they take a much more responsible approach to monitoring their pregnancy, and the material base created for the long-awaited moment allows not only to undergo an in-depth examination in the event of a detected pathology, without waiting for government assistance, but also to conclude a contract for childbirth both in Russia and abroad.

How to make your second birth easier

Despite the fact that the second birth goes faster, pain still accompanies the birth process. To alleviate the condition, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• attend group classes with a psychologist, where you can not only learn useful information, but also communicate with other mothers;
• attend a school for future parents, where you will be taught proper breathing and given valuable advice on proper nutrition and daily routine before and after childbirth;
• visit the pool or water aerobics: exercise in water has a positive effect on both the physical and emotional state of the expectant mother. Water procedures can strengthen muscles, tighten skin and reduce the number of stretch marks;
• Do gymnastics for pregnant women: special exercises will help strengthen the pelvic floor.

In addition, prepare mentally: you can meditate, communicate with the baby, which will allow you to treat everything that happens with a light heart.

Your second birth will go faster if you exercise. Exercise should be moderate, and all exercise should be discussed with your doctor in advance. Perhaps your doctor will advise you on exercises that will help you prepare well for the upcoming birth. A few minutes of daily practice will give good results.

Among the physical aspects of preparation are walks in the fresh air, which will not only saturate the cells with oxygen, but will also contribute to the good mood of the expectant mother. Walking has a positive effect on muscle condition and digestion.

Many women think about whether they need drugs to reduce pain or induce labor. Of course, it is better to discuss this point with a doctor who will make the right decision. But you must remember that the period of contractions during your second pregnancy will be shorter, which means you may not need anesthesia. And if you are sensitive to pain, then it is possible to administer a smaller dose so that the painkiller stops working before you start pushing.

At what period can you give birth to a viable child?

Official documents approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation on the recommendations of the World Health Organization determine the timing of premature birth, during which it is possible to give birth to a viable child. The criteria regulating the need to provide medical care to a newborn also include the approximate gestational age at which the baby is born.

Minimum and physiological term of labor

The birth of a baby is considered optimal at 40 weeks, but only every tenth pregnant woman survives. This is the ideal time to give birth, and in life rarely anything is ideal. At 40 weeks, nature provided the necessary conditions for the birth of a healthy baby, and the birth process passed without complications.

The development of the fetus in the mother's womb must be complete. Clinical studies have shown that small deviations from the pediatric norm do not have a significant effect on the condition of the newborn.

At what age can you give birth to a viable baby? For a long time in modern pediatrics, births between 37 and 42 weeks have been considered full-term. The first obstetric week is counted from the 1st day of the last menstruation and is verified according to ultrasound data in each trimester.

In the WHO recommendations, adopted as a basis in the regulatory documents of the Russian Federation, the main determining criterion for the physiology of the birth of a child at a time determined by nature, and its viability, was the gestational age, and not the weight and height of the newborn, although indicators are also taken into account. A woman gives birth to a full-term baby only at 37, 38, 39 and 40 weeks. From 22 to 36 it is considered premature, at 41 and 42 – post-term.

Degrees of prematurity and indicators

Medical assistance to ensure life support for premature birth is provided from the 22nd week of pregnancy, provided that the baby weighs at least 500 g and its body length is 25 cm or more.

The statistics include babies born viable who have reached 1 kg and 35 cm in height from the 28th week. From 22 to 27, medical care is provided and the necessary care measures are taken.

If such a child has lived for more than a week, he is registered alive.

The main criteria for recording in the medical history by week of pregnancy:

• 22-27 - 4th degree of prematurity, weight from 0.5 to 0.999 kg;
• 28-31 – 3rd degree of prematurity, - 1 kg–1.5 kg;
• 32-35 - 2nd degree of prematurity, - 1,501 kg–2.0 kg;
• 36 (sometimes 36-37) week - 1 degree of prematurity, - 2.001-2.5 kg;
• 37-40 - considered full-term;
• 41-42 – postponed.

According to WHO recommendations, births occurring between 22 and 37 weeks are considered premature. A baby born at 37 weeks is already considered born at the minimum time for physiological birth; if the baby was born a week earlier, he is still not full-term to the lower limit of normal.

Survival at every stage

4th degree of prematurity is a period when the child is not sufficiently prepared for life outside the mother’s womb. It's not just about low weight, but also about the underdevelopment of vital organs.

If the maternity hospital has the necessary equipment and specially trained personnel, there is minimal chance of survival of the newborn.

Therefore, registration as alive is carried out only from the 28th week, or 7 days after birth.

In the 2nd and 1st degrees, in modern conditions, it is possible to save almost all children. Despite the 100% survival rate of infants with 1st and 2nd degree prematurity, doctors try to prolong pregnancy at least to the minimum physiological period. No ultra-modern equipment can replace the mother's womb in terms of supply, comfort and optimal natural conditions.

In the weeks when the baby is still considered premature, processes of transition to the outside world occur. The body undergoes radical changes to ensure adaptation outside the mother, the implementation of independent breathing and nutrition.

In order to prevent premature birth, every woman must follow medical instructions, take maximum care of her own body and the unborn child who is about to be born. The baby's life and health depend on the mother.

The role of proper breathing during second birth

Breathing plays a key role during the onset of labor. Take a deep breath in through your nose, count to four, and exhale slowly through your mouth to a count of six. When exhaling, it is better to fold your lips into a tube. This seemingly simple method allows you to relax and saturate your blood with oxygen. A full exhalation will allow you to more effectively get rid of carbon dioxide and get more air when you inhale.

The “dog breathing” technique works great. We have all repeatedly seen how dogs breathe when they are hot: short inhalations and exhalations through the mouth. This technique also makes the birth process easier.

Partner birth

This type began to be practiced in Russia in 1990. Statistics from partner births show a decrease in the use of drug pain relief:

A survey of the population showed that most women are embarrassed by their behavior, and men experience a feeling of helplessness during labor.

Birth statistics highlight positive aspects:

• the husband gives the woman a massage during labor, helps her take the necessary positions, breathe correctly to reduce pain;
• For a woman tired of contractions, the presence of a loved one gives strength;
• During the process, a woman sometimes loses control of herself, then a close person who soberly assesses the situation will come to the rescue.

Partnership during childbirth also has negative aspects:

• the woman feels embarrassed;
• the process can cause problems in intimate relationships;
• the birth of a child sometimes causes shock in men;
• men get stressed seeing their wife's helpless state.

Tips for expectant mothers

Despite the fact that we are talking about the second birth and everything seems clear, there are points that need to be remembered:

1. Preparing for childbirth. Just before your due date, check or make a list of necessary things that you will take with you to the hospital. Consider the feasibility of partner childbirth if you gave birth for the first time without a husband. The presence of your husband will be a good support for you.
2. When should you go to the hospital? Another important aspect is the right time to go to the maternity hospital. Since labor occurs more rapidly, the time between childbirth and the harbingers of labor is reduced. If for primiparous women the precursors can begin 3 weeks before the onset of labor, then for multiparous women - 1-7 days before birth. In this case, you should not delay your visit to the hospital so that you do not have to give birth on the way.
3. Second birth 10 years later. If 10 years have passed since the first birth, then the woman’s body is completely restored and, most likely, the harbingers of childbirth will be similar to those that occurred during the first birth.
4. Contractions. The body retains the memory of the first contractions, as this is a rather painful process. Naturally, a woman can ask for painkillers, but it’s better to switch gears and try to calm down. It's time to remember the “correct postures”, breathing and do a relaxing massage.
5. Attempts. During the birth process, midwives tell you how to behave correctly, so trust them and follow all recommendations. The main thing is to breathe and don't worry. Moreover, during the second birth, all processes go faster and more efficiently.

Second birth: possible complications

Complications during repeated births are usually less common. However, complications that arose during the first birth can, although not necessarily, recur.

Ruptures during repeated births are much less common than during the first. If there were ruptures in the first birth, then another rupture may occur in the same place, although this does not happen often. We can say that if the scars at the site of ruptures in the vagina and perineum healed well, then they will not lead to ruptures during repeated births. Cervical ruptures recur more often, since stretching of the cervix at the site of the scar left after the rupture is difficult. Ruptures of the perineum and vagina may recur if the last time there was suppuration in the area of ​​the sutures. Tears may occur at the site of a previous episiotomy (cut in the perineum), but if the suture has healed well, this usually does not happen.

Weakness of labor is less common during the second birth, even if it was present during the first birth, so doctors are less likely to resort to stimulation. This is explained by the fact that the weakness of labor is often due to the woman’s fear and lack of preparation for childbirth. However, if the expectant mother is over 35 years old, then the likelihood of this complication increases. Weakness may also recur if it was caused by a chronic illness of the mother (hypertension, heart defects, bronchial asthma with respiratory failure). The older a woman is and the more chronic diseases she has, the more likely she is to develop weakness in labor. The risk of labor weakness is also increased in women who have a short interval between births, since the muscles of the uterus and abdominal muscles are not always fully restored during this time. Muscles recover more slowly in case of multiple pregnancy (in the current or previous pregnancy), polyhydramnios, and also in the case of a large fetus. All these factors lead to muscle overstretching, and the ability to contract is reduced.

If during the first birth there were difficulties with the separation and release of the placenta and they resorted to manual separation of the placenta, there is a high probability that the second time the placenta will not separate on its own. This probability increases if after the first birth there were inflammatory diseases of the uterus (endometritis) or if the woman had abortions or miscarriages between births.

However, even if there were no complications during the first birth, they may occur the second time, especially if many years have passed between births and the woman has managed to “accumulate” chronic diseases. The frequency of complications during repeated births is also increased by abortions and miscarriages between births, and sexually transmitted infections.

Preparation

A woman who is going to become a mother for the third time should pay special attention to proper preparation for childbirth.

It is important to keep your body in shape, move, and engage in light physical activity to improve muscle tone.

Particular attention should be paid to preparing the pelvic floor muscles. It is advisable to strengthen them before conception

As a last resort, you need to start doing Kegel exercises after the end of the first trimester, if the obstetrician-gynecologist observing the pregnancy has nothing against it and does not find any grounds that are a contraindication to such exercises

It is advisable to strengthen them even before conception. As a last resort, you need to start doing Kegel exercises after the end of the first trimester, if the obstetrician-gynecologist observing the pregnancy has nothing against it and does not find any grounds that are a contraindication to such exercises

Particular attention should be paid to preparing the pelvic floor muscles. It is advisable to strengthen them before conception

As a last resort, you need to start doing Kegel exercises after the end of the first trimester, if the obstetrician-gynecologist observing the pregnancy has nothing against it and does not find any grounds that are a contraindication to such exercises.

For women with a negative Rh factor, it is important to consult a doctor at the stage of pregnancy planning, and then promptly administer immunoglobulin, since with each subsequent pregnancy, if the partner has a positive Rh factor and the child inherits it, the likelihood of a serious and severe Rh conflict increases significantly

Risk factors for second birth

All of the above applies to cases of normal pregnancy. However, there are situations with complications, then the second birth may be more difficult than the first. What circumstances may be risk factors?

1. First of all, complications during childbirth can be affected by a woman’s previous abortions and miscarriages, as well as diseases of the genitourinary system. If the diseases are chronic, it is worth pre-treatment to minimize their adverse effects on the embryo. Lack of corpus luteum hormone or uterine fibroids can cause miscarriage.
2. Exhaustion of the body after several births. According to doctors, second births are easier and faster, while third and fourth births often do not go without complications precisely because of fatigue and wear and tear of the body. Of course, childbirth leaves an imprint on a woman’s health. Scientific research has concluded that if a woman gave birth at the rate of a cat, her life expectancy would be 9 years.
3. Caesarean section at first birth. There is still debate in the medical community whether it is possible to allow a woman to have a natural birth after a cesarean section. To make the right decision regarding natural delivery, the doctor needs to familiarize himself with all the facts of the first birth and the reasons for the cesarean section. In the case of a natural first birth, the presence or absence of ruptures and the correctness of their healing process must be taken into account. As a rule, there is no reason for surgery after perineal tears. However, if for the first time there were cervical ruptures or there was suppuration of the sutures placed for perineal ruptures, this could result in a change in the structure of the birth canal and a decrease in the elasticity of the tissue. In such cases, a planned cesarean section is likely to be prescribed.
4. Complications of pregnancy during the period from 12 to 26 weeks can lead to premature birth. In order to avoid the negative impact of the environment, you need to take the necessary precautions: avoid contact with pets (they are carriers of toxoplasmosis, which has a detrimental effect on the embryo), limit physical activity (do not do repairs yourself, move furniture and lift weights), switch to wearing comfortable shoes without heels to avoid traumatic situations.
5. Another risk factor is the age of the expectant mother. The optimal boundaries for childbearing are 18-30 years old. Early pregnancy (before 18 years of age) is accompanied by physiological problems. The body is not yet able to withstand such powerful loads, and on the moral side there are nuances - girls are not yet able to realize the importance of the moment and approach the issues of bearing a healthy child and childbirth quite responsibly. After thirty years, the ability to conceive and bear a fetus decreases by 50%. After thirty-five years, the likelihood of dangers increases significantly, therefore it is necessary to especially carefully prepare the body for the upcoming birth. Proper nutrition, giving up bad habits, moderate activity, a positive attitude and frequent exposure to fresh air will help significantly improve the condition of a pregnant woman. Modern technologies make it possible to carry out successful childbirth in women up to 45 years of age, however, one should not delay such an important event. According to medical statistics, the older a woman is, the greater the risk of having a child with Down syndrome.
6. Gynecologists consider women with multiple pregnancies to be at increased risk. When expecting twins or triplets, there is a high probability of severe toxicosis throughout the entire nine months. In this case, there is a sharp decrease in hemoglobin, the appearance of shortness of breath and varicose veins, complication of heart function and increased fatigue. There is a high probability of premature birth. It is recommended that mothers with multiple pregnancies get more rest, visit a gynecologist more often, and, if possible, go to the maternity hospital for conservation.
7. The bad habits of a woman and her immediate environment can have a huge impact on the developing organism of the embryo. It is necessary to give up alcohol and smoking, and also try not to be a passive smoker.
8. They may also be considered at risk based on another parameter - differences in the blood type and Rh factor of the future parents. So, a woman with a negative Rh blood factor will find it difficult to bear a baby with a positive one, inherited from the father. The mother's body perceives the fetus in this case as a foreign body and may reject it. To avoid miscarriage and premature birth, you should consult your doctor about safety precautions.

In any case, regardless of whether a woman has a first pregnancy and childbirth or a repeat one, one thing is clear: this is the most significant event in the life of every family. The birth of a new life, procreation is a great sacrament, and nature itself has entrusted this important mission to man. Therefore, repeated births, be they the second or third, are God’s gift, which must be treated accordingly.

Article provided by Crazymama.ru

How everything will happen

The second birth has the same three stages as the first:

• Contractions and cervical dilatation
• Pushing and birth of the baby
• Birth of placenta or placenta.

The longest of these stages is the first. During contractions, the cervix gradually shortens and dilates. From a narrow “tube” it will turn into a wide ring with a hole of about 10 centimeters. Your baby will come out through this “door”.

When the cervix is ​​fully dilated, water flows out. This is not all amniotic fluid.

Most of it still surrounds the baby and protects him from injury. Only 100-200 milliliters spilled out, which were above the child’s head.

After this, you have an irresistible urge to push during every contraction. You remember how it happens. Doctors coordinate you and help the baby be born. And now - a miracle! – you hear your baby’s first cry.

All that remains is to give birth to the placenta. After all, she is of no use to you now. First you need to wait until the afterbirth separates from the wall. And then it’s worth pushing - and he’s already born.

Signs of the onset of second labor

Despite the experience, during the second pregnancy there are differences in the precursors from the first birth, and it is important for the mother in labor not to miss them. The following harbingers indicate the imminent birth of a child:

• prolapse of the abdomen. At the end of the second pregnancy, the uterus descends into the pelvis, which is why the stomach also changes its position. Most often before the second birth, this happens 2-4 days before the onset of contractions, but it can also be just a few hours. It becomes easier to breathe with the diaphragm freed from pressure, and heartburn disappears. If you notice a clear prolapse of the abdomen, get ready to go to the maternity hospital;
• discharge of the mucus plug. A lump of mucus, which protects the uterus from infections, comes out of the uterine cervix a few hours before birth. It is allowed to come out as a whole lump or in parts of 2–3 ml; the mucus itself is colorless, but there may be bloody streaks. If this happened earlier than 2 weeks before the PDR, and the mucus is bright scarlet in color, you should urgently consult a doctor;
• weight loss. Before giving birth, women experience a weight loss of about 1–2 kg. 2–3 weeks before this, the mother’s weight gain stops and the body begins to get rid of excess fluid. The swelling subsides, which can be seen in the previously swollen ankles, on which there is no longer a trace left by the elastic bands of the socks. It is the disappeared swelling that causes weight loss before the second birth;
• change in posture. The way women move shortly before giving birth takes on a resemblance to a duck's gait. The displacement of the center of gravity by the prolapsed uterus forces the expectant mother to literally shift from one foot to the other, and the thrown back head acts as a counterweight. Normal walking is difficult, so it is recommended to reduce physical activity;
• painful sensations in the abdomen and lower back. It is the ligaments and muscles that are stretched to support the uterus that cause discomfort. If the lower abdomen seems to turn to stone and the mucous plug has already come out, it means that labor is about to begin;
• copious discharge. The reason for their appearance lies in the detachment of the amniotic sac and the release of fluid through the genital tract. In multiparous women, the amount of vaginal discharge is higher than in primiparous women. Some people mistake this for the release of amniotic fluid. To dispel doubts, you can perform an amniotic fluid detection test, sold at the pharmacy. If the reagent showed their presence in the secretions, there is very little time left before the onset of contractions, most often no more than 60–90 minutes;
• frequent urination and loose stools. If the frequent urge to urinate is caused by the pressure of the uterus on the bladder, then stool until the last week before the second birth remains problematic with a tendency to constipation. But the days before childbirth are “decorated” with diarrhea and nausea. Some pregnant women suspect poisoning and are sent to the infectious diseases department, although they should go to the maternity hospital;
• child's behavior. Even the most active babies save energy before birth and calm down for a while. If just yesterday the pushing fetus began to signal its presence less frequently, in 90% of cases it is preparing to leave the mother’s womb any day now. But for your own peace of mind, it would be better to see a doctor right away;
• a surge of strength in the mother. It becomes easier to breathe, free space in the intestines relieves heaviness in the stomach and the thirst for action awakens. “Should I start some spring cleaning? Easily! We can even make fun of repairs, let's go get wallpaper. Everything should shine before the arrival of another family member,” these are the ideas that fill the thoughts of the expectant mother immediately before giving birth. Many women, under the influence of the nesting instinct, are able to spend hours sorting through children's things or wandering around the shops in search of new ones, rearranging the crib for a newborn and in every way making the house cozy;
• change in emotional background. Before childbirth, hormonal changes in the body begin again. The mood changes right before your eyes from “I love and want to hug the whole world” to “Leave me under this blanket, I want to cry alone”;
• discharge of amniotic fluid. Unlike first-time mothers, whose water often breaks after the onset of contractions, during the second birth the amniotic fluid gradually pours out even before uterine contractions. After placing the pad, after a while you can notice a yellowish substance that has been absorbed, while normal vaginal discharge mostly remains on the surface of the pad. If your water breaks even in small quantities, then you should rush to the maternity hospital. Against the background of chronic diseases and complications during pregnancy, rapid discharge of the entire volume of amniotic fluid is possible;
• prenatal contractions. A woman who has gone through childbirth at least once will not confuse the sensations of contractions with anything else. When regular uterine contractions begin, you should lie on your left side and wait for the ambulance team to arrive. You can go to the maternity hospital by private car or taxi, but not while driving, but lying down in the back seat.

Video: when to go to the maternity hospital