What does acne mean during pregnancy? Last days before childbirth State before childbirth.

When a long-awaited pregnancy occurs, all thoughts are only about the future baby. Boy or girl? The main thing is to be born healthy. The woman glows with happiness, a sparkle appears in her eyes. But when acne appears on your face along with joy, you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Why do acne appear during pregnancy, which darkens all the joy?

Who are we expecting: a boy or a girl?

When a woman is expecting a baby and acne of varying levels and sizes appears on her face, it is believed that the baby will be a girl. People often say: “My daughter took away her beauty.” And vice versa, if acne does not increase, and even becomes smaller, then, according to folk superstitions, a boy should be born.

Pimples can appear on the forehead, chin, cheeks, back, and stomach. Does the gender of the child really affect the appearance of rashes during pregnancy?

There are several opinions on this matter in scientific medicine. Some believe that this is complete nonsense, while others explain such coincidences quite reasonably. It's all about changing a woman's hormonal background. The gender of the child has its influence on this aspect, although to a small extent. Boys and girls can determine the nature of its changes, but only when their gender has been accurately determined. This can only happen in later stages. Early rashes may not be a sign of who will be born.

Acne in pregnant women appears in the very early stages due to toxicosis, which affects the functioning of the digestive tract and the general restructuring of the body, including the hormonal system. You can determine the sex of the child by the shape of the abdomen. If it is a boy, the belly protrudes strongly forward; when it is a girl, it is distributed evenly throughout the entire peritoneum, including the sides. Folk experts determine the sex of the unborn child based on other characteristics. Of course, they are often mistaken, so it is better to determine the sex of the child by ultrasound examination, and not guess who will be born based on acne.

Causes

The occurrence is observed less frequently than on the face. Acne occurs especially often in the first and last trimester, when the female body is either reorganizing itself to bear a fetus or preparing for the end of this mission.

It is believed that if a woman had skin problems before pregnancy, then the likelihood that acne will appear during pregnancy increases. Of course, every woman’s body is individual. The opposite may also happen.

Here are the medical reasons for the appearance of such a disease as acne:

Acne appears when delayed

The situation when they were late is familiar to many women. Can we conclude that you are pregnant? According to a number of signs, in the first trimester of pregnancy, frequent rashes are indeed observed due to the restructuring of the female body and the activation of the function of bearing a child. Some of the characteristic signs are: delay and the appearance of pimples.

However, such symptoms can appear during the inflammatory process, and not only of the reproductive system. They can be triggered by common colds and flu. Late breakouts and acne breakouts may be a sign of hormonal changes, but they are not a guaranteed pregnancy symptom. Often before, they need to be treated only externally. No pathology is observed in the body. Therefore, when it appears before menstruation, it should not be considered a sign of pregnancy. However, it doesn't hurt to check. In the early stages, many other transformations occur that can serve as a sign that a woman is pregnant.

Another reason for delayed periods and pimples can be nervous stress. At the same time, the woman becomes nervous, and the body begins to produce substances harmful to it, from which it strives. Delays can be caused by nervousness, worries, anxiety, and fear. Delays in menstruation in themselves, of course, should be cause for concern. Every girl or woman begins to suspect something when a delay occurs, but whether there are pimples or not does not matter.

Prevention

Prevention of skin rashes includes the following:

If nothing can be done about physiological changes and hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, then another cause can be prevented. For this, it is important to maintain a drinking regime. In the first trimester of bearing a child, the amount of drinking water consumed should be 2 liters (if there is no tendency for edema to appear). This is enough to maintain optimal water levels in the body.
Proper skin care is very important. It is advisable to wash your face with natural products, without artificial additives. Baby soap is perfect. Wipe your face with alcohol-free lotions and tonics. It is also recommended to use fresh decoctions of medicinal herbs if there are no allergic reactions to them.
A balanced diet is an important component for preventing acne. A pregnant woman's body needs vitamins most of all. And as you know, the beauty of the skin comes from within. This is very important for the proper development of the baby.
Fresh air is good for the skin and for the body of a pregnant woman as a whole. Lack of oxygen negatively affects the skin. It is advisable to spend more time outside, especially in the evening when the air is cleaner.

How to treat?

During pregnancy, the likelihood of allergic reactions increases. Before using any means, it is better to consult a specialist. Use those that are natural and safe.

Why can’t acne during pregnancy be removed with chloramphenicol, peroxide, or zinc ointment on the forehead, nose, and chin? These substances have a fairly large concentration of active chemical elements, some of them are antibiotics. They will certainly help reduce acne during pregnancy, but it is better to opt for natural remedies. In case of delayed menstruation, acne should also be treated with safe, neutral medications. will help:

It often happens that with the birth of a child, acne goes away on its own. Hormonal levels are restored. But there are also cases when a woman, long after giving birth, has to struggle with an illness on her face and treat it with various means. The gender of the child, as we see, has nothing to do with it at all. Be that as it may, the occurrence of acne in pregnant women is a temporary problem and cannot overshadow the joy of motherhood.

Pregnancy is a state of a woman’s body that is accompanied by changes in hormonal levels. The skin is particularly receptive and sensitive to such sudden changes, so acne during pregnancy on various parts of the body is considered quite common.

Often, expectant mothers have a lot of concerns about such tubercles, since they not only make a woman’s appearance less attractive, but are accompanied by the development of a feeling of discomfort. Acne is a sure sign of increased progesterone activity. It is for this reason that the problem of the causes of acne and age spots and methods of treating them is considered important while expecting a baby.

Changes in the body during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a number of transformations are observed in a woman’s body and, first of all, hormonal changes occur. When pregnancy occurs, active production of progesterone begins - this is the hormone of the female body that is characterized by increased activity before menstruation.

Progesterone has a negative effect on the condition of the skin:

the first sign of increased sebum production is clogging and inflammation of the pores;
the sweat glands are actively working and a sure sign of this process is increased sweating;
skin fibers lose their elasticity;
There is an active process of bacterial proliferation, since the skin has reduced resistance to their effects.

The period before menstruation, as well as after its completion, is controlled by the following hormones:

Estrogen is responsible for the first phase of the menstrual cycle. Its action is aimed at actively removing those unpleasant changes on the skin that occurred under the influence of progesterone.
In the second phase of the cycle before menstruation, the hormone progesterone is activated and the first sign of its activity is the appearance of acne. In case of successful conception, such small tubercles persist both during the delay and in the early stages of pregnancy. Before menstruation, there is an active release of progesterone and the result is the appearance of acne on areas of the body such as the chin and forehead.

Causes of pathology

Despite the fact that the main reason for the development of such a cosmetic defect is female hormones, some factors can be identified that contribute to the appearance of unpleasant spots on the face, stomach and back both in the early stages of expecting a baby and before childbirth. There are the following reasons for the formation of acne during pregnancy:

All these reasons lead to the fact that there is an intense process of acne appearing during pregnancy on various parts of the body, with most of them observed on the face, back and chest. To prevent the development of such a cosmetic defect, it is necessary to eliminate the causes and factors contributing to the manifestation of such pathology.

Acne treatment

The appearance of a large number of pimples on the skin of a pregnant woman is the first sign that it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. Treating acne during pregnancy with various creams and lotions is unlikely to be a useful activity, since the causes of this pathological skin condition lie in changes in the woman’s hormonal levels and the active production of progesterone. This cosmetic defect can be treated with the help of special herbal lotions and masks, after consulting a doctor.

You can use the following traditional medicine recipes;

If before menstruation and in the early stages of pregnancy there is an active growth of acne, then at the beginning of the second trimester there is a significant decrease in their number. This is a sure sign that the problem is beginning to recede and the woman will soon return to her attractive appearance.

A pregnant woman undergoes a significant transformation over the course of 9 months. Many people say that all pregnant women look somehow especially beautiful, because being a mother suits you so well! But against the background of other external factors - an enviably rounded tummy, breast enlargement, changes in the condition of hair, the appearance of a mysterious sparkle in the eyes - this very face does not always look as harmonious as we would like. Pimples, exactly the same as in teenagers, may suddenly appear on it (the so-called pregnancy mask) or bloom.

Causes of acne during pregnancy

People say that girls take away beauty from a woman, so the appearance of acne during pregnancy was considered an indirect sign of the birth of a daughter. But there is another version that acne indicates that a woman is carrying a boy. In fact, gender determination and acne during pregnancy have nothing to do with each other. Their appearance is determined by hormones.

As you know, the hormonal background of a pregnant woman is constantly changing, very actively and violently, and the consequences of these changes are very difficult to predict. Theoretically, the higher the progesterone level and the greater the “amplitude of fluctuations” of the hormones, the more likely it is that a woman will break out. Most often this occurs already in the first trimester of pregnancy.

In addition to performing its direct functions of maintaining pregnancy, it significantly increases the production of sebum. And this is precisely the cause of acne, because the pores of the skin become very clogged.

The likelihood of acne during pregnancy and when the female body is dehydrated increases. At the same time, the concentration of hormones in the blood increases, and the manifestations in the form of acne intensify.

How to deal with acne during pregnancy?

You are unlikely to be able to change your hormonal levels to eliminate acne. The process goes on by itself, naturally. And all that remains for you is to come to terms with this temporary trouble. Remember: acne does not pose any danger to the child and the pregnancy itself, but this is the most important thing now. But, of course, we also don’t forget about aesthetics and skin health.

Daily hygiene is a must! And with its indispensable hydration. The opinion that oily skin does not need to be moisturized is wrong. Choose high-quality soft skin care cosmetics - without alcohol, fragrances, salicylic acid, hormones and other unwanted ingredients.

If your skin is very oily, clean it several times a day, removing excess oil.

For acne, using a scrub is not advisable because it promotes the spread of acne across the face. But clay masks will be beneficial.

Under no circumstances use any ointments or take any medications unless prescribed by a doctor. Of the ointments, all are generally contraindicated except Skinoren. It should be applied in a very thin layer (you can only apply it directly to the pimple), but first you should definitely consult a doctor.

Resist the temptation to squeeze pimples and generally touch them with your hands, especially unclean ones, otherwise the situation will worsen significantly.

Drink enough liquid to reduce the concentration of hormones in the blood (8-9 glasses a day). Walking and exercise will also benefit your skin. Follow the nutritional recommendations for the expectant mother: lots of vegetables and fruits, crumbly cereals. And be sure to take it (but not synthetic, but natural). Many women, thanks to vitamin and mineral complexes, manage to reduce the appearance of acne or avoid it altogether.

If acne gives you some psychological discomfort, mask it with foundation - good quality creams are not contraindicated during pregnancy. But in general, it is better to consult a specialist for professional advice and get an answer to the question of what to do about acne during pregnancy.

When will pregnancy acne go away?

It is impossible to predict whether you will get acne while pregnant. But there are factors that predispose to deterioration of the facial condition. So, if you previously suffered from oily skin and acne, then it is almost certain that the situation will worsen with the onset of pregnancy. Even if you have never suffered from acne and naturally have normal, clear skin, this is not a guarantee that it will remain that way during pregnancy.

But it also happens the other way around: when a pregnant woman’s face cleanses and shines with beauty and health as never before. Do not rush to rejoice or despair: everything must pass. It’s just not known exactly when.

In most cases, pregnancy acne goes away after the first trimester or immediately after childbirth. Some women suffer from acne for a long period of time even after the birth of the baby. Here, probably, everything depends on how quickly the mother’s hormonal levels level out and return to normal. But now you will have plenty of other worries, more important and entertaining than acne.

Let nothing darken the joys of motherhood for you!

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Carrying a child is accompanied by changes in a woman’s physical condition. Acne during pregnancy is most often a variant of the physiological norm. Rashes on the surface of the epidermis are a pathology when they cause damage to the health of the expectant mother and fetus. As a rule, acne during pregnancy is an aesthetic problem that can be easily eliminated. However, in some situations, purulent neoplasms threaten the life of the baby and the woman.

Acne during pregnancy is most often a variant of the physiological norm

If acne appears during pregnancy, it is important to distinguish regular rashes from boils in time. To eliminate the skin defect, special drugs are selected that do not affect the intrauterine development of the fetus. Acne during pregnancy can occur in every woman, regardless of age, skin type and gender of the unborn child. When carrying a baby, representatives of the fair sex should be prepared for such changes in their appearance.

Why do rashes occur during pregnancy?

The skin reflects the condition of the internal organs. Carrying a child is stressful for a woman. Acne on the body during pregnancy indicates that the body is adapting to new conditions. The functioning of all systems during this period is aimed at preserving the fetus. The formation of acne during pregnancy is one of the possible responses of the immune system to stress on the body. Neoplasms appear suddenly and often go away on their own.

Doctors identify the following causes of pathological changes in the skin during pregnancy:

surge of hormones;
lack of fluid;
genetic predisposition;
physiological feature;
lack of fresh air;
disturbance of mental balance;
lack of physical activity;
sleep disturbance;
poor nutrition;
neglect of hygiene;
infectious diseases;
exacerbation of chronic skin diseases.

Rashes during pregnancy may appear due to a surge in hormones

It is impossible to give an exact answer to the question of why the condition of the epidermis worsens in pregnant women. First of all, the pathological process is associated with hormonal imbalance. The skin becomes covered with inflamed growths due to the active production of progesterone. This is a hormone necessary for the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. The amount of progesterone in the blood increases at the beginning of pregnancy. Due to hormonal activity, the epidermis becomes oily. Excess sebum is one of the possible causes of rashes.

Dehydration provokes changes in the skin. To remove progesterone from the body, you need to consume a lot of clean water. Excess hormone leaves the woman's body along with urine. If a pregnant woman drinks little fluid, the liver uses internal water reserves. The body loses moisture, and acne becomes a consequence of this process. Violation of the drinking regime is the second most common reason that the body is covered with neoplasms.

Women who have a genetic or physiological predisposition to skin problems should be prepared for an exacerbation of skin rashes. Pimples during pregnancy occur due to nervous shock, chronic lack of sleep, and consumption of junk food. It is important for expectant mothers to do special gymnastics. Physical activity helps enrich the body with oxygen. Thanks to this, emerging tumors disappear quickly.

In what places do rashes most often occur?

The skin shows the condition of specific organs. Acne occurs primarily on the face during pregnancy. This zone contains points responsible for the functioning of the reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems. The inflammatory process is noticeable on the chin during pregnancy. This is explained by the fact that the epidermis of the lower part of the face reflects the nature of the functioning and condition of the uterus and appendages. Acne on the chin during pregnancy warns of possible inflammation of the genital organs or the development of candidiasis.

Acne during pregnancy can occur on the forehead, cheeks and nose area. The location of the tumors does not matter. The main thing is not to squeeze out the pus, do not pick off dry crusts and wash your face several times a day with cool water. It is better to do cosmetic facial cleansing before pregnancy, so that during a crucial period of life the skin is not exposed to aggressive influences.

Each woman has a different intensity of sebum secretion in certain areas of the body. Acne on the back during pregnancy is not uncommon. Sometimes such rashes are associated with decreased immunity during the cold season. Acne can cover the shoulders, shoulder blades, and lower back. This problem is especially relevant for obese women carrying a child.

Acne on the chest during pregnancy is diagnosed in 70% of women. Small rashes. There are many of them, but inflammation rarely occurs. The presence of acne in the mammary glands is a dangerous symptom. In this case, the rash that appears must be properly treated so that extensive inflammation does not develop. If a purulent disease occurs, the baby will not be able to breastfeed.

Acne on the abdomen during pregnancy is rarely diagnosed. They indicate a possible allergic reaction. Sometimes the cause is problems with the liver or gall bladder. The occurrence of acne on the abdomen during pregnancy is often associated with common heat rash. To exclude allergies and pathologies of internal organs, it is recommended that a pregnant woman go to the doctor.

If there are pimples on the butt, this indicates heat rash, a reaction to contact with underwear, or a possible infection. Neoplasms that do not pose a threat do not bother the woman. If pimples on your butt hurt and break out, you need to see a doctor. The inflammatory process can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

What causes acne on the genitals?

In the intimate area, the skin is especially delicate. Any damage to the epidermis can lead to inflammation and rash. A pimple in an intimate place causes significant inconvenience to a woman. The tumor hurts, itches, and breaks out. The situation is complicated by constant contact with underwear. If a pimple appears on an intimate place after shaving, there is no need to worry. During pregnancy, the epidermis becomes too sensitive. Even if before pregnancy the skin did not react negatively to depilation, after fertilization the situation often changes.

Pimples on the labia during pregnancy are a dangerous symptom that warns of a serious pathology. Rashes indicate the activity of viruses or sexually transmitted infections. In this case, the pregnant woman experiences additional symptoms:

purulent vaginal discharge;
pain in the lower abdomen;
weakness;
fast fatiguability;
discomfort in the intimate area;
itching and burning in the labia area;
increase in body temperature to 37°C.

A pimple on an intimate place causes significant inconvenience to a pregnant woman

A pimple on an intimate place may be a sign of type 2 herpes. The disease is dangerous and requires therapy. Infection with herpes occurs both before pregnancy and during pregnancy. The pathology is introduced into the body through sexual contact with a partner who is a carrier of the virus. For a long time, herpes does not manifest itself in any way. If a woman infected with the virus has not previously had acne in the labia area, she may develop acne during pregnancy. This is not dangerous for the fetus, since the placenta is a reliable protection. A child can become infected with such acne during natural childbirth, so women with type 2 herpes undergo a cesarean section.

If pimples appear in the labia area, this may indicate the presence of HPV (human papillomavirus). The rashes have the shape of condylomas. If the outer or inner labia are sprinkled, you need to contact a gynecologist.

Neoplasms of this nature are removed surgically. In some cases, papillomas and condylomas are a temporary phenomenon. Women often confuse these growths with ordinary acne and wait until the skin recovers on its own. This tactic of behavior is fundamentally wrong. The earlier therapy is started, the less likely it is that the fetus will become infected during natural childbirth.

The appearance of acne in early pregnancy

Carrying a child is divided into periods called trimesters. Changes in a pregnant woman's body occur gradually. At the very beginning there is an internal restructuring. A huge amount of progesterone is released into the blood. Acne during early pregnancy is a common occurrence. A hormone that promotes the consolidation and development of the fetus in the uterus, affects the functioning of internal organs. The increased load on the liver and kidneys affects the condition of the epidermis. Because of this, acne occurs in almost all women in the early stages of pregnancy.

The body of each representative of the fair sex is individual. Therefore, the localization of tumors is different. Rashes occur on the face, back, abdomen, chest, etc. If a woman had skin problems before conception, they may worsen during pregnancy. Pregnancy in the early stages is a direct indicator of acne or acne. The body tries to adapt to new conditions in this way. Sometimes, through purulent neoplasms, toxins and waste are removed so that the load on the liver and kidneys is reduced.

Acne begins to subside at the beginning of the second trimester. However, this does not happen for all women. In some cases, a small rash on the chest and face lasts a long time. Acne during pregnancy can cause a lot of trouble. In the first months of bearing a child, a woman’s psychological state is unstable. Having acne makes the situation even worse. A pregnant woman is worried that acne is ruining her appearance. It is important to understand that the situation will change soon. In most cases, therapy is not even needed.

What do rashes in the third trimester indicate?

When the moment of labor resolution approaches, the body actively prepares for this process. During this period, specific manifestations arise that were absent previously. Some women experience rashes not in the first trimester, but before childbirth. The amount of acne and the condition of the skin during this period frighten many women. The rash covers the face, chest, back, and stomach. Foci of inflammation are found in the scalp. Because of this, the curls quickly become dirty.

Before giving birth, it is especially important to carefully monitor hygiene. A large amount of sebum is secreted through the epidermis. This is a consequence of the body preparing for childbirth. During this period, you should not use aggressive cosmetics or resort to professional procedures in a salon. In late pregnancy, hormones surge. In some cases, its intensity exceeds the changes that occur at the very beginning of gestation. Neoplasms most often affect the face. This scares women, but there is no need to worry. After childbirth, the skin is completely regenerated.

Before childbirth, it is especially important to carefully monitor hygiene

Women often wonder why the rashes go away in the second trimester, but appear again at the end of pregnancy. This can be explained physiologically. The first trimester is a period of restructuring of the body. The internal organs are under stress and this affects the skin. The second trimester is a calm phase. The body has already adapted to the new conditions, all resources are aimed at maintaining pregnancy. The third trimester is again stressful, as preparations for childbirth begin. Some women may experience a rash on their body again at the end of pregnancy.

How dangerous is acne during pregnancy?

Women carrying children are concerned about how rashes on the body affect their health. Acne on the face during pregnancy does not pose a threat to the expectant mother and baby. Rashes can take the form of acne, blackheads, or small white rashes. If there is increased fat content of the epidermis, then the appearance of acne is associated with hormonal activity. This does not affect the development of the fetus. With a 70% chance, every woman expecting the birth of a child will develop a rash.

If the rash causes discomfort, you should consult a doctor. The presence of acne on the body may indicate allergies, shingles, herpes, etc. Some pathologies, the symptom of which are rashes, are dangerous for the pregnant woman’s body and negatively affect the development of the fetus. If your face, back, chest or stomach are covered with pimples that cause itching and burning, a comprehensive diagnosis of the body is necessary.

If the rash causes discomfort, you should consult a doctor for help.

Pregnancy is stressful for the body. Chronic pathologies often worsen during this period. The danger comes from rashes that are accompanied by additional unpleasant symptoms:

increased body temperature;
pain in the area of pimples;
itching and burning;
deterioration of general health;
indigestion.

Rashes in the genital area are dangerous for women and children. Often this rash is a sign of HPV or herpes. A baby passing through the birth canal can become infected with a dangerous pathology from its mother. To prevent this from happening, the doctor decides to remove the tumors surgically or prescribe a cesarean section.

What to do if a boil occurs?

Common skin rashes are common to many pregnant women. The situation with boils is much more complicated. This is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. The neoplasm hurts, ulcerates and poses a threat to the health of the mother and fetus. A boil during pregnancy occurs due to decreased immunity. The appearance of such an abscess is also associated with hypothermia, infection, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, etc.

There are 3 stages of boil development during pregnancy:

Formation of infiltrate. A compaction forms under the epidermis. The skin becomes inflamed and painful sensations occur.
Maturation of the abscess. The process is accompanied by a temperature of +38…+39°C, which is extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman. Severe intoxication of the body begins. The stage lasts up to 6 days.
Discharge of pus. When the boil is fully mature, the skin breaks through. The pus comes out.

Sometimes the doctor prescribes surgical excision of the abscess to prevent an abscess. A boil during pregnancy is dangerous because it causes severe intoxication. The accumulation of harmful substances negatively affects the development of the fetus. There is no need to wait for the pus to drain on its own. To avoid serious consequences, you must consult a surgeon and follow all medical instructions.

You need to get rid of the rash during pregnancy correctly. While expecting a baby, women are interested in how to treat acne during pregnancy. First of all, you need to remember what you should never do. Gynecologists categorically prohibit pregnant women from using cosmetics based on salicylic acid. The main substance is absorbed into the blood and can harm the fetus.

This method of dealing with the rash, such as squeezing, will also not work. Hands can cause infection and cause extensive inflammation. It is necessary to carefully study the instructions for cosmetic products. If the product cannot be used during pregnancy, the manufacturer must indicate this.

Breakouts caused by a surge of hormones will not be eliminated by anti-acne creams and gels. In this case, only time contributes to the disappearance of neoplasms. You can only reduce inflammation and prevent the appearance of new pimples. It is allowed to use cosmetics that contain fruit acids.

A pregnant woman should pay attention to her diet

The treatment of acne during pregnancy needs to be approached comprehensively. Dermatologists together with gynecologists give the following recommendations:

Eat healthy foods. The diet should mainly consist of fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals.
Maintain drinking regime. Drinking enough clean water is the key to the coordinated functioning of all organ systems and healthy skin.
Keep your body clean. You need to choose the right cleanser. It is important to ensure that there is no excess sebum on the face and body.
Support bowel function. Digestive problems during pregnancy are not uncommon. This entails the appearance of pimples. Therefore, you need to consume natural yogurts, kefir, and starters daily.

It is important to know how to treat acne during pregnancy. For women expecting a child, medications that contain the following components are contraindicated:

benzene peroxide;
aromatic steroids;
steroids;
antibiotics.

The popular and effective remedy Zinerit is contraindicated for acne during pregnancy. It contains antibiotics, so it has a detrimental effect on the fetus. Before purchasing a specific cosmetic or medical product, you need to carefully read the ingredient list.

How to get rid of acne during pregnancy?

You can find many pharmaceutical acne treatments on pharmacy shelves. Ointments are selected by a gynecologist or dermatologist. Most effective drugs are prohibited during pregnancy. The choice of a specific remedy is made taking into account the duration of pregnancy, the individual physiological characteristics of the woman and the type of rash.

Doctors often prescribe Skinoren and Regetsin gels to patients. These drugs are applied to the face, back, chest, and abdomen. If there are few acne, you can apply the products pointwise. If the rashes are small and cover most of the skin, the gel is spread in a thin layer over the entire surface of the affected epidermis. If burning or itching occurs, the drug must be washed off. An allergic reaction is possible.

Sometimes the doctor prescribes the use of creams with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. There are special products that are allowed for pregnant women. One of these drugs is Eplan cream. A specialist may also prescribe Kvotlan ointment. These medicinal products do not contain aggressive or prohibited components, so this therapy is completely safe for a child.

You can treat acne during pregnancy using folk remedies. Lotions with a decoction of herbs help well: chamomile, calendula or string. Pimples on the forehead during pregnancy will become less noticeable if you wipe the affected skin with ice cubes 2 times a day. A mask of honey and cinnamon has a great effect on the condition of the epidermis.

Women need to remember that only a doctor knows how to deal with acne during pregnancy correctly. If the rash affects the intimate area, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. If severe inflammation or even a boil occurs, you should go to a dermatologist or surgeon. During pregnancy, the main thing is not the aesthetic side of the issue, but the health and full development of the fetus. Therefore, you need to report all problems, including acne, to your doctor and work together with him.

The last weeks before giving birth have arrived, the last days of such a difficult, but at the same time such a wonderful period of your life - the time of waiting for a child. In previous articles on emotional experiences during pregnancy (1, 2, 3), I deliberately did not touch on the topic of fear of childbirth. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Fear of childbirth. I'm very afraid to give birth, what should I do?

In the first trimester, such fear of childbirth is very rare. Anxieties that visit a woman in the early stages are often associated with the topic of pregnancy: “Will I be able to carry a child? Is everything okay with my health and his?” The second trimester is the most prosperous in terms of fears - greater self-confidence appears, toxicosis and drowsiness pass, but it is still too early to be afraid of childbirth - it is still far away. But now, week after week, the third trimester comes... And then the woman, no, no, and the fear of childbirth comes upon her. How to deal with it?

In fact, it is normal to be afraid of childbirth. For first-time mothers, because it is impossible not to fear something that has never happened to you before, the unknown is always scary. In women who give birth repeatedly, the fear of childbirth becomes more specific and is usually based on the experience of previous births. It is clear that the more negative the past experience, the stronger the fear of the upcoming birth. However, even if everything went well in the past, childbirth (as a process that is hardly predictable and requires enormous emotional and physical costs) still frightens these women.

Changes in a woman's body before childbirth

So, in the last weeks before giving birth, if the emotional changes of the pregnant woman proceeded according to the stages described by me in previous articles, very interesting metamorphoses occur with each woman. She increasingly noticeably distances herself from the world around her, from the bustle, becomes more and more immersed in herself, and increasingly strives for solitude. Her cognitive functions such as memory and attention are deteriorating, and any woman on the eve of childbirth will prefer simple physical housework to intellectual work.

This time is sometimes called nesting time, when the expectant mother prepares her home for the birth of the baby: she washes and lays out the children's trousseau, rearranges the rooms, and simply makes things cozy. It’s bad if individual actions develop into a whole process, since the renovation of a modern apartment usually takes a long time and takes a lot of effort and energy.

It would be ideal that during the period before giving birth, a pregnant woman does not solve any global problems associated with great responsibility, but spends the day doing things that are pleasant for her.

It should be noted that all the changes described above that occur with a woman are not accidental and are a great blessing. They reflect the hormonal changes in the body before childbirth, as a result of which certain substances are produced that are designed, in sufficient quantities, to ensure the successful course of childbirth.

Let's take opiates, for example. It is because of them that a pregnant woman becomes so inattentive and forgetful. These substances, being natural analogues of narcotic drugs, effectively anesthetize contractions, allow the female psyche to become disoriented in space and time during childbirth, and upon completion help to quickly forget about the pain of childbirth. Experienced midwives know that the more pronounced such changes are in the psyche of a woman in labor, the higher the chance that her birth will go well.

When does labor begin?

Now we have come directly to childbirth. When and how do they begin?

According to generally accepted opinion, pregnancy lasts on average 280 days, which corresponds to 9 calendar, 10 lunar months or 40 weeks. And yet, each individual pregnancy has its own duration, and a term birth (that is, a birth that occurs at the right time) is considered to be a birth that occurs from 37 to 41 weeks.

It turns out that no one will ever guess in advance the secret of when the birth will happen, and the so-called PDR (preliminary date of birth) is a very approximate date. I believe it is this uncertainty that makes the last weeks of pregnancy a very anxious time.

The fact is that many future parents, as a rule, modern and very active people, are accustomed to clearly planning all the main moments of their lives. And here is such an important event, but it is impossible to plan or influence it.

I think this is one of the factors increasing the number of caesarean sections. Indeed, unlike natural childbirth, a caesarean section is very easy to plan. Starting from the 38th week, with good results of the examination of the woman and the fetus, any day convenient for the doctor and patient can become the birthday of her baby.

Parents do not always think about how good this is for the child himself, although now there is more and more talk that it is the baby and his readiness to be born that sets the stage for labor.

If we talk not only about the physical, but also the psychological well-being of the newborn, then childbirth becomes a positive experience for the child when he himself begins it, and then takes an active part in it.

So, every person is born at his own time, when he is ready for it. Why are doctors so worried if labor begins before 37 or later than 41 weeks?

Post-term pregnancy.

With premature birth it is clear - everyone knows that in this case the baby will have difficulty adapting to the outside world due to insufficient maturity of organs and tissues. However, if a baby is born post-term, this is also bad. Firstly, its bones become harder, which means the head loses its plasticity, which will make it difficult to pass through the birth canal. Secondly, the vernix lubrication covering the body is partially absorbed into the skin, and the child will no longer glide so well through the birth canal. Thirdly, the baby’s cells and tissues will be less adapted to hypoxia, therefore, for them, independent childbirth can be traumatic. And here a natural question arises. How so? If a baby begins to be born at a time when it is ready, why can it sit in its mother’s womb for so long?

From my own experience, I can say that often it is not only the readiness of the baby that determines the date of birth. The woman’s condition before childbirth and the circumstances of her life can also influence this event. It happens that a woman has to finish an important task (for example, the same repair, or maybe submit an important report or defend a dissertation), and then she, most likely without even realizing it, postpones the due date. Or the family expecting a baby is going through a major conflict, a pre-divorce situation, and then it will be safer for the baby to “sit out” in his house until more prosperous times.

Previously, Russian people followed this tradition: when a woman was already pregnant, all her relatives and friends tried to visit her. They came to visit to ask for forgiveness and reconcile if they were in a quarrel with her. Our ancestors knew well that if a woman begins to give birth without reconciliation with loved ones, the birth can be prolonged, very painful and accompanied by complications.

This leads to an important practical conclusion. If suddenly 40 weeks of pregnancy have passed, and you are still not giving birth, try to analyze the circumstances of your life, think about whether there is something on your part that can delay the onset of labor. Before giving birth, try to ask for forgiveness if you offended someone, and forgive yourself if someone offended you. Having realized that childbirth may not occur due to some unfinished important matter, change your priorities: put childbirth first, everything else second.

Sometimes a woman thinks that after the birth of a child she will no longer be able to do anything; all her time will be taken up with caring for the newborn. This is both true and false. In fact, your life will not end with the birth of your baby, but will transform into a new quality, full of worries and worries, but at the same time great joys and discoveries!

Perhaps, after giving birth, you will look at unfinished business (whether it is the design of a children's room or a scientific article) with completely different eyes. Perhaps a fresh look will allow you to complete what you started with greater pleasure or completely abandon it as unnecessary.

In conclusion, I would like to wish you to live the last weeks before giving birth as fully as possible, discovering your new sides and features, because it is at this time that your femininity gains strength. The moment will come when the child gives you a signal, and you and he will begin the journey called childbirth. And at the end of this path a meeting awaits you. Meeting new life!

mamalara.ru

Harbingers of childbirth

The closer the expected date of birth gets, the more a woman listens to the changes that occur in her body. What signs warn that childbirth is very close?

In the last weeks of pregnancy, a smooth change in the hormonal background of the expectant mother occurs. As the placenta naturally ages, the amount of progesterone it produces (the main hormone that supports pregnancy) decreases, but the level of estrogen, on the contrary, increases. Under the influence of the latter, the birth canal is prepared for the upcoming birth, and a generic dominant is formed in the brain - a restructuring of the nerve centers occurs and their sensitivity to impulses from the uterus increases. In addition, the more estrogens, the more elastic and stretchable the tissue - the cervix, vaginal walls and perineum. That is why the body begins to intensively produce them before childbirth.

In addition, the cervix shortens, softens and slightly expands, and the mucus accumulated in its canal is released. The fetal head should descend as tightly as possible and press low to the entrance to the pelvis. All this in a woman’s body is manifested by specific changes, which are called precursors of childbirth.

It must be remembered that precursors of labor can appear both a few hours and several weeks before the development of regular labor. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the exact time of the onset of labor based on precursors. They do not require hospitalization or treatment and are a normal reaction of the body to changes in hormonal levels.

For some expectant mothers, the body’s preparation for childbirth occurs unnoticed, without the appearance of warning signs, and this is also absolutely normal. Most often this concerns expectant mothers expecting their first baby. In women giving birth for the second time, the warning signs are often more pronounced and begin earlier. This is due to the fact that the cervix in such mothers reacts faster to hormonal stimuli, softens and opens earlier. During the second pregnancy, contractions are a concern earlier, but most likely this is due to the fact that the expectant mother already knows how they manifest themselves and recognizes them earlier. What signs are considered harbingers of childbirth?

Abdominal prolapse

Downward displacement of the fundus of the uterus (that is, its upper part, located under the ribs) occurs approximately 10-14 days before birth. The expectant mother notices that her stomach has dropped lower. This is due to the fact that the presenting part of the baby (i.e. the part that will be born first, most often the head) is pressed against the entrance to the pelvis. The fetus takes the position most convenient for childbirth.

By moving down, the uterus stops putting pressure on the diaphragm and stomach. Therefore, after the stomach drops, it becomes easier for the expectant mother to breathe. If in the last month she has been bothered by belching, heartburn, or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach that occurs after eating, after the prolapse of the uterus these phenomena often disappear without a trace. However, as the uterus moves lower, it will put more pressure on the bladder and rectum. In this regard, urination and stool become noticeably more frequent. Therefore, women often begin to run to the toilet more often a few days before the upcoming birth.

Weight loss and loose stools

As already mentioned, the hormone progesterone dominates during pregnancy. One of its actions is fluid retention in body tissues (which can manifest as edema). On the eve of childbirth, with a decrease in the concentration of progesterone and an increase in the amount of estrogen in the blood of a pregnant woman, excess fluid is actively removed from her body. This explains the decrease in body weight 7-10 days before birth. Depending on the severity of edema, weight can decrease from 300-500 g to 2-2.5 kg. At the same time, the woman pays attention to the fact that it is now easier to put on shoes, marks from socks and tights become less pronounced, and rings can be removed more freely.

In addition, weight loss on the eve of childbirth may be associated with increased frequency and loosening of stools. The latter also occurs due to an increase in the concentration of female sex hormones and increased removal of fluid from the body. Since loose stools most often occur when estrogen concentrations reach sufficiently high levels, this precursor is quite reliable and usually appears 1-2 days before the onset of regular labor. However, if you experience loose stools in late pregnancy, especially if there is mucus, streaks of blood, or an unpleasant odor in it, you should consult your doctor, since such changes may be a sign of foodborne illness.

Discomfort in the lower back and abdomen

About 1-2 weeks before giving birth, discomfort may appear in the lower back (in the sacral area) and in the lower abdomen. Such changes in a woman’s well-being are caused by stretching of the pelvic ligaments and increased blood flow to the pelvic organs. These sensations are often pulling or aching and in no case should be sharp and intense.

Change in appetite

Some expectant mothers notice that their appetite has changed 5-7 days before giving birth. Most often it decreases. This is due to changes in the autonomic nervous system and hormonal levels.

Emotional instability

Hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman before childbirth can lead to emotional instability, which is manifested by frequent mood changes without any external reasons. The state of fatigue and inertia can suddenly give way to vigorous activity. You can notice such manifestations approximately 7-10 days before birth.

"Nesting Instinct"

Often before childbirth, the “nesting instinct” manifests itself very clearly when the expectant mother begins to sew, wash, clean, prepare things for the baby, etc. At the same time, it is necessary to remember that you cannot stand on your feet for too long, lift heavy things, so as not to expose yourself and the baby to danger.

Changes in fetal motor activity

3-5 days before birth, the motor activity of the fetus usually changes. Most often the baby becomes quiet. The growing baby is already cramped in the uterus, and in addition, before birth, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases slightly, which makes his movements even more difficult.

Removal of the mucus plug

One of the important precursors of childbirth is the release of the mucus plug, which often causes concern among expectant mothers, forcing them to urgently seek medical help. In fact, there is no reason to worry.

A mucus plug is a large amount of thick mucus, usually clear or yellowish in color, sometimes streaked with blood, giving it a pinkish color. It can be released simultaneously or in several portions. The release of the mucus plug can occur either a few hours or several days before the onset of labor and is a favorable sign of the preparation of the cervix for labor, its softening and “ripening”. During pregnancy, the glands in the mucous membrane of the cervical canal (cervical canal) secrete a special secretion. The secretion is a sticky, thick, jelly-like mass that forms a kind of plug. The mucus plug completely closes the cervical canal and prevents the penetration of bacteria from the vagina into the uterine cavity. Thus, it protects the fetus from infection. Before childbirth, when the cervix begins to soften under the influence of estrogen, its canal opens slightly, and the mucus plug that fills it can be released.

After the mucus plug has passed, it is not recommended to swim in ponds, visit the pool or take a bath, since the risk of infection of the fetus and membranes of the amniotic sac through a slightly open cervix increases. During this period, you should limit yourself to a shower.

Premonitory contractions

From the 37-38th week, so-called training contractions appear (they are also called false, precursor, or Braxton-Hicks contractions). Their occurrence is explained by an increase in the level of estrogen in the mother’s body, as a result of which the uterus becomes more excitable and begins to contract. So she “trains”, preparing for the big work ahead, and her cervix softens and shortens. Training contractions are irregular, lasting from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. A distinctive feature is the different time intervals between contractions: for example, within one hour there may be several short contractions of the uterus, then the next one an hour later, then after 20 minutes. Often training contractions are painless, weak, their nature changes depending on physical activity and body position. These contractions disappear after taking an antispasmodic; a warm shower can also relieve them. They will neither lengthen nor intensify, and the intervals between contractions will remain uneven. The main difference between training contractions and “real” contractions is that training contractions do not lead to dilation of the cervix.

Training or real contractions?

Real labor pains have certain characteristic features. They are regular, repeat at regular intervals, for example, every twenty minutes, and last twenty seconds. The duration, strength and frequency of labor contractions gradually increase. At the same time, the intervals between birth matches are gradually reduced. Contractions that open the cervix are usually more painful than training contractions, do not go away with a change in the position of the expectant mother’s body or a warm shower, or taking an antispasmodic, disrupt the normal rhythm of a pregnant woman’s life, and prevent her from falling asleep.

At the moment of contraction, the expectant mother feels tension in her abdomen, which gradually increases and then gradually subsides. If you place your palm on your stomach at this moment, you will notice that the stomach becomes very hard, but after that, labor pains completely relax and the stomach becomes soft again.

www.goagetaway.com

Harbingers of childbirth

You are already in your ninth month of pregnancy, doctors have reported that you can give birth to a baby any day now. These last days and weeks are the most psychologically difficult for any woman, especially if she is giving birth for the first time.

Immediately before giving birth, a woman’s body sends signals. You just need to clearly identify the warning signs of labor.

Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back

Three to four weeks before the onset of labor, women experience periodic nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. They qualify as spasms. At the same time, there is a feeling of fullness, and there is also a tingling sensation in the pubic area, which is associated with an increase in the pressure of the presenting part of the fetus. To reduce pain, rest in a lying position often.

Descent of the abdomen

About two weeks before giving birth, a pregnant woman may notice that her stomach has dropped. The fact is that the baby already wants to be born and descends to the entrance to the pelvis. It becomes easier for a woman to breathe because the pressure on the diaphragm, lungs and stomach is reduced.

Increased arousal of the uterus

This can happen due to any irritant. The closer you get to childbirth, the more often you will feel strong uterine contractions. 1-2 times a day, the uterus may become very tense and hard. This tension can last from several minutes to several hours.

Many women may go to the hospital several times before actually giving birth. This happens because it is difficult to distinguish labor contractions from false or Braxton-Hicks contractions. False contractions are not systematic, but may be accompanied by pain or simply unpleasant sensations. It is interesting that it is mainly women for whom this is not the first birth who react incorrectly to false contractions, since they already assume what can be expected, so they especially monitor all the processes in the body. But women who give birth for the first time can feel false contractions only when they have increased sensitivity. A good way to calm your body is to take a warm bath for at least 20 minutes.

Pregnant woman's mood changes

In fact, nature provides that in the last month of pregnancy a woman is psychologically ready for childbirth and is looking forward to it. The fact is that in recent weeks there has been a peak in unpleasant sensations - shortness of breath, heartburn, and difficulty sleeping. Discomfort accumulates and you want labor to begin quickly. Close people begin to notice strong changes occurring in the mood of a pregnant woman.

A week before the birth of the baby, a woman may completely lose her appetite. A pregnant woman will no longer eat food with such pleasure as before. And three to four days before giving birth, the desire to refuse food appears. As for weight, in the last two weeks of bearing a child, the weight stabilizes a little, and some women even experience a weight loss of one or two kilograms. In addition, you may experience increased fluid secretion.

Only a specialist can say for sure that labor has already begun - this is done by examining the vagina. In this way, the dynamics of cervical dilation are monitored. But the pregnant woman herself can determine the onset of labor. The symptoms are as follows:

About a day before giving birth, brownish mucus is released from the genitals, this is a bit like the beginning of menstruation. However, the discharge is quite individual. But this is an undoubted sign of labor beginning.
Periodically, the uterus begins to contract, if this is also accompanied by brown discharge, then labor has really begun.
Just before the baby is born, a woman's digestive system begins to empty her stomach. This is a reaction to hormones that regulate labor.
The onset of labor is mainly accompanied by pain in the abdomen and lower back, and chills may also occur.

Childbirth is an important event for the whole family. In order for everything to go well and a healthy baby to be born, listen to your body and correctly classify all the changes that occur.

Especially for beremennost.net - Maryana Surma

beremennost.net

Condition before childbirth

For nine months, a woman prepares for one of the main events of her life - the birth of a child. Although childbirth is a relatively short process, it takes a lot of effort and time to prepare for it. This is a very important and difficult stage for a woman, after which her life changes radically. Despite the fact that childbirth is a natural process, it is necessary to prepare for it. The prenatal or prenatal period is considered to be the last month of pregnancy. At this time, the woman’s body is already adjusting to childbirth, and the fetus is already fully formed and almost ready to leave the “house”. Already a few weeks before giving birth, a woman changes in many ways: both psychologically and physically.

Way of life before childbirth

To ensure a woman’s good physical condition and to keep her muscles toned, throughout pregnancy it is necessary to do special exercises that are included in gymnastic complexes designed for pregnant women. Exercising in the pool has a very beneficial effect on your physical condition.

Of course, we really hope that if you smoked before pregnancy, then, upon learning about the baby, you immediately quit this nasty habit. If (and this happens!) no, then find the strength to quit smoking. Both you and the baby need this. You must understand that smoking, like alcohol, is incompatible with the birth of a healthy child.

Relax, walk in the fresh air, do exercises for pregnant women, read good books - all this will ensure you not only a good pregnancy, but also an easy birth.

Health status before childbirth

It's no secret that a pregnant woman should carefully monitor her health. Before giving birth, check your health again. It wouldn’t hurt to visit a therapist, ophthalmologist, ENT doctor, or neurologist. Don't forget to go to the dentist, because bad teeth can become a source of infection and cause complications in the postpartum period. If you have severe varicose veins of the lower extremities, go to a vascular surgeon. The doctor will determine whether the condition has worsened and whether a caesarean section will be required. A month before giving birth, doctors recommend undergoing a complete sanitation of the birth canal. This is done to clean them from pathogenic microflora. This is especially true if a woman has sexually transmitted diseases (herpes, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, etc.). Such procedures are necessary in order to protect the baby during its passage through the birth canal. Sanitation will also help protect the woman in labor from cracks in the vaginal mucosa, which may occur due to inflammation.

As for the gynecologist, starting from the 36th week, a woman must visit him once a week. At the appointment, the doctor measures the size of the uterus, listens to the fetal heartbeat, and determines its position.

Nutrition before childbirth

If a pregnant woman needs to monitor the quantity and quality of what she eats throughout the nine months, then on the eve of giving birth, special attention should be paid to this issue.

A month before giving birth, the diet changes not in favor of meat: its amount should be limited, and two to three weeks should be eliminated altogether. It is also recommended to remove from the diet other foods containing animal protein (fish, eggs, butter, milk). At the same time, fermented milk products, plant foods, water porridge, baked vegetables, fresh juices, mineral water, and herbal teas are very useful.

A week before the expected birth, you should exclude cereals, bread, fermented milk products, and salt. The diet should consist only of plant foods. It is very important that vegetable oil enters the pregnant woman’s body at this time. The vitamin E contained in it helps make both the blood vessels and tissues of the birth canal more elastic. In addition, this is an excellent prevention of hemorrhoids.

On the day of birth, it is better not to eat anything at all, however, if contractions have begun, then it is unlikely that you will have an appetite. Moreover, during contractions, many experience nausea or vomiting, so an empty stomach, in this case, is very good.

The optimal weight gain throughout pregnancy is from 9 to 13 kg. This figure includes the weight of the fetus, amniotic fluid, uterus, placenta, and breast. Of course, everything is very individual, and an increase of 15 kg is not a problem at all. But you should be wary if your weight has increased by 20 kg or more. In this case, the doctor prescribes a diet for the woman. After all, a large weight gain can significantly complicate the birth process.

Interesting fact: as a rule, before giving birth, approximately in the last two weeks, women experience a decrease in weight (on average, by 2 kg). Experts explain this by the loss of a large amount of fluid.

Sleep before childbirth

The closer the moment of birth, the more the pregnant woman tends to sleep. Thus, the body tries to sleep off and gain strength before hard physical work. That is why proper sleep in preparation for childbirth is very important. During this time, you need to sleep as much as you want, but not less than 8-10 hours. A pregnant woman should sleep in a well-ventilated room. You can even have the window open. It is important that the woman feels that she has rested and slept, because very soon she is unlikely to be able to soak in bed for an extra couple of hours.

Fear of childbirth

Fear occurs in a pregnant woman throughout the entire nine months. But the closer the birth is, the stronger the fear of it. A woman, especially a first-time mother, asks a number of questions: How will the birth go? Will it hurt? Will the child get hurt? How to avoid complications? These and many other questions do not allow a woman to sleep peacefully. The situation is significantly aggravated by the stories of “well-wishers” about difficulties, difficult personal experiences, labor pains, negative postpartum consequences, and fatal births. Believe me, this is not at all the information that a pregnant woman should be interested in when preparing to become a mother. If you haven't taken a pregnancy class yet, do it now. Many maternity schools offer crash courses before childbirth. During these classes, a woman is explained a lot: the mechanism of childbirth, ways to relieve pain, and breathing techniques are taught. All this knowledge is very helpful during childbirth. Moreover, it is quite natural: the more a woman knows, the less she is afraid. If it is not possible to attend courses, special literature, as well as Internet pages, will come to the rescue.

The most important thing you must understand is that fear of childbirth negatively affects the course of labor itself, constraining, squeezing muscles, causing tissues to lose their elasticity. All this leads to pain, cracks, and tears. It turns out that the more a woman is afraid, the more pain she feels. Pain gives rise to fear, and so on in a circle. To break out of it, a pregnant woman must learn to relax long before giving birth, and when the time comes, calmly apply the acquired knowledge.

Psychological mood before childbirth

The mood must be fighting. Of course, in the best sense of the word. We do not mean an aggressive pregnant woman, but one who is firmly convinced of a favorable outcome for both the baby and herself. A woman must understand that childbirth is a step towards meeting her loved one, who from now on will become the greatest treasure in the world for her. A pregnant woman should be sure that the birth will go well, because she loves her baby very much and is ready to do everything possible to help him be born healthy.

Harbingers of childbirth

As your due date approaches, certain signs may appear that indicate that labor is about to occur. For example, it becomes easier for a woman to breathe, and pressure is relieved from the diaphragm and stomach as the baby descends. At the same time, it becomes a little more difficult to sit and walk. Before childbirth, urination also increases (pressure on the bladder increases) and bowel movements (birth hormones affect the intestines). There is pain in the lower back. The woman experiences an unexpected change in mood and state: she is either tired and passive, or energetic and “subversive.” Many can no longer wait for “this” to happen. 2-3 weeks before giving birth, pregnant women exhibit the “nesting” instinct. It is called that because a woman is setting up a “nest” - it is now very important for her to make her own home cozy. She is ready to spend hours cleaning, washing, putting away, and making things. All this is, of course, good. Only in moderation. Remember that it is contraindicated for you to overexert yourself now.

Naturally, one of the most obvious signs that labor is imminent is irregular uterine contractions. Thus, when training, the body prepares until the X hour. One to two weeks, or even a few days before giving birth, a woman’s mucous plug comes off, which closes the cervical canal throughout pregnancy. The color of the mucus may be yellowish or slightly pinkish, or may be completely colorless. Sometimes a woman clearly sees that her plug has come off, and in some cases it happens unnoticed. A woman expecting to give birth any day now should know that her amniotic fluid may break at any moment. This is a clear sign that labor has begun. In this case, there is not a minute to lose. Call an ambulance immediately or go to the maternity hospital by car (of course, as a passenger and not while driving).

Especially for beremennost.net – Olga Pavlova