Stimulation of labor activity: mom is tired of waiting, baby, show up soon! Stimulation of childbirth. Natural induction of labor

It’s already 40 weeks, the 41st has gone, and the child doesn’t even think that it’s time for him to be born. Approximately 10% of women deal with this problem. Passively waiting for contractions is not always the best solution, sometimes you can help yourself and provoke the onset of labor. There are different methods of stimulation: both artificial and medical (such methods are used in extreme cases, already in the hospital). If no pathologies have been identified in the future mother, and the doctor approves this, then the stimulation of labor can be carried out at home using safe methods.

It is about provoking the onset of labor with the help of physical activity and other provoking factors. Such actions are resorted to when the expectant mother is already significantly overbearing the baby.

Before you start doing something to speed up labor, you should consider whether stimulation is really necessary in this situation. After all, the estimated date of birth, for that it is supposed that it does not carry any accuracy. This is a kind of guideline for doctors and young mothers.

It is impossible to draw conclusions that the pregnancy is postponed, relying only on the date of the expected birth. You can think about stimulation only after 40 obstetric weeks of pregnancy.

If, nevertheless, the overgrowth is confirmed, you need to make sure that the actions to stimulate the birth process will not harm either the mother or the baby.

First you need to make sure that the condition of the woman and the child is normal. It is advisable to regularly undergo CTG after the 38th week, which allows you to determine the condition of the child according to the rhythm of his heartbeat.

It is also additionally worth undergoing an ultrasound examination, which shows not only the general condition of the fetus, but also the degree of maturation of the placenta, the state of the muscles of the uterus. Based on the results of these studies, conclusions can be drawn about the advisability of inducing labor at home or in a hospital.

Is it advisable to induce labor?

Do you really need to induce labor? Is it worth interfering with the natural development of the situation? The key point here is that the course of pregnancy should be normal, without any abnormalities and pathologies. It is very important to consult with your doctor before deciding on stimulation.

Labor induction at home

If, nevertheless, the doctor approved the mother’s aspirations to speed up the process somewhat, the results of tests and medical examinations are normal, what should I do? How to help the baby to be born faster?

Stimulation of labor activity at home is as follows:

1. Walking, step up the stairs. The best method, and perhaps the safest, would be walking during the day and evening. You can also replace rides in the elevator with independent climbing stairs. When a woman is in an upright position, the fetus descends faster. However, physical activity should not be abused if the due date has not yet come. This can cause uterine tone.
2. Rubbing of the nipples. With active stimulation of the nipples, the body produces a hormone such as oxytocin, which is responsible for uterine contractions and contractions. During the massage, the entire palm should be involved, it should be placed on top of the chest and rotational movements should be made. After 15 minutes, move to the other breast, repeat. The procedure must be continued for at least an hour, otherwise there will be no result. It is advisable to do this massage three times a day. You can wrap your hand with a terry towel.
3. Intimate intimacy. This method is perhaps the most reliable, especially if a woman experiences an orgasm, which causes uterine contractions. But even without this, during sex, the body of the expectant mother produces oxytocin, which was mentioned above. And male sperm contains a large amount of prostaglandins - substances that soften the cervix and prepare it for disclosure.
4. Intake of spicy food. Spicy food stimulates the intestines, as a result of which the walls of the uterus contract, however, you should be extremely careful with this method. As a rule, towards the end of the term, a young mother develops severe heartburn from almost everything eaten, and from spicy food, the amount of burning bile in the esophagus will increase significantly. It is worth noting that such methods should be approached with extreme caution and after prior consultation with a doctor.

There are folk remedies for stimulating childbirth:

1. Raspberry leaves. Our great-grandmothers caused childbirth by taking a decoction of raspberry leaves. This drink prepares the walls of the uterus and speeds up the process. It is believed that if you drink such a decoction during labor, then the second stage of childbirth will pass much faster than usual. Therefore, if a young mother has some structural features of the pelvis or has health problems, it is better not to use this method, because due to the speed of the process, doctors will not have time to take the necessary measures.
2. Pineapple pulp. This exotic fruit is rich in bromelain, a substance that, like prostaglandin, helps soften the cervix and prepares it for dilation.

There are other ways to stimulate labor activity:

1. Homeopathic preparations. Experts in the field generally recommend the two remedies Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum. They can be used only on the recommendation of a doctor, since they affect each organism in different ways.
2. Laminaria. You can speed up labor by adhering to a special diet - eating more food rich in fiber. Leadership in this list is given to seaweed (kelp). The product contains a huge amount of iodine, vitamins and nutrients. To achieve a relaxing effect, it is enough to eat a small amount of seaweed. This will stimulate the uterus.
3. Drinks containing alcohol. There is an opinion that taking a small dose of high-quality alcohol has a relaxing effect on the body of a pregnant woman and accelerates the natural birth process. For example, if the expectant mother drinks a few sips of good red wine, this will not harm either her or the baby, but it will help provoke contractions. However, this method of labor induction is quite controversial and should not be used without first consulting a doctor.

What is absolutely impossible to do?

Never and under no circumstances should you try to induce labor yourself by any of the popular medical methods:

• tablets;
• injections;
• candles;
• droppers;
• acupuncture.

If you calculate the dose incorrectly, or perform the procedure itself, a tragedy can happen. No need to lift weights and greatly overload your body. This will provoke childbirth, but may adversely affect the child. If the child is in no hurry to be born, but according to the results of the examinations, everything is fine, then you need not worry and just give the baby a little time.

Methods of natural stimulation of labor activity are used in cases of overgestation and to prepare for the birth of the cervix. By the estimated date of onset of labor, the cervix is ​​significantly shortened, which causes pain in the lumbar region and frequent urination in the pregnant woman. Natural stimulation helps to relieve pain and speed up the process if the delivery date did not occur on the date prescribed by the doctor. All natural methods of labor stimulation are absolutely safe, both for the child and for his mother.

Nipple stimulation

One of the main ways to naturally stimulate labor is to massage the nipples. It is believed that when massaging and pinching the nipples in the body of a pregnant woman, the hormone oxytocin begins to be more actively produced, which causes labor pains. Nipples should be stimulated several times a day for 10-15 minutes. When using this method, contractions should begin within three days after the start of stimulation.

Castor oil

Castor oil is primarily known as a natural laxative, it is this property that is the main one in stimulating labor activity. By acting on the intestines, the oil simultaneously stimulates the uterus, accelerating the birth process. To soften the specific taste of the oil, you can add fruit juice or syrup to it. In half of the cases using this method, 100-150 grams of drunk castor oil causes natural contractions immediately after consumption.

Modern traditional medicine does not recommend the use of castor oil, which can cause diarrhea and lead to dehydration.

walks

Walking at a fast pace, preferably in the fresh air, also contributes to the natural stimulation of labor. When the expectant mother takes active walks, the baby's head, under the influence of gravity, begins to press harder on the cervix, which stimulates more active production of oxytocin. As a rule, almost all pregnant women take regular walks before giving birth, so it is rather difficult to determine the effectiveness of this method. But no expectant mother should refuse active walks, because they contribute to the adoption of the “correct” position of the fetus before childbirth.

Oxytocin is a hormone of the hypothalamus of an oligopeptide structure that has a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus.

Homeopathy

This method can also be attributed to natural methods of stimulating labor activity, but when using this method, you should still consult a homeopathic specialist. The main homeopathic remedies that enhance the activity of labor are caulophyllum and pulsatilla, which are considered absolutely safe for health. The results of surveys of many women who have already given birth indicate that homeopathic medicines have helped them solve various problems that arise during pregnancy.

In addition, natural methods of stimulation include: having sex with a mandatory violent orgasm in a pregnant woman, taking a small dose of alcohol, drinking some herbal tinctures, inflating balloons, and acupuncture.

Childbirth is a natural process of the birth of a child, carefully thought out and planned by nature. However, there are cases when it is impossible to do without medical care and stimulation of labor is required.

When is labor induction performed?

This procedure is carried out to artificially induce labor and activate labor activity directly during childbirth. First of all, the indication for stimulation is the prolongation of pregnancy, which entails certain risks, weakness and discoordination of labor. In addition, stimulation is prescribed for polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies and serious chronic diseases that threaten the health of the mother and child. Depending on the indications and the state of labor, various types of stimulation are used.

Detachment of amniotic membranes

This method of stimulation is usually used when the pregnancy is overdue. This procedure is performed during a routine gynecological examination. It consists in exfoliation of the amniotic membrane at the cervix of the uterus, contributing to the development of contractions. At the same time, the woman does not experience pain due to the absence of nerve endings in the shells.

The use of prostaglandins

These physiologically active substances act on the cervix, contributing to its maturation and opening. Prostaglandin preparations are used vaginally in the form of a gel and suppositories. As a rule, contractions begin within half an hour after their introduction. But there are situations when labor activity is not activated. In this case, the drug is administered again in a day.

Puncture of the fetal bladder

This method of labor induction is used for protracted, when the baby's head is in the pelvic area. The procedure consists in introducing a special tool in the form of a hook through the cervix, which causes the membranes to be punctured and the amniotic fluid to flow out. The use of this manipulation is associated with the risk of infection and prolapse of the umbilical cord, which contributes to impaired oxygen delivery to the fetus.

Use of oxytocin

This drug is a natural hormone that stimulates uterine contractions. It is usually used in cases where there is an extinction of labor activity - a decrease in the intensity of contractions. A drug is used with parallel monitoring of the condition of the fetus and the intensity of contractions.

birth control pills

In terms of effectiveness, degree of ease of use and the number of side effects, this method of stimulating labor is the most preferable. It consists in the use of drugs of artificially synthesized antigestogens (Mifepristone, Miropristone), which contribute to the maturation of the cervix and the development of contractions.

If childbirth does not begin in any way, and the child should already be born, doctors are forced to resort to their artificial stimulation using various methods. However, each of these methods has its own indications and contraindications, so asking a doctor to speed up labor for some reason is not recommended.

Types of stimulation

Postponement of pregnancy is characterized by oligohydramnios, a decrease in the thickness of the placenta, thickening of the cranial bones of the child, and so on. The absence of labor activity on time is fraught with a deterioration in the functioning of the placenta, which leads to a significant deterioration in the condition of the fetus. In such cases, labor induction is prescribed, for which artificial rupture of the fetal bladder or amniotomy is often used, during which the bladder is pierced with a hook-like instrument. This procedure is practically painless (there are no nerve endings in the fetal bladder) and allows you to start the process of delivery due to the discharge of amniotic fluid.

After the performed amniotomy, labor activity begins in about a few hours.

Also, childbirth is accelerated with the help of a special “prostaglandin” gel, which the obstetrician injects into the cervix of a woman lying on a gynecological chair. This procedure allows you to start labor nine to ten hours after the administration of the drug. If labor has begun, but labor activity is too weak, and the cervix does not open well, doctors resort to stimulation with droppers with oxytocin or prostaglandins. Oxytocin is a brain hormone that stimulates smooth muscle and increases uterine contractility. Prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) have similar properties. Four to six hours after inducing labor with one of the above methods, doctors evaluate the benefits of them - if there is no effect, the woman is given a caesarean section.

Features of stimulation

Contraindications to the acceleration of labor activity are its hyperactivity, hypertension, the presence of chronic fetal hypoxia or a scar on the uterus, as well as cardiovascular or other dangerous diseases of the woman in labor. Ideally, a woman should give birth on her own, since childbirth is a natural process that should be accompanied by proper breathing during attempts and contractions. Doctors say that stimulation is most often needed by women who are trying to control the birth of a child with their heads, while full and instinctive dedication to the process allows the body to do everything right.

Expectant mothers are advised to undergo special training at a school for pregnant women - then the acceleration of childbirth is unlikely to be required.

Also, natural childbirth is desirable for the reason that a child born without stimulation experiences less stress during the passage of the birth canal. In addition, non-intervention in labor prevents the occurrence of a lack of oxygen in the child. The use of drugs for stimulation is also not useful - for example, oxytocin most often gives the skin

Every mother-to-be expects her baby to be born on time. Carefully preparing for this day. Perhaps even chooses a name according to the church calendar. But then the cherished day comes, and ... Nothing?

After 40 weeks doctors strongly suggest that mom go to the hospital for artificial induction of labor. The word itself is not very pleasant, and the procedures carried out in the hospital are even more so. They put kelp, they inject a special gel, give hormonal pills ... Women who have experienced this on themselves in their first pregnancy, the second time, as a rule, stay at home until the very contractions. But even those who give birth for the first time can afford it.

Main principle waiting at home - confidence in the safety of the child. To do this, it is enough to pass 1-2 times a week KTG (cardiotocogram) fetus. She will show if the baby has oxygen starvation whether he is getting enough nutrients. An additional ultrasound can be done to see maturity of the placenta, condition of the amniotic fluid. In addition, it is worth asking about the history of childbirth with your relatives (mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts). Perhaps they also gave birth after 40 weeks - then you have genetic predisposition to procrastination, and don't worry too much. And if everything is in order, you can wait with hospitalization for now. And get busy natural induction of labor.

Principle Two– to do what was impossible during pregnancy (or in recent months). Not all of course, but a lot. The most effective thing is to restart intimate life with husband.Male semen contains prostaglandin, the same hormone on the basis of which the stimulating gel used in maternity hospitals was created. It will soften the cervix, gently prepare it for childbirth. Kissing, gentle stroking of the chest during sex helps to produce another hormone, oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions and is also antidepressant. In addition, having sex simply increases blood flow in the lower abdomen, which in turn tones the uterus and helps induce contractions.

Physical exercise at this time is also very helpful. This does not mean, of course, that you can pull barbells in the gym or jump until you are blue in the face in aerobics. And here is the classic charger or simple Eastern dance- that's it. Personally, during second pregnancy she simply carried her eldest son in her arms more often. And the most effective is the method of our grandmothers called " mopping» . You can use a mop, but better with your hands. Very efficient. Climbing stairs up and down is also a very useful stimulating exercise. And yes, it costs more hike-and the date of birth will help bring closer, and maintain physical fitness.

Various warming procedures are also effective, also aimed at increasing blood circulation: pepper patch on the lower back, iodine mesh on the lower back, very warm(almost hot) or cold and hot shower or bath.

lovers folk remedies advised to drink a tablespoon castor oil. Castor oil, which has relaxing properties, will help open the cervix faster. Thanks to her, you will also cleanse the intestines and will be able to avoid a not too pleasant hospital procedure. But this is more of an emergency. In general, you can start a kind of stimulation in advance, slightly adjusting your diet: if you include in your diet more foods rich in fiber (cabbage, beets, salads from fresh vegetables), due to increased intestinal motility, the uterus will also contract. Salads are best seasoned with vegetable oil.

In order to speed up the process of maturation of the cervix, from 34 weeks pregnant you can start taking evening primrose oil, which is sold in capsules in almost any pharmacy - 1 capsule per day. It is rich in fatty acids and promotes the production of prostaglandins. Oil intake can be started later: from 36 weeks - two capsules and three - from the 39th. raspberry leaves are also considered an excellent means for approaching childbirth. It is recommended to brew and drink them 2-3 glasses a day, starting from 34-36 weeks of pregnancy. Raspberries soften the ligaments around the birth canal, which promotes uterine contractions and also reduces the risk of ruptures during childbirth. Just be sure before taking any herbal preparations and oils, you should consult a doctor who observes you in a consultation or medical center; learn about possible side effects, along with it, choose the method that is right for you.

Psychologists give their advice for expectant mothers: be sure to talk with your baby, talk about how everyone loves and waits for him, stroke his stomach, make the baby want to meet mom as soon as possible. Rest assured that everything will be fine.

And the most important thing! No woman has ever been pregnant. If you and your baby are doing well, don't rush! Everything has its time. The baby himself determines the day and hour of his birth.

Almost every full-term pregnancy ends with the appearance of a baby. But, in some situations, additional help from the outside is required. For this purpose, drugs are used to stimulate labor.

Labor induction does not occur in every delivery. Doctors carefully analyze the situation before taking action.

The main reason for stimulation is when the deadline for natural childbirth, which falls at 38-42 weeks of pregnancy, has passed. If during this period the child was not born, then the placenta ages and cannot cope with the necessary functions. Toxins accumulate in the amniotic fluid, which changes color, which can lead to oxygen starvation in the fetus.

Indications for stimulation:

1. sometimes, due to multiple pregnancy, or due to polyhydramnios, the uterus is overstretched. This is also an indication for stimulation;
2. discharge of amniotic fluid ahead of schedule, and at the same time the absence of contractions for more than 10 hours. This significantly increases the growth of infection penetration to the baby through the opened cervix;
3. if placental abruption occurred prematurely, which poses a threat to the life of the baby;
4. the presence of chronic diseases in a pregnant woman, posing a threat to the health of the mother and baby. In some cases, the occurrence of late toxicosis. In these situations, stimulation takes place at week 38.

Artificial stimulation of labor is also recommended with a significant deterioration in the condition of the baby. Most often, in such a situation, a caesarean section is performed.

How long does labor last after stimulation? The time of delivery after stimulation is different for each woman. It all depends on how the birth canal is prepared, how open the cervix is, what is the activity of the woman in labor. But many note that their duration with artificial stimulation is somewhat less than with natural childbirth. But the contractions are much more painful and pass with a shorter interval.

Consequences and contraindications

Despite the help provided by the stimulation of labor, it also has negative sides. Some drugs for stimulation are administered through a dropper, and the woman in labor has to lie in one position for a long time, without movement, which causes not only inconvenience, but also severe pain.

Many expectant mothers note that artificially induced contractions are much more painful than during natural childbirth.

How does labor induction affect the baby? At some points, artificial induction of labor provokes oxygen starvation - hypoxia - in an infant, which can adversely affect his health. Often, immediately after the appearance, the child needs to stimulate breathing, as he is weakened by sharp contractions, due to which insufficient oxygen was supplied.

Artificial methods of stimulating labor activity also have their own contraindications, they are not used in the following cases:

• the position of the fetus is incorrect, or the baby is too large, and the size of his head does not match the size of the mother's small pelvis;
• The woman had already had a caesarean section. Artificial induction of labor can provoke a rupture of the seam.

Much during stimulation depends on the qualifications of medical personnel, the correctness of the chosen drug.

Types of mechanical stimulation

In obstetric practice, various methods of stimulating labor are used, depending on the indications and the stage at which it is located.

Detachment of the amniotic membrane. The procedure is performed during a gynecological examination. To induce contractions, the doctor carefully peels off the membrane near the cervix with his hands. It is not always possible to peel off the first time, sometimes you have to do it again. The method does not entail any special risks and does not cause pain to the woman in labor, since there are no nerve endings in the shell, but a feeling of discomfort is possible.

Bladder puncture. This is a more risky method, since when the bladder is punctured, the fetus is unprotected, and is easily susceptible to any infections. Bladder puncture does not activate labor activity, it is necessary to resort to additional stimulation measures, or to perform a caesarean section.

Most often, this method is used for prolonged contractions or when the baby's head sank into the pelvic area. To pierce the bladder, a special medical instrument in the form of a hook is used, which is used to pick up the amniotic membrane, inserting it into the vagina, making a puncture, which leads to the release of amniotic fluid.

Such types of labor stimulation are not often used, since negative consequences are possible, especially when the bladder is punctured.

Prostaglandins

In maternity hospitals, if there are certain indications, they prescribe the use of labor-stimulating drugs that cause contractions. Obstetricians use injections, gels, suppositories, droppers or tablets that speed up labor.

Most often, a woman is injected with prostaglandins, which are physiologically active substances that are produced by the human body and are contained in almost every organ. A lot of this substance is also in the amniotic fluid. With their help, there is a stimulation of the opening of the cervix. The drug is available in the form of a gel or suppositories that are administered vaginally. They do not cause discomfort to the woman in labor and do not hinder movement.

After the introduction of the drug, after 10 hours, contractions should begin. If this does not happen within 24 hours, then the gel or suppositories can be injected again, but not more than three times during the day.

Further application without result. The tool is not used if the water has already departed. Prostaglandins, as a drug to speed up labor, have almost no side effects and contraindications, and obstetricians prefer them. The tool has no effect on the baby, as it is not able to penetrate the amniotic membrane.

As a negative point from the action of the drug, doctors note a slowdown in the transition to the active stage of childbirth.

Hormone oxytocin

Often, women are prescribed oxytocin, a hormonal drug to stimulate labor. It is an artificial analogue of the natural hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

What stimulates labor activity? The hormone oxytocin causes and speeds up contractions by stimulating uterine contractions. Its use is necessary for weak labor or attenuation of contractions. Most often, the drug is administered intravenously. The expectant mother is put on a dropper that causes childbirth.

Recently, so that a woman does not have to lie still during contractions, instead of a dropper, a catheter is inserted, a special tube through which the medicine is supplied. If the action of the dropper turns out to be ineffective, an injection of oxytocin solution is given through the abdominal cavity into the walls of the uterus to stimulate labor.

Its use is carried out under the supervision of a physician, while monitoring the condition of the fetus and the intensity of contractions is mandatory. With an overdose, oxygen starvation of the baby and hyperstimulation of contractions are possible.

In some cases, oxytocin is not used to induce labor. For example, the incorrect position of the fetus, placenta previa, or the presence of scars on the uterus or a narrow pelvis for independent childbirth. Also, the medicine is not used if the birth canal has not yet been prepared, since it does not affect the opening of the cervix.

All women, when using the hormone, complain of very painful contractions, therefore, antispasmodics are often used simultaneously with the administration of the drug.

Stimulation tablets

A few years ago, in obstetric practice, they began to use pills to induce labor in late pregnancy. They contain artificially synthesized antistogens that block some of the uterine receptors responsible for stopping the production of progesterone, the main pregnancy hormone. Early abortion pills, or abortifacients, are birth-inducing pills that are used as stimulants during normal pregnancy.

What pills cause childbirth in the hospital? Obstetricians, usually for the purpose of stimulation, give women in labor pencrofton, miropristone, mifepristone, which are often used in conjunction with misoprostol. Whether or not to take pills, only the doctor decides, after examining the woman, assessing the quality of contractions, the degree of cervical dilatation.

Misoprostol tablets were originally used to treat stomach problems. In some countries, it is recommended to take birth control pills. Misoprostol, as a pill to induce labor, is not prescribed.

The drug helps to open the cervix and stimulate uterine muscle contractions. Therefore, it is taken only in conjunction with mifepristone and the effect on the fetus of misoprostol can only be considered in combination. At a normal dosage, negative effects do not occur. In case of excessive intake, cerebral hypoxia may occur in an unborn baby.

How long does it take to go into labor after misoprostol? Misoprostol is taken at the same time as mifepristone, one tablet at a time. A day later, you need to take another dose. The effect of the drug begins after 48-72 hours, depending on the individual.

natural stimulation

The scheduled date of delivery in 40 weeks is only indicative. Childbirth and at 42 weeks are considered normal, and pregnancy does not apply to post-term.

Many expectant mothers are interested in whether labor induction at 40 weeks of gestation is harmful. Often, during this period, a woman in labor is placed in a maternity hospital, under the supervision of doctors. But by this period, the fetus is already ready for birth, and if the birth canal is mature, then doctors suggest strengthening labor activity in a natural way. Several methods can be used for this.

What helps to strengthen labor activity:

• walking, walking up stairs, feasible physical activity, which will ensure the mobility of the pelvis, and will affect the uterus;
• having sex, which will cause uterine contraction;
• Stimulation of the nipples will help produce the hormone oxytocin naturally, which promotes uterine contractions. To do this, you need to massage the nipples for 5-10 minutes every day, once or twice during the day.

Some women in labor take castor oil at home, but doctors are against it. In addition, its effectiveness has not been proven.

Do not be afraid of artificial stimulation of childbirth. It is important to understand how much it is really necessary in a particular case. Without the consent of the woman in labor, doctors do not have the right to start stimulation.

Sometimes, in order for a child to be born healthy, you have to induce labor. When? Why? How?
Generic in English - "labour", which means "work". And this is really tedious and painful work, which many pregnant women are afraid of. A job that a woman, no matter how much she wants to, cannot start of her own free will. What if, due to a threat to the health of the child, he must be quickly brought into the world or the period has passed, but the contractions do not start? What to do when during childbirth they weaken or stop completely?

If nature has failed, obstetricians have many options to induce contractions or "push" them if necessary. Why are people resorting to labor induction? The pregnant woman has diabetes. Diabetic patients often give birth to large children weighing much more than four kilograms. This happens primarily in cases where a woman received insufficient medical treatment or the disease developed during pregnancy and was not detected in time. In this case labor induction necessary because the birth of such a large child becomes problematic.

• . In severe cases in the last weeks of pregnancy, this disease can no longer be managed with medication.
• The baby in the womb is starving. If the placenta does not work satisfactorily, then the baby does not receive enough nutrition and is poorly supplied with oxygen. Childbirth is stimulated as soon as the child becomes viable.
• The woman suffers from a chronic illness. If a woman's liver, heart, or kidney disease worsens as a result of pregnancy, her unborn child will also get worse. Therefore, it is brought to light ahead of time.
• The rupture of the fetal bladder occurs too early. Usually at the latest 12-24 hours after the contractions begin on their own. If this does not happen, artificial induction of labor is undertaken, otherwise the likelihood of infection through the cervix increases.
• The due date has long passed. The fetus is ripe, but contractions do not occur, even when the walking lasts more than two weeks. If the placenta begins to "age", there is a danger to the child - and labor is stimulated artificially.

Due date: When is the baby due?

Today, the gestational age from the very beginning is regularly checked by a doctor, as well as with the help of ultrasound. Therefore, errors in calculations are very rare. But all babies are different. One is born two weeks before the calculated date, the other takes a little longer. Even two weeks after the expected date of birth of the child, it is not necessary to bring him into the world by resorting to labor induction, if everything is in order with him so far. Between 1.1 and 4.4 percent of all pregnant women in the world give birth to a healthy child only after the 42nd week of pregnancy.

Today at artificial stimulation of contractions and childbirth they try not to resort to medication every time, but try to achieve the goal with the help of other, more natural means.

What method of stimulation the doctors decide to choose depends on whether something has already happened in the body of the pregnant woman that contributes to the onset of childbirth. Already a few weeks before the end of pregnancy in the amniotic fluid and in the mother's blood, the concentration of prostaglandin, a hormone that prepares the body for childbirth, noticeably increases. It softens the cervix and eliminates dense collagen fibers, opening the "gate" for the child. As soon as the cervix begins to open, the level of prostaglandin rises sharply. Now the contractions will no longer be so painful.

PROSTAGLANDIN (mainly in the form of a gel or suppositories) is injected into the cervical canal or into the vagina if the uterus must first be prepared for contractions. So the signal to start is gently given, after which labor pains begin spontaneously.
OXYTOCIN (the most common option is intravenous administration) is used if the cervix has already softened. This hormone quickly causes an active wave of contractions.

What induces labor

When the uterine os opens two to three centimeters (a pregnant woman cannot always feel this more or less noticeably), childbirth begins: now the level of oxytocin (the hormone that causes labor pains) increases with each new series of them, spurring labor. Therefore, synthetic prostaglandin and oxytocin are primarily used for stimulation.
Both of these hormones, with careful individual dosage, allow initiating approximately the same processes as in the natural course of childbirth. Such an assisted delivery does not last longer, is not more painful, and does not force the woman to lie down. In addition, it almost never happens that contractions follow one after another almost without interruption.

Nevertheless, more and more doctors are trying to do without medication. Today, some clinics are trying to use homeopathy as well.

In almost 90 percent of cases, expectant mothers only need patience to wait for the spontaneous onset of labor pains. But even in the midst of labor activity can suddenly weaken or stop altogether. has its reasons.
If the opening, especially at the first birth, occurs very quickly (in three hours), then for the mother, but above all for the child, it will be better and even necessary to stop. In such a situation, it is necessary not to force events, but to give both of them a break, and then everything will go on by itself.

If the birth is very difficult, at some point the woman does not have enough strength to continue labor, and the body begins to save energy. Experienced midwives believe that if a woman wants to eat and drink, she should be allowed to do so even during childbirth. Breaks between contractions are perfectly normal even when labor began at night, at two or three hours. In the morning, labor pains often weaken even with the opening of the uterine os by five centimeters. Then, in the afternoon or in the evening, they resume.

The child can also suspend labor if it “uncomfortably” turns to the birth canal. He seems to feel that this is not going to work. Often this "weakness of labor activity" can be overcome with the help of some motor activity of the woman in labor.