Preparation for childbirth

Sexual organs

Genital organs are most prepared for delivery. The changes relate mainly to the uterus. The pregnant womb is constantly increasing in size. By the end of pregnancy, its height reaches 35 cm instead of 7-8 cm outside of pregnancy, the mass rises to 1000-1200 g( without fetus) instead of the usual 50- 100 g. The volume of the uterine cavity increases approximately 500 times by the end of pregnancy. The change in the size of the uterus occurs under the influence of placental hormones due to the increase in the size of the muscle fibers. Blood vessels expand, their number increases, they seem to braid the uterus. There are irregular contractions of the uterus, which by the end of pregnancy become more active and are felt as a "contraction".These so-called Brexton-Hicks contractions, which are normal in the 30th week of pregnancy, are treated as training before real labor in childbirth.
The position of the uterus varies according to its size. By the end of the third month of pregnancy, she goes beyond the pelvis, and closer to birth, reaches the hypochondrium. The uterus is held in the correct position by ligaments, which thicken and stretch during pregnancy. The pain that occurs on the sides of the abdomen, especially during the change in the position of the body, is often caused by the tension of the ligaments. The blood supply of the external genitalia is intensified, varicose veins often appear in the vagina and on the labia. The same varicose veins can also occur on the lower extremities and in the rectum.

About three to four weeks before birth, the placenta will produce more estrogen, and the cervix will relax and soften, preparing for birth. By the time of contractions, the cervix changes dramatically, thinning out and shortening, and it expands( opens) to allow the child to come out. The beginning of the process is the chemical signals sent by the child, who, it seems, "answers" for the whole process.

At the time of birth, the child must mature enough to survive outside the uterine environment. In the uterus, in relation to providing oxygen and nutrients, as well as removing waste life, he relies on the mother, but as soon as he is born, control of these vital functions will take over his body. Therefore, as soon as the child's body is sufficiently formed, his brain will send hormonal signals to the placenta for the development of enzymes that will help its main organs reach the desired state and then stimulate contractions.

Mammary glands

During pregnancy, the mammary glands are prepared for the upcoming feeding. They increase the number of lobules, adipose tissue, and improve blood supply. The mammary glands enlarge in size, the nipples are rough.

Hormonal "settings"

Studies have shown that with the approach of the moment of birth, the brain of the child gives a signal to the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone( ACTH), which, in turn, contributes to the production of another chemical, cortisol. These substances from the child's body enter the placenta, causing a reaction to convert the progesterone into estrogen. This point is very important, since progesterone is a hormone that keeps the uterus from contraction in the early stages of pregnancy, while estrogen is responsible for the birth contractions of the uterus. You may notice this change in the hormonal level by stress in the uterus several days before the contractions.

Since the baby's head presses against the cervix, a signal is sent to the brain that induces the pituitary to produce the hormone oxytoxin. The latter helps to reduce the muscles of the uterus, forcing the child's head to pass further into the cervix and providing continuous cuts. In addition, oxytoxin stimulates the release into the blood of substances called prostaglandins, they accelerate the contraction of the uterine muscles. This amazing and incredible process expands during fights, becomes more active, the mother and child organisms interact in perfect harmony, which leads to the birth of a new person.

Weight gain

Fetal growth and physiological changes in the body of a pregnant woman affect the weight of her body.
In a healthy woman, by the end of pregnancy, the body weight increases by an average of 12 kg, with fluctuations from 9 to 18 kg. Usually in the first half of pregnancy it increases by 4 kg, in the second half - by 2 times more. Weekly weight gain of up to 20 weeks is approximately 300 g, from 21 to 30 weeks 330 g, and after 30 weeks before delivery 340 g, with fluctuations up to 30-40 g in both directions. In women with a deficit of body weight before pregnancy, weekly weight gain may be even greater.

Joints

During pregnancy, women develop some looseness in the joints. Especially
the joints of the pelvis become mobile. This is necessary to facilitate the passage of the fetus through it during childbirth. Sometimes the softening of the pelvic articulations is so pronounced that there is a slight discrepancy in the bones;Then the pregnant woman has pain in the area of ​​the heart and a "duck" gait. This should be reported to the doctor and receive appropriate recommendations.

Nerves. ..

In addition to physiological changes in the body, the pregnant woman's mental state changes. The attitude of women to pregnancy and childbirth is influenced by various factors, including social, moral, ethical, economic, as well as the personality of the most pregnant woman.
In the first half of pregnancy, most women are more concerned about their own health, and in the second half, especially after the appearance of fetal movements, all the thoughts and concerns of the future mother are aimed at the well-being of the fetus. A woman can address a child with affectionate words, she fantasizes, endowing him with individual characteristics. Along with this, many women knowingly refuse some attachments and habits to please the upcoming motherhood.
Also, pregnant women may have various fears and fears. During this period, a woman may be concerned about changes in appearance, loss of attractiveness, relationship with her husband. Close relatives( especially the husband) should become a reliable support of the pregnant woman and try to provide the woman with psychological comfort. If the anxiety, depressive condition of a pregnant woman is expressed, you should seek advice from a specialist.