The beginning of labor

When labor begins remains a surprise. Starting at 37 weeks, we consider it a healthy time at which the baby may be born. Only 3-4% of women give birth on the due date and 70% pass it. If you have passed your due date, the midwife will discuss with you during the consultation hour what choices are available, should labor not yet start on its own soon. At the end of a pregnancy your body begins to prepare for delivery. You could say that you start practicing. The muscles of your uterus, which will soon be needed for labor contractions, are engaged in contractions, now very inconsistent and irregular. As labor approaches, however, your uterus becomes more sensitive to pressure and touch. The contractions, or contractions, may become stronger in the final days before labor and turn into pre-weeks or practice contractions that help prepare the cervix. This can cause a heavy feeling in your (lower) abdomen and lower back, and some women experience this as painful. There may also be a slow regularity to it, such as cramps every half hour or 15 minutes. So it’s natural to wonder in confusion, “Is this it now?” Has labor started?’ And you may have already answered this question hopefully with “yes” for yourself, and be disappointed when the midwife cannot confirm it. Indeed: The actual birth may still be many days away. It is then important for yourself to know that the period in which your body exercises and prepares for the actual birth has a very important function. Even though it does not mean that labor has begun. You are doing this pre-work for a reason. Later you will benefit from it! For some women, the changes at the end of pregnancy can go virtually unnoticed.

The contractions

Most deliveries begin with uterine contractions (90%). Contractions are powerful, rhythmic contractions of the uterus. It causes the baby to be pushed deeper into the pelvis and creates pressure on the cervix. The cervix is a “tube” attached to the uterus. You can compare it to a balloon. The pressure on it will first cause the cervix to soften and shorten. Then it will open. The opening of the cervix is also called dilation. At first, these contractions are still short, irregular and not so painful. They are called pre contractions and make the cervix more flexible (mature). At this stage, you can often continue what you are doing. When the contractions become stronger and more regular, more painful and when your cervix opens, the real labor has begun. A first delivery takes an average of 12 to 16 hours from the time the contractions come every 3 to 5 minutes. A subsequent delivery is usually faster.

The membranes and amniotic fluid

One in ten deliveries does not start with contractions, but with the breaking of the membranes. The membranes and amniotic fluid have served as protection for the baby over the past few months. You will recognize it by the fluid loss. This is often not a one-time large puddle (as one is shown in the movies), but you will lose small bits of fluid all the time. The membranes may rupture in a later process of labor. Once the membranes have broken, contractions usually start within 24 hours. However, it may take even longer for labor to begin. As long as the checks on you and your baby are good, it is responsible to wait until labor starts spontaneously. Very many women have spontaneous contractions within 48 hours of the waters breaking. However, the midwife does transfer you to the gynecologist 24 hours after breaking. You then definitely give birth in the hospital as well. The condition of your baby and yourself will be further monitored in the hospital.

Tips to relax and reduce stress during your delivery

If contractions come frequently: Take a clock or watch to check every how much time they come and how long they last. You also have digital mobile apps for this. You measure the frequency by counting from the start of a contraction to the start of the next contraction. If the interval between contractions is irregular and they are still short (less than 50 sec) in duration, it is wise to try to rest as much as possible. This way you can save your strength. A nice warm bath, a shower or a warm hot water bottle on your abdomen can be very helpful. This allows the abdomen to relax a bit. Often the contractions then subside a little, or continue. If it is evening, try to get some sleep. If it is daytime, you can continue with your daily activities as usual. Try to find something to distract you. Labor may be quite a while (days) away. Comfort yourself with the knowledge that preparations are hard at work.

• Take a nice hot bath, shower or warm jug on your stomach.
• Prepare well for what lies ahead.
• Call the midwife with any questions you are worried about.
• Be honest with people around you who make you restless or irritable.
• Put on music where you can relax well, mute the lights, close the curtains if necessary and turn off the phone.
• Sleep in between if you still can.
• Eat and drink normally.
• Feel free to still go to the bathroom. Peeing a lot can even help.
• When contractions come frequently, start keeping track of time (don’t do this too quickly).

How does your body work? Your influence on pain and pain relief

Did you already know that your body immediately responds to pain by producing its own painkillers (“endorphins”)? As a result, you feel less pain. So relaxing is very important. But if you are very tense or anxious, it can interfere with the production of endorphins. So it is important to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible during your labor. Fortunately, you can influence this yourself! Think of things that help you relax, such as a warm bath, a massage and encouraging words from your partner and those around you. If you can relax well during contractions, labor will progress better and often go more smoothly and pleasantly. There are several things you can do to deal with the pain and stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible during labor. Labor is triggered in part by a change in hormones. These are substances that provide the contractions and make the cervix flexible (oxytocin). During labor and delivery, your brain produces a morphine-like substance that acts as a natural painkiller, allowing you to endure the contractions. The biggest opponent of endorphins is adrenaline. Adrenaline is produced by your own body in response to fear, tension and resistance. As a result, pain perception goes up and contractions are much less effective, or do not progress as quickly. So try to avoid adrenaline production as much as possible! Create a situation where you feel as calm as possible.