How to prepare your cervix for childbirth?

Achieving a more seamless delivery involves preparing your body for childbirth. Being ready for labor with your cervix is one of the most important aspects of this preparation. The lower portion of the uterus, known as the cervix, is extremely important during childbirth.

The cervix stays closed and firm during pregnancy in order to safeguard the unborn child. However, it starts to thin, open, and soften as the due date draws near, preparing for the arrival of your child. There are a few natural ways you can support this process, but it takes time.

We’ll look at gentle methods and advice in this post to help get your cervix ready for childbirth. Gaining knowledge of these techniques will help you feel more prepared and confident for the experience that lies ahead.

Role in the birth process

The cervix closes the uterine cavity tightly, functioning as a "locking device" for the duration of the pregnancy. The uterus is an organ that resembles a sac and narrows right at the isthmus. The cervical canal, which is enclosed by the round muscle known as the cervix, is kept firmly closed during pregnancy by a plug made of mucus. Nature itself takes precautions like these to keep viruses, bacteria, and infections out of the uterus cavity, where the fetus develops. Inside the uterus, an almost sterile environment forms.

The female reproductive organ provides a warm and comfortable home for the developing baby, and as labor draws near, the body initiates a series of critical processes in this organ due to hormonal fluctuations. To naturally lessen pain during childbirth, uterine tissues start to lose extra, excess nerve fibers. The uterine tissue cells produce the protein aktomiosin, which gives them the ability to contract. The future mother’s placenta and pituitary gland start to release oxytocin, a hormone that triggers full-fledged birth fights once it builds up to a high enough concentration.

The cervix starts to get ready as well. It will play the primary role, revealing up to 10–12 centimeters. The attempts will start once the neck is opened, and the baby will be delivered. The maturation process usually begins in the second half of the third trimester and progresses very slowly. It is determined at 38–39 weeks and 39–40 weeks how mature the cervix is and how ready it is for childbirth. A cervix that has shrunk to 1-1.5 centimeters and softened enough to open normally at the onset of full-fledged labor contractions is regarded as mature.

A cervix that is immature at the start of labor increases the likelihood that the opening will be abnormal or won’t happen. This is risky mainly because of the increased likelihood that the fetus may sustain injuries to its head and spine, as well as cervix ruptures, severe bleeding, and weak labor muscles, which may necessitate an emergency cesarean section for the woman.

Immaturity and its causes

If a woman hears from a doctor shortly before the expected date of birth that her cervix is ​​not ready for opening, “not ripe”, not only the question arises of how to “ripen it – and it is desirable to do it quickly”, but also a completely reasonable question – why is the cervix already ripe in others, and in this case the ripening does not meet the norms. The cervix is ​​considered immature if its length at 38-39 weeks of pregnancy is 2.5-3 centimeters or more, the consistency of the cervix is ​​dense, softening does not occur, the cervical canal is closed, the obstetrician"s finger does not pass the cervix. The external os, if unprepared for childbirth, is not located in the central part, but shifted upward or backward. All these signs can be easily established by a doctor at the antenatal clinic, where the woman comes for a routine appointment. To do this, he will need to conduct a vaginal gynecological examination with his hands and mirrors.

• various nervous factors (stress, fears, anxiety, unfavorable psychological and social environment in which the pregnancy occurs, unwillingness to give birth for some personal reasons);
• endocrine disorders (high synthesis of progesterone in the body, low levels of estrogen, oxytocin, some deviations in the thyroid gland);
• some anomalies in the structure of the uterus, cervix, genital tract;
• inflammatory process in the genital tract, ascending infection;
• excessive stretching of the cervix due to numerous previous births, the presence of scars on the cervix due to birth ruptures in previous births;
• abortions and medical curettage in the anamnesis, any intrauterine manipulations that required artificial dilation of the cervix for the introduction of instruments;
• idiopathic (unexplained) causes.

Women who are obese, have gestosis, or are pregnant and have uterine fibroids are particularly vulnerable to problems affecting the cervix’s maturation processes. In cases of diagnosed polyhydramniosis and large fetuses, the cervix ripens pathologically slowly.

Pregnant women who follow a sedentary lifestyle, avoid safe and legal sports, avoid gymnastics to strengthen their perineum, and refrain from having sex with a partner are more likely to experience issues with the cervix’s maturation.

Being immature is a diagnosis, not a condemnation. There are numerous ways that traditional and folk medicine can assist in preparing the cervix for the impending birth.

Exercises

A woman must become proficient in a short but powerful series of exercises created by obstetrician Kegel in order to assist in softening and preparing the cervix at home. Most pregnant women are permitted to participate in his name-brand gymnastics after the first trimester, when the greatest chance of not carrying the baby to term has passed.

It is advised to commit to gymnastics for roughly ten minutes each day. It is essential to inquire beforehand with the obstetrician-gynecologist supervising the pregnancy about your ability to perform pelvic floor, perineal, and lower segment of the uterus strengthening exercises.

Because most effective exercises can be done completely undetected by others, it is very convenient to do this anywhere at any time. You can do it in the kitchen while making dinner, while watching a movie, or while traveling.

In addition to helping to ready the cervix for delivery, Kegel exercises will increase the elasticity of the muscles in the birth canal and perineum, reducing the risk of ruptures during delivery and the need for incisions.

Which exercises should you focus on doing?

• alternating contraction and relaxation of the vaginal muscles and anal sphincter;
• contraction and relaxation of the vagina at different speeds;
• deep calm breaths, combined with strong contraction and exhalations with gradual relaxation of the muscles of the birth canal;
• lifting and circular rotations of the pelvis from a supine position on the floor, on a fitball;
• holding the clamped muscles of the vagina as long as possible.

You only need to perform two to three techniques during each session; the woman will repeat these exercises in eight to ten minutes. You are also free to take brief breaks. This is pretty challenging at first, but with time, the birth canal and perineum muscles strengthen and the exercises become easier.

A woman will notice that sex has become more intense and that both she and her partner’s sensations have increased after just a few weeks of such exercises, in addition to the obvious benefits for preparing the birth canal.

You should massage the external genitalia in addition to the body. It takes only five minutes a day, if you set aside time for it. Use your fingertips and an open palm to execute the movements; it’s best to trim your manicure beforehand. Neutral massage oils are available, such as Weleda Intimate Oil, which is useful for easing labor pains.

Medicines

A doctor selects the medications that shorten and soften the cervix. In cases where the round muscle is under excessive strain, antispasmodic medications such as "No-Shpa" are prescribed. Antispasmodic tablets are typically taken for two weeks to help soften the cervix; if this is not effective, the medication is already injected in the maternity hospital.

In a hospital setting, almost all medical techniques for preparing the cervix for childbirth are performed under a doctor’s supervision. The suppositories "Buscopan" and "Papaverine," as well as the previously mentioned "No-Shpa," are the only exceptions. Hormone injections and gels are two forms of hormonal preparations that can be used in a hospital to promote cervical maturation. For preparation, prostaglandins and estrogens are utilized.

Kelp is a fairly common method for rapidly cervix preparation. Pharmacies sell seaweed in the form of extremely thin sticks. The cervix expands from the inside out when the doctor places such a stick inside the cervical canal and the algae start to swell.

Women report mild pulling pain, some unpleasant sensations, and increased vaginal discharge.

It is important to remember that dosages are chosen on an individual basis and that prescriptions are only written for medications when necessary. Should there be no improvement, the choice to have a cesarean section made because an unprepared and immature cervix during spontaneous childbirth can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.

Folk remedies

It’s a common misconception that having regular sex helps prepare the cervix for childbirth.

There is some validity to this since prostaglandins found in sperm soften the round muscle in the lower part of the uterus. However, not every pregnant woman is permitted to engage in late-stage sexual activity. It is essential that you talk to your doctor about this "treatment" option. Furthermore, you should not have sex after the mucus plug starts to come off or if amniotic fluid starts to leak or if there is any suspicion of it.

Great-grandmothers suggested observing rose hips among other things. Its fruits are extremely helpful to expectant mothers, helping to induce labor among other things. Dried rose hips are used to make a water decoction, which is taken once daily in doses of 50 ml on an empty stomach and then 100–150 ml.

Additionally, women are advised by traditional medicine to consume an aqueous infusion made from strawberry and raspberry fruits and leaves. Evening primrose oil is beneficial as well.

Movement is also beneficial. If you don’t have symphysitis, you can walk up and down stairs, keep doing yoga, practice breathing techniques, and take daily walks outside as much as you can.

Naturally doable and reasonable household chores also aid in the process of cervical dilation.

It’s critical to concentrate on getting your body—including your cervix—ready for childbirth as the time draws near. You can assist your cervix in softening and preparing for labor by adhering to your doctor’s instructions, staying active, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Healthy routines including drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in mild exercise will also help your body’s natural healing process. As your due date draws near, pay close attention to your body’s needs and get rest when necessary. You’ll notice a noticeable difference in how you feel.

Lastly, maintain constant communication with your healthcare professional. They can provide you with individualized guidance and assistance, making sure you’re ready for the thrilling experience of giving birth.

Knowing how your body changes in the weeks before labor is important for preparing your cervix for childbirth, and there are things you can do to speed up this process. Cervical readiness may be promoted by gentle methods such as maintaining an active lifestyle, performing targeted stretches, drinking plenty of water, and thinking about all-natural remedies like red raspberry leaf tea. If necessary, talking with your doctor about alternatives such as membrane sweeping or other medical interventions can be beneficial. The secret is to concentrate on providing your body with calm, knowledgeable support so that, when the time comes, everything goes more smoothly.

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