Giving birth

Regular contractions are a sign that the baby is on the way.

Before the mother feels softer contraction preparing her for giving birth (like Braxton Hicks contractions), but nothing like the contractions of giving birth, which are stronger and more intense.

Contractions are regular when they are every 30 seconds or more.

Depending on the baby's position, the mother will feel pains similar to period pains, located under the uterus, or continuous back pains.

When the contraction repeats every 10 minutes and last 30 seconds is time to call the gynecologist and go to the hospital.

The uterus neck (cervix) that has being closed during pregnancy has to open now at least 10 cms to let the baby's head come out.

This is the first phase of giving birth.

The regular contractions are caused by the muscle fibers of the uterus that stretch up and side ways. The gynecologist will check the dilatation using the fingers to feel the uterus neck.

What to do if you are past your due date?

• Having sex opens the uterus neck and stimulates the contractions. In the semen there are hormones called prostaglandins that help the process.
• Massage the nipples helps the production of the oxitocin, the substance that causes the contractions in the uterus. It's not recommended to try this before week 37 because it can be really efective.
• Standing up as much as posible and be busy helps the production of oxitocin.
• Herbal infusions like strawberry or raspberry also help stimulate the contractions of the uterus ready for the moment of giving birth. It's not recommended to drink it before week 37 either because of the efectiveness of this herbal tea.
• Reflexology, aromatherapy, acupunture and other alternative solutions can help to acelerate the moment of giving birth.
  Consult the professionals.

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