When we talk about the labor dilation We are mainly referring to the Disappearance of the cervix along with its progressive widening. What is the objective? Allow the baby to pass through at the time of delivery.
This is the first phase of the baby’s birth and also the longest. But, let’s go little by little. Throughout the following lines we want you to resolve all your doubts about this unforgettable moment.
What do we mean by labor dilation?
First of all you should know that The moment of birth is made up of 3 phases: dilation phase, expulsive phase and delivery phase.
Imagine your uterus as a closed fist that has protected your baby during pregnancy. At the moment the dilation phase begins, that fist begins to be “eliminated,” which is known as “effacement.” As? The muscle fibers become increasingly finer and finer until that fist ceases to exist, giving rise to a gap of a maximum of 10cm that will give way to your little one’s head.
Your midwife or gynecologist will monitor your dilation through vaginal examinations or examinations. Using your index and middle fingers as scissors, you will check how much they can open depending on the dilation that is achieved. A circle is palpated and its diameter is calculated.
We talk about the neck being “patent for one or two fingers” when it is slightly dilated. From there they will begin to quantify the dilation in centimeters.
What will you feel during labor dilation?
According to the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SEGO) The dilation phase of labor is in turn made up of two other stages: the latent or passive phase and the active phase. We help you differentiate them.
latent or passive phase
In this first moment you will begin to feel contractions irregularly.
Wait, what are the contractions? We could define them as “the driving force of childbirth.” These are the essential forces that propel the baby from the uterus to the birth canal thanks to hormones such as oxytocin and prostaglandins. Don’t worry, you won’t confuse them with the kicks of your baby.
You will feel the contractions like a type of cramp or strong menstrual pain of variable duration. They are usually painful, however each woman experiences them in a certain way. Some mobile applications for pregnant women They can help you quantify its duration and intensity. “Should I go to the hospital immediately?”– you will think. No, ideally you should stay home as long as possible during this phase due to how long it can be (you can gain the first 3-4cm in around 8 hours). During this time it is recommended that you stay hydrated but eating solid foods is discouraged. Breathe, stay calm and… Remember to take hospital bag together with you birth plan before rushing to the hospital once the contractions are more frequent!
Active phase
As its name indicates, it is an active moment in which contractions occur more frequently, causing dilation to gain rhythm. So much so that you will dilate around 1cm/hour (if you are a first-timer) and 1.5cm/hour (if it is not your first birth) until you reach a maximum dilation of 10cm. Let’s say that this phase is like the prelude to the delivery.
At this time you will feel that the contractions are more rhythmic, have greater intensity and are more painful. This is a much faster phase in which you will go from 3 to 10cm dilated.
It varies greatly in new mothers where effacement occurs first and then dilation with an average duration of 8-12 hours. In multiparous mothers, both events occur simultaneously, making the duration 5-8 hours.
Tricks to promote dilation and make labor faster
At this point you may be thinking:“Okay, so far so good, but… I want this process to be as quick and painless as possible! Is there anything I can do?” Yes, breathe and stay calm. And again, yes, we know. We are aware that the theory seems simple but things can get complicated when it comes to putting it into practice.
Don’t panic! For pain, keep in mind that you can use the epidural if you feel that the contractions are too intense as long as your dilation ranges between 4 and 8cm.
However, we want to leave you some recommendations so that you can experience your birth in the most natural way possible.
Physical exercise
Physical activity is beneficial throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy as long as it is adapted to both your needs and preferences. Not only does it help you relax your muscles, but it distracts you from the pain and makes you feel safe and calm. So do anything but lie down!
Walking daily, sitting on a Pilates ball to work on movement and tilt the pelvis, doing squats, squatting, walking down stairs or dancing while swinging the hips are beneficial activities. With them we can not only tone the pelvic floor, but we favor the positioning of the baby, we stimulate the production of oxytocin and therefore, we help in the dilation of labor.
Here you can go into more detail about physical exercise in the first trimester,physical exercise in the second trimester and physical exercise in the third trimester.
Hot water
Hot water helps you relax and reduce your anxious state. It influences dilation, increasing the feeling of control and reducing pain. Here you can read more about the water birth.
Moments as a couple
The role of the couple during pregnancy and childbirth It is essential. Who is going to help you and protect you best in such an intimate moment? Their massages, hugs, caresses will help you stay calm by promoting the release of oxytocin.
Additionally, to alleviate the labor pain Your partner can help you with a massage, applying local heat… Also remember that the seminal fluid contains prostaglandins that help mature the cervix. Hence to maintain sexual relations during pregnancy Not only is it not “prohibited” but it is advisable as long as the gynecologist does not consider otherwise.
Calm and relaxed atmosphere
Here we leave you the mantra of María, our physiotherapist specialized in women’s health, who repeats ad nauseam that:“Your body is ready to give birth and your baby is ready to be born.” Repeat it and above all believe it. This will make you calm and avoid nerves and the fears of pregnancy.
As a curiosity we have to tell you that when you are nervous your brain generates cortisol and adrenaline. Hormones opposite to oxytocin that help you with dilation. Hence keep calm and take care emotional health during pregnancy and childbirth is of vital importance.
Relaxing music, calm atmosphere, relaxation techniques,… Let it flow.
Once again from SingularMom we urge the importance of information. That you know exactly what you are facing and what you can do at all times to promote your well-being and that of your baby are our priorities.
We take care of all this with our online childbirth preparation classes.
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