The maturity of the cervix before childbirth is determined by a special Bishop scale during examination.
Physiologically, already 4-6 weeks before birth, changes occur in the cervix, it begins to swell, softening appears and it becomes sensitive. Using the Bishop scale, which evaluates the five features inherent in the cervix from 0 to 3, it is possible to examine with a certain degree of confidence whether the early birth call will be successful.
If muscle activity and cervical susceptibility are coordinated with each other, then under the influence of contractile function, the diameter of the cervical canal increases to approximately 10 cm at the end of the first stage of labor.
The vagina is considered ready when the opening of the cervix before childbirth is realized approximately on the finger wide and located on the axis of the maternal canal or fetus. Assessing the maturity scale, the doctor takes into account the difference in the width and length of the cervix for the first pregnancy and for those who have repeatedly given birth.
Upon examination, the cervix is ready for childbirth with a result of at least 9 points, in other cases it is considered immature. Uterine maturation is a very important factor before birth. After the neck becomes ripe, it can already take part in childbirth. But her stimulation during childbirth is also important.
Birth stimulation
Stimulation of labor is usually not associated with risk, as they are used, mainly, painless methods, but this leads to strong and frequent painful contractions. In some cases, you can not do without it. For example, it happens that the water has already departed, and there are no contractions yet, then cervical stimulation is used. One of the best and most natural ways to stimulate childbirth is walking, which means that a woman in labor is asked to walk.
When this does not help, then the doctors have no choice but to artificially cause the birth. There are several methods for this purpose: a special vaginal gel and a special puncture of the membrane of the fetal bladder with a plastic needle. If the uterus does not want to contract, then hormonal preparations such as myropristone and mifepristone are used. The dose and type of drug is chosen by the doctor individually and this choice depends on many different factors. In some cases, stimulation is contraindicated: if the fetus is too large relative to the pelvis of the woman in labor and in the case of some diseases.
Self-stimulation of the cervix
There are also many popular methods of self-stimulation. The first method is nipple stimulation, during which the body produces an additional amount of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for labor. An enema also helps in the process of stimulating labor, thanks to it there is an emission of prostaglandins softening the cervix. Walking up and down stairs also helps. Another popular way to cause childbirth is sex, but the benefits of this method are not scientifically proven, as well as harm.
There is a cocktail recipe that helps in this case. For it, you will need one glass of orange juice mixed with a glass of sparkling water, two tablespoons of castor oil and two tablespoons of ground almonds, all this must be mixed in a blender and drunk all in small sips.
After the neck is ready to take on the load, care should be taken to ensure that it expands smoothly and that its muscles do not break.
Risk of cervical rupture
The risk of rupture of the cervix is most often said, if this is the second pregnancy, and the first ended with a caesarean section. The main reasons for the onset of this generic pathology may be several, or rather not so little. In addition, at the same time, modern observations of scientists and medical practitioners show that such cervical ruptures during childbirth most often occur in primiparous women. The danger is even greater in the case of a short break between pregnancies. The age of the woman also affects the risk of rupture of the cervix – the forty-year-old women in labor are most at risk.
Unfortunately, there are no symptoms before delivery. Uterine rupture can be spontaneous or caused by trauma. The uterus is torn most often in the lower part longitudinally or transversely. It often also happens that the uterus comes off the base after a postoperative scar. Experienced healthcare providers are able to notice symptoms of uterine rupture. Usually this is an increase in body temperature and a rapid heartbeat.
A woman feels sudden and very severe abdominal pain, after which the contractions cease and shock symptoms appear. In this case, the doctor must immediately perform a cesarean section, suture or remove the uterus and conduct a blood transfusion. Rupture of the cervix is the most dangerous circumstance during childbirth. A woman can lose a lot of blood, in addition, the danger threatens a newborn.
But be that as it may, these risks are unlikely, if from the very beginning to properly approach each procedure and responsibly monitor the health of women. Even in the event of an incident, doctors will always cope with the task in any situation. Given how rapidly medicine is developing, expectant mothers have nothing to fear.
