We got pregnant under very romantic circumstances - we were on vacation. Our friends had a honeymoon in the Maldives, and we were invited along as witnesses and best friends. So... a start was made :). Further even more fun. As soon as I realized that I was pregnant and I was overcome by this fact, I calculated the due date and it turned out to be March 8... well....
The pregnancy went, in my opinion, very well, the toxicosis was relatively mild and short-lived - I only suffered from morning sickness for 1 month, one might say I got off lightly. The tests were perfect, I felt tolerable, my back started to hurt after the 28th week, but I fought it, no gestosis. When I went on maternity leave, I started going to fitness and water aerobics for pregnant women and courses for expectant mothers. So there was no time to be bored. It was just a great time. For doctors, giving birth at “that” age is no longer normal, but I really wanted to give birth without operations and any interventions, so I prepared physically and theoretically to the maximum. I’ll say right away that it was thanks to this that everything went the way it did, and, of course, thanks to my fabulous midwife.
It was day like day... March 3... woke up after 9, ate, went to the gym, listened to a lecture on breastfeeding. Contractions began (as it turned out later, that was exactly what they were). In the evening we watched the movie “Ecstasy” at home and the kinder in my stomach from time to time stuck my butt out so much that not only my belly, but also my face was distorted.. I lay down this way and that, stood up in a knee-elbow position, in short I watched a movie and toiled... It turns out he was already starting to make his way, since this protrusion was somehow cyclical... It turns out that when he cut his way with his head, he pushed off with his butt as hard as he could... But I didn’t even guess, I thought it was another restless evening. Well, we watched the movie, and then when I went to the toilet, I discovered something similar to a traffic jam... and I began to feel a tug in my lower abdomen... I thought it was time to pack the bags for the maternity hospital, because who knows, if it’s a traffic jam, then I can give birth in a couple of days, but my things are not packed...
It’s about 10-11 pm, I’m running around the house, packing things, my husband probably thinks that I’m an alarmist, but I’m starting to notice that the sipping is somehow getting stronger, and after a while the pain is getting worse... So I’m slowly starting I’m happy – I’m just skipping around the house, commenting on which packages are mine, which packages I should bring for him later, and all that. At the same time I drank some No-spices.
At 12 I went to bed, but I can’t sleep anymore. The pain is so bad that it’s impossible to sleep. I note the time - a contraction takes on average 5 minutes, lasting up to 30 seconds. Quite tolerable, like during menstruation. I think I won’t scare my husband yet, otherwise he’ll send me to the maternity hospital, but I don’t want to go there yet, maybe I’ll be able to sleep...
I try... I try... it doesn’t work - it hurts. I got up, walked around... I went to the toilet - there was bloody discharge. No water is observed. So... Stopudova needs to go to the maternity hospital in the morning, but... the toilet is not very tidy, in short, I cleaned up - washed the toilet, the cat's toilets. I need to do something, I can’t sleep :) I went into the bathroom, looked at myself in the mirror - my bangs weren’t cut, I didn’t have time to go to the hairdresser (it’s good that I managed to get a manicure-pedicure the day before, painted my nails, shaved - how felt). I cut my bangs so that I wouldn’t end up looking like a Chukchi in the maternity hospital.
So... it’s half past three - I need to go and sleep for at least an hour... I lay down and struggled, but managed to pass out for an hour - I was really happy. I woke up somehow gradually and like a drug addict – with hallucinations. The feeling is indescribable...
I lay there until 6 - I decided to go to the shower, wash myself, and do an enema. After it, you have to sit in the toilet for another half hour, but I was about to leave at about 8 o’clock - the contraction was already in 3-4 minutes, stronger and lasting 30-40 seconds. Got myself in order. I did an enema for the first time, and I was even surprised at how easy everything was, it turns out it was even fun. It’s good that I did it at home – it’s somehow more comfortable and calm here. My husband had to go to work at 8, he woke up at 7 in the morning from my staggering, and I hinted to him that we’d probably go now.
While he was brushing his teeth, the pain intensified, and a popping sound was heard inside me.. The first thought was “not that... the bubble burst,” but the contractions had already been going on for 7 hours - so it doesn’t seem like a premature discharge... As soon as my husband left the bathroom , there was no longer time for fear of bark help. I made a decision - to call and go... My husband began to deny it - they say, call me yourself - in case they start asking me something, but I don’t know what to answer. But I didn’t want to talk on the phone at all; during a fight there was no time for conversations and questions.
“Hello, girl, can I call a car, my wife is giving birth”…. “Not a car, this is not a taxi - an ambulance,” they answered offendedly at the other end of the line. Everything is clear - my husband is nervous :). We then laughed for a long time about this situation. Questions really arose - in addition to the address, name and age, they began to torture me, whether my water broke, what time the contractions started, what interval... my husband repeated the questions out loud - I answered... What kind of questions???!!!
I quickly started getting dressed and getting ready. The husband ran to the store to get water - the last thing on the list of package contents. The ambulance arrived in 10-15 minutes - I was just ready. A young girl of oriental appearance came in, went into the room, and the questions and filling out documents began again. We left about 10 minutes later. Of course, I chose the time wrong - rush hour, people were going to work, traffic jams, I should have gone earlier. For some reason the driver did not turn on the flashing lights (this was my secret dream :)), and we drove like all mortals. He also decided to take a shortcut and drove through the courtyards - shaking me over all the bumps. Yes... I sat sideways in the direction of movement, during contractions I rested my feet on the door and breathed deeply - it was easier that way. During the breaks we chatted, and from time to time I even noticed what road we were taking. My husband called at work and said he would be late.
And here is the maternity hospital! We go in, throw things in the dressing room, my husband guards, and I go back for interrogation. It lasted for half an hour - again everything about everything. Plus they took blood for analysis, changed me into a hospital gown, and gave me a diaper instead of swimming trunks. They didn’t accept clothes into the wardrobe - they said that only those from out of town leave them, so my husband would have to stop by home before work. We say goodbye - we are not having a partner birth - I am giving birth without a husband. But I have the coolest midwife - I asked to be warned that I had arrived.
During a fight, I can hardly speak - I lean my hands on whatever is necessary, and breathe deeply, from time to time I use special breathing. After questioning, they put a bag in her mouth and took her to give birth. We go, we pass by the queue for an enema - a small walk-through room, in the corner there is a couch, on it there is a girl in a nightgown, opposite there are 3 toilet stalls. People hang out in them too. It's good that I've already done these dirty deeds at home! :) Elevator. Corridor. They take me into a small room. I thought that this was already a delivery room, and warned me that I had a midwife and there should be a large delivery room, with a bathroom - I really wanted a bathroom. They left me to make the bed, and then my midwife came in, she was very surprised that I was here, since she had not called or warned me in advance. Why bother in advance - you won’t wake up a person at night, and it’s useless to call in the morning - she has a shift just in the morning - we’ll still be found at the maternity hospital. After lamentations and hugs, Valentina Ivanovna laid out a sheet and put me on CTG. A guy came in - a rather handsome brunette - it turned out to be a doctor. The questions began again. After the CTG, we were taken for examination on a chair. This is where the torture began... I squirmed in the chair... The midwife asked me to relax, but at that moment I couldn’t even imagine the meaning of this word... What could you do like that... First the midwife muttered something, then the doctor, then they started saying something -to discuss, and during the conversation the midwife again began to twist something there... It seemed that contractions were still going on, because the pain was unbearable... I twisted, cried and begged to stop at least for a second... Getting off the chair, I heard the verdict - dilation so small that the finger can barely fit through... This is bad.. “You’re not in labor, girl,” the doctor told me... Like not in labor.. I suffered with contractions all night! “These are not real contractions - they don’t dilate the cervix”...
They told me to lie down on the couch, the questions began again - why am I giving birth so late, I forced me to tell me what I had been doing in recent years, to explain all my sores and entries in the Exchange. In between contractions I try to speak. He begins to suggest a cesarean section... Don’t even suggest - insist. He talks about age, about complications that may arise, he says that I’m risking the baby’s health... I try to argue with him through the pain, and prove that I see no reason for a cesarean section, that it’s not too late to do it later, but now I’ll try to wait disclosures. This is what we agreed on. I need to refuse a cesarean section. Something else to write!
Finally we arrive at the delivery room. Cool! Large room with two windows. Chair-bed in the center. There is a super bathroom in the corner. Ball, inflatable chair in the shape of a deflated soccer ball, rocking chair, table. Give birth - I don’t want to :). I walk and breathe out the contractions. An SMS arrives from my husband: “I’ve already drunk all the cognac.” Wow! I’m suffering here, and he’s drinking there at work! Look, half of Gazprom already knows that I’m giving birth. That’s right – girls from work are bombarding you with text messages like “Hold on, we’re with you.” Amazing. My mother doesn’t know that I’m in the maternity hospital, but probably every technician at work already knows and drinks cognac about it. Horror.
The midwife agreed with the doctor that she would give me injections to relax my cervix. I lie down on the bed, she wants to put me on an IV. I don’t want an IV - I won’t be able to lie down for a long time - I need to move during the contraction. Injects intravenously with a syringe. Three of 10 cubic meters. I ask about each drug. Glucose, antispasmodics, calcium chloride. From calcium, heat begins to rise from all crevices, including the pores... A terrible feeling... Then I read about it on the Internet - it heats up the diseased organ and relaxes, relieves spasms...
After the injections you need to lie down for 10 minutes. The midwife leaves, I am left alone and once again I am convinced that lying down during breaks is a thrill, I literally spread out on the bed and rest, but during contractions it is very difficult. You need to try a position that makes it easier to control the pain during a contraction, and during the break you can rest, maybe sleep. A sleepless night takes its toll. I want to try the bathroom. The midwife came and brought papers that I needed to fill out. I get up and fill it out. Write as little as possible - full name, date, signature and the words “I GIVE permission” or “I DO NOT give.” For a cesarean section, for postpartum care, for the baby’s vaccination against hepatitis B, it seemed like there was something else. I tried to write and read what I was signing with at least one eye. There are contractions right there. In short - darkness... I’ll write down my last name, wait out the fight,... name, date - fight again. It probably took me a long time to fill out these pieces of paper. The midwife looks at my lifeless face and says she doesn’t know if I’ll be enough to give birth, she offers me to jump on a ball, swing in a chair, sit in an inflatable chair. I'm honestly trying to jump on a ball. It hurts, I can’t relax during the break, I can’t concentrate on the fight. In short - not mine. I fall on the bed - I need to rest. I ask you to draw the bathroom. Finally - the dream has come true - I’m in the bathroom! Valentina Ivanovna suggests watering with a shower. Not convenient - you need to hold the shower. As soon as she leaves, I plug the drain and draw water.
This is much better. I don’t know if the pain has dulled - everyone talks about this all the time, but it’s the most comfortable way to endure the contractions. I’m somehow sitting like a frog, on my knees, spreading them wide. Hands on board the bathtub. I rest my head in my hands. In this position, you can sleep during the break and at least somehow work during the contraction.
I already forgot about special breathing - it doesn’t help. I'm trying acupuncture. Nothing. In the end I just breathe deeply. I breathe loudly. It's easier that way. The doctor comes in - “Oh, we’re already in the bathroom!” I think, “I won’t get out of here for any price. It’s the best here.” “Why are you screaming like that – are you in so much pain? These are not contractions yet - it will hurt more later.” "How?! Even more painful"?
From time to time the midwife comes in and asks where the fetus is pressing - into the urinary tract or the intestines. “Still in the urinary room,” I answer. Leaves.
Lie. I look at my watch. It's getting close to 12. ABOUT! pressure on the intestines! Where the hell is the midwife? He comes in - “That’s it, it’s good to lie down - it’s time to give birth.” Let's go for an inspection. Check again! Not this!
I'll figure it out. I go to the examination room, as if I were going to hard labor. I climb onto the chair. Through the fight I hear the doctor’s joyful exclamations - “Girl, you’re super!” It was such a hopeless neck!” "What's happened? - I ask - what kind of disclosure? “It’s complete,” the midwife whispers, “you can give birth.” I'm shocked, overflowing with happiness. And this doctor wanted to cut me! What a bastard!!! Everything was revealed to me in 3 hours! They are still watching something there, but with joy I am no longer so afraid of pain. They offer to rest and put me to sleep. I refuse - I have heard enough stories about this dream, that it happens, it does not work, but only paralyzes. You feel pain, but you can't control it. No, it’s better to be adequate, and not in a dream...
I crawl into the delivery room as if on a holiday. “Maybe you can still lie in the bath,” says the midwife. Well, I don’t know - they seemed to be planning to give birth.
She lay down on the bed on her side. During a contraction, the midwife says to pull the bent leg towards the chest so that it is easier for the child to walk. Valentina Ivanovna took out my clothes for the baby, began to prepare for the birth - she went to fold the bed into a chair. “It doesn’t work out,” he says, “only yesterday everything was fine.” You will have to give birth not reclining, but lying on your back. I don't want to give birth on my back! I almost cry from resentment. The sister comes in - “The chair doesn’t recline - look.” Picking. It doesn't work. The doctor comes in - “Look what’s wrong with the chair!” He looks - nothing. A neonatologist comes in. Well, it looks like I’m already giving birth - people are catching up :). Look what happened to the bed - it doesn’t fold out into a chair!... In general, I don’t remember who it was, but for the 10th time someone either plugged the cord into the socket or pressed something - in short, they raised my back - I’m no longer lying on my back. Through the contractions I feel the urge to push. “Valentina Ivanovna - I want to poop!” - I shout. “I hear you!” - speaks. “Almost everything is ready. Push for now. Pull your legs towards you and poop.” The process has begun. I poop. 3-5 attempts per contraction. A doctor is running around. The midwife commands, I try to push. The doctor, like a fan in the stands, fusses, shouts, almost waves his arms. In short, it just gets in the way. I can't do everything. The midwife says that I feel sorry for myself and don’t push as hard as I should. The chair is wide, and I always end up diagonally. Midwife: “Lie down straight!” Don't leave me! The doctor repeats everything after her, like a parrot, only yelling even louder. I try to lie down, and immediately the order is to push. In short - such a fuss, plus tension. Pushing hurts. I'm afraid of breaking. I feel like hemorrhoids are creeping in instead of a child. “For some reason she’s not pushing well – we need to help. Maybe we can cut it?” What kind of talk behind my back - as if they weren’t talking about me! “Don’t cut me off - I’ll try to push!”
In general, when the midwife caught something (someone!) falling out of me and then put it on my stomach, only then did I realize that I had actually pushed something out. Immediately a joyful bustle began, the doctor began to shout out congratulations, the midwife began to lament affectionately, and I, in a voice that was not my own, which I did not immediately recognize, stammered, “My little boy.” He didn’t scream at all, as many people say, but quietly squeaked on my stomach. I didn’t have time to look into his eyes - he was squinting. He lay there for a little while and then the neonatologist took him away. So, 12:50, 3.540, 52 cm.
In the meantime, they gave me an injection so that the placenta would come out faster. The contractions began again, fussing around my spread legs. Actually, it was painful. Who said giving birth to an afterbirth is easy? I whined almost as much as when I gave birth. The afterbirth quickly crawled out. The doctor and midwife began to look at him, I asked him to show me - it was interesting that I also gave birth there. Well... how to say - a piece of liver on a colorful rope...
The afterbirth was intact, so the birth, one might say, went well. True, I still tore a little - people poked around and decided that the abrasion was quite insignificant, the midwife would sew it up with soluble threads, just a couple of stitches, and I could sit.
I sewed it up, it seems, without anesthesia - I spin again in the chair after each stitch. I whine again. The midwife, not paying attention to my whining, calmly does her job. When will this all end and they will leave me alone?... That’s it, they sewed me up. The neonatologist, who had meanwhile finished examining the baby, said loudly that the child was healthy. How much is Apgar, I ask. And then I think - why do I need these Apgars? :)) Being healthy is the main thing! :)) (8-9, by the way:))
Then they brought me my baby, dressed up like a baby doll from a store. In full uniform - hat, shirt, pants, socks, scratches. In general, nothing is visible except the face. Well, okay - then I’ll undress in the room and look at it. They made a bed for me again out of a chair, I made myself more comfortable and tried to feed the baby. Somehow it doesn't work out very well. The neonatologist approached, with a skillful gesture, squeezed a drop of colostrum from my nipple and pulled the baby to my chest. Sucks! Hooray!
“What do you call it?” - asks the midwife. Interesting question. We had several names, two reached the finish line - Artyom and Stanislav. My little son doesn't look like Stasik. “Artyom,” I answer.
They changed my underwear and put me on a glucose drip. All the veins on the bend of the elbow were already punctured, so they put them in the vein on the outside of the palm.
The midwife brought me a cell phone, congratulated me again, we chatted a little, the people dispersed, and after a couple of minutes she left, leaving us alone. Now I have 2 hours in the delivery room to lie down and rest. The first thing I did was call my husband and tell him about an important event. Then to mom. I didn’t tell my mother that I was going to the maternity hospital, so when I told my mother that I had just given birth to a baby, she was shocked - both offended and happy. Then she wrote a text message: “My boy is no longer in his tummy. 3540” - and sent it to a whole list of friends. Congratulations poured in, some called. In general, 2 hours flew by unnoticed. The midwife came in a couple of times. She said that she had agreed on an individual room. Just in a couple of hours it will be free, and I can take it. Then she brought me some soup to eat, since I had missed lunch and dinner would not be coming soon. I didn’t eat all day – I just drank, and to be honest, I didn’t feel like it. I understand that I need to eat. Vermicelli soup, bread and tea. Coming back to life! :)
This is how my birth went, which I was so looking forward to. I won’t say that I was afraid, because what’s the point of being afraid of what you don’t know - what if it’s not so scary. After all, everything is different for everyone. The contractions weren't that painful. And pushing isn't that hard. In general, when after giving birth the doctor asked if I would come to them to give birth again, I answered without hesitation: “Why not - it’s not as scary as they say.”
Then, however, there was the first washing of the baby - scraping meconium tar from the tender bottom, 2 days without sleep in the maternity hospital, swollen and painful perineum, urinary incontinence, cobblestones instead of breasts when milk came in, and so on. But that's another story.
Is it too late to have your first child at 28-30 years old? and got the best answer
Answer from Evgeny[guru]
It's not too late.
Reply from Lamia Bron[guru]
at 42 it’s late first)) And at 30 it’s just right))
Reply from Yotanislav Lugovoy[newbie]
Fine. never mind
but you will stand firmly on your feet, with a profession
Reply from ***SKARLETT***[guru]
NO!
It's not too late before 45!
Reply from But your goal is HIMERA[guru]
I gave birth at 29... and somehow I wasn’t interested in the opinions of strangers on the Internet... It’s my personal business what time I give birth)
Reply from Vasya Pryanik[guru]
What kind of shit do trolls write!
Reply from Yovetfly[guru]
it’s too late, not too late, if at 23 it doesn’t work out, then for many the second one doesn’t work out anymore, because the first one worked out by accident, or maybe it will work out as you plan, so it will happen, but why experiment and then punish yourself for wasted time (we started when I was 23, I think it’s too late, I should have given birth at 20, and not think, we still don’t have children, my body is categorically against it, I’m 40 now)
Reply from Olya[guru]
I gave birth at 34, which I don’t regret at all, I had time for myself: to unlearn, find a job, take a walk and travel. My daughter is almost 17, she has never been shy about me, I have a very good relationship with her friends. You still have strange views on the relationship between “fathers and sons”
Reply from Yovetlanka[active]
firstly, it’s never too late to give birth, and secondly, it all depends on how you raise him, he may be ashamed to go with you even when you are only 30... and children cannot be planned, this is all the Will of God, now that you you don’t want to give birth when you’re young, and then you may no longer be able to get pregnant.... so don’t think that if you get pregnant now it will be difficult for you, with children it’s always difficult at first, both financially and physically and mentally....
Reply from Yovetlana[guru]
You can give birth at 40))
Reply from ??Solitario??[guru]
my opinion is just right! Until then, get some exercise and learn how to work normally. have etc. and some kind of ground under your feet and much smarter...otherwise they give birth at 16-20 and besides the fact that the young mother has no other advantages!
and it’s stupid to consult anyone about this on the internet...
Reply from Maria Alekseeva[guru]
No, it's not too late!! ! But there is no point in delaying this process. At first I also delayed, I kept waiting for favorable conditions, I thought I had a lot of time until I was 40... But when these favorable conditions arose, it turned out that at the age of 34, getting pregnant is not so easy, even if I am healthy. By this age I already desperately wanted a child, but it took me a long time to get pregnant. So don't delay! I don’t know a single child who would be embarrassed by his mother, especially because of his age. This is nonsense! But being left without a child is a real disaster for a woman!
Reply from Yorida[guru]
as God willing
Reply from Hope[guru]
It's not too late, it's okay! At the age of 10, children have such chaos in their heads, perestroika, every parent begins to seem imperfect to them, no matter young or old.
Reply from Katerina Fevralskaya[guru]
Of course it’s normal) my mother gave birth to me at 31 and I’m not ashamed of anything
The only thing is that there are outbreaks of misunderstanding. And her mother gave birth to my best friend at 37 years old. and everything is fine with them)
Reply from Inesska[guru]
For me personally, it’s too late... but as for you, decide for yourself. Children are not embarrassed by their parents, unless, of course, they lead an immoral lifestyle.
Reply from Yoirenka[active]
I give birth to my first at 38, so what? I'm an old grandma then..
Reply from N.[guru]
I gave birth at 30, so what? I have a smart, beautiful child.
The trends that emerged around the 50s of the 20th century and coincided with the era of the scientific and technological revolution led to the following:
- Significant improvements in the overall level of health and quality of life in developed countries have made it possible to “plan” pregnancies and postpone the first pregnancy and childbirth.
- There has been a separation of sexual behavior from the tasks of reproduction, an early onset of sexual activity, approaching the age of puberty, and at the same time a significant increase in the age of first birth.
Puberty in women usually means the emergence of the ability to conceive, which is manifested by menstrual function. However, true puberty occurs in a woman only after the birth of her first child. The first birth has a special function: it leaves changes in a woman’s body that facilitate the conception and birth of subsequent children. During the first pregnancy and childbirth, the woman’s genital organs change - the uterus enlarges slightly, during repeated births the cervix opens faster, the birth canal is already prepared for the birth of the baby. Therefore, a woman’s age is important specifically in relation to the first birth.
Elasticity of soft tissues: skin and muscles
During pregnancy, the state of the muscular system is very important: the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall play a major role in pushing the fetus through the birth canal; the pelvic floor muscles should elastically move apart and make way for the baby, and after childbirth they should completely restore their elasticity. The soft tissues of the anterior abdominal wall and pelvic floor are indicators of the maturation of the female body. The anterior abdominal wall consists of three main components: skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle layer. During pregnancy, there is a significant increase in the size of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall (according to classical obstetric terminology, “expansion of the anterior abdominal wall”), especially noticeable in women under the age of 24 years. The growth of their anterior abdominal wall occurs so rapidly that it manifests itself in the form of “stretch marks” (“pregnancy stripes”), since the elasticity of the subcutaneous tissue does not keep up with the rapid increase in muscle size. Therefore, the notorious stretch marks are most often observed in pregnant women aged 20-24 years and almost never in women over 28 years old. To be fair, it must be said that the appearance of stretch marks also depends on a genetic factor - the amount of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.
In women over 28 years of age, the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall largely lose their elasticity and stretch much weaker, so the subcutaneous tissue experiences less stress and almost never forms striae. The price for “beautiful skin” is a significant increase in the likelihood of developing a midline abdominal hernia, which is very rare after the first birth before the age of 25. It is interesting to note that in young primigravidas (under the age of 17 years), striae, as a rule, also do not form. This is due to the very high elasticity of subcutaneous tissue at this age. It must be said that if stretch marks did not appear during the first pregnancy, then, fortunately, the likelihood of them occurring during subsequent pregnancies is low.
Thus, starting from a young age, a decrease in the elasticity of soft tissues occurs in the female body, due to the replacement of elastic fibers of connective tissue with collagen. At the level of the pelvic floor, decreased soft tissue elasticity leads to difficulties with soft tissue stretching and a delay in the second stage of labor (the so-called expulsion period).
Condition of the pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor (perineal muscles) during childbirth is passively stretched due to the work of the abdominal press (pushing) and contractions of the uterus (contractions). An increase in intrauterine pressure and uterine contractions cause the fetus to move outward, while the presenting part (usually the fetal head) stretches the perineum. The normal elastic resistance of the pelvic floor helps childbirth to a certain extent, as it promotes flexion of the head and its passage through the birth canal in the smallest circumference. A decrease in the elasticity of the pelvic floor, observed after 27 years, interferes with the birth of the head and predisposes to perineal ruptures.
A decrease in the elasticity of the pelvic floor in older women contributes not only to problems during childbirth, but also after childbirth. The pelvic floor performs a supporting function for the pelvic and abdominal organs. Therefore, it is very important that after childbirth the pelvic floor regains its elasticity. This recovery occurs best after childbirth in women under 25 years of age. In women after 27, and especially after 30 years, as a result of decreased elasticity of the pelvic floor, tears of muscle and connective tissue are more likely to occur during childbirth, leading to subsequent scar formation. These scars become a weak point of the pelvic floor, and with a decrease in muscle strength that occurs after 40 years, they can lead to prolapse of the pelvic organs (vaginal and uterine walls) and even their loss. Pelvic organ prolapse contributes to the development of stress urinary incontinence, poor bladder emptying and the development of inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
During the first birth, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched, so repeat births are easier. However, to maintain the tone of the pelvic floor muscles and prevent such problems as prolapse of the vaginal walls, after the first birth it is necessary to perform a special set of exercises for the pelvic floor muscles.
The burden of accumulated diseases
A serious negative factor is also the burden of gynecological and general diseases that accumulate with age. A large number of sexual partners, which increases the risk of infections, inflammatory diseases of the genital tract, significantly “younger” uterine fibroids (benign tumors), and induced abortions can contribute to a number of problems during pregnancy and childbirth. This is abnormal placentation (low attachment of the placenta), circulatory disorders in the placenta, decreased oxygen supply to the fetus, increased uterine tone, miscarriage and prematurity, intrauterine fetal hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), intrauterine growth retardation, bleeding.
The “price” of upright walking is a very rigid structure of the pelvis, which transfers the load from the torso to the lower limbs. The dimensions of the head (the most voluminous part of the fetal body) at the time of delivery are very close to the dimensions of the bony birth canal (pelvic ring). Therefore, the fetus can be born only by making a rather complex movement along the birth canal. Both organisms (mother and fetus) experience enormous stress during childbirth (during contractions, pushing, the expectant mother makes significant physical efforts, the tissues of the birth canal are stretched, corresponding changes occur in the baby’s head: it configures in a special way, decreases in size, bends and unbends, while experiencing pressure). It is clear that these overloads are best tolerated by a young body.
Therefore, a woman who, for one reason or another, is postponing childbirth, should take especially careful care of her health, and parents of girls should explain to them the need to maintain hygiene and warn them about the dangers associated with early onset of sexual activity and sexually transmitted infections. It must be said that this factor is also important before repeated births.
Nature helps a woman become a mother at any age - during pregnancy, the growth of the woman’s body resumes and a kind of rejuvenation occurs: cartilage tissue grows, the size of the pelvis slightly increases, and the ligaments soften. All this facilitates the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.
We cannot influence the process of maturation of the body and the decrease in tissue elasticity, but more careful monitoring of a woman’s health in preparation for pregnancy and during pregnancy and childbirth helps to significantly reduce the risk of problems.
What to do if pregnancy is still delayed?
- Dispensary observation by an obstetrician-gynecologist is very important. In most cases, one annual visit to the doctor is sufficient. If symptoms of gynecological problems appear (pain, leucorrhoea, bleeding, menstrual irregularities), it is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
- It is advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle and not avoid moderate physical activity. A recent sociological survey showed that only 10% of Russians regularly engage in physical exercise, which, of course, adversely affects reproductive health.
- Organization of rest is very important, since the female body is more sensitive to overload than the male body. Bad habits such as smoking and drugs have an extremely adverse effect on women's health.
- Proper nutrition is very important. The diet should be balanced and include foods rich in vitamins.
When planning a pregnancy, it is advisable to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist in advance and begin preparing for pregnancy. Such preparation, as a rule, includes examination (general and special gynecological) and special recommendations to reduce the risk of problems during pregnancy and childbirth. 3-4 months before the end of contraception, it is advisable to start taking folic acid or multivitamins, which include folic acid, which reduces the risk of miscarriage and placental dysfunction tenfold.
Before pregnancy, all women are recommended to undergo a standard set of tests: blood tests, urine tests, a vaginal smear, and, if necessary, especially with previous miscarriages, a test for autoantibodies (antibodies to their own cells: to cardiolipin, DNA and thyroid factors) and homocysteine , which makes it possible to predict the risk of placental dysfunction during pregnancy and to prevent these disorders.
1. I have three children, and each time it became more difficult.
“My first pregnancy was problem-free. I worked until the last day, did not gain weight, had no morning sickness... Just mild heartburn. The second time was also quite easy. The first time I knew it would be a boy, and then I chose a surprise! And again the boy.
But the third one was hell. I had all the side effects, everything hurt, and I also gave birth on the first of September, which means I walked around with all this weight throughout the hot season. The first time I was into brownies, the second time I was into baguettes with cream cheese, the third time I was into peanut butter and honey.
I gave birth at 23, 26 and 28 years old. When I walk with children, many people think that I am their nanny because I look good,” Marina, 30 years old.
2. I learned more about myself
“At the beginning of pregnancy I was sick, then everything was more or less normal. But overall I didn't like it. The body seemed alien, I could not play my favorite sports, and even increased in size.
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In the first trimester, nausea was very annoying, but I ate the symptoms with my favorite sandwiches.
My son was conceived on my honeymoon, and everyone told me that I was doing the right thing by giving birth now. In general, I thought that I would give birth at 20-21, like my mother, but after giving birth at 28, I began to convince my friends that there was no need to rush. Raising children is not an easy thing, and it’s better to gain life experience first,” Lilya, 29 years old.
3. I had difficulty conceiving
“The pregnancy was easy, especially considering that I carried twins to 36 weeks (they are now 2 months old). But getting pregnant was not easy. We tried for 8 months and then turned to a specialist. We went for IVF and conceived twins on the third attempt. During pregnancy, I wasn’t particularly drawn to anything, but before pregnancy I tried to eat right,” Alisa, 25 years old.
30+
1. Every morning was terrible
“The pregnancy went well. But with my first child I developed gestational diabetes and had to go on a strict diet. It was funny, considering that I gained almost no excess weight and left the hospital with an indicator of 50 kilograms.
Mom was happy when I talked about each pregnancy. They came on immediately, then the hair fell out a little and the breasts became greatly enlarged.
I gave birth three times - at 31, 33 and 35. The last time I was offered to do an amniotic fluid test, and everything was fine. All three times I suffered from morning sickness,” Katya, 36 years old.
2. I gained 35 kilograms
“I managed to get pregnant two years after I started trying. It was a complex, exciting process... Month after month I imagined how I would get pregnant, but nothing worked out. I thought that the problem was me, I avoided friends and family so that no one would ask anything.
When I finally became pregnant at age 30, I soon learned about low-lying placenta previa. The doctor told me to lie down and do nothing for the rest of the pregnancy. It was pretty easy, but by the end of the pregnancy I had gained 35kg! It's also covered in spots. My legs were also very swollen, and I walked around in my husband’s slippers. But it was worth the result!” — Dina, 32 years old.
3. One word: ice cream!
“For the first 14 weeks, all I wanted to do was sleep. I came home from work and fell on the bed until the morning. Then it became easier, energy appeared, and the skin began to glow. Everything was great in the third trimester.
We tried for about six months. At some point I started doing ovulation tests, and soon everything happened. I was 32... I kept myself in good shape and gained quite a few kilograms, but still, of course, I got rounder. For half of my pregnancy I ate mostly ice cream!” — Zlata, 33 years old.
40+
1. For two months I just lay there
“I was lucky with my pregnancy, considering my age. Everything worked out right away, I just turned 40! It turned out that the child was not receiving enough nutrients, so he was closely monitored. I felt bad for quite a long time, and I had to lie down for two months. I drank lemonade, ate oranges and crackers,” Alla, 42 years old.
2. Gave birth to my sister
“My pregnancy at 49 years old was a most interesting experience! It was a real miracle for the whole family. I carried a child for my sister, who had all her female organs removed due to cancer. At first, my husband and daughter were very surprised and upset by my decision, because the age was no longer the right one. But then they supported me all the time.
We only had one try and it worked. In the mornings I felt weak. I knew that due to my age I might be at risk of gestational diabetes, but it passed me by. Starting from the second trimester, everything became very good, I looked ten years younger! I had a caesarean section, everything went well, and I understood that this was a gift not only for my sister, but also for me,” Suzanne, 50 years old.
3. I ate strawberries, nuts and watermelon
“I gave birth four times - at 23, 34, 37 and 43. The pregnancies were similar, only the last time I spent five months hugging a “white friend.” I could only eat what is often forbidden: strawberries, nuts, watermelons.
This pregnancy was a pleasant surprise. I read a lot about the risks, but I tried to think positive. I was lucky to look young, so no one gave me sidelong glances.
I believe that you can become a mother at literally any age; you don’t have to be afraid of difficulties. This is great happiness, although there are, of course, difficult moments,” Elena, 45 years old.
