And the faster and faster. Fast and rapid childbirth: causes and consequences

Most pregnant women dream that their baby will be born fairly quickly. In this case, mommy will not have to experience labor pain and agony for a long time. However, is this really good for the child? No wonder doctors are trying to do everything possible to prevent rapid labor.

What it is?

Rapid labor is the result of improper muscle contraction uterine walls. It can begin with the fact that the cervix does not open well. However, after a while the baby will move outward very actively. If a woman is giving birth for the first time, her rapid labor may last less than 4 hours. The second and subsequent births can take place in 2 hours.

Normal childbirth most often occurs without complications, which cannot be said about rapid labor. Their consequences are sometimes simply impossible to eliminate, and some of them are dangerous for the newborn. So, the baby can receive serious injury at birth, which will lead to disability or even death.

Why is this happening?

There are a number of reasons why rapid labor occurs:

How is rapid labor going?

Labor begins quite quickly and completely unexpectedly. Contractions occur literally one after another with very short intervals. As a result, the cervix dilates completely quickly enough. Attempts can also be violent. Literally within 2 attempts the baby is born, and then the afterbirth.

If a woman has given birth many times, then labor can end even in a couple of minutes.

It happens that rapid labor finds a pregnant woman in a completely inappropriate environment. In this case, there is a possibility of infection of the baby and the woman in labor. After all, in time to receive medical care will be impossible.

Serious consequences of rapid labor

Such births are fraught with complications not only for the mother, but also for the newborn baby:

• Placental abruption is possible. If medical assistance is not provided to the woman, then the mother faces permanent removal of the uterus, and the child faces acute hypoxia.
• During a quick birth, all the bones (especially the skull) of the baby are subject to excessive compression. This can lead to injury, paralysis, and sometimes death of the fetus.

• The rapid movement of the baby along the birth canal causes serious injuries to the woman - severe ruptures of the perineum and vagina.
• Finally, after rapid labor, severe postpartum bleeding may begin, which will be quite difficult to stop.

Prevention measures

As a preventive action, it is necessary to identify in advance all the factors that predispose to rapid labor. If there is at least one risk factor, then even before the expected due date of the baby you need to go to the hospital.

All women who are likely to have rapid labor must undergo a psychological stage of preparation for childbirth. It usually consists of auto-training, teaching a variety of methods of relaxation (relaxation). All this is necessary so that the pregnant woman is always in a comfortable psycho-emotional state.

The daily routine and, of course, the diet of the expectant mother will mean a lot to a pregnant woman. If possible, it would be good to attend a special school for pregnant women. Here the woman will be introduced to the process of childbirth and the rules of conduct during this process. Here you can consult a psychologist if you have any concerns.

There are also a number medications, the use of which is a preventive measure to combat rapid labor. Among them:

• Antispasmodics. They help relax the muscles of the uterus. These include “No-shpu”.
• Medicines that improve blood circulation. These are "Curantil" and "Trental".

All these medications should be used only if they are prescribed by a doctor. Such prevention is carried out until childbirth. And then it is possible to avoid rapid labor, even if there is a predisposition to it.

Useful video

Every mother eagerly awaits the birth of her baby and prepares in every possible way for this event. But is she ready for the surprises that may lie in wait? maternity ward? After all, no one can predict what the birth will be like and how successfully it will end. Except caesarean section there is an option that a woman will experience rapid labor, the causes and consequences of which we will consider in this article.

What it is

First, you need to understand why the body is trying to suddenly “push out” the child. Natural childbirth can be complicated by the fact that contractile function in the uterus is disrupted. Initially, you need to prepare for the fact that the birth will be somewhat delayed:

1. The cervix will dilate much more slowly than usual.
2. The presenting part of the fetus, or rather the head or gluteal part, for a long time will be pressed tightly against the entrance to the pelvis, which is not normal.
3. After some time, this part will begin to move very quickly along birth canal.

If we consider how long rapid labor lasts, then this period will be equated to generally accepted norms, but the process of the birth of the child itself is significantly accelerated. But in some cases, the period of contractions is also shortened. In such cases, rapid labor in first-time mothers takes place in just six hours, and in multiparous women in four hours.

Why is this happening

From the previous paragraph it is clear what processes occur in a woman’s body, but now we need to understand what affects this. So, rapid labor has a wide variety of causes and each of them has a number of characteristics. To figure it all out existing reasons, we will consider them in as much detail as possible.

Genetic pathology of muscle cells

This is a congenital pathology in which muscle excitability increases sharply. This means that it takes significantly less time for the muscles of the uterus to begin to contract than during a natural birth. This pathology can occur on its own, but is more often inherited from mother to daughter. And even if someone in the female line once had a rapid or rapid birth, this can happen again after several generations.

Increased excitability of the nervous system

Everyone knows that our thoughts and fears have strong influence on the body. Emotionality is especially increased in pregnant women. The closer the baby is due, the more nervous the expectant mother becomes. This could be fear of a meeting, of pain, of consequences, and many other fears. Many mothers are simply not psychologically prepared for this process, and it is precisely this condition of the mother in labor that can become the reason for the rapid development labor activity. Is it possible to prepare for this? Yes, you can. For this purpose, there are now many courses and trainings that will train not only the mother, but also her partner.

Impaired metabolism

If even before pregnancy a woman suffered from glandular diseases internal secretion or her metabolism was disturbed, this can cause rapid labor in both multiparous and primiparous women. This includes increased production adrenal hormones or thyroid gland, as well as any other violations in this area.

Gynecological diseases

Pregnancy is not insurance against all kinds of gynecological infections. The course of labor may be affected by any inflammatory process. Rapid labor occurs in multiparous women if the first child was born too quickly and the process was traumatic for the mother or baby. Do not neglect visiting a gynecologist during pregnancy in order to detect infection or inflammation in time and get rid of it before labor begins. After all, this leads not only to disruption of this process, but also to various postpartum injuries.

Age

In young girls, rapid labor may begin due to the fact that their body is not yet ready for labor, either physically or psychologically. Perhaps that is why he is trying to complete this process as quickly as possible. But women who give birth for the first time after thirty years usually already had some problems in the field of gynecology or other diseases that have an impact on labor.

Errors

Some obstetricians make mistakes in prescribing birth-stimulating drugs, and as a result, muscle contraction occurs much faster and labor becomes fast or rapid. This can also be influenced by diseases. various organs women, especially chronic ones.

How the process itself works

So what kind of birth is considered rapid? Let's try to understand this issue. This is especially important for those for whom this process began at home. According to the first signs the woman can report everything by calling the ambulance so that the paramedic can assess the seriousness of the situation.

It is almost impossible to predict the onset of labor with this type of birth, since everything begins very unexpectedly and develops rapidly. Moreover, if natural childbirth While it can be predicted during an examination by a gynecologist, here even on a chair or through an ultrasound it is impossible to say about the timing of its onset. There is practically no interval between contractions and the uterus opens in a very short time.

During this, the mother's blood pressure rises sharply, she goes into a state of strong excitement, motor activity increases, breathing and pulse sharply increase. Attempts cannot be compared with natural ones. Because after just one or two rapid attempts the child is born, and after him the placenta comes out.

But rapid contractions do not always indicate that the baby is about to appear. In some cases, even with strong contractions, the cervix remains completely closed - in this case, the woman may even need urgent surgical intervention.

If a woman already has several children, then with a quick birth, the child can be born within a few minutes after she feels the first contraction. There are often cases when a woman finds herself in such a situation while traveling in public transport or walking on the street. Such cases are especially dangerous because there is big risk infection of mother and child. That is why gynecologists recommend going to the hospital in advance in order to always be under the supervision of doctors or, at least, not go far from home, and always have with you mobile phone and an exchange card.

Complications

A quick birth can begin and end safely for the mother and baby, but it is possible that a rapid birth will have consequences for the child and his mother. For example, for a woman this may result in placental abruption beginning even before the baby is born. Why is this happening? Because the uterine muscles practically do not come out of the state of contraction, and also the blood circulation between the placenta and the uterus is severely disrupted, the vessels are pinched.

In such a situation, a woman in labor needs immediate medical attention, and, as we already know, here the count is not even in minutes, but in seconds. Lack of timely medical care can result in severe bleeding, which will lead to even more serious consequences. Even more serious developments are possible. When bleeding begins, blood may pool between the uterus and the area of ​​the placenta that has detached. Thus, the muscles of the uterus are saturated with blood, which accumulates in it, and cannot contract. In such cases, it is almost impossible to stop the bleeding. In most cases, such complications end with doctors being forced to simply remove the uterus. But this is about the mother. But a child with premature placental abruption is at risk of hypoxia, which translates into more clear language means lack of oxygen.

Why is rapid labor dangerous for a baby? For a child, rapid progress through the birth canal may also not end in the best way. After all, when it moves, the head must configure, or rather decrease. At this moment, the bones of the skull seem to fold to fit in the neck, and during rapid labor they do not have time to do this naturally and they are compressed. IN best case scenario deformation of the skull will occur, which in most cases ends in alignment. But it is also possible that hemorrhage will begin inside the skull, and this will already lead to paresis and paralysis and, in the worst case, even the death of the fetus.

During rapid progress, the mother may experience various ruptures not only in the cervix, but also in the vagina and even the perineum. All this can be sewn up, but the procedure is not the most pleasant, especially for a woman who has already experienced childbirth. There are cases and postpartum hemorrhage. This occurs due to the fact that the uterine muscles contract very poorly after this type of birth. As we can see, fast and rapid labor has an impact on the fetus and the woman in labor.

Tactics

Every obstetrician should be prepared for the fact that a woman will enter the department in whom labor is progressing very rapidly, but the cervix has dilated only two or three centimeters. However, after just a few hours, the cervix may fully dilate and under such circumstances the woman in labor should only be in a side-lying position. If rapid labor begins naturally, then the task of specialists is to use drugs that will relax the muscles and slightly slow down the process. But if such a phenomenon was caused by the use of stimulants, then their administration should be stopped immediately.

The task of specialists during rapid labor is to constantly monitor the baby’s heartbeat. Especially for this purpose, a special sensor is attached to the mother’s belly, which shows on the monitor all the changes that occur. More modern devices can even determine the frequency of contractions of the uterine muscles. When the baby is born, the mother needs to be examined by a specialist who can determine the presence of damage in the birth canal. If during the examination serious ruptures or other damage were discovered, the woman in labor is given anesthesia and under complete anesthesia carry out restoration of damaged tissues.

Every obstetrician should understand that natural childbirth in such conditions can harm both mother and child. But at the same time, it is impossible to predict how difficult the birth will be. That is why there are certain indicators, in the presence of which, the doctor makes a decision about surgical intervention. Among them: the previously mentioned placental abruption at a time when delivery has not yet been completed, the opening of bleeding, as well as fetal hypoxia. The latter is determined precisely thanks to the sensor that counts heart beats.

Prevention

There are practically no warning signs of rapid labor, so it is quite difficult to prevent them. But if a woman gives birth not for the first time and the first baby was born during quick birth, then the expectant mother should inform the leading doctor about this and go to the hospital in advance to be under the supervision of specialists. And modern doctors It is recommended to undergo special trainings and courses where women are prepared for the birth of a baby. psychological level. This is an important factor, which we have already mentioned in the reasons for the development of vigorous labor. These classes are attended by people who teach mothers methods that can help relax the muscles, and also teach how to control the tone of the uterus. All this knowledge and skills make your stay in the delivery room much easier.

If a woman is pre-disposed to positive outcome, then the whole process will go without complications. Special attention You should also pay attention to nutrition. Pregnant women are used to eating whatever they want, but this is not advisable. It’s good if the expectant mother enrolls in a special school for pregnant women. Here the girls are introduced to everyone physiological processes, which occur, prepare emotionally and teach the rules of behavior during labor. Such a school must have a psychologist who can be contacted not only by the expectant mother, but also by the father. Future parents are very emotionally connected and therefore even a lot depends on the man’s mood. After all, who, if not the husband, can calm down a pregnant wife. Moreover, in Lately, more and more often, dads are present during childbirth and try in every possible way to support their wives.

There are also medicinal methods prevention of precipitate labor. For this purpose, doctors can prescribe various antispasmodics, which are aimed at relaxing the muscles of the uterus and detonicizing them. They also come to the aid of drugs that improve blood circulation. But drug treatment can be prescribed only if there are indicators that can be identified based on the analyzes performed.

Conclusion

So we found out which births are considered rapid and why this happens. Modern obstetricians have everything necessary equipment and medications to carry out this process with minimal consequences for mother and baby. Of course, the rapid labor of first-time mothers and women who already have a child proceed differently. But if you provide timely assistance to a woman in labor, then serious problems can be avoided.

” №4/2011 04.08.11

Of course, every woman’s dream is a quick, uncomplicated birth. But rapid childbirth has a second, less brilliant side.

You've probably heard from friends, acquaintances, and even doctors that some people give birth so quickly that they don't even have time to understand what's happening. Don’t rush to envy and wish for something like this for yourself quick disposal from the “burden of pregnancy.” In fact, rapid birth is a complication that can lead to serious injury to the mother and even a threat to the life of the baby.

Signs of rapid labor

Often rapid rapid labor can be recognized from the beginning of labor, which begins suddenly and very violently. In this state, the woman in labor is highly active, her pulse increases significantly and her blood pressure rises.

But it is possible that weakness was initially noted ancestral forces, and then (often after drug stimulation) strong contractions begin abruptly, following one another, which contribute to a very rapid and complete dilatation of the cervix. As a result of excessively strong and frequent uterine contractions, which significantly exceed the strength of the natural resistance of the tissues of the birth canal, the fetus is quickly pushed out of the mother’s body with force, without having time to adapt to environmental conditions.

Labor is considered fast if it lasts 5-7 hours for primiparous women and 3-5 hours for multiparous women.

Causes of rapid labor

There are several reasons contributing to rapid labor:

1.Genetic predisposition. That is, if your grandmother, mother and other maternal relatives had a quick birth, then there is a high probability that your body will decide to “break the family record for quick birth.”

2. Various gynecological diseases. Any inflammation, even if it does not cause concern, must be treated!

3. The course of previous births. Frequent repeated births, as well as the rapid course of previous labor can contribute to the repetition of rapid labor.

4. Hormonal imbalances. Diseases of the endocrine glands that existed before pregnancy (for example, increased production of adrenal and thyroid hormones) include you at risk.

5. Pathologies of pregnancy. Late and severe gestosis, kidney diseases, etc.

6. State nervous system: psychoses, neuroses, hysteria, and just anxiety Women in labor can become another reason for rapid labor.

7. Age of the woman in labor often plays a vital role during childbirth. Thus, age under 18 and after 30 years often determines the rapid course of labor. There is no mystery in this. It’s simple: before the age of 18, the nervous system is not yet ready for pregnancy and childbirth, and after 30 years, a woman, as a rule, has already suffered more than one inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs, some chronic diseases and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

8. Excessive stimulation of labor by medical staff. Very often, after an initially weak labor activity, as a result of excessive drug stimulation, labor activity from the “weak” category sharply moves into the “quick labor” category.

The dangers of rapid labor for mothers

For a woman, the danger of a quick birth, first of all, lies in the danger of damage to the soft birth canal (ruptures of the perineum, cervix, vagina), as well as the danger of uterine rupture - a complication in which we're talking about already about a woman’s life.

Premature placental abruption is also a very common companion to rapid labor. In this case, the issue of emergency caesarean section is resolved.

Divergence pelvic bones in the area of ​​the symphysis pubis is accompanied by strong pain syndrome and requires prolonged immobility (1-2 months) for complete healing.

Complications in the last and postpartum periods of labor appear in the form incomplete discharge placenta and bleeding in the first 2 hours after birth.

Consequences of rapid labor for a child

Often, children born as a result of rapid labor suffer from hypoxia (lack of oxygen). This condition is very dangerous for the baby and requires immediate resuscitation measures.

Also dangerous complication the child has injuries to the spine, collarbone, humerus, because the baby does not have time to turn over after the birth of the head and is born in an oblique size.

Violations cerebral circulation and even death of brain cells (stroke, increased intracranial pressure) cause disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system, and in severe cases are life-threatening and cause disability.

What to do during rapid labor?

It is possible and necessary to slow down labor. If the maternity hospital medical staff suspects that the woman in labor is experiencing too much rapid labor, the birth is carried out on her side, with insertion special drugs, relaxing smooth muscles and slowing down labor.

To monitor the baby's condition, CTG (cardiotocography) is used. This allows you to control the baby’s heartbeat, the strength and frequency of uterine contractions.

In some cases, for example, with premature placental abruption, the issue of performing a cesarean section is decided.

After childbirth, a thorough examination of the birth canal is carried out for the presence of ruptures to quickly and completely eliminate possible complications.

How to prevent rapid labor?

To prevent rapid labor, it is important to determine whether a pregnant woman is at risk. Particular attention is paid to women with previous pathological births. If there is a possibility of rapid labor, the woman is recommended to go to the maternity hospital in advance.

Also, to establish a favorable psycho-emotional mood for childbirth, pregnant women at risk are recommended to undergo psychological preparation with a psychologist.

From medicinal methods To prevent rapid labor, drugs such as no-spa, chimes, etc. are widely used. Prevention with these drugs is carried out right up to the birth.

Don't be upset if you suddenly find yourself at risk for rapid labor. State of the art medicine, medical staff and your positive attitude in any case, they will help the miracle of the birth of a healthy baby happen. Have an easy birth!

Our expert, Nadezhda Borisovna Shestopalova, obstetrician-gynecologist of Interdistrict Perinatal Center Tolyatti

Rapid birth is associated with disruption contractile activity uterus during childbirth. The duration of labor for primiparous women is 4-6 hours, for multiparous women it is 2-4 hours. Rapid labor is characterized by a “turbulent onset.” In this case, the first contractions are painful, prolonged and too frequent. In the case when contractions are caused immediately high degree discomfort at intervals of 10 minutes or less, you should go to the nearest maternity hospital immediately!

Rapid birth is often accompanied by complications both from the mother (ruptures of the birth canal, premature placental abruption, bleeding in the placenta and postpartum period), and the fetus (hypoxia, cephalohematomas, brain and spinal cord injuries).

The period of adaptation (recovery) of the fetus after a fast and rapid birth can increase to 5-7 days, which affects the possibility of breastfeeding, the timing of vaccination and discharge. To normalize labor, doctors use drugs that relax the muscles of the uterus and slow down labor.

Rapid and rapid labor is associated with impaired contractile function of the uterus during childbirth. Such labor may initially be protracted: the processes of dilation of the cervix are slowed down, the presenting part of the fetus (the head in a cephalic presentation and the buttocks in a pelvic presentation) remains pressed to the entrance to the pelvis for a long time, and then it rapidly moves through the birth canal. The total duration of labor may correspond normal indicators(10-12 hours), but the period of expulsion (immediate birth of the child) is sharply shortened. Another option is also possible: all periods of labor are sharply shortened. In this case, rapid labor takes less than 6 hours for primiparous women, and less than 4 hours for multiparous women; rapid labor - less than 4 and less than 2 hours, respectively.

CAUSES

1. Genetic (congenital) pathology muscle cells(myocytes), in which their excitability is sharply increased, that is, to excite contraction of the muscles of the uterus, less potential is needed than usual. Since, as already mentioned, this cause is genetic, it can be inherited. Therefore, if the mother or immediate maternal relatives (aunts, sisters) had a rapid or rapid labor, it can be assumed that it will recur.
2. Increased excitability nervous system. Absence psychological readiness to childbirth can affect the occurrence of excessively strong labor.
3. Metabolic disorders, diseases of the endocrine glands that a woman had even before pregnancy, for example, increased production of thyroid hormones and adrenal hormones.
4. The so-called burdened obstetric-gynecological history, that is, the presence in women gynecological diseases, for example, inflammatory, or previous pathological births, especially if the first birth was fast and traumatic for mother and child.
5. One of the predisposing factors for excessively strong labor activity is the age of the primigravida under 18 or over 30 years. This is due to the fact that until the age of 18-20 there is immaturity and unpreparedness of the nervous system structures for pregnancy and childbirth. Women over the age of 30, as a rule, by this age suffer from any inflammatory diseases pelvic organs, have chronic diseases, diseases of the endocrine glands..
6. Pregnancy pathologies: severe gestosis (toxicosis), kidney disease, etc.
7. Situations created medical personnel, in particular the unreasonable or excessive use of birth-stimulating drugs.

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN

Labor activity during rapid or rapid labor usually begins suddenly and violently - either after a previous weakness of the labor forces, or initially. In this case, very strong contractions follow one after another through short pauses and quickly lead to full dilatation of the cervix. When labor begins suddenly and violently, proceeding with intense and almost continuous contractions, the woman in labor enters a state of excitement, expressed in increased motor activity, increased heart rate and breathing, increased blood pressure.
Attempts can also be violent, rapid, within 1-2 attempts the fetus is born, followed by...
It should be mentioned that strong contractions may indicate not only excessively strong, but also discoordinated labor, in which, despite the intensity of contractions, the cervix remains closed in one area or another.
Rapid labor in multiparous women can end even in a few minutes. They often catch a woman in an unsuitable environment, for example, in transport or other public place, hence the high probability of infection and other consequences of medical care not provided during the procedure.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Rapid labor may occur without consequences, but complications for both the fetus and the mother cannot be ruled out.
Excessively strong labor threatens the mother with the risk of placental abruption before the baby is born. This is due to the fact that the muscles of the uterus are almost constantly in a state of contraction, the uteroplacental vessels are compressed, and the blood circulation between the uterus and placenta is impaired. If you do not provide a woman with medical assistance in a timely manner (and in in this case seconds count), bleeding can have serious consequences. If, however, blood accumulates between the detached area of ​​the placenta and the uterus, the uterus becomes filled with blood constantly coming from the detachment area, the muscles of the uterus are “soaked” with this blood and lose the ability to contract, as a result of which the bleeding cannot be stopped. Similar situations risk removal of the uterus. For a baby, premature placental abruption can threaten acute hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
With rapid advancement through the birth canal, the fetal head does not have time to adjust and shrink due to the fact that the bones of the skull in the area of ​​sutures and fontanelles (soft joints) are placed on top of each other, like tiles. Normally, the baby’s sutures and fontanelles are closed connective tissue, which allows the baby's head to adapt to pass through the mother's pelvic bones. During fast or rapid labor, the fetal head is subjected to rapid and severe compression, which can lead to injury and intracranial hemorrhage, and this, in turn, can cause various Negative consequences: from reversible paresis and paralysis to fetal death.
The rapid movement of the child through the birth canal often causes quite serious injuries to the birth canal: deep ruptures of the cervix, vagina, and perineum.
Rapid emptying of the uterus can cause the muscles in the uterus to contract poorly after childbirth, which can cause postpartum bleeding.

TACTICS FOR MANAGING QUICK DELIVERY

In the case when, upon admission of the pregnant woman to the maternity hospital, the dilatation of the cervix was small (2-3 cm), labor progressed very rapidly and within 2-3 hours the cervix was completely dilated; labor was carried out in the lateral decubitus position. In this case, drugs and agents are used that relax the muscles of the uterus and slow down labor. In cases where rapid labor is caused by the introduction medicines stimulating labor, the administration of these drugs is stopped immediately.
In case of excessively strong labor, constant cardiac monitoring of the baby’s condition is carried out (using a special device, the fetal heartbeat is recorded). To do this, a sensor is attached to the mother's belly, and the changing number of fetal heartbeats is reflected on the device's screen every second. Some such devices allow you to monitor not only the fetal cardiac activity, but also the strength of uterine contractions. Cardiotocography is used as an additional diagnostic method along with ultrasound and Doppler examination in the third trimester of pregnancy. After birth, a thorough examination of the birth canal is performed to diagnose traumatic injuries and their timely correction. In the presence of deep and extensive ruptures, the operation of examining and restoring the birth canal is carried out against the background general anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia is more often used.
Considering the possibility of complications for the mother and fetus, the question arises about the rationality of conducting childbirth through the birth canal. But even in the presence of certain predisposing factors listed above, it is impossible to say with certainty whether labor will proceed with excessively strong labor. Absolute indications For operative delivery are premature abruption of a normally located placenta and the bleeding caused by this condition, as well as acute fetal hypoxia (the presence of this complication is determined by a change in the number of fetal heartbeats).

PREVENTION

For the prevention of precipitate labor plays an important role early detection predisposing factors. If a pregnant woman has any risk factors, especially if the second birth is coming, and the first one was quick, it is better to go to the hospital before the expected birth date. Women at risk for the development of labor anomalies, in particular excessively strong labor, should undergo psychoprophylactic preparation for childbirth using auto-training techniques, teaching methods muscle relaxation, control over the tone of the uterine muscles. It is important that the pregnant woman is in a state of psycho-emotional comfort and is convinced of the successful outcome of the birth. A rational daily routine and diet play a big role. During pregnancy, it is advisable to attend a school for pregnant women, where the expectant mother will be introduced to the physiology of childbirth and taught how to behave correctly during childbirth in order to rationally use her physical potential for a successful delivery. If expectant parents have any concerns about the upcoming birth (for example, caused by past experiences), they will be able to contact a psychologist at the pregnancy school. All this together will create a positive psycho-emotional background, and the expectant mother will feel more confident.
Among medications for the prevention of excessively strong labor during pregnancy, antispasmodic (relaxing the muscles of the uterus) drugs, such as no-spa, as well as drugs that improve uteroplacental circulation (trental, chimes) are used. Drug prevention carried out until birth only for those women who are at risk of developing pathology of uterine contractility.

Normally, the duration of labor should be at least 8 hours, but no more than 12. During this time, the body expectant mother and the child has time to prepare for a successful delivery. But when labor takes place within 2–4 hours, the mother and baby are in serious danger. Sometimes rapid labor in first-time mothers completely discourages the desire to have a second child.

Rapid labor: what is it?

Rapid labor: what is it?

In primiparous women, this anomaly in the development of labor is much less common than in those who give birth repeatedly. But they must know what rapid labor means and be prepared for it.

Childbirth is considered rapid when no more than 4 hours pass from the onset of contractions to the birth of the baby. For multiparous women, this time interval is significantly reduced. In obstetric practice, there have been cases when the duration of labor was reduced to 30–40 minutes.

Causes of rapid labor

Doctors say the main reason why a first-time mother may experience rapid labor is genetic predisposition– disruption of contractile activity of the uterus. But sometimes they become:

In women who have given birth repeatedly, the cause of rapid labor may be the stretching of the birth canal. This is why it is so important to do Kegel exercises during pregnancy and after childbirth. They will help strengthen the vaginal muscles and make labor easier.

Signs of rapid labor

No doctor can determine in advance whether labor will be rapid, protracted or normal. This becomes known only with the onset of labor.

A woman needs to be prepared for rapid labor if:

• contractions began suddenly (as a rule, contractions during rapid labor are not only violent, but also very painful);
• the break between contractions is short (5–10 minutes);
• blood pressure increased sharply;
• breathing and pulse increased.

Signs of rapid labor

There are many cases when women did not have time to get to the maternity hospital and obstetric care she received assistance from her husband (other relatives), friends, or absolutely strangers. Therefore, with the onset of violent contractions, a woman in labor should immediately go to the maternity hospital. If the chosen maternity hospital is far away, then it is better to go to the nearest one.

Of course, you should never do this yourself. You need to lie down on a bed or sofa, call ambulance and lie down and wait for the doctors to arrive. Let your family take care of the rest.

What are the dangers of rapid labor for a woman in labor?

The greatest danger to mother and child during rapid labor is premature placental abruption. Mommy is in danger uterine bleeding, and for the child – by the cessation of oxygen supply at the time of its passage through the birth canal. Sometimes this leads to removal of the uterus.

In addition, during rapid labor, a woman is at risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Due to the unpreparedness of the uterus for childbirth, the muscles cannot take their original shape (contract) for a long time.

The recovery period for a woman after a quick birth, as a rule, increases significantly. On average 5-7 days.

Rapid birth: consequences for the child

In addition to the strong one caused premature detachment placenta, the baby may suffer serious traumatic brain injury during rapid labor.

Such a birth can result in injuries to the baby’s spine, collarbone, etc.

Severe hypoxia can cause vascular spasms in the baby and... as a result, the death of brain cells. As a result, the child may die or remain permanently disabled.

How can an obstetrician-gynecologist help a woman in labor during rapid labor?