The first stage of labor is from the beginning of regular contractions to complete dilation of the cervix. Generally, the pain is most severe when the cervix is nearly fully dilated. The purpose of doing auxiliary movements is to relax the whole body to relieve the discomfort caused by uterine contractions and cervical dilation. Here are a few simple and effective moves.
The first stage of labor is from the beginning of regular contractions to complete dilation of the cervix. Generally, the pain is most severe when the cervix is nearly fully dilated. The purpose of doing auxiliary movements is to relax the whole body to relieve the discomfort caused by uterine contractions and cervical dilation. Here are a few simple and effective moves.
(1) Chest breathing: Suitable for the early stage of the first period, it can calm emotions and relieve pain.
Action essentials:
Lie on your back with your body slightly to one side, place your hands on your chest, and breathe through your nose.
Inhale gently, expand your chest, and exhale slowly after inhaling, keeping the inhalation and exhalation equal.
About 15 breaths per minute.
(2) Abdominal breathing: suitable for situations with strong uterine contractions.
Action essentials:
Lie on your back, slightly to one side, with your legs bent and your knees straight.
Take a deep breath to raise your belly.
After inhaling the air, slowly exhale and contract the abdomen.
About 15 times per minute.
(3) Relaxation method: suitable for the intermittent period of uterine contractions. Adopting a consciously comfortable side-lying posture means relaxing your body and mind and relaxing your muscles throughout your body, which can eliminate fatigue, calm your emotions, and maintain your physical strength.
(4) Massage and compression method: suitable for strong uterine contractions.
Action essentials:
Put the fingers of both hands together, place the palms on both sides of the lower abdomen, and cooperate with abdominal breathing. While taking a deep breath, push your hands inward and upward.
While exhaling, massage your hands downward and to the sides.
For those with low back pain, make a fist with one or both hands and place it on the painful area to apply pressure.
The above auxiliary movements can be practiced after 32 weeks of pregnancy. Be persistent and practice 1-2 times a day for 5-10 minutes each time. If you still feel uncomfortable lying on your side, you can also practice half-sitting.