Childbirth

Risk of premature birth: rest! How and in what way?

In Italy, every year, 6-7% of children are born too early. We speak of premature birth, when this occurs within the 36th week of gestation . We speak of risk of premature birth when one of the conditions listed below lead to a modification of the uterine neck, dilatation, rupture of the membranes or cervical incompetence.

It is important for all women to know and understand the signals that our body sends us about the threat of preterm birth in order to be able to go to the hospital immediately and contact your midwife or gynecologist.

Signs of preterm birth

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Contractions
  • Premature rupture of membranes

Each structure, where you will go, has protocols to follow and one of the interventions that is always present is rest.

What is meant by rest?

Usually the questions women ask themselves are:

  • Can I sit down?
  • Can I take a shower?
  • Can I cook or eat at the table?
  • Can I hold my child? (for mothers who already have children)

Rest requires that the woman stay in bed in a horizontal position for a large part of the day , with the exception of when she has to go to the bathroom or at mealtimes, she can take a shower and do small housework, play and pick up baby and take short walks.

Often, for a woman, being put to rest is a source of stress and is counterproductive for the body, even if the exact opposite is often thought.

Lying still in bed does not prevent premature birth or miscarriage. Complete immobilization in bed could be harmful in some cases.

For any doubts about the type of rest, always contact the person (obstetrician or gynecologist) who follows you during pregnancy.

Rest management advice

When a couple is faced with the risk of a premature birth, the family of the unborn child rushes to the rescue and can do the shopping for you so that you can only dedicate yourself to preparing meals. It can help you with the housework, leaving the lighter ones to you. In moments of rest, which will be many, prefer the lying position but with your feet slightly raised so as to promote circulation towards the uterus and not weigh down your legs.

Just take advantage of the nursing pillow or simple pillows to be placed under the legs.

It’s okay to be in bed or on the sofa.

In these two places:

you can read a good book, stay at the PC, read a magazine, watch TV, talk to your baby by stroking your tummy, chat with friends while drinking something hot or cold. In short, do not limit yourself in activities.

Choose comfortable, breathable clothing, possibly made of cotton or wool. If you have indications for wearing compression stockings, please put them on.

Help the circulation of your legs, which lying down a lot, can accumulate liquids and be sore, with hot and cold showers. So that means you can take a shower or a bath. In case of central placenta previa it is important to abstain from sexual intercourse.

There is the possibility of being able to use Bach Flowers as a support for everything throughout this delicate period.

Combination:

1) Impatiens: agitation

2) Mimulus: fear of malformations, fear of childbirth

3) Pine: feelings of guilt towards the child

He often shows up, in the analysis centres, on the days in which blood samples need to be taken, of one’s condition and they let you go ahead so as to reduce waiting times.

And as a last tip, use this time to dedicate it to yourself. Listen to music, read books to your child.

Several scientific studies have now consolidated the certainty that the baby from inside the belly is able to recognize his mother’s voice, and also that of his father. Belly reading is very important for the emotional and cognitive development of the fetus.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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