How long does it take for the cervix to open before giving birth?

After a girl becomes pregnant, she should learn some knowledge about pregnancy to avoid feeling flustered during childbirth. We know that a girl's cervix will open before giving birth, and different sizes indicate that the fetus is about to be delivered. While waiting for delivery in the hospital, you must cooperate with the doctor's examination, understand your condition in a timely manner, and ensure a smooth delivery of the fetus. So, how long does it take for the cervix to open before giving birth?

1. The first stage of labor: opening of the uterus

Regular contractions occur until the uterus is 10 cm dilated.

First-time mothers need 13-14 hours.

Multiparas need 6-7 hours.

■Birth signs: labor pains begin

As labor pains begin, the opening phase begins. If contractions occur every 10 minutes, you should go to the hospital for further observation.

In the early stages of labor, uterine contractions will occur every 5-20 minutes, and each will last 30=60 seconds. As labor pains increase, uterine contractions will occur every 2-4 minutes, and each lasts 60-90 seconds. During this period, the birth process is already halfway completed. In the final seconds, there will be excruciating abdominal pain, and the contractions will gradually subside.

■ Delivery can only take place after the cervix is ​​dilated 10 cm

Under normal circumstances, delivery can only take place after the cervix is ​​dilated 10cm, but for pregnant women, the process of cervix dilation is very long and painful. Especially for first-time mothers, it takes 8-10 hours for the cervix to open 2-3cm. When contractions occur, as long as you adjust your mood and relax your tense body, you can get through the contractions smoothly. If you scream and shout, or get frightened before giving birth, it will only make the pain more severe. Therefore, you can overcome the labor pain by simply adjusting your breathing method.

■ What doctors usually do during the first stage of labor

The progress of labor is confirmed through internal examination, and the fetal heart beat status is checked through the labor observation device, and the interval and duration of the mother's uterine contractions are confirmed. In order to stimulate uterine contractions, the amniotic membrane is sometimes artificially punctured.

2. Detailed analysis of the three stages of labor opening

■The first stage of the first stage of labor: preparation

From the onset of labor pain until the cervix opens 3-4 cm

Time consumption: 8-9 hours

Contraction cycle: 30-45 seconds every 5 minutes

If contractions occur, you should calmly measure the duration of the contractions. If the contraction cycle is ≥20 minutes, you should simply take a shower and wash your hair. However, when symptoms of water breaking occur, it is easy to cause bacterial infection in the uterus, so you cannot shower or bathe; if the interval between each contraction is less than 10 minutes, you should go to the hospital for observation. If contractions occur, you should breathe deeply and regularly, and the longer you exhale, the easier it will be to relieve the pain.

■The second stage of the first stage of labor: the ongoing stage

The process of the cervix opening 7-8cm

Time consumption: 3-4 hours

Contraction cycle: Contractions lasting 1 minute every 3 minutes

During this period, the frequency of contractions is significantly shortened and the duration of contractions is prolonged. In order to provide adequate oxygen to the fetus, deep breathing must be continued. If you exert too much force during labor, it will be difficult for the fetus to move down into the pelvis, and when you need to exert force, you may have already exhausted your physical strength. Therefore, you should try to relax your body during this period.

■The third stage of the first stage of labor: transitional period

The process of the cervix opening 9-10cm

Time required: 1-2 hours

Contraction cycle: contractions lasting 1 minute and 30 seconds every 1-2 minutes

During this period, the duration of labor pains exceeds the labor cycle, and the pregnant woman will suffer uninterrupted pain. In addition, the strength of the arms and legs is easily exhausted at this time, leading to weakness. If you feel the urge to defecate after intense labor pains, it means you are about to go into labor, so you should call a nurse immediately.