At what intervals should I go to hospital?
Both the frequency and the strength of the contractions increase more and more before birth. The contractions also occur more regularly. It is difficult to make a general statement about the distance of the contractions and the visit to the hospital.
If the contractions occur at an interval of about five to ten minutes, a hospital should be visited. However, it is not only the distance that counts, but also the strength, regularity and dynamics, as mentioned above. In case of ambiguities, uncertainties or abnormalities, a hospital can and should be consulted. If the amniotic sac should burst, the pregnant woman must be transported to a hospital lying down, as the umbilical cord or limbs may be prolapsed. Therefore, as soon as the amniotic sac has burst, a doctor should be contacted urgently, even if the contractions are missing or irregular.
What can you do if the contractions do not shorten?
In some pregnant women it happens that the contractions do not become stronger and the distance does not shorten. Risk factors for insufficient labor can include multiple pregnancies, many births in the past or a very large fetus. If the contractions are stagnant for only a short period of time, it is best to wait and see.
In the internet you can find some tips and tricks on how to promote labor. However, some measures should be taken with caution. If interested, this can be discussed during prenatal care, preliminary talks with midwives or a preparation course.
A simple means of promoting contractions is light physical exertion such as going for a walk. A warm bath or a massage of the abdomen are also often found to be helpful. In contrast, other home remedies and tricks such as laxatives, contraction cocktails or irritation of the nipples should only be used in consultation with the midwives, nurses and doctors treating the contractions.
If, despite these measures, sufficient contractions do not occur during the birth, oxytocin can be administered by a doctor. Oxytocin is a hormone that is also secreted by the body itself during birth. It leads to an intensification of the contractions. Another possibility is the vaginal administration of prostaglandins.
