Understanding the Uterus
The Uterus is amazing! It plays a vital role in the process of giving birth - but how much do we actually know about it?
The Uterus has two main muscles, the first layer is vertical, pulling the uterus up during contractions. The second layer runs inside the first in loops. While you’re pregnant the second layer is tight and closed to keep your baby inside, when you go into labour they begin to relax,
allowing the vertical muscles to pull it up. They become thicker and stronger and prepare to eject the baby, this is called the fetal ejection reflex, it’s the same reflex your body uses when having a poo. As the muscles ascend the baby descends, the cervix opens and you baby is born.
Like all other muscles the Uterine muscles need fuel to keep them working effectively, this means a good flow of oxygenated blood. There are lots of things we can do to aid this, for instance keeping well hydrated and snacking through labour. Another way to make sure blood flow is being directed to all the right places is creating an optimal environment. We know that our hormones play a major role in birth, and that our environment can affect them greatly. When we feel frightened or under threat our fight or flight mechanism kicks in which releases adrenaline, our blood flow is rerouted to our extremities to prepare to either fight or run from danger, which means other muscles, in this case the Uterus, aren’t getting what they need. In labour this creates the fear - pain - tension cycle. We become afraid so our uterus becomes tense, which creates more pain, therefore making us more fearful. This can stall labour, makes us feel like we can’t cope and a cascade of interventions can ensue. Keeping lights dimmed, asking your team to keep their voices low, using a pool/bath/shower, massage and active labour positions can all help to keep muscles relaxed and you feeling safe and calm.
Once you’ve had your baby your Uterus continues to contract, pushing out your placenta and helping to aid compression of the blood vessels at the placenta site, this helps stem your blood loss, if your uterus isn’t sufficiently contracting this can cause a postpartum haemorrhage. It is important to understand what may cause your Uterus to become fatigued and what may help stop this from happening. Researching the third stage of labour will help you make informed decisions in your care.
Your Uterus will continue to contract over the first few days post delivery and will shrink back to its normal size, if you’re breastfeeding you may notice the pains are stronger and your Uterus shrinks at a quicker rate, this is due to the Oxytocin release.
The birthing body is amazing, it has all the tools it needs to bring your baby into the world, but knowing how it works and how to help it, can make you feel empowered in your decisions and create a positive birth experience.
References
https://www.preparedtobirth.com/the-fetal-ejection-reflex-and-how-your-uterus-works-during-labour/
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/what-your-uterus-does-during-labour/
