Birth is Inherently Safe - 1 of 10

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim

In the last article we explored the The Mother's Role to maximize the safety nets Allah (SWT) has built into the childbearing year. Now we will begin to explore just a few of these infinite safety nets. We'll begin with the maternal cervix. This is the opening between the womb and the birth canal and is  best known as the anatomical structure that must dilate to 10 centimeters for the birth to proceed. I find it amazing that there are safety nets built into this structure to prevent it from opening too soon and therefore prevent preterm birth.

First of all, it's the baby's head applying pressure to the cervix that causes it to thin out (efface) and open up (dilate) for birth. There are two particular safety nets that keep the head off the cervix until it's time to labor.

Misalignment

First of all the cervix is typically posterior during pregnancy. That means it is pointing towards the mother's back. This results in a misalignment between the womb and the vagina that won't be lined up until labor contractions pull it forward, therefore aligning the pathway for the baby to be born. Subhan'Alalh, Allah truly is the best of Planners and our contractions are really a blessing that brings forth our babies.

Isthmus

The other safety net lies just above the cervix. This lower segment of the womb, called the isthmus, stays thin and closed until the end of pregnancy. This tight segment above the cervix is yet another safety net that keeps the baby's head away until it's time for birth. Towards the end of pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin will flow through the mother's body and this will relax the isthmus and it will open up, causing the sensation of "dropping" that some women feel in late pregnancy. This widening of the isthmus allows the baby's head to apply pressure on the cervix, which is what will facilitate it's thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation)...but not until the time is right!

Allah truly is the best of Planners and has perfectly created the female body to keep the baby safe inside until it's truly time for baby to be born. Subhan'Allah (glory to God). 

"...And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time,

and afterward, We bring you forth as infants…”  [Qur’an 22:5]