Sünnitusteede

Sünnitusteede refers to the birth canal, which is the passageway through which a baby travels during childbirth. This passageway is comprised of the cervix, vagina, and perineum. The cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus, must dilate significantly to allow the baby to pass through. The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. The perineum is the area of skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and the anus.

During labor, uterine contractions work to push the baby down towards the birth canal. As the baby descends, the cervix effaces (thins out) and dilates (opens). Once the cervix is fully dilated, the baby begins to move through the vagina. The muscles of the vagina and the mother's pushing efforts assist in this process. The perineum may stretch considerably, and in some cases, an episiotomy (a surgical cut) may be performed to enlarge the vaginal opening. After the baby is born, the placenta is also expelled through the birth canal. The health and elasticity of the birth canal tissues are important factors in a vaginal delivery.