The nine months of pregnancy determine the type of delivery that doctors are going to perform, because it not only impacts the mother, but also the baby. Apart from several delivery methods, the mother still chooses a normal delivery. But what actually is a normal delivery?
Normal or Vaginal Delivery
When the baby is born via the vaginal canal, after dilating the cervix is consider as normal delivery. This is one of the most desirable processes of giving birth to a baby, and most importantly, it ensures the health of the baby and the mother. Faster recovery, lower chances of complications, better respiratory health of the baby, and an immediate bond between the mother and the baby are the biggest benefits.
But still, so many mothers feel anxious just by thinking of a normal delivery. Don’t worry, this article will give you a highlight of the normal delivery step-by-step process, which can help you to know about the process in detail, so that you can prepare yourself for a positive experience.
Techniques to Ensure Normal Delivery
There is nothing out of the box that you need to do to ensure vaginal delivery, but some basic practices can definitely help you.
- Never avoid antenatal checkups and classes- expert support and guidance throughout the pregnancy helps in analyzing the mother’s health and the progress of the baby. Especially, first-time mothers should not avoid this.
- Balanced diet- nutrition is the key to supporting the body, and whatever you, as a mother, will eat, your baby will grow as per that. Your food should include protein, carbs, fiber, and essential minerals to fulfill the growth of the baby, and need of your body.
- Exercise- it is not that you are supposed to be active for all 7 days, but 5 days a week for at least 45 minutes a day is enough to ensure proper blood flow. It also helps in balancing hormones, which is important during pregnancy, because hormonal fluctuation is a real thing, and it can become an issue. Butterfly stretches, kegel squats, pelvic tilts, and some basic strength training are among the exercises most recommended by gynecologists.
- Hydration- to support fetal growth, blood volume increases by 50%. That’s why, through drinking enough water, women can balance their blood volume, form amniotic fluid, and reduces risk of swelling, UTI, constipation, fatigue, and regulate body temperature.
Step-By-Step Process of Normal Delivery
Till now, you know how you can ensure normal delivery. Let’s understand the step-by-step process-
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Pre-labour Signs
For most of the women, labor signs begin to show that it is time to prepare themselves for the delivery. During this stage, the uterine contractions commence, and the cervix starts to dilate.
- Lightening- it is when the baby moves to the portion of the birth canal, preparing for labor, and reduces the pressure on the lungs by increasing discomfort on pelvic.
- Braxton hick contractions- these are mild, irregular, and painless contractions, or you can consider pain, just like women usually experience cramps in their periods. These also prepare the uterus for labor.
- Cervical changes- the cervix gradually begins to soften, efface, and dilate as the labor approaches. This happens because hormones soften the tissue, so that the baby can pass easily through the birth canal.
- Mucus plug discharge- it is also known as bloody show, because the mucus plug, which seals the cervix, discharges, and the mucus and clear and pinkish blood type fluid is released. Although it does not ensure that labor has begun, it definitely gives a sign that the time to meet the baby is near.
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Early Contractions
The intensity of labor varies from woman to woman, and it begins with intensive, regular, and painful contractions within intervals. During this time, a gynecologist or obstetrician recommend other to do some exercises like squatting, kegel, and activities using birth balls or large yoga balls, as these open the pelvis for the baby’s descent.
Now, the contraction becomes regular at mild intensity, which lasts up to 30 to 50 seconds. And if a woman practices what doctors recommend, it helps to manage the pain, but intensity will increase because it prepare baby to move lower and the mother for delivery.
As time passes. The intensity of labor pain increases every 3 to 5 minutes and comes with a more painful experience. And when the cervix dilates completely, the contraction latest up to 60 to 90 seconds and happen within 2 to 2.5 minutes of interval.
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Delivery
This phase is the most difficult one, because a mother bear a unimaginable pain to give birth to a new life. When the cervix stretches to its full thickness, labor starts, and it indicates that the time has come-
- Pushing- the mother pushes down the baby with the help of abdominal muscles after contraction, and this helps the baby to slips to the birth canal.
- Crowning- the head of the baby is visible on the vaginal orifice, indicating that the delivery is going more smoothly, because the baby’s head is coming out first.
- The duration of the phase ranges from a few minutes to several hours, because everybody works differently.
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Post-labor
Not just delivery, but post-care delivery is very crucial, because a mother goes through a lot of pain, and she needs all the care and support she can get. First, the doctor removes the placenta through the birth canal just after the delivery. Post-partum care should be started just after the delivery. Within the first 24 hours, a gynecologist takes care of several things, such as
- Uterine involution (prevention of excessive bleeding)
- Monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature of the body) because these aid in detecting postpartum hemorrhage or infection.
- Perineal recovery is checked by analysing soreness, swelling, or stitches.
- Initiating breastfeeding within the first hours is crucial for creating a bond between the mother and the baby.
FAQs
How do I know whether I am going to have a normal delivery?
If your pregnancy phase is going well without any health complications, and your doctor confirms that it is safe for you to go for a normal delivery, then you can plan your vaginal delivery.
When does lochia (vaginal bleeding) stop after a normal delivery?
It takes 4 to 6 weeks to recover from the delivery phase, but even after you experience heavy bleeding, ensure that you talk to your gynecologist.
How much time does it take to cover vaginal delivery?
Although it depends on care, support, and guidance from your gynecologist. Also, 70% of new moms have a vagina or cervix torn during delivery, which requires more, but within a month, you can be able to get back to your normal routine. But it is advised not to rush, take a pause from everything, and take care of your baby and yourself.
Is it safe to go for a normal delivery after a C-section?
Yes, it is, but first, your doctor will evaluate the chances, health, C-section scar, and development of the body.
Conclusion
Normal delivery seems like a complex and painful process, and there is no doubt in that, but it is also the safest method to deliver a baby. It ensures the health of the mother and the newborn’s life. Through several pain management methods can help to overcome the challenges, but for that, taking to professional like Cradle Children Hospital is crucial. Also, how fast you are able to recover from that also depends on guidance, support, and care.
If you are pregnant or seeking an expert for safe maternity care, then Cradle Children’s Hospital can be an ideal choice for you. Pregnancy followed by qualified gynecologist, care from expert staff, and support from counsellors can help to have a calm and enjoyable pregnancy and delivery. This not only sounds good, but at Cradle, you will get that.
So, book your consultation and enjoy the most memorable phase of your life!
