Let's talk about childbirth delivery methods you need to know when you're expecting a baby.

If you are a mother who is expecting a baby these days, you are probably feeling both excited and a little anxious, right? As you get closer to having a baby, it is normal to have a lot of questions like, "How will it be? How will the baby be delivered?" Many people have a plan in mind that their delivery should be this way. However, it is difficult to say in advance that this is exactly how the baby will be delivered. However, it is very important for you to know about several ways to deliver a baby. Today, let's talk about what these childbirth methods are.

What are the main methods of childbirth?

Simply put, there are several main ways for a baby to come into this world. Your doctor or midwife will determine the best method for you based on your health and the baby's condition. Let's take a look at what those methods are.

• Vaginal delivery
• Assisted vaginal delivery - either by vacuum extraction or forceps delivery.
• Having a baby by cesarean section (C-section / Cesarean birth)
• Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for someone who has had a previous cesarean section

Now let's talk about each of these methods in a little more detail , okay?

1. Vaginal Delivery

This is the safest and most common method of childbirth . Most often, unless there is a special medical reason, doctors recommend this method. It is usually delivered between 37 and 42 weeks. There are three main stages in this: labor, birth, and delivering the placenta.

What are the advantages of this method?

• You can recover faster: Compared to other methods, you can get back to normal quickly after having a baby naturally.
• Safe for both you and your baby: In most cases, this is the method with the lowest risk.
• The risk of infection is low.
• It is said that babies are less likely to have respiratory problems , and their immune systems are also strengthened .
• Lactation and breastfeeding are usually easier.

There are two ways to have a baby vaginally:

• Spontaneous vaginal delivery: In this, labor begins naturally and the baby is delivered without any medication. This is most likely to happen around 40 weeks.
• Induced vaginal delivery: Sometimes, if you have a health problem or if your due date is past, your doctor will give you medication or other methods to induce labor. This often involves using a drug called Pitocin® (a synthetic form of the hormone Oxytocin). This helps your cervix soften and open.

What happens if you don't push during vaginal delivery?

Most of the time, when your cervix is ​​fully dilated and your doctor and others are ready, you'll be told to push when the pain comes. However, there are different opinions about when to push, how long to push, and whether to push a little later (delayed pushing).

It's hard to say exactly what will happen if you don't push or if you can't push, because everyone's experience is different. However, some studies suggest that holding off or delaying pushing, even if you should , can lead to infection, heavy bleeding, or pelvic injury . So it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about pushing before you go into labor.

2. Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Sometimes, the doctor has to use forceps or a vacuum to remove the baby from the vagina. This is called assisted vaginal delivery. This happens in cases like these:

• If you have been in labor for a long time .
• If labor seems to be stalling and not progressing .
• If you get tired of pushing and can't push any more, you'll be in a situation where you can't push anymore.
• If you or your baby are showing any distress .

However, this type of assisted delivery is only performed if certain conditions are met.

What are examples of assisted births?

The method your doctor recommends depends on the conditions you are experiencing during labor.

• Forceps delivery: This is a forceps-like device. The doctor uses it to carefully grasp the baby's head and help it out of the birth canal.
• Vacuum extraction delivery: In this, the doctor places a small suction cup on the baby's head. It is connected to a pump. As you push, the doctor uses the cup to gently pull the baby out.

The advantages and disadvantages of both methods are largely the same. In most cases, the choice between the two is based on the doctor's experience.

3. Having a baby by cesarean section (C-section / Cesarean birth)

A cesarean section (C-section) is a procedure where the doctor makes an incision in your abdomen and uterus to deliver your baby. Sometimes, a cesarean section can be planned in advance for medical reasons. Or, if a problem arises during labor, an unplanned cesarean section may be necessary.

What are the reasons for having a planned C-section?

• If you have previously had a baby by cesarean section .
• If you are expecting multiples, such as twins .
• If you have a low-lying placenta (placenta previa) .
• If the baby is breech , that means the bottom or legs are facing down instead of the head.
• If the baby weighs too much (`Fetal macrosomia`) .
• If you have uterine fibroids or other obstructions in your uterus .

In what cases would an unplanned C-section be performed?

Sometimes, conditions change during labor and a cesarean section is necessary for the safety of you and your baby.

• If the baby is in some kind of discomfort (`Fetal distress`) , that is, if the baby seems to be having difficulty enduring the pain of labor.
• If labor is not progressing and is stuck .
• If the umbilical cord comes down and protrudes (`Umbilical cord prolapse`).
• If the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely (placental abruption).
• If there is excessive bleeding (`Hemorrhage`).

What are the risks of a cesarean section?

Like any surgery, a cesarean section carries some risks. In general, the risks of a cesarean section are slightly higher than those of a vaginal birth.

• Infection may occur.
• There may be excessive bleeding , and a blood transfusion may be necessary.
• A blood clot can form and travel through a blood vessel and become blocked (embolism).
• The intestines or bladder can be injured .
• It takes longer to recover , and the hospital stay is longer.
• Tissues inside the abdomen can stick together (abdominal adhesions).

What are the advantages of a cesarean section?

Some people prefer a cesarean section because they think they can choose the day of delivery. This is called an elective C-section. Some doctors will allow this even if there is no medical reason, but most do not encourage it. Most cesarean sections are performed because they are medically necessary. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that planned cesarean sections not be performed before 39 weeks unless there is a medical reason.

Some advantages of a cesarean section compared to a vaginal delivery may include:

• There is less risk of trauma when the baby comes through the vagina.
• The risk of the baby becoming oxygen-deprived during delivery is low.
• The risk of developing urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction may be reduced later.

4. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

If you have had a previous cesarean delivery, you may be able to have your next baby vaginally, that is, normally. This is called `VBAC` (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). However, because a cesarean section makes an incision in the uterus, a scar is formed there. So, there is a fear that the pressure of having a vaginal delivery again could cause the uterus to rupture at the site of the old scar. Therefore, there are certain conditions that must be met if you are going to try a `VBAC`.

Is it possible to have a baby normally after a cesarean section?

Yes, you can. If you meet these conditions, you have a higher chance of having a successful `VBAC`:

• If the doctor has made a low transverse incision during a previous cesarean section. This is how most cesarean sections are performed, except in emergencies.
• If you have any other scars or abnormalities in your uterus.
• If you have had a baby vaginally before .
• If you have not had a uterine rupture before.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about whether you are suitable for a VBAC. He or she will review your complete medical history and advise you accordingly.

Other things you need to know when having a baby

There are a few other words you should know about childbirth. It will be easier for you to understand if the doctor talks about them.

What is an episiotomy?

An episiotomy is a small surgical cut that is made to slightly enlarge the opening of your vagina to make it easier for the baby's head to come out. Most people don't need this. There are two types of episiotomy: a midline cut, which is made directly in front of the anus, and a mediolateral cut, which is made slightly to the side of the anus.

Amniotomy / Breaking your bag of waters

An ``Amniotomy`` is the process of artificially rupturing your membranes (``AROM`` - artificially rupturing your membranes), the water-filled sac around your baby. Your doctor may do this for the following reasons:

• Either to start labor or to speed it up (`induce or progress labor`).
• Put an internal monitor on to check your contractions.
• Place a monitor inside the baby's head to monitor the baby's health.
• Check for the baby's first stool (`Meconium`). (This is a greenish-brown substance).

The doctor uses a device called an ``Amniohook'', which looks like a knitting needle. After this is done, the baby should be delivered within 24 hours to prevent infection.

Fetal Monitoring

``Fetal monitoring`` is the process of monitoring the baby's heart rate during labor. This can be done either externally (``externally``) or internally (``internally``). Once the doctor knows how the baby is coping with labor, he or she can decide whether to continue the labor or to deliver the baby early.

• In external fetal monitoring , an ultrasound device is placed on your abdomen and records things like your baby's heart rate, how often your contractions are coming, and how long they last.
• In internal monitoring , a small electrode is attached to the baby's scalp to record the baby's heart rate. Your water must have broken to be able to have this electrode. You may also have a pressure sensor placed near your baby to measure the strength of the contractions.

What is the most painful method of childbirth?

This is something that can vary from person to person. Many things affect this, such as whether you use painkillers, what kind of painkillers you use, and your pain tolerance. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about pain relief options before you go into labor. That way, you can understand the risks and benefits of each option.

There are two main options: drug-free or natural delivery, or using painkillers. You can't have a cesarean section without medication.

Options for reducing pain during childbirth include:

• Analgesics: These reduce pain, but do not completely eliminate sensation or muscle movement. One of the most common analgesics used during childbirth is an epidural. You can get an epidural for a vaginal birth or a cesarean section.
• Anesthetics: These medications block the signals that send to your brain, preventing you from feeling pain. They are given as an injection or through an IV line. For a cesarean section, you may be given general anesthesia, which puts you completely asleep. Another option is local anesthesia, which involves injecting medicine into a specific area of ​​your body, such as the vagina and surrounding nerves.

Another factor that can affect the decision of which method is the most painful is the recovery time. In general, it is easier to recover from a vaginal birth than from a cesarean section.

Remember, your birth experience is unique to you. It's a good idea to be aware of the different birthing methods and terminology during your pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend the safest birthing method for you based on your medical history and the stage of your pregnancy.

Finally, a few things to remember

Having a baby is a big experience in life. And it can be a little scary. But being aware of these things can give you a lot of confidence.

• Every birth is different: don't assume that what happened to your friend will happen to you.
• Trust your doctor: Talk to him about any problems or fears you have.
• Have a plan, but be flexible: Things may not go the way you want them to. The most important thing is your safety and that of your baby.
• Talk about pain management early: Find out what options you have and what their pros and cons are.

I wish you and your family all the best on this special journey! May you be happy with a healthy baby!

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