When it comes to having a baby, the biggest question on every mother's mind is 'How will the baby be born?', 'Is it normal? Or will I have to do a C-section?' This is something that brings fear, curiosity, and great hope. In fact, childbirth is not something that happens in just one way. There are several ways to do it. And this method may be determined based on your health condition, the condition of the baby, and your wishes. Let's talk about everything simply and clearly today.
What is vaginal delivery?
Simply put, this is the most natural and most common way of giving birth. It is where the baby comes into the world through the mother's vagina. It is also the safest way for most women and babies.
Some mothers use medication to reduce pain. Others prefer to give birth completely naturally, without any painkillers. This is what we call "Natural Childbirth".
What are the advantages of normal childbirth?
- You can recover quickly because you don't have to undergo surgery.
- The risk of infection from surgery is low.
- The baby gets the opportunity to get the good bacteria it needs into its body.
- There are fewer complications that may arise in conceiving another child in the future.
But remember, sometimes this method can cause some damage to the muscles around the vagina. But most of these things can be healed with time or with minor treatments. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about this.
What is an Assisted Vaginal Delivery?
Sometimes, a little help is needed to get the baby out. When the mother is tired after a long period of labor, or if the baby is having some discomfort, doctors use certain devices or techniques to help the baby out carefully. This is what we call an assisted delivery.
There are several main methods used for this:
- Forceps delivery : This is a device that looks like two large spoons. The doctor uses it to carefully grasp the baby's head and help it out through the vagina.
- Vacuum Extraction: This involves placing a small plastic cup over the baby's head and gently applying suction to help pull the baby out.
- Episiotomy: This is a small cut in the tissue between the vagina and the anus (the perineum). In the past, this was often done to prevent major tearing. But now it is only done in emergencies when the baby needs to be delivered quickly.
- Amniotomy: This is what we call " breaking the bag of waters ." The doctor uses a small plastic hook-like instrument to puncture the amniotic sac surrounding the baby.
- Induced Labor: This is the process of artificially inducing labor with medication before it naturally begins. Doctors may recommend this method if there is a risk to the health of either the mother or the baby.
In what cases is a cesarean section (C-Section) performed?
Sometimes a normal delivery is not possible. For the safety of both mother and baby, surgery is needed to remove the baby. This is called a cesarean section, or C-section. This can be planned or done in an emergency.
The table below lists some of the common reasons for performing a C-section .
| Reason | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Baby's Position | If the baby is in a breech or transverse position, rather than a head down position. |
| Mother's health problems | If you have conditions that are difficult to control, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. |
| Baby size | If the baby is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis. |
| Fetal distress | If the baby's heartbeat changes abnormally. |
| Placental problems | If the placenta is located at the bottom of the uterus, covering the cervix (Placenta Previa) or if it detaches before delivery (Placental Abruption). |
| Failure to Progress | If the cervix does not open even after a long time. |
| Multiple pregnancies (Multiple Babies) | In cases of twins or triplets. |
| Umbilical cord problems | If the umbilical cord enters the vagina before the baby. |
| Having had a previous C-section | If you have had a previous cesarean section, a repeat surgery is sometimes recommended. |
Is it possible to have a normal delivery after a C-section? (VBAC)
This is a question that many mothers have. The answer is, yes, you can! Many mothers who have had a previous C-section can deliver their next baby vaginally. The medical name for this is VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section) .
But not everyone can do this. Several factors affect this.
- If the incision in the uterus during the previous surgery was horizontal and low , the chances of having a VBAC are higher.
- If your pelvis has enough room for a normal-sized baby to come out.
- This time there is only one baby.
- If the reason for the previous C-section was for a reason unrelated to this pregnancy, such as the baby being breech.
The most important thing is that if you are trying for a VBAC, it should be done in a hospital with all the necessary facilities , under the close supervision of doctors, because, although very rare, there is a risk of uterine rupture at the site of the previous incision.
Where is the best place to choose to have a baby?
In Sri Lanka, over ninety-nine percent of births take place in hospitals. It is the safest place for both you and your baby . Especially if your pregnancy is high-risk or you are attempting a VBAC, a hospital is the only option.
Hospital Birth
Unlike before, hospitals now have many facilities. They have created an environment where the mother can easily and calmly face childbirth.
- Benefits: Immediate access to medical technology, specialist doctors, and Emergency Treatment Units (ETUs) in any emergency. Painkillers are available if needed.
- Facilities: Many hospitals now have private rooms, the opportunity for a husband or family member to be nearby, and even things like birthing balls to help with labor.
Birth Centers & Home Births
In Western countries, some people are tempted to give birth outside of hospitals, in birth centers that offer a home-like environment, or in their own homes.
But we need to be very careful about this.
- Risk: According to the world's obstetric and gynecological societies, the risk to the baby during a home birth is two to three times higher than in a hospital.
- Who is it not suitable for?: Home birth is not recommended for mothers with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, mothers with twins, and mothers attempting VBAC.
In the Sri Lankan healthcare system, the hospital is the best and safest place to ensure maximum safety for the mother and baby. In any emergency, you can get the help you need within seconds at a hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Childbirth is a very personal experience, and it's important to be aware of the various options available.
- Vaginal delivery is the most common and safest method of birth, but if necessary, a cesarean section (C-section) is a very important medical procedure that can save lives.
- Talk openly about your concerns, fears, and hopes with the doctor who will be taking care of you throughout your pregnancy. He/she will be the best person to advise you on the best method for you.
- A hospital is the safest and most recommended place to give birth in Sri Lanka. A hospital is best equipped to deal with any emergency.
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