Are you expecting a baby? Let's learn all about the types of delivery.

As the day your baby is due to arrive draws closer, you may feel both excited and a little anxious. At the same time, you may also be a little worried about what will happen when you have your baby. That's normal. Most mothers hope to bring their baby into the world in a way they imagine, beautiful, and comfortable. But we can't really predict what will happen during childbirth. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the different methods of delivering your baby.

What are the main methods of delivering a baby?

There are several ways to give birth. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you and your baby, depending on your health and the health of your baby. Let's take a look at the main methods.

• Vaginal Delivery: This is what we all know as 'normal delivery'.
• Assisted Vaginal Delivery: Sometimes the baby needs to be delivered with the help of a device like a vacuum or forceps.
• Cesarean section (C-section / Cesarean Birth): The surgical removal of a baby.
• Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC): A mother who has had a previous baby through cesarean section and is attempting to deliver her next baby vaginally.

So which of these methods is the best?

Simply put, unless there is a medical reason, the safest and best method is vaginal delivery . Many medical organizations and doctors around the world recommend this method because it is the most natural method.

Learn more about vaginal delivery

This is what we call a 'normal delivery'. Your baby comes into the world through your vagina (the birth canal). This type of delivery usually occurs between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. There are three main stages to this process: labor, birth, and delivering the placenta.

What are the advantages of a normal delivery?

• Faster recovery: You can recover much faster than with a cesarean section. This means you can get up and walk around, do your work, and spend time with your baby sooner.
• Safe for both you and your baby: In the absence of medical complications, this is the least risky method.
• Low risk of infection: Since there is no surgery, the chances of infection are very low.
• There are many benefits for the baby too: Babies born this way are less likely to have respiratory problems. Their immune systems are also strengthened.
• Easier breastfeeding: It is usually easier to start and successfully continue breastfeeding after having a baby this way.

A normal delivery can take two forms:

1. Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery: This is when you go into labor naturally and deliver your baby, without any medication or outside help. It is best to start labor this way around 40 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Induced Vaginal Delivery: Sometimes your doctor may need to start your labor with medication or other methods. This may be done if you have a medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you are unable to deliver your baby after your due date. This usually involves using a drug called Pitocin (similar to the natural hormone Oxytocin).

What is Assisted Vaginal Delivery?

Imagine, you've been struggling for a long time, pushing the baby, and you're very tired. Or the doctor sees that the baby is in some discomfort. At times like these, you need a little help to get the baby out safely and quickly.

Here, the doctor uses a device called ``Forceps`` (a tool like a tongs) or ``Vacuum`` (a vacuum cup) to gently grasp the baby's head and help it out. This is done only when certain medical requirements are met.

• Forceps Delivery: This is a device that looks like two large spoons. It gently grasps the sides of the baby's head and helps to pull the baby out as you push.
• Vacuum Extraction Delivery: Here, a small, soft plastic cup is placed over the baby's head, and a pump attached to it creates a small vacuum (suction). Then, as you push, the doctor gently pulls the cup out to help the baby out.

One of these two methods is chosen depending on the situation at the time and the doctor's experience.

Things to know about cesarean section (C-section)

A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in your abdomen and uterus to deliver your baby. There are two types of cesarean sections: a planned C-section and an emergency C-section .

You can get a clear understanding of this from the table below.

Risks of a cesarean section

Like any surgery, a cesarean section carries some risks. The risks are slightly higher than a normal delivery.

• Infection.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Embolism (blood clot) in a vein.
• Damage to the intestines or bladder.
• Longer recovery time and longer hospital stays.

What is VBAC (Vaginal Delivery After Cesarean Section)?

This is a question that many mothers have. "I had my last baby by cesarean section. Can't I have my next baby vaginally?"

The good news is, yes, it is possible! This is what we call VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) .

But this is not possible for everyone. Because you have a scar on your uterus from a previous cesarean section, there is a very small but serious risk of uterine rupture due to the pressure of the baby during the next delivery.

Therefore, the doctor will decide whether you are suitable for a VBAC based on several factors.

• If your previous cesarean section had a low transverse incision , you are more likely to have a VBAC. This is the type of incision that is commonly used these days.
• If you don't have any other scars or abnormalities in your uterus.
• If you have had a normal birth before, it increases the chances of a successful VBAC.
• Unless something like a uterine rupture has happened before.

Only your doctor can make the best decision about this, so discuss your wishes and your medical records with him.

A few more important words related to childbirth

Let's simply learn about a few other words you'll hear during childbirth.

Episiotomy

Sometimes, if the vaginal opening is not wide enough to allow the baby's head to come out, the doctor will make a small cut to prevent tearing. This is called an ``Episiotomy.'' But these days, this is not done very often, unless absolutely necessary.

Amniotomy - breaking the bag of waters

The amniotic sac, which is filled with amniotic fluid and surrounds the baby, is what we call the 'bag of waters'. Sometimes, to speed up labor or to insert a device to monitor the baby's condition, the doctor artificially breaks this sac. This is called an ``Amniotomy''.

Fetal Monitoring

Throughout the labor, the baby's heartbeat is continuously monitored to see how the baby is doing and if there are any problems. This can be done in two ways.

• External Monitoring: Two straps are placed over your abdomen, one of which monitors the baby's heartbeat and the other monitors your contractions using a ``CTG - Cardiotocography'' machine.
• Internal Monitoring: In some special cases, after the bag of waters breaks, a small electrode is attached to the baby's scalp to measure the heartbeat more accurately.

Let's also talk about pain: Which method hurts the most?

This really varies from person to person. Many things affect this, such as a person's pain tolerance and whether or not they use painkillers.

There are two main methods for pain control:

1. Drug-free or Natural Delivery: Trying to manage pain through things like breathing exercises and trying different positions.

2. Using Pain Medications:

• Epidural: This is the most popular method. A small tube is inserted into your back to numb the pain. This numbs your lower body and reduces pain. But you are still conscious. It can be used for both vaginal birth and cesarean section.
• Anesthetics: During a cesarean section, a spinal anesthetic is usually administered. In extreme cases, general anesthesia, which completely renders the mother unconscious, may also be used.

Generally, no matter how painful the labor is, the recovery period is more painful and uncomfortable after a cesarean section . Recovery is much faster after a vaginal delivery.

Your birth is a unique experience for you. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of all these methods during pregnancy and discuss all your questions, fears, and hopes with your doctor. Then you will be able to prepare yourself mentally and make the best and safest decisions.