Let's learn about normal childbirth? (Vaginal Delivery)

If you are about to become a mother, it is normal to have some questions and concerns. Especially about childbirth. The biggest question that many people have is, "Will I have a normal baby?". Today, let's talk about what a normal birth, or as we call it in medical terms, a ``Vaginal Delivery'', is, how it happens, and what are its advantages and disadvantages. Let's learn all this simply, as if you were talking to your best friend.

What is vaginal delivery?

Simply put, vaginal delivery is when a mother delivers her baby into the world through her vagina. This is the most common and natural way to give birth in the world. What happens is that your uterus contracts (like a bunch of muscles tightening) and your cervix (the cervix) thins and opens. Then, with that push, the baby comes out through the vagina (also called the birth canal).

Doctors generally prefer vaginal delivery because it is often the safest method for both mother and baby . This type of delivery usually occurs between 37 and 42 weeks.

How common is this method?

It's more common than you might think. For example, in the United States alone, there were more than 2.5 million vaginal births in 2020. That's 68% of all births there. Worldwide, the figure is about 80%. So you can see how common this is.

What are the types of vaginal delivery?

There are also different types of vaginal birth. There are three main types:

1. Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery: This is a natural birth that occurs without any external assistance, that is, without the use of medication to induce labor. This is what happens most of the time.

2. Induced Vaginal Delivery: Sometimes, if labor is delayed, or if the mother or baby needs to deliver the baby early due to some health reason, doctors will start labor and prepare the cervix by giving medication or other methods . This is also called `(Labor Induction)`.

3. Assisted Vaginal Delivery: Sometimes, if the baby is delayed in coming out despite the mother's pushing, or if the baby is having some difficulty, doctors use a special device (such as forceps or a vacuum device) to help deliver the baby . This can be done during spontaneous labor or induced labor.

What are the stages of labor? What exactly happens?

A vaginal birth can be divided into three main stages: Labor, Birth, and Delivering the Placenta. Let's look at each of these stages in a little more detail.

1. Labor

This is the first and often longest stage. It begins when your uterus begins to contract (we say "the pain is coming"). This stage ends when your cervix is ​​fully dilated to 10 centimeters (we say it is 100% effaced).

The day of the week is further divided into three parts:

• Early Labor: This is the time when pain begins to occur and the cervix begins to gradually open (dilate) and thin (efface). By the end of this stage, the cervix may be about 5 centimeters dilated. This pain is not severe and will go away after a while.
• Active Labor: This is when the pain becomes more intense. Contractions can last for about a minute, or they can come every three minutes . Many mothers find it difficult to bear the pain, so they ask for pain relief, such as an epidural. Sometimes doctors may give you a medicine called Oxytocin (you may have heard of Pitocin®) to speed up labor.
• Transitional Labor: This is the shortest, but most intense, period of labor before your cervix is ​​fully dilated to 10 centimeters. The pain can come on very quickly, almost continuously, and can last for more than a minute. You may also experience sweating, vomiting, and shaking during this time. This is just before you start to push.

2. Birth

This stage begins when your cervix is ​​10 centimeters dilated. It ends when your baby is fully out of your vagina. During this stage, you will have very strong contractions, and you will feel the urge to push your baby out . It may even feel like you are going to the bathroom. If you have had an epidural, the medical staff will help you push because the pain will be less, and they will tell you when to push. This stage can last from a few minutes to a few hours. Usually, this stage will go faster if you have had a baby before.

3. Delivering the Placenta

This is the last stage of labor. We also call it ``Afterbirth.`` It starts after the baby is born and ends when the placenta is completely delivered. The doctor will ask you to push two or three more times. This can start a few minutes after the baby is born and last for about 30 minutes.

The important thing is that not everyone's labor is the same . Everyone's experience is different. There are many factors that can affect whether your labor will be long or short. For example, if you get an epidural, you will feel less pain than someone who doesn't. Also, if this is your first baby, labor may take longer. Things like the size of the baby, the position you're in, and how quickly your cervix dilates can all play a role.

What are the risks of a normal delivery?

Vaginal delivery is usually the least risky method. However, sometimes complications can occur. The most common complications are:

• Failure to progress: This is when labor is slow or stops, or the cervix is ​​not fully dilated. In this case, doctors will try to stimulate contractions by giving Oxytocin.
• Irregular fetal heart rate: If the baby's head or umbilical cord is compressed, the baby's heart rate may decrease.
• Hemorrhage: Excessive, sometimes life-threatening bleeding during or after childbirth. Sometimes this bleeding can continue for hours after delivery. We call it ``Postpartum hemorrhage``.
• Vaginal tears: The tissues around the vagina and anus can tear as the baby comes out. The healing time varies depending on the size of these tears.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots can form in the veins of the legs or pelvis a few days after delivery.
• Postpartum preeclampsia: High blood pressure in the mother after giving birth .

These things don't happen to everyone, but it's good to be aware of them. Your medical team is trained to manage any such situations.

When is a vaginal delivery not appropriate?

Although vaginal delivery is usually the best option, there are times when it can be dangerous. In such cases, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section (C-section). Here are some examples:

• If the baby is in the breech or transverse position .
• If you have a low-lying placenta (`(Placenta previa)`) or another problem with the placenta.
• If you have sores in the genital area due to an untreated sexually transmitted infection, for example, herpes simplex virus .
• If you have a chronic medical condition (e.g. heart disease, high blood pressure) and your doctors have determined that a normal delivery is not possible.

What are the advantages of a vaginal delivery?

There are many benefits to both mother and baby from a vaginal birth.

Benefits for the mother:

• Shorter recovery time: You can recover faster than with a cesarean section.
• Breastfeeding starts quickly: Breastfeeding can usually be started quickly and easily.
• There is a lower chance of complications in future pregnancies.

Benefits for the baby:

• Less chance of respiratory diseases: The baby's lungs are helped to drain fluid as it passes through the birth canal.
• The functioning of the immune system improves: The baby's immunity is enhanced as it receives beneficial bacteria from the birth canal.
• There is more room for breastfeeding.

Is normal childbirth painful?

Yes, it can be painful. But everyone experiences pain differently . Some people can find it tolerable, while others can find it very intense.

The best thing is, there are many ways to help you manage your pain. Some people get an epidural block. An epidural numbs your lower back, so you feel less pain. There are also other pain relief methods, such as breathing exercises and massage. You can talk to your doctor to decide which pain management method is best for you.

What can you expect after giving birth?

After having a baby, your body and mind may go through many changes. These are normal:

• Constipation (`(Constipation)`) .
• Swollen breasts, fullness of milk (`(Engorged breasts)`) .
• Pain and soreness around the vagina , especially if there are tears.
• Having different emotions, getting angry easily, or feeling sad (`(Mood swings)`) .
• Vaginal bleeding (`(Vaginal bleeding)`) . This may last for a few days.
• Hemorrhoids (`(Hemorrhoids)`) .
• Hormonal changes can cause headaches, hot flashes, and sweating .
• Lower abdominal pain (`(Cramps)`) This type of pain can occur when the uterus shrinks again.
• The discharge of a vaginal discharge called lochia . This is a discharge that contains blood, tissue fragments, and mucus.

Some people may experience the "baby blues," or postpartum depression or anxiety. It's normal to feel sad and tearful in the first few weeks after having a baby due to hormonal changes. However, if you're still feeling sad, anxious, or having trouble controlling your emotions after weeks or months, it's important to talk to your doctor . There are treatments for this, and you don't have to suffer alone.

How long does it take to recover after a normal childbirth?

This varies from person to person. But it usually takes less time to recover from a vaginal birth than a cesarean section. There are several factors that affect how quickly you recover. One is whether your vagina is torn, and if so, how severe it is. If you have a tear and need stitches, you may be sore for a few weeks. You may feel pain when you go to the bathroom, sit, stand, or do everyday activities. Swelling and itching around the tear are common.

Whether or not the vagina is torn, most people will experience swelling, bruising, and general soreness in the vaginal area for a week or two. This can be relieved by dousing it with cold water or using cooling sanitary pads.

How long does bleeding last after giving birth?

This varies from person to person. Some people may bleed for less time than others. It is normal to bleed during your postpartum visit a few weeks after having your baby. However, if the amount of bleeding increases over time, or if you are bleeding so heavily that you are filling a sanitary pad after a few weeks, see a doctor.

How long after a normal delivery can you have sex?

Many doctors recommend waiting at least six weeks, or at least until you have been examined by your doctor, before having sex. This gives your body time to heal, and your doctor can check to see if your vagina has healed. Also, you should consider family planning and future pregnancies before having sex again. Remember that you can get pregnant again even if you don't have your period, even after having a baby.

Is it possible to prepare for a normal delivery?

You can try to prepare yourself by making a birth plan. But, no one can really predict what will happen when the time comes . Every birth is unique. It can be helpful to talk to your partner, family, friends, and doctor about your wishes and hopes. Asking questions beforehand and being informed can also help you know what to expect.

What should I ask my doctor about a normal delivery?

It can be hard to know what to expect from a normal birth, especially if you've never had a baby before. Even if you've had babies naturally before, every birth is different.

Questions like these are usually asked:

• What are the risks of a normal delivery?
• How do I know when I need to push ?
• What can I do to reduce the risk of my vagina tearing ?
• How do I know if the holiday has started?
• When should I go to the hospital?
• How long does it take to recover from a normal childbirth?
• Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of a normal delivery?

In addition to these questions, don't be afraid to ask anything on your mind, no matter how small.

Finally, remember this.

Bringing a baby into the world is a beautiful, life-changing experience. Not every pregnancy and every birth is the same. A vaginal birth is the most common way to have a baby. While it can be hard to know exactly what it will be like until you experience it, you can prepare by talking to your doctor, asking questions, and being informed. Vaginal births are generally low-risk and very successful. Your medical team is trained to help you manage any complications and welcome a healthy baby into the world. So, relax and prepare for this beautiful experience!

` Normal Childbirth, Vaginal Delivery, Childbirth, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum, Mother and Child