What’s more exciting than the birth of a new baby? In earlier times childbirth wasn’t always safe but with the advancements in technology and times the experience has become much safer. Hospitals have also made the entire process home-like and very comfortable for birthing mother and the baby.
A perfectly planned and executed birth plan is ideal, however there could be some twists and turns even at the last minute, so one should be absolutely prepared and aware of alternate delivery methods:
Vaginal birth is nothing but what everyone commonly refers to as a normal delivery. There is no predicted time when a mother might go into labor, however normally a woman gives birth between 38-41 weeks of pregnancy. If we look at expert opinions this is the most preferred way to plan birth, unless there is a medical reason for a cesarean.
Why choose Vaginal Delivery?
- Your Hospital stay is shorter and the recovery is faster as compared to other methods
- The Infection rate is low both for the mothers as well as the babies
- Babies also have a lower risk of respiratory problems
Why do some women opt out of Vaginal Delivery?
- Labor can be painful and unpredictable, sometimes it can last for two days or more
- Some women cannot bare the pain and hence give up in the middle of labor, preferring other delivery methods
Thanks to the medical science advancements that women today can opt for a painless vaginal delivery. Today one can opt for epidural - which is an injection of anesthesia given in a mother’s lower back that numbs the nerves from the waist down.
Since the nerves are numb the mother does not feel any pain below the pelvic region which allows her to birth painlessly.
Why choose Painless Vaginal Birth?
- The most important bit - it leads to minimal or no pain during the labor and delivery process
- Flexible and Non-drowsy pain relief, which means you can control the numbness basis pain endurance and be awake to enjoy the entire birthing experience
Why do some women don’t prefer Epidural?
- Epidural restricts one’s mobility due to which there could be a longer labor
- Due to the numbness the mother cannot feel contractions which leads to assisted labor and also the pushing process becomes difficult sometimes leading to instrument delivery
- Epidural can cause a drop in blood pressure, which can lower the baby’s heart rate however since the medical staff is aware of this possible side effect and it can be managed
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Forceps Delivery
If the mother is not able to push or there are otherwise any complications doctors resort to a forcep instrument delivery, where an instrument that looks like two large spoons are inserted into the vagina and the baby’s head is gently pulled out. -
Vacuum Extraction
Again in case the mother fails to push or due to unwanted circumstances if the baby is not able to come out, doctors place a small suction cup on the baby’s head and pull the baby out, this might leave a scar on the baby’s head which disappears in 48 hours.
Not all deliveries happen like they are planned, in case there are complications C-Sec is the preferred delivery alternative by most doctors and birthing women. C-Sec is done when women are carrying multiples, a very large baby, there are other uterine conditions, the baby is in breech position, when the placenta is low, there are fibroids present, or there’s any other type of large obstruction. Sometimes a Cesarean can happen if the baby goes in distress or the mother gives up between her labor. Cesarean can also be a woman’s elective call, when she decides not to go for labor pain.
Why Choose Cesarean Section
- When there are complications and it’s safer for both Mother and child to go through a C-Sec
- Although it’s possible to have a Vaginal Birth after a C-sec done once it’s not advisable for all women
- In case if the Umbilical cord comes out before the baby, which in scientific words is known as prolapsed cord
- In case the mother opts not to go for the Labor Pain experience
Why do some women say no to Cesarean Section?
- It makes your hospital stay a little longer and the delivery also takes a little longer than a normal delivery
- It becomes a little difficult to hold the baby and breastfeed because of the stitches
- In some rare cases there could be chances of infection and injury
When it comes to childbirth, there’s no right or wrong way, all that matters is that both the mother and the baby are all safe and healthy. How a mother manages the pain is absolutely up to her and the birthing partner and the care team are there every step of the way. To all birthing mothers out there all the best and have a very happy delivery.
