Natural Birth:

Many pregnant women desire a natural birth and to experience labor and delivery as natural events. Despite the intense pain, many women find natural birth to be a wonderful and unique experience.

Natural Birth:

Natural birth (or vaginal birth) is the process of giving birth without the use of any assistance medications, including epidurals. It may involve minimal or no medical interventions such as continuous fetal monitoring or episiotomy, which is a surgical cut between the vagina and anus to make more room for the baby during delivery. Many mothers choose natural birth for greater ability to bond with the baby and feel the sense of motherhood.

Who Conducts Natural Birth:

Natural birth is typically performed by obstetricians or family physicians in some cases. Unlike cesarean section, midwives can also conduct natural birth.

During Natural Birth:

Women’s experiences during natural birth vary depending on several factors, including whether they are first-time mothers, which may prolong the duration of labor. There are various natural or medicinal methods to alleviate pain; consult with your doctor to choose the methods you prefer.

Stages of Natural Birth:

Labor is usually divided into three stages:
– The first stage: Begins with the onset of labor and ends when the cervix is fully dilated. It is the longest stage and can last between 12-19 hours. Many women spend the early part of this stage at home, where they may rest or try natural pain relief methods without needing medication. Some doctors advise laboring women to avoid solid food as a precaution in case a cesarean section is needed.
The doctor will regularly examine the cervix to ensure proper fetal positioning. In most cases, babies enter the pelvis head down but facing to one side, then rotate downward. In some cases, the baby may be facing upward toward the mother’s abdomen. Labor contractions often intensify with this position, and the doctor may attempt to turn and guide the baby correctly.
Your doctor may want to use electronic fetal monitoring to ensure your baby’s blood supply is adequate.
The most challenging part of this first stage is transition. Contractions are very strong, with short periods of relaxation as the cervix stretches the last few centimeters. Many women feel shaking or nausea. The cervix is fully dilated when it reaches 10 cm.
Second Stage: This is when the baby is pushed out and delivered. The time taken in this stage can vary from half an hour to two hours. You will need to push significantly during this stage with small periods of relaxation in between. Your partner can stay by your side as you may need support during this time. There are several positions that a woman can take during this stage, such as standing, squatting, sitting, kneeling, or lying down.
Some positions are better than others in reducing the duration and pain of labor. Consult with your doctor for the best information on benefits and risks. Your doctor may perform a small cut called an episiotomy to enlarge the vaginal opening. Many women do not need an episiotomy and it may only be necessary to assist in guiding the baby through the birth canal using forceps or vacuum extraction. Once the baby’s head is out, you will be asked to push significantly for the baby to come out. After the baby is out, the umbilical cord will be cut. Let your doctor know if you or your partner would like to cut the umbilical cord.
Third Stage: This is the shortest stage where the placenta is expelled. It lasts only 5-30 minutes. After delivery, more contractions will occur to expel the placenta. The birth is considered complete once the placenta is out. Your doctor will repair any episiotomy or injuries in the area that may have occurred during birth.

Risks of Natural Birth:

Natural birth, in general, is very safe with low-risk pregnancies. However, it can become risky if a woman does not follow her doctor’s recommendations and may put her life or the life of her baby at risk. If complications occur, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section if necessary.
Natural birth may cause larger problems in the future, such as vaginal looseness and bladder prolapse, more than a cesarean section. However, in natural birth, you will avoid the risks of anesthesia, post-surgical pain, and stitches that come with a cesarean section.

Are there any contraindications for natural birth:

Natural birth is completely safe, but if you have any health concerns or the baby has any health issues, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section. Some examples include:
1- Multiple pregnancies.
2- Severe high blood pressure in the mother.
3- Pelvic shape problems in the mother.
4- Placental or umbilical cord problems.
5- Fetal distress, such as heart rhythm disorders.
6- Fetal position, such as breech position

It is important for you to feel comfortable during your birth. Inform your doctor about the things you want to happen. It is important to know the details so that you understand the risks and benefits of natural birth and the options available to you based on your condition.