Giving birth by vaginal delivery

27 Jul

Giving birth by vaginal delivery

Vaginal delivery has been the most common mode of giving birth throughout time. It is generally how most women will deliver their baby unless there are complications that warrant the assistance of medical staff and different forms of emergency delivery procedures, including a c-section. Many first-time mothers would take about 6 hours to give birth vaginally and choose some form of pain medications to ease the process. Some women also choose to be active participants in the labor and opt for an unmedicated birth.

What happens during vaginal delivery?

During a vaginal birth, the cervix thins and dilates to allow the baby to pass headfirst into the birth canal as the uterus contracts to push the baby out. When the woman experiences regular contractions that occur closely at short intervals along with other signs such as the mucus plug discharge and the amniotic fluid dripping out, it is the sign of labor. The vaginal birthing process can take anywhere from 6 to 20 hours or longer to occur.

It can be divided into 3 stages:

First Stage of Labor:

The first stage starts when the contractions start, and the cervix begins to change and dilate progressively. During this stage, the woman is usually brought to the hospital. A vaginal examination by a doctor or a midwife will confirm the labor by checking for cervix dilation and whether the membranes have ruptured. Once the labor is confirmed, the progress will be assessed by how far down the birth canal the baby’s head is, the quality of the contractions of the uterus, and the wellbeing of the baby.

Second Stage of Labor:

The second stage of labor starts once the cervix is fully dilated and the baby’s head is on the perineum. The woman might be asked to assume her preferred birthing position and ready herself to push when needed. The contractions are normally quite strong and forceful, with a strong urge to push in tandem. The second stage ends once the whole baby is delivered.

The third stage of labor:

The third stage involves the delivery of the placenta and only requires gentle pushing and is much easier than delivering the baby.

Pain medications for vaginal delivery

Women who wish to reduce their labor pain can choose from a few options of pain medication:

Epidural: Epidurals deliver a steady pain medication through a thin tube inserted into the lower back. It blocks out pain in the lower body while allowing the women to be fully conscious.
Spinal block: a spinal block is given as an injection to provide instant relief to the lower part of the body.
Combined spinal/epidural block: this combination can be requested by women who want to avoid pain while waiting for the epidural to work completely.
Systemic painkillers: Systemic painkillers have a general sedative effect and are delivered through an IV. It can also help women early in labor to relax.

Natural delivery

Giving birth naturally without pain medications is also preferred by some women to have the full experience of childbirth with minimal interventions. Natural delivery procedure is often carried out at a birthing center or a home birth as per the request of the mother.

Conclusion

Vaginal delivery is the most common way of giving birth. It involves all three stages of labor when it progresses normally, with the mother being fully awake throughout the birthing process. Women can choose to take pain medications to ease the pain or opt for a fully natural delivery.

References:

https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/vaginal-birth_40008010

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/stages-of-labor/art-20046545

https://healthengine.com.au/info/vaginal-delivery