Normal childbirth is a method of delivery where the mother gives birth to her child through the vagina, either assisted or induced. It involves no surgical procedure. Normal childbirth is a natural way of delivery, which is safer and better for both the mother and the newborn. However, if the situation demands a caesarian section to deliver a child, there is no shame in having it. The most crucial factor is for both mother and newborn to be healthy and safe during delivery.
Studies suggest that eighty-five percent of pregnant women can give normal birth, and only fifteen percent may require a caesarian section for medical reasons. However, the statistics reveal that more than thirty percent of pregnant women have a C-section, indicating that this procedure has become common.
A cesarean section may seem a comfortable option, but it comes with a lengthy recovery period and the potential for difficulties both during and after childbirth. Hence, you should pick the right delivery method based on its pros and cons.
Nowadays, most women choose to go for vaginal delivery. First-time mothers are especially worried about the well-being and safety of their newborns, which increases their consideration of normal childbirth. Although no magic formulas or tactics will ensure a normal birth, certain things can be paid attention to in order to increase the likelihood of having a natural delivery.
You can increase your chance of normal delivery with the following tips.
1- Minimize Stress
Research shows that stress is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth. It can also increase your risk of developing hypertension, contributing to intrauterine fetal demise. Managing your worries and emotions throughout the pregnancy can keep you healthy and improve the quality of your labor and delivery.
Here are a few ways to help minimize your tension:
- Recognize that the discomfort and hardships of pregnancy are temporary. Inquire with your gynecologist about how to deal with these discomforts.
- Reduce the number of activities you undertake. For instance, request assistance from your partner with household duties.
- Talking to a social worker may help you discover solutions for financial issues or other related problems.
- Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
2- Keep Your Diet Nutritious and Healthy During Pregnancy
A healthy diet should be a priority during pregnancy to improve your chance of having better outcomes during delivery. Add foods rich in vitamins, iron, and antioxidants to your diet.
The following foods are useful for the health of both the mother and the baby.
- Fruits: honeydew, prunes, mangoes, bananas, cantaloupe, apricots, grapefruit, and oranges
- Vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cooked greens, tomatoes, spinach, and red peppers (for potassium and vitamin A)
- Dairy: skim or 1 percent milk, low-fat or fat-free yogurt, and soymilk (for potassium, calcium, vitamins D and A)
- Proteins: nuts and seeds, peas, beans, lean beef, salmon, lamb meat, trout, sardines, herring, and pollock
- Grains: cereals (for folic acid and iron)
Pregnant women need around three hundred extra calories to maintain their health. These calories can come from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Keep your intake of sweets and fats to a minimum. Do not forget to take prenatal vitamins and mineral supplements to ensure you get all the essential nutrients for your body and the baby’s development.
3- Choose Your Healthcare Provider Wisely
It is an unfortunate truth that many doctors encourage mothers to have a C-section out of convenience. So, it is crucial to choose a doctor who will appropriately manage your pregnancy.
Ensure that the clinic and your doctor have a high rate of vaginal deliveries. Ask your doctor what they think about a normal birth.
If you believe the current one might not respect your wish for a natural delivery, go for another doctor.
4- Exercise Regularly to Prepare Your Body
Exercise can help get your body ready for a simpler, possibly quicker, delivery. There is no better time than the present to start moving if you were not active before becoming pregnant.
Regular exercise boosts your stamina, helping you maintain strength during labor and delivery. Workout helps keep your muscles flexible so you can withstand the labor pain. Strong pelvic and thigh muscles also help during labor and delivery. Exercise and movement will allow your baby to get into the proper position.
Worried about where to start? Begin with things you enjoy. Go for a walk with your partner or a friend, do squats, or go swimming. However, before you start, consult your gynecologist about any restrictions to ensure your safe pregnancy.
5- Express Your Wish to Undergo Normal Birth
Most people believe a woman prefers a cesarean section delivery to spare herself the discomfort of a natural delivery. Hence, we advise you to inform your healthcare practitioner that vaginal delivery is your top priority.
6- Stay Hydrated
Hydration is also an essential element of nutrition in pregnancy. You can consume enough fluids, including water (several glasses), soups, and fresh juices. Consult your midwife or doctor about limiting your intake of artificial sweeteners and caffeine. Also, try avoiding all kinds of alcohol as much as possible.
7- Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is critical to your overall well-being. Lack of sleep is linked to various chronic medical conditions, including obesity, type II diabetes, and depression. If you are pregnant, lack of sleep can put you and your baby at risk for some medical conditions. It can also complicate your labor and delivery.
You require more hours of sleep when you are pregnant. Although it can be hard to get adequate sleep in this stage due to emotional and physical obstacles, finding ways to deal with sleep-related problems is crucial to your healthy pregnancy.
8- Get Educated About Childbirth
When you first know about your pregnancy, start acquiring knowledge about labor and the methods of child delivery. Ask your doctor to clarify any questions you have regarding pregnancy and birth. Speak with your mother or other senior family members who can offer advice based on their experiences. You can also read books about pregnancy and childbirth and register for antenatal classes for awareness.
Conclusion
Normal delivery is giving birth naturally through the vagina, which requires no surgical intervention. After vaginal childbirth, the average hospital stay is around 36–48 hours. Vaginal delivery poses no risk to a mother’s life with anesthesia, which is more prevalent in C-sections, and there are lesser chances of complications and infections. Women who undergo normal childbirth recover faster than those with caesarian sections. Considering the advantages of natural delivery, most women want their children to be delivered through this method. However, there could be some problems that you can avoid by following some tips during pregnancy. With the eight tips shared above, you can maintain a healthy pregnancy and prepare your body for an easier birth.
