NORMAL DELIVERY
The art of giving birth is an inherent mechanism in all women. If there has been no problem with your pregnancy there are more than 85% chances that you can have a normal vaginal birth.
Tips to facilitate normal delivery
- Stay active – women who stay physically active during pregnancy have higher chances of normal delivery. Walking is a good form of exercise in pregnancy. You can start small and gradually progress to 45 min daily walk. You can also take specific exercise classes in pregnancy .
- Watch your weight – the ideal weight gain in pregnancy is 11 kg. Watch what you eat.
- Be mentally prepared – while it is good to be informed about the process of normal delivery don’t frighten yourself! Be positive in your attitude and trust your gynaecologist. Normal delivery takes time…..have patience.
- Pain – most women have a fear of pain and hence are unwilling to have normal delivery. You can discuss pain relief options with your gynaecologist.
Signs of labour
- Labour pains – labour pains are usually intermittent pains which start from the back and come to front. They gradually increase in intensity, frequency and duration.
- Leaking – sometimes the water bag surrounding the baby breaks and the woman starts experiencing watery discharge through the vagina making her clothes continuously wet or she may wake up in a wet bed. If there is leaking you need to reach the hospital ASAP.
What to do in labour
If you experience labour pains or leaking reach the hospital that you are registered in. the doctor on duty will check you and admit if required. Your gynaecologist will be informed.
- Carry all your pregnancy records with you.
- Carry your baby bag with you.
- Ensure you have money with you
- Make sure you have a contact list on your phone of family and friends who can help you out in case of an emergency.
What will happen after admission?
Normal delivery takes time….have patience.
We will do your checkup and listen to your baby’s heartbeat to ensure everything is ok.
The first stage of labour is when the cervix dilates. In this stage your labour pains are going to increase progressively. You may be given enema to clean your bowels. It is better to be active in labour. you can ask your partner to rub your back to help with labour pains. Stay hydrated…keep taking plenty of fluids.
The second stage of labour is the time of delivery. You are going to be placed in the delivery position. Keep calm. Once your doctor tells you to push, just hold the railing of the bed and push during pain. When the pain passes off to take a deep breath to recuperate your energy and have some fluids.
You may require a cut in the vagina for delivery which the doctor will suture up after the baby and placenta are out.
Remember delivery is a natural process and you can do it.
LSCS OR CAESAREAN SECTION
Sometimes you may require a caesarean section. This can be planned (elective) or an emergency one.
Planned caesarean sections are done if you have previous 2 LSCS, breech baby, transverse baby, the placenta is low lying, a very big baby which cannot come out of the normal passage, precious pregnancy, maternal request etc. In this, once the baby is term a date is fixed and LSCS is done.
Emergency LSCS may be required if the baby’s heart rate drops, labour is not progressing as required or if the baby passes meconium.
In LSCS you are given anaesthesia, mostly in the back so that your lower part of the body is numb. The Tummy is opened and the baby is taken out.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN POST DELIVERY
- Take care of your stitch line.
- Eat healthy
- Have plenty of fluids
- Take rest. Don’t exert yourself. Don’t do any heavy exercises.
- Take your medicines as prescribed.
- Visit your gynaecologist
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FAQs
Which type of delivery is best?
In terms of safety, vaginal childbirth is not only the most common way of birthing but also the safest. If needed, a pair of forceps can be used to guide the baby through the birth canal, but C-section often poses several risks to the health of the mother as well as the baby.
How much time does it take for a normal delivery?
After cervical dilation is complete, the baby needs to be pushed out through the birth canal. In ordinary cases, the entire process can take up to 30 to 60 minutes. While sometimes, it can be completed in a matter of a few minutes or may take up to several hours.
Which week is best for delivery?
According to the opinion of the gynecologist, you should wait up to the 39th week of your pregnancy and let the labor pains begin on their own. It is only in cases of health emergencies when doctors schedule a C-section or induced labour.
What should I eat for normal delivery?
Ideal nutrition ensures that the fetus develops healthily. One must eat fresh foods like coconuts, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and fresh fish. Foods that are deep-fried and oily should be avoided to ensure normal delivery.
What triggers Labour to start?
Usually, it is a release of certain hormones by the fetus which induces normal labour. Due to the elevated level of hormones, the cervix at the end of the uterus changes shape by muscle contraction. This is usually the time when normal labour begins.
Can I give birth in 38 weeks?
Even though the official due date happens to be after 39 weeks, the baby is still considered fully developed even at 38 weeks. It is quite normal for you to give birth during this time. In fact, close to 85% of women deliver their baby during their 38th week.
How can I have normal delivery without pain?
A painless normal delivery is possible by administering local epidural anesthesia, which can be done after the doctor’s recommendation. The anesthesia is injected around the lower back region of the mother. It takes a few minutes to show the effects, and can help you go through a normal delivery without pain.
Who is the best gynecologist in South Delhi for normal delivery?
You can reach out to Dr. Madhu Goel, who is the best gynecologist in South Delhi for normal delivery and has a successful track record of many satisfied patients.