When you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll be delighted and begin to plan for the delivery date. The baby’s position and the mother’s health status both influence the delivery method. Most women wish to have a normal delivery. Let’s look at some tips for normal delivery which may increase your chances of having a healthy and safe natural delivery.
What is normal(vaginal) delivery?
Vaginal delivery is the natural method of delivering a baby. In simple terms, a normal delivery happens when the baby moves through the birth canal (vagina) and comes out of the mother’s body naturally. In some cases, the help of tools like forceps or vacuum extraction is needed which is termed assisted vaginal birth.
In a good pelvis with adequate baby size and satisfactory labour progress, there are high chances of a vaginal birth or assisted vaginal delivery. Furthermore, having a healthy baby and rapid recovery for the new mom are the benefits of having a natural delivery.
Tips for normal delivery
Being mentally prepared
First, you need to be mentally prepared to have a normal vaginal birth. You have to be well motivated and learn about the process of labour onset, progress, and delivery. Additionally, be aware of the problems associated with vaginal birth. You may hear both simple and complex delivery experiences from your neighbours which could cause you panic attacks about childbirth. Hence have a positive mindset throughout your pregnancy journey which could be more helpful for your childbirth.
Choose your healthcare provider
Choose your healthcare provider wisely. Have faith in your obstetrician but look at their performance and creditability. They need to be transparent and give your maximum chance for a vaginal birth with patience. Unnecessary cesarean for low threshold indications should not be done.
Regular check-ups
Have regular antenatal checkups and follow your obstetrician’s advice closely. Additionally, give attention to medical problems like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), and thyroid dysfunction and have it well controlled.
Healthy diet
Have a habit of eating healthy foods during your pregnancy i.e., diet in pregnancy. Although, there is a misperception that you need to eat a lot while pregnant to provide your baby with enough nutrition., you need not have to eat for two, have enough food as you need. Have a healthy and satisfactory weight gain since women who are overweight may experience difficulties in giving birth and may require a C-section.
Exercise regularly
Mild exercise will increase your stamina and keep you active throughout pregnancy. Some exercises like kegals, butterfly pose, and squatting may help you in attaining normal childbirth. Additionally, swimming helps to strengthen your muscles, and another low-intensity exercise option is walking.
Enough sleep
You require more sleep than usual when pregnant and thus get enough sleep. It’s essential to get enough sleep so that you are relaxed and mentally ready for the birth of your baby.
At labour process
Have an understanding labor partner who can attend antenatal classes with you and can assist you during your birthing (labor) process. You can listen to good music and walk which will ease your pain during the time of labor process. You can also ask for pain relief options from your obstetrician and make your labor process comfortable.
To conclude
Usually, having a normal birth is safe for both the mother and the child. Your obstetrician and family will assist you in managing the process, so do not worry too much about the discomfort and pain of labor that are common in normal birth. Follow the above tips for normal delivery and focus on getting ready for your labor and welcoming your baby.
