Pregnant? Here’s a rundown on the 5 most common ways to give birth
By Sara Keli
While every childbirth experience is different, they are all amazingly beautiful and unique. However your baby is delivered, the aim is the same – a healthy baby in your arms.
That said, there can be a lot of information to take in. If you are confused about the ways you can give birth, here is a rundown on the five most common ways.
1. Vaginal delivery
Often referred to as ‘normal’ delivery, a vaginal delivery is where – you guessed it – you push the baby out of your vagina.
When delivering a baby vaginally, there are a number of pain relief options available to you, including epidural and gas. Alternatively, you might like to look into other forms of pain relief, such as labouring in water or back and hip massage. Do your research in advance so you can be as prepared as possible. Which in some cases is easier said than done because when it comes to childbirth, anything can happen!
The recovery time for a vaginal delivery is generally shorter than a caesarean delivery but will vary from woman to woman. Importantly, listen to your doctor and your body, embrace being a new mum and soak up cuddles on the couch with your baby.
2. Elective caesarean
During a caesarean, the doctor makes an incision in your abdomen to remove the baby from your uterus. An elective caesarean is when, for whatever reason, you have chosen in advance to deliver your baby by caesarean and will be booked in advance (usually in before your due date).
The recovery time for a caesarean is longer compared to a vaginal delivery – it is major abdominal surgery after all. Follow the advice of your doctor and accept any help offered from friends and family while you are recovering.
3. Emergency caesarean
An emergency caesarean arises out of a medical need to quickly deliver the baby in an emergency. In some cases, there isn’t time to administer an epidural, so you will be given a general anaesthetic for the delivery.
4. VBAC
VBAC stands for a vaginal birth after caesarean. And as you can probably tell, this is for mothers who have previously delivered a baby by caesarean and would like to deliver vaginally for their next pregnancy.
There are a few risks involved when trying for a VBAC delivery, but women are more closely monitored to minimise these risks and ensure safe delivery. Speak to your doctor or caregiver if you’d like to find out more.
5. Assisted delivery
During vaginal birth, things don’t always go to plan, and sometimes you will need help to deliver your baby safely. This is called an assisted delivery.
The tools used could include a ventouse (otherwise known as a vacuum) or forceps. The ventouse works by suctioning on to your baby’s head, helping to pull as you push through each contraction. Forceps are a large pair of what look like tongs that are wrapped around your baby’s head, again to pull as you push.
If you have any concerns about childbirth, the best person to speak to is your doctor or midwife. They can explain the process and allay your fears.
Like most things in life, giving birth can be unpredictable and even the best-laid plans can go awry. So it’s important to remember that no one method of childbirth defines a mother – labour and delivery is just the beginning of your beautiful journey through motherhood.
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