Natural child Birth: Everything You Need to Know
Natural childbirth is described as childbirth without the use of routine medical interventions, most specifically anesthesia.
Natural childbirth aims to reduce the use of anesthetic medications and surgical interventions such as episiotomies, forceps and ventouse deliveries, and cesarean sections.
Natural childbirth can occur during a doctor-assisted hospital birth, a midwife-assisted homebirth, or unassisted birth.
Here are following things to think about when deciding whether natural childbirth is right for you.
- You’re not worried about it. Some women are so afraid of giving birth naturally and the pain and uncertainty that it may not be worth it, especially for the first child, when the experience is still new. Bringing another life into the world should be a joyful experience, which you will not have if you are anxious.
- You are not at any risk. Natural birth may not be a good option if you have thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as this may increase your chances of complications during labor. However, if you are healthy or your doctor has monitored your condition and cleared you to proceed, it is something to think about.
- The baby is in a good position. Natural childbirth may be a good option if the baby is prepared to come out head first, assuming no other complications. However, if the baby appears to be born feet-first or with the shoulder or side aimed at the birth canal, there’s a good chance you’ll need a C-section, in which case you’ll want to give birth in a safe setting with surgical facilities.
- You have a reasonable pain threshold. Labor can be excruciatingly painful, and having to push for extended periods can be stressful and exhausting, to the point where you don’t have the strength you need in the end. Natural remedies can help if you are particularly sensitive to pain.
- You desire a quicker recovery. Many women who give birth naturally are back on their feet within a few days. Moving around as soon as possible after surgery is considered healthy, and this leads to fewer health problems later on.
Consider your pelvic width and the size of your baby. Natural childbirth may not be an option for you if you are narrow through the hips and your baby is large. Consult your doctor or midwife for an unbiased opinion.
Your doctor might advise against having a “natural” birth if your pregnancy is high-risk.
You could be at high risk for preterm birth if you:
- are over 35 years old
- used drugs or alcohol while pregnant
- have undergone uterine surgery in the past, such as a C-section
- have a history of illnesses like diabetes, preeclampsia, or problems with blood clotting
- are expecting multiple children
- have experienced certain pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction or placenta problems
You can gain a better understanding of the birthing process and what to recognize from your doctor, midwife, or doula. Talk to them about whether a delivery without medication is right for you and the most effective way to put together your ideal birth plan if you’re interested in having one.
Pain During Natural Child Birth
Both pressures on the cervix and uterine muscle contractions during labor result in pain. Strong abdominal, groin, and back cramps, as well as an aching sensation, can be experienced as a result of this pain. Some women also feel pain in their thighs or sides.
Other causes of pain during labor include the baby’s head pressing against the bladder and bowels, as well as the birth canal and vagina being stretched.
Each woman experiences labor pain differently. From woman to woman and even from pregnancy to pregnancy, it varies greatly. Women frequently find that the hardest part of labor is not the individual pain of each contraction, but rather the fact that they keep coming and that there is getting less and less time to relax in between them as labor goes on.
You May Change Your Decision
You might decide against taking painkillers if the labor process lasts too long or gets too intense. That’s okay, too! You might still be able to choose to get an epidural if you are still in the early stages of labor.
About 20 minutes after being inserted, epidurals begin to reduce pain, and you can modify the dosage for the remainder of your labor.
However, if labor has gone on for too long, an epidural might not be an option anymore, and a narcotic painkiller might be suggested.
Without the numbness of an epidural, this type of pain relief helps to lessen the pain and shouldn’t harm the unborn child.
Depending on how far along your labor is, your care team will inform you of the different pain relief options that are available.
Maintain an Open Mind
The process of labor and delivery is unpredictable, even with a detailed birth plan.
Even though your medical care team will make every effort to respect your wishes and provide you with the birthing experience you want, things can still go wrong.
You and your adorable baby’s health and safety will be everyone’s top concerns.
If you and your care team decide that induction or C-section is in the best interests of both you and the baby, it’s crucial to polish up on your knowledge of pain management, medications that can speed up labor, and even the procedures involved.