Types of Childbirth

TYPES OF CHILDBIRTH

You should be aware of the types of childbirth that you should consider before going into labour. What types of childbirth that you choose, natural childbirth, caesarean section or the others?

Natural Childbirth

Natural childbirth refers to childbirth without the use of medications that could ease the pain associated with the birthing process. Some people fear that these medications will be passed on to the child during labour. While some of their fears are legitimate, many women take some medication during labour and have healthy babies.

If you are planning on a natural childbirth, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make the process a little easier when the time comes:

• Educate yourself about the pros/cons of natural childbirth
• Attend ‘natural childbirth’ birthing classes
• Tell your care provider that you would like a natural childbirth
• Find a coach that will be with you throughout the birth
• Understand that there may be times when you will need medication
• Prepare yourself physically by exercising
• Understand that there will be pain involved
• Many other people will not be supportive of your decision, but you need to do what is best for you and your baby

Natural childbirth can be a wonderful way for you to connect with your baby. You can have a natural childbirth in a hospital or birthing center. Just make sure you have someone who will help you when you are in pain. This will make the process a little easier.

Epidural Childbirth

An epidural is a shot of medication that will help educe the amount of pain that you will feel during labour. But getting an epidural is not a painless process.

At a certain point during labour, you will be given the option to have an epidural. You are under no obligation to have the epidural as there are other ways to cope with childbirth.

But if you want an epidural, you will have to endure two needles. One will numb an area on your spine, and the other will contain the medication.

Epidurals can cause your legs to become numb during and after the delivery of your baby.

Epidurals may affect your baby by causing your blood pressure to drop, repositioning of the baby during labour, which will increase your risks of having to have a cesarean birth.

There may be reasons why you cannot have an epidural during labour. These reasons include:

• There is no anaesthesiologist available while you are in labour
• You are on other medications
• Your blood work shows low platelet count
• You have a back infection
• You are experiencing heavy bleeding
• There may be labour restrictions

For the most part, you may be able to have an epidural that will help ease the pain of childbirth.

Cesarean Section

Up to 27% of all births are done through cesarean section. This is when the baby is taken from the mother by cutting into her stomach and removing the baby. Cesarean sections are done when the mother is past her due date, if the baby is turned the wrong way, if the vaginal canal is not fully dilated, or if a vaginal birth will pose a risk to the mother.

You will have to stay in the hospital for a few days in order to heal from the surgery. You will have stitches and soreness after the birth of your baby. The success rate for cesarean sections is very high and not uncommon.

Vaginal Birth

A vaginal birth is considered natural childbirth and is how most babies are born. Having a successful vaginal birth will be easier if you take child birthing classes so that you will learn how to push and relax your muscles so that you will be in the least amount of pain possible.