Childbirth and Delivery
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is what you would like to happen during labour and after birth. It can also include what pain relief you prefer and delivery positions you feel will be most comfortable.
However, on your delivery day, the actual situation may unfold differently from what you expected. This is why knowing the different childbirth methods is essential in case things defer from your original plan.
Vaginal birth
Vaginal delivery is the most common type of childbirth; if no complications occur, it is usually the most straightforward.
When it comes to vaginal delivery, there are three stages:
Stage 1: Labour
Labour is divided into two phases: early labour and active labour.
Early labour is when you start to feel mild, irregular contractions. These contractions cause your cervix to dilate and soften so the baby can move into the birth canal. Early labour can vary in length, sometimes even lasting for hours. These contractions may just be uncomfortable, or they can be intense.
During active labour, your cervix may dilate from 6 centimetres to 10 centimetres. As a result, your contractions will become stronger and closer together, and you may feel nauseous. Your water will also probably break during this phase.
Suppose you wish to have an epidural to reduce the pain. You should receive it when you are 4 to 5 centimetres dilated.
Stage 2: Birth
When you are fully dilated, you will feel the urge to push.
Childbirth can take a few minutes to a few hours, especially if you are a first-time mom or have had an epidural. Your doctor will be there to guide you through the process. They will advise you when to push, how hard to push and when to slow down so that your vaginal tissues do not tear.
Once your baby's head has been delivered, the rest of the body should come out relatively quickly. At this point, your baby's airway will be cleared, and the umbilical cord will be cut. Your baby will then be placed on your chest or abdomen for skin-to-skin contact.
Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta
This stage usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You will feel mild contractions which help the placenta move down the birth canal before giving one more push to deliver it. If the placenta is not delivered intact, your doctor will remove the fragments to prevent bleeding and infection.
If you have any tears in your vaginal region, you will receive a local anaesthetic injection, and your health care provider will stitch the area.
Caesarean section
Commonly known as a C-section, this birth method is a surgical procedure that involves opening up the mother's abdomen and uterus.
C-Sections can either be planned or a sudden decision made by your doctor in the case of an emergency.
Some examples of factors that could result in an emergency C-section include:
- Your labour isn't progressing
- Your baby is in distress
- Your baby is in an abnormal position, i.e. breech or transverse
- You're carrying multiple babies
- There's a problem with your placenta
- There's a problem with the umbilical cord
- You have a health concern
What happens during a caesarean section?
This method of childbirth is considered major surgery, so you will need to be prepped for it. You will receive an epidural to numb the lower half of your body. You will still need to be awake for the procedure. If you need an emergency, you may be under general anaesthesia because an epidural would take too long to kick in.
An incision will be made along your bikini line during the procedure. Next, a cut will be made through the tissue, and the abdominal muscles will be separated so the uterus can be cut open. You will feel a slight tugging sensation as your baby is lifted out. Finally, the umbilical cord will be cut, and your baby will be examined by medical staff.
The surgeon will remove your placenta while your baby is examined and stitch everything back up. You will receive antibiotics to help prevent infection.
After your procedure, you will be required to stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor your recovery.