Birthing Options for Expecting Moms

Whether you are pregnant with your first baby or the second, pregnancy is an experience of its own kind. This beautiful journey towards motherhood is attached to several mental, emotional, and physical ups and downs. Every mother wants her baby to arrive in this beautiful world in the safest way. Hence she takes all possible care right from the time when she plans how to get pregnant until her delivery time. There are several birthing options for expecting moms. Which option will suit you totally depends upon the medical needs and the number of factors. This includes-

• Whether a pregnancy involves high-risk.
• Any special medical needs for a mother or for a baby.
• The budget involved in childbirth.

The birthing option and its experience can never be the same for every expecting mother. It is different and unique for every mom and her family. Therefore, before finalizing the birthing option, consult with your obstetrician and talk to your family.

Major Birthing options/ Childbirth methods

Here are the major birthing options for expecting moms which are available in India

1. Natural Vaginal Delivery

A natural vaginal delivery is one of the birthing options for an expecting mom in which the baby is born through the vagina. All medical practitioners as well as most expecting moms prefer this natural birth technique. However, it is a painful technique and the labor for first-time moms can be anywhere around 12 to 18 hours or maybe even longer. You can talk to your doctor about how to manage labor pains and the steps you should take while in labor.

If your pregnancy is moving ahead in a healthy way and you are willing to give childbirth in a natural vaginal option then you should eat a healthy and nutritious diet, take proper rest. Also, be aware of signs of labor like contractions, water breaks, and slight vaginal bleeding.

 

2. Caesarean Delivery

Cesarean delivery or a C- section delivery is a method of childbirth that is done through surgery. Here, the doctor does the first incision on a mother’s abdomen and the second one in the uterus to bring the baby out.

Nowadays, many moms prefer c-section delivery as it is less painful because spinal anesthesia is given to the mother to numb the abdominal area. However, once the effect of spinal anesthesia gets over, pain does happen.

If in any case, your doctor advises you to go for a Caesarean delivery method then make sure the hemoglobin level in your blood should be accurate as incision leads to blood loss which can be overcome with the help of sufficient hemoglobin level.

The recovery after C-section delivery takes time, so, therefore, take proper rest and care for your incision marks post-delivery.

 

3. Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Your doctor would advise Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery in case of complications wherein you are unable to deliver the baby without assistance. So, here, the doctors take the help of a vacuum suction cup to take the baby out from the birth canal.

This birthing option can be a complicated one as compared to the above two techniques. However, if proper care and precautions have been taken during the childbirth process, complications can be overcome. Generally, the skull of the baby gets deformed by this birthing technique, however, this is a temporary case. The skull can return to its normal shape spontaneously over the first few days.

 

Also, read:

1. Problems after childbirth: what mothers need to know
2. Beyond baby blues: coping with postpartum depression

 

4. Forceps Delivery

This birthing option for expecting moms is a last resort where a woman is pushing her baby out and the doctors are using forceps (a metal instrument) to pull the baby out from the birth canal. Forceps delivery includes the additional risk of tearing of birth canal area where the forceps have been placed to complete the childbirth process.

Although there are many birthing options for expecting moms are available, still, it is important to talk and consult with your doctor. A doctor will give you better guidance and understanding. Nowadays, these childbirth options have been made more advanced and safe for new mothers. Still, it is good to be aware of all possible options as childbirth experience is not the same for all. Hence, do not get panic or be nervous at the time of your childbirth. Have trust in yourself and in your doctors.

Take Care!