Many people across the world spend a considerable amount of time contemplating on which type of delivery is the most preferable. In earlier times, normal delivery was the only option but these days, there is an increase in the number of caesarean or C-sections. Today, 30% of children of children around the world have been born through the C-section. Since it is up to the woman to select which type of delivery she would prefer, it is imperative to comprehend the advantages as well as risks of both the options.

Advantages of vaginal delivery to the mother
From a psychological point of view, women who opt for normal delivery are believed to have a relatively positive birthing experience. Women who go through normal delivery often feel that it is empowering to be actively involved in the procedure of giving birth to their babies. Such mothers have a much shorter span of recovery time compared with those opting for C-sections. This procedure also lets the mother as well as the baby to come in contact with each other, which in turn speeds up the process of bonding.

Pros of normal delivery for the baby
It has been found that babies who are born via vaginal delivery are less prone to developing any kind of complications related to health. They can be fed, sooner and develop fewer allergies and respiratory issues. However, very few babies born through vaginal delivery can experience any injury while being born, though this is an extremely rare condition.

Benefits of Caesarean section for the mother
There are numerous women who opt for the C-section so that there is no need to go through extended hours of labour. Today, with the advancement in medical science, mothers are able to plan the birth of their child, and it allows more control over the birthing process along with more predictability. Women who go for a C-section do not suffer from any damage to the pelvic floor, which often leads to incontinence in the course of time.

Advantages of a C-section delivery for the child
In most cases, when there are twin babies, or a single baby is too large, opting for a C- section can prove to be the most viable option. Plus, if the mother is a carrier of certain diseases like HIV, then a C-section reduces the chances of passing it to the baby.

Thus, both the options have their own set of pros and cons, and it is best to speak with a qualified gynaecologist before deciding on anything.

C-Section Vs Normal Delivery - Which Is Better For You?

According to a report by WHO, every hour about five women die in India during childbirth. Giving birth is one of the most challenging bodily functions that a woman has to perform in their life.

When it comes to the mode of delivery, there are a number of delivery options:

Normal or Vaginal Birth
C-Section or also known as Cesarean
Water Birth
Vacuum Extraction
Of the few mentioned above the most common delivery options are natural birth and C-section. The mode of delivery will be decided only after factoring in the woman s health condition, ability to endure pain etc.

Also, when it comes to deliveries, there is a lot of half-baked information floating around. The internet is one of the biggest contributor in this regard. Here are some of the most common myths -

Myths on Normal Delivery:

Myth 1: It s More Superior
Many women consider or think that being able to bring a life into the world without the aid of any painkillers or any other external interventions gives them a sense of empowerment.

Myth 2: It is Riskier
There is no definite statistic to prove that a natural birth is more risky than other delivery options.

Myth 3: A Process that comes naturally to a Woman
Another commonly held fallacy about normal delivery is that a woman s body knows exactly how to respond to a normal delivery. The common reason given is that women have been undergoing natural childbirth process since time immemorial without external interventions or assistance. Not only is a normal delivery fraught with misconceptions but so is a C-section surgery.

Myths on C-Section:

Myth 1: A C-Section is more convenient compared to a vaginal Birth
A C-Section is an invasive surgery method that comes with its own set of risks like any surgery. Doctors generally advise women to opt for a natural birth if possible.

Myth 2: You cannot undergo too many C-Sections
There is no limitation on the number of C-sections you can have in your lifetime. However, the risks of complications increase with every subsequent C-section.

It is advised that you plan the delivery option based on your health condition weeks before your due date. In some cases, C-section surgery is resorted to during the course of a vaginal birth when complications arise. 

Consult your doctor if you have queries regarding your choice.

Myths On Normal Delivery And C-Section Debunked!

Giving birth to a child is the most profound form of joy felt by a woman. After getting pregnant, one should discuss with her gynecologist what form of surgery they should go in for. Women have been delivering babies by normal childbirth without any complications since the old times. However, complications might arise if you don't take proper care of your body before the date of delivery. You should be careful and alert at all times so that there are no detrimental effects to you and your child.

Certain tips and guidelines should be followed so that you and your child are safe and secure during a normal delivery.

1. Diet: As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should take care of your diet. Avoid junk food and street food. Stick to a nutritious diet, which contains vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Iron and calcium rich food items should also be consumed for the healthy development of your fetus.

2. Active lifestyle: Try to exercise daily. Include light permissible yoga and also light walks during your pregnancy. You can also join a yoga fitness class for expecting mothers. This can make your body flexible and ready for a normal delivery.

3. Water: Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to keep yourself hydrated during your pregnancy.

4. Stress: Pregnancy can be extremely stressful. This can take a toll on your body and also on your unborn child's health. Also too much stress can make labor a difficult experience, as the pelvic muscles might not expand for the baby to pass through.

5. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption: Tobacco is very harmful and might lead to birth defects in your child. Alcohol also acts as a poison. Intake of these substances should be avoided completely.

6. Prenatal class: Joining a prenatal class can be very helpful because you get to learn about giving birth and the things, which your body will be required to do during labor. This can come handy during the delivery.

7. Breathing exercise: During labor it is possible that you can experience shortness of breath. Practicing breathing exercises will help you prepare for a normal delivery.

These tips should be known by every expectant mother so that the strenuous process of a normal delivery is eased out.

Tips to Have a Normal Delivery

Giving birth is a life-changing event for every mother and it leaves an everlasting impression in your life. Every delivery is unique and you can just gain from the experience of others, but don t expect it to be the same. 
You will experience many changes in your body and will learn to take care of yourself and your growing baby as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. Pain is a part of labour that every woman has to undergo. It is the fear of labour pain that make many pregnant women opt for c-section. However there is no denying the fact that c-section is a major surgery and requires several days to recover.

Keep in mind the following tips to go in for a normal delivery:

Try to get prenatal education, which guides you about labour, birth and natural labour pain management techniques, such as breathing, self-hypnosis, relaxation and other coping mechanisms. You should check with your hospital too as most of them offer an evening or weekend course.
Pick a gynaecologist who has a history in delivering babies naturally.
Keep yourself physically active by doing mild exercises throughout pregnancy.
You should keep a calm environment in your labour room.
Don t gain too much weight as women who aren't overweight do not have much difficulty in delivering babies vaginally.
Opt for fewer rather as more tests, treatments and interventions during your pregnancy tend to interfere with normal birth. Whenever tests or procedures are recommended, you should ask about the need of undergoing such tests.
Continue with your walks as it helps in relieving the pain.
Go in for a water therapy. A shower, bathtub, birthing pool and hot compresses are other tools for easing pain and helping you relax. Spend as much time as possible in water.
Use various positions such as sitting on the toilet, kneeling, and squatting to ease vaginal delivery.
Massage/back rubs equally help in easing the pain.
You can also go in for Effleurage which is a light massage of the abdomen to ease your vaginal delivery.
Apply warm or cold compresses.
Avoid hearing negative stories about labour.
Eat a healthy balanced diet as the health and development of your baby depends on your nutrition.
Stay away from stress and anxiety. Read good books about parenting and be in the company of good lively people.
Use relaxation/breathing techniques to keep yourself calm.
Guided meditation and prayers undoubtedly will reinforce your faith in yourself to deliver a baby vaginally.
Have adequate sleep. Avoid drinking tea or coffee two hours before going to bed in order to have uninterrupted sleep.
Following these tips religiously can definitely increase your chances of having a normal delivery.

Normal Delivery - 18 Things You Must Always Remember!

When the delivery of a baby has to happen through a surgical process rather than normal child birth, the procedure is known as a Caesarean Section or a C-section. There are many reasons why one many need to go through this surgical procedure including complications during pregnancy and childbirth. One can also plan for a C-section beforehand by talking it through with a doctor who will recommend the same in case there are any complications and risks at play during the pregnancy. Read on to know more about the procedure.

Reasons: There are many reasons why a doctor may want to go in for a C-section. If the labour is not progressing properly, then a C-section may be required in order to extract the baby. This procedure may also be used in case the baby is not getting proper amount of oxygen which can put it in distress and lead to changes in the heartbeat. Also, if the baby is in an abnormal position like a breech position, then a C-section may be required. This procedure is also used when a woman is carrying twins or triplets. Other health concerns like high blood pressure and genital herpes or even HIV can lead to this procedure. Any mechanical obstruction like fibroids in the birth canal can also cause the doctor to resort to a C-section, while a patient who has delivered via C-section earlier may also be asked to do the same again.

Risks and complications: One has to remember that a C-section takes longer to recover from than normal childbirth and delivery would. Also, it does pose a few risks and complications that may arise during and after the procedure.

Breathing issues: The babies who are born via C-section are more susceptible to a condition known transient tachypnea which is a breathing problem characterised by an abnormally fast rate of breathing in and out. Also, other respiratory distress syndromes may take over subsequently.
Surgical injuries: The doctor may accidentally nick the baby s skin during the surgical process which involves the use of sharp instruments for making the incision.
Inflammation risk: The uterus may undergo inflammation which may also lead to endometriosis as well as infections of the membrane which can cause fever and foul smelling vaginal discharge. The wound may also get infected.
Bleeding: While some amount of bleeding is normal, this procedure can also lead to excessive bleeding in which case immediate medical intervention may be required. Also, the patient may suffer from blood clots inside the veins of the pelvic organs. These clots may also travel to the lungs and cause further complications.

C-Section - Are There Risks Associated With it?

It is not easy to deal with labor pains. According to scientists and doctors, labor pain is a very strong sensation that a woman experiences in her lifetime. Therefore, it is important to know some tips that will help you deal with the intense pain during labor. There are some practical tools, which will help you survive labor pains on both emotional and physical levels. 

You just need to implement these tools during your labor.

Focus on the current contraction: When you get a contraction, focus on it solely. Do not agonize on the contractions you had or do not feel scared thinking about the contractions that are yet to come. You just need to focus on the present contraction without thinking about anything else. Many women think about how long they have to push before they can meet the baby. The over thinking can worsen the pain. Therefore, you should be in the present moment.
Breathe: A great tip of resisting labor pains is breathing. Various kinds of breathing techniques have been invented for labor. You can try some of those breathing techniques during your labor. If you don t remember any particular breathing technique, you can also try everyday breathing during the contractions. Breathing lets your abdominal muscles relax and helps the baby descend faster.
Try to relax: Whenever you encounter pain or stress, you tense all the muscles of your body, especially your abdominal muscles. It is important to relax during your labor pain. Although it is difficult, you should try to relax instead of getting tensed. It will make your labor smooth.
Be in a comfortable place: You should be in a place where your labor must be comfortable for you. If you are not comfortable, you will be stressed and anxious, which in turn, will make it difficult for you. When you are in a comfortable place, you will be happier and your muscles will be more relaxed.
Don t worry: Instead of worrying about your entire labor experience, focus on the task at hand. When you don t worry, you can process the contractions without being stressed. As a result, your body will also get less tired and your baby will come out faster. You need to channel your energy into pushing the baby rather than worrying and stressing.
If you follow these simple tips, you will be able to survive labor pains and give birth to a healthy baby. Nature has given women all the tools so that they can give birth to a baby naturally. You just need to trust your body and empower yourself by keeping these tips in your mind.

Labor Pain - 5 Tips to Help You Survive

Don't wait any longer, manage your Premature Labor online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Premature Labor - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES