Normal delivery is a process of childbirth through the vaginal opening with little or no intervention. It is an entirely natural process involving different stages. Natural delivery offers several benefits to the newborn and the mother. It eliminates the risks of injuries because there is no involvement of instruments.

What is the process of normal delivery?

The process of natural delivery involves three stages.

The first is a labor stage having three sub-stages.

In the Early Labor sub-stage, the mother feels contractions occurring every three to five minutes as the cervix dilates up to four centimetres. Informing the obstetrician is essential, though the mother may remain at home.
In the Active Labor stage, the cervix dilates further, up to 7 centimetres. The contractions become stronger and more frequent. Each contraction may last for about a minute. It is time to take the mother to the maternity home. The water breaks out, and the mother feels more pressure on her back.
The final sub-stage of transition involves full dilation of the cervix (10 cm) and is the most painful stage during the natural delivery.

The second stage is when the mother pushes the baby down through the birth canal. The baby's head descends further with each contraction and push. The mother experiences severe pain as the baby emerges head-first through the vaginal opening.

The third stage of 'afterbirth' involves pushing out the placenta and lasts up to half an hour.

Who qualifies for normal delivery?

Every healthy woman completing 39 weeks of pregnancy qualifies for normal delivery. Childbirth is a natural event. Natural delivery may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section delivery.

Most expectant mothers qualify for vaginal delivery. A small percentage of mothers having medical problems may need medical or surgical intervention to deliver the baby. Age, previous deliveries, fetal problems, or low-lying placenta are a few factors that may rule out normal delivery.

Would-be mothers who engage in exercise and an active lifestyle throughout the pregnancy can look forward to a safe, normal delivery. Natural delivery improves the recovery period and reduces the chances of infections. The baby takes up helpful bacteria during its passage through the birth canal. These are helpful for the prevention of illnesses. One should discuss the options with a gynecologist to know the possibility of a vaginal delivery.

Why should one consider the option of normal delivery?

Normal delivery is preferable for many reasons. The first vaginal delivery improves the chances of subsequent natural deliveries. Expectant mothers who have sound health and healthy progress of the fetus throughout the pregnancy should choose the option of natural delivery. A gynecologist will assess your health and fetal development to recommend the right option.

Benefits of normal delivery

The benefits of normal delivery extend to the mother and the baby. A vaginal delivery helps the mother participate in childcare immediately after a normal delivery. They can start a routine life earlier. Babies collect bacterial flora while passing through the birth canal. They also experience stress during the process of normal delivery. These factors improve the resistance power of the babies to fight common infections. Fewer chances of infections and less pain after delivery are significant benefits of normal delivery. The mother can breastfeed the baby immediately after the normal delivery.

Risks or complications of normal delivery

The risks and complications are less in vaginal deliveries compared with deliveries involving interventions, including:

Slowing down of baby's heart rate- Irregular or slow heart rate of the baby may result due to compression of the head or umbilical cord.
Bleeding- Postpartum haemorrhage is excessive bleeding after childbirth. It may happen during the birth of a baby.
Failure of labor- In the absence of cervical dilation, the labor process may slow down or stop altogether. Obstetricians may use medication to stimulate contractions.
High blood pressure- Postpartum preeclampsia is a complication after the delivery.
Blood clots- Deep vein thrombosis can develop after natural delivery in the pelvis or legs.
Vaginal tear- Normal delivery may cause the tearing of rectal or vaginal tissues.

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1. When should one avoid normal delivery?

Normal delivery may not be possible because of some chronic health conditions. Problems with the placenta or pre-existing genital wounds may rule out vaginal delivery. Vaginal delivery may not be possible if the baby's position in the womb is bottom first or feet first (breech position).

2. What changes does a mother experience after vaginal delivery?

Soreness and pain in the vagina and vaginal bleeding are common side effects of normal delivery. One may experience headaches, mood swings, constipation, and cramps following vaginal delivery.

3. What is the usual recovery period following a natural delivery?

The recovery depends on the overall health of the mother. There will be a considerable recovery within 15 days after vaginal delivery.