Everything You Need to Know About Types of Births or Delivery Methods

Types of Births: The process of the birth of a child is called delivery or labor. A baby can be   delivered via vaginal delivery or Caesarean section. Many major health organizations have suggested that a newborn be placed on the mother’s chest as soon as possible after birth, whether by vaginal delivery or by C-section. This allows both the mother and the baby to experience skin-to-skin contact.  

What are the Types of Births? 

The most common types of birth options are as follows: 

Vaginal delivery 

The type of birth of a baby through a woman’s birth canal is called vaginal delivery. It may be assisted with epidural anesthesia  or other pain-relieving medications. Though the exact time of birth is unpredictable, vaginal births usually tend to happen when a woman completes 40 weeks of pregnancy.  

Doctors normally recommend a vaginal birth instead of caesarean delivery. The infant secretes certain specific hormones for the development of its brain and lungs under the stress of labor contractions. When the baby passes through the birth canal, the baby’s chest is squeezed to eliminate all amniotic fluid and expands its lungs. Vaginal births are strongly advised for mothers unless contraindicated .

Vaginal deliveries allow mothers to heal from the trauma of childbirth more quickly and return home with their newborns as soon as possible. In such circumstances, the possibilities of infection are also lesser . If the infant is born through the vaginal canal, he or she has a lesser probability of having respiratory issues. 

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Natural childbirth 

The popular type of birth in recent years is natural childbirth. This method does not involve any medical procedures and invasive therapies. This type of birth is a personal choice and is considered if the mother is committed throughout the procedure. Certain exercises and positions are suggested by the doctor to carry out the delivery in a natural way. A midwife frequently stays with the mother during the delivery to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that the mother is in good spirits. The delivery might take place at a hospital or even at home if all of the necessary preparations are made ahead of time.  

The discomfort of labor can be eased with the help of water birthing or pool birthing. The most natural and pleasant method of giving birth is called water childbirth. For a mother, natural birth can be extremely powerful. Skin-to-skin contact with the infant soon after delivery can help the mother and child form a strong attachment. It also causes hormones in the body to immediately begin producing milk in the breasts. 

Caesarean Section 

Sometimes, mother has to opt for caesarean delivery over vaginal delivery due to certain conditions that might pose a risk to mother or baby if the delivery is allowed to happen through vaginal route. To deliver the baby,  the abdomen and then the uterus are opened surgically to remove the baby. The name caesarean is derived from the Latin word ‘caedare’ meaning ‘to cut’ Therefore, this type of delivery is also called C-section. 

C-section is chosen based on the parameters revealed after sonography due to conditions like the presence of twins or triplets, breech or transverse presentation or a very large baby or other causes .

In other cases, the labour begins as a vaginal delivery and fails after a complication arises, such as a breech position during delivery, meconium-stained liquor, or an obstruction in the birth canal, in which case , doctors will perform a C-section and remove the baby from the uterus promptly. 

Forceps delivery 

This type of delivery required only in some cases of vaginal birth. It usually provides assistance to vaginal delivery when the baby fails to fully emerge while on its way through the birth canal. It is mainly because of certain obstructions or when the mother becomes tired and exhausted and feels unable to push the baby out. 

In these circumstances, the doctor uses specially designed forceps and slowly push them into the birth canal. The baby’s head is then gently grabbed and guided outwards through the canal using the forceps . 

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Vacuum extraction 

Vacuum extraction is also used similar to the forceps method when vaginal birth fails. For example: If the baby stops moving further through the mother’s canal, the vacuum extraction method is used. This technique requires a vacuum pump to be inserted inside the canal until it reaches the baby’s head. The end of the vacuum has a soft cup that finds its place on the top of the baby’s head. The cup holds the head and with the  vacuum that is created , the baby is guided outwards through the canal. 

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) 

After a caesarean section, a woman’s odds of having a vaginal delivery are almost non-existent. However, in recent years, certain procedures have made it possible for women to have successful vaginal deliveries even after having a C-section as their previous delivery method. Vaginal birth after a caesarean section is  referred to as vaginal birth (VBAC).  

What to expect during delivery? 

Birthing methods each have their own set of pros and cons. The priority should always be on ensuring that the baby is delivered safely, that the infant is born healthy, and that the mother is kept safe during the delivery process. During pregnancy, talk to a healthcare practitioner about the fears and concerns, and have a strong support system by the side on delivery day. Above all, try to relax as you welcome your new baby into the world.