Methods of delivering a baby fall into four basic categories: natural, medicated, assisted and Cesarean section. Everyone hopes for a smooth labor and delivery without complications, but sometimes, circumstances can change rapidly and medical intervention becomes necessary for your child to be born healthy. As you plan nursery colors and names, consider learning about all delivery methods and why they are done so you will feel prepared should you need them.
Natural Delivery
The BabyCenter website defines natural childbirth as delivery with minimal interventions and an unmedicated approach to controlling labor pain. Preparation and practice can make this a fulfilling method of delivery. You are free to walk, sit on a birthing ball or get in any position that works best for you. Should you choose a midwife, you may also be able to deliver in your own home. If you are healthy and have an uncomplicated pregnancy, natural childbirth is an option for you.
Underwater births are an option with some midwives. Your baby's heart rate can be periodically checked with waterproof monitors. The warm water can relax your muscles and ease tension, decreasing pain. Visualizing restful images and using controlled breathing, as with the Lamaze or Bradley methods, can help you keep your pain level manageable.
BabyCenter recommends you remain mentally flexible as labor progresses: "Even if you feel strongly now about how you'd like to deal with labor pain, a willingness to roll with the reality of your own labor and birth as it unfolds may ultimately be your greatest strength--and will also help you avoid disappointment if you don't have the 'ideal' birth you'd imagined." Don't be hard on yourself if you need interventions--it is not a sign of failure or lack of strength. A healthy baby and a healthy mom are the goals of any delivery.
Medicated Delivery
Medicated deliveries may use analgesics, tranquilizers or anesthetics to assist in pain relief. The most popular form of pain relief is an epidural, which blocks the sensory nerves that sense pain, but still allow muscle movement in the legs. A tiny catheter is inserted into the epidural space of the spine by an anesthesiologist. After this procedure, you are no longer able to get out of bed. Other medication interventions include a spinal block, which numbs both sensory nerves and motor nerves and leaves you numb from the waist down. This block is performed in non-emergency Cesarean sections.
Assisted Delivery
Assisted deliveries involve the use of a vacuum, forceps or both. These usually call for an episiotomy--a cut made through the thin, stretched skin below the vaginal opening. These instruments are used when the baby is presenting in an awkward position, when you become too fatigued to push adequately or when your baby's heart rate drops and he needs to be born quickly.
Cesarean Section Delivery
Cesarean sections are considered when the baby's bottom or feet are presenting instead of the head, the baby is unable to tolerate labor, as shown by repeated drops in heart rate, the cervix fails to dilate, the baby is too large to fit through the pelvis or is in breech presentation or any other complications that would be a risk to the baby or mom. An incision is made at the bikini line and the surgeon enters the bottom of the uterus to deliver your baby.
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after Cesarean. Some women would like to try a vaginal birth, even though they previously had a Cesarean section. This can present some risks, as hard contractions can cause uterine rupture, usually at the place of the previous incision. Not every doctor is willing to try a VBAC due to this increased risk. Talk with your doctor about this option to make sure she is willing to support it, along with the hospital that you are planning to use.
