Planning a baby delivery involves getting information and then deciding on the best option for you and your baby. Whether you decide to give birth in a hospital setting, a birthing center or in the privacy of your own home, there are several delivery methods from which to choose. Parenthood.com recommends you begin looking into delivery options early in your pregnancy and get referrals from friends, speak with your doctor, contact organizations that can provide information and support, and if possible, speak directly with the instructor of any childbirth class you consider taking.
Vaginal Delivery
Vaginal delivery is a traditional method you can choose even when prenatal tests determine you have a condition such as group B streptococcus or a virus that compromises your immune system, according to a report published by the Memorial Hospital of South Bend, South Bend, Indiana.
In most cases, a vaginal delivery can be spontaneous. A spontaneous vaginal delivery requires little medical assistance except to administer pain-killing drugs that minimize discomfort during labor, or in the case of certain medical conditions, antibiotics or antiretroviral medications.
In some cases, an assisted vaginal delivery becomes necessary if, for example, your baby is in the birth canal and his heart rate is showing signs of fetal stress, if he is not making satisfactory progress coming through the birth canal or if you become too tired to push. During this type of delivery, your doctor places a cup on your baby's head, holding him in place by creating vacuum pressure with an electric or handheld pump. While you push, the doctor pulls a handle on the cup and removes your baby from the birth canal.
Vaginal deliveries can incorporate hypno birth techniques as a form of pain control. According to WomensHealth.co.uk, hypno birth uses self-hypnosis and controlled breathing and works on the principle that thought control can help you manage your contractions without using drugs and create a more pleasant delivery experience.
Water Birth
Delivering your baby in a tub of warm water is an alternative to a traditional vaginal delivery. If you choose this delivery method, you go through the entire labor and delivery process in a birthing tub filled with water set to 90 to 100 degrees F. Options for the actual delivery include remaining in the water or standing just above the surface of the water. Womens Health states that this method of delivery allows you greater freedom of movement, reduces labor anxiety and is more relaxing than a traditional vaginal delivery. A water birth is not appropriate, however, for breech or multiple births, or if there are concerns about complications at the time of delivery.
Surgical Delivery
Undergoing a Caesarean section is common when your doctor anticipates complications, if your baby displays fetal distress or when delivering multiple babies. Your doctor will usually administer a local, rather than a general, anesthesia, allowing you to remain awake and alert during the delivery. The process involves making an incision in your abdomen and uterus large enough to remove your baby. Although in many cases a Caesarean section is necessary to protect the health of you and your baby, recovery time is longer and there will be restrictions you must adhere to for a few weeks following the delivery.
