Giving birth is a wonderful time in many women's lives. The common image of a birth is a woman in a hospital bed, hooked up to multiple machines and giving birth vaginally. However, women have more than one option when giving birth. If she does not want to use drugs or have medical intervention, a woman can choose to have a home birth. When a normal vaginal birth may not be possible, a cesarean section or a forceps/vacuum extraction delivery may be done.
Cesarean Section
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "a C-section, also called a cesarean section, is the delivery of a baby through a surgical opening in the lower belly area." A cesarean section is performed when the mother cannot give birth vaginally safely. First, the mother is given an epidural or spinal anesthesia: this numbs the mother from her chest to her feet, but she is still awake during the procedure. The cesarean section incision is made above the woman's pubic hair, where the doctor can access the uterus and amniotic sac. Once the baby is delivered, the doctor will clear any fluids out of the baby's nose and mouth.
Home Birth
One birth option for women who do not want medical intervention is a home birth with a midwife. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a home birth is recommended for women who want to be able to move around during the birthing process, have family and friends involved, are healthy and have low-risk pregnancies. However, women who have diabetes, chronic high blood pressure or a preterm labor should not have a home birth. In addition, if the woman's partner is not supportive in her decision to have a home birth, it may not be the right decision. When choosing a home birth, the mother should find a good midwife and create a birth plan with her midwife and partner.
Forceps or Vacuum Extraction Delivery
When a vaginal birth is difficult, the doctor may need to use forceps or vacuum extraction to deliver the baby. According to the Cleveland Clinic, forceps or vacuum extraction delivery are done when the baby's head is lying against the mother's pelvis and is not descending any further, the baby is in the posterior position or will be a breech birth, or the mother is exhausted or unable to push.
