Natural childbirth is the process of giving birth to a baby in a non-surgical way, which is usually done through the mother’s birth canal.
In this method, the mother gives birth to the baby without the use of anesthetics or painkillers (or with the least amount of them), with uterine contractions and natural body pressure.
This type of delivery occurs in three main stages:
The first stage: the beginning of contractions and dilation of the cervix, which gradually opens so that the baby can pass through it. This stage may last several hours and is usually painful.
Second stage: In this stage, the cervix is fully opened and the mother must guide the baby down and out of the birth canal with the help of contractions and pressures.
This stage ends with the birth of the baby.
Third stage: In this stage, the placenta is separated from the uterine wall and comes out of the mother’s body. This step is usually done quickly and without much pain.
The benefits of natural childbirth include faster recovery, less chance of infection and bleeding, and the mother’s ability to hold her baby immediately after birth.
Natural childbirth can be challenging and requires a lot of concentration and endurance, but various methods such as deep breathing,
massage, and relaxation techniques can help reduce pain and anxiety.
Also, some women may need a cesarean delivery for various reasons (such as medical risks),
but natural childbirth is known as one of the safest and most effective delivery methods for healthy mothers.
In natural childbirth, the medical team and the presence of a midwife or obstetrician can help the mother feel more secure and receive the necessary support.
Also, in some medical centers, facilities have been provided for natural births along with non-pharmacological pain reduction methods;
For example, the use of warm water (water birth), breathing techniques, and specific exercises that help the mother better manage labor pain.
Pain reduction methods in natural childbirth include the following:
1. Water birth: warm water helps to reduce pain and relax the mother more. The body’s buoyancy in the water also makes it easier for the mother to move.
2. Breathing and relaxation techniques: deep and controlled breathing techniques can reduce the mother’s stress and mental pressure
and help her focus more to cooperate with contractions.
3. Massage and acupressure: massaging certain parts of the mother’s body can help reduce pain and tension.
Parts of the body such as the back, shoulders and legs can help to relax with a gentle massage.
4. Changing position and movement: mothers can try different positions during labor to make them more comfortable; For example, standing, sitting, or even walking.
This change in positions may help reduce pressure and pain while speeding up the progress of labor.
5. Emotional support and the presence of a spouse or companion: the presence of a trusted spouse, companion or friend can help the mother emotionally
and give her a sense of peace and strength.
Since natural childbirth has many benefits for the mother and the baby, many women are willing to experience it, although aware of its difficulties and challenges.
It is recommended that mothers who are looking for a natural birth, get enough information in advance with medical and educational counseling
so that they are ready for this process and can overcome possible stress and worries.
Natural childbirth, although an exhausting and sometimes painful experience, is usually associated with a high sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for the mother,
because she was able to give birth to her child without surgical or medical interventions.
This process is a powerful and nature-oriented experience that many mothers seek.
Preparation for natural childbirth is also very important and includes the following:
1. Education and mental preparation: Attending childbirth preparation classes can give mothers useful information about the stages of labor,
pain management methods, and how to breathe and relax.
These classes help the mother to become more familiar with the birthing process and welcome it with more confidence.
2. Physical fitness: Appropriate exercise during pregnancy, such as walking, yoga, and pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises
(such as Kegel exercises) can help the mother to have a stronger and more resistant body.
These exercises are not only useful for the delivery process, but also help in recovery after delivery.
3. Healthy diet: proper nutrition during pregnancy is very important to maintain the health of the mother and the optimal development of the baby.
Adequate consumption of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber will help the mother have enough energy and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
4. Family and spouse support: emotional support from the family, especially the spouse, can have a significant effect on the preparation and peace of the mother.
The wife or companion who is with the mother can play an effective role in reducing the mother’s stress and fear during childbirth.
5. Communicating with a midwife or specialist doctor: choosing a midwife or doctor whom the mother trusts and is comfortable with,
can reduce the mother’s worries and possible questions.
Also, the mother can talk to her doctor about how to give birth, pain relief options, and possible interventions.
After a natural birth, the mother enters a new stage called the postpartum period, which requires special care.
During this period, the mother’s body gradually returns to its normal state and wounds and small injuries caused by childbirth heal.
Proper nutrition, adequate rest, and avoiding strenuous activities are essential for a faster recovery.
Also, during this period, the emotional bond between mother and baby is very important.
Skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding and hugging the baby help strengthen this bond and give both parties a sense of security and comfort.
Postpartum or postpartum period is the time when the mother needs physical and mental care so that her body can return to its pre-pregnancy state.
This period lasts about 6 to 8 weeks and includes many physical and hormonal changes. Below are some important points for taking care of the mother during this period:
1. Physical recovery and proper nutrition: After giving birth, the mother’s body needs complete and nutritious nutrition to help her recover faster
and to provide the energy needed to breastfeed the baby.
Foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium are recommended.
Also, it is very important to drink enough water to meet the needs of the body and increase milk production.
2. Taking care of wounds and personal hygiene: After natural childbirth, the mother may have small wounds or superficial tears in the perineum.
Taking care of these wounds by keeping the area clean and using proper sanitary pads and changing them regularly helps prevent infection.
A doctor or midwife may recommend the use of certain medications or natural methods such as a sitz bath for pain relief and faster recovery.
3. Adequate rest and sleep: Adequate rest and sleep are essential to restore energy and speed up recovery.
Taking care of the baby may disturb the mother’s sleep, so it is recommended that the mother rest while the baby sleeps and gradually adjust to the new conditions.
Also, getting help from family members and spouse in daily tasks can allow the mother to rest better.
4. Mental health and prevention of postpartum depression: Many mothers may experience postpartum depression due to hormonal changes, stress, and new pressures after childbirth.
This condition, known as “postpartum depression,” is associated with symptoms such as sadness, feelings of worthlessness, extreme fatigue, and lethargy.
Family support, the presence of the spouse, and talking to a counselor or doctor can be very effective in reducing these symptoms and improving the mental state of the mother.
5. Beginning of breastfeeding and emotional bond with the baby: Breast milk is the best nutrition for the baby and besides the physical benefits,
it helps to strengthen the emotional bond between the mother and the baby.
Skin contact and breastfeeding can relax both parties and strengthen the emotional relationship.
Breastfeeding can be a little difficult at first, but with practice and guidance, mothers can learn and enjoy this skill.
6. Exercise and gradual return to daily activities: After a few weeks of giving birth, mothers can gradually start light sports activities such as walking.
These exercises help to restore energy, strengthen muscles and lose weight. Of course, the start of any activity should be done gradually with the doctor’s advice.
Postpartum care helps the mother to return to a suitable physical and mental condition and to face her new responsibilities towards the baby with more confidence and preparation.
Paying attention to these points and having enough support from the family can make this period much more enjoyable and easier for the mother and the baby.
Some women cannot experience natural childbirth due to medical reasons and special conditions, and it is better to undergo cesarean surgery.
Cases for which natural childbirth may not be suitable include the following conditions:
1. Improper position of the fetus: If the fetus is not in the right position to exit the birth canal, such as the breech position (sitting)
or the transverse position (lying on its side), natural birth will be dangerous.
2. History of previous cesarean delivery or uterine surgery: If the mother has a history of one or more cesarean operations or other uterine surgeries,
the risk of uterine rupture may increase in natural childbirth and the doctor may prefer cesarean delivery.
3. Multiple pregnancy: In the case of a twin or multiple pregnancy, natural delivery may not be an option, and cesarean section is often recommended,
due to the increased complexity and possible need for closer monitoring.
4. Specific diseases of the mother: Certain chronic diseases or medical problems such as severe diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease,
and infections such as active genital herpes can make natural childbirth dangerous.
5. Placental insufficiency or placental abruption: If the placenta is in the wrong position (placental insufficiency) or does not function properly (placental insufficiency),
normal delivery can be dangerous for mother and baby, and a cesarean section is usually recommended.
6. Structural problems in the pelvis: If the mother’s pelvis does not have a suitable structure for the passage of the baby, for example,
the pelvis is very small or narrow, natural childbirth becomes difficult and dangerous, and it is better to perform a cesarean section.
7. Excessive size of the baby: If the estimated weight of the baby is too high (macrosomia), normal delivery may be associated with the risk of harming the baby or the mother.
In such cases, cesarean section is a safer option.
8. Sudden pregnancy complications: Some problems that occur at the end of pregnancy, such as severe preeclampsia (high blood pressure and other symptoms),
can prevent a safe natural delivery and require an immediate cesarean section.
A specialist doctor can suggest the best method of delivery according to the special conditions of each mother and a detailed assessment of her and the fetus’ condition.
The main goal in all cases is to ensure the health of the mother and the baby.
The signs of natural labor usually appear gradually and can include various physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the main signs of normal labor are:
1. Regular and painful uterine contractions: One of the most important signs of childbirth is regular uterine contractions.
These contractions are mild at first and occur at longer intervals (eg every 15 to 30 minutes), but gradually become more intense and at shorter intervals (every 5 to 10 minutes).
These contractions help to open the cervix for the birth of the baby.
2. Leakage of amniotic fluid (rupture of the sac of water): In some cases, the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby ruptures and a clear fluid comes out of the vagina.
This phenomenon is commonly known as “water bag rupture” and can be a sign that the time of delivery is near.
3. Discharge of blood or “bloody discharge”: As the cervix begins to dilate, pink or bloody mucus (called “bloody discharge”) may come out of the vagina.
This sign indicates that the cervix is preparing for childbirth.
4. Back and pelvic pain: severe pains in the back and pelvis, which are different from normal pregnancy pains, can indicate the beginning of labor.
These pains usually occur simultaneously with uterine contractions and due to the baby’s pressure on the lower back and pelvis.
5. Feeling of pressure in the pelvis and anus: As labor progresses and the baby’s head descends, the mother may feel intense pressure in the pelvis and even the anus.
This pressure is a sign that the time of birth is near.
6. Changes in energy and emotions: Some mothers may experience extreme changes in their energy and emotions just before labor begins.
Some may feel restless, angry, or extremely excited, and others may feel tired or even premenstrual-like.
7. Diarrhea or nausea: Some women experience digestive symptoms such as diarrhea or nausea before childbirth.
This issue occurs due to hormonal changes and the body’s preparation for childbirth.
These symptoms can vary from person to person. If you see these signs, it is better to contact a doctor or a midwife to provide guidance on the right time to go to the hospital if needed.
Natural childbirth usually takes place in three main stages, each of which has its own specific procedures and actions.
These stages include the preparation and opening of the cervix, the delivery of the baby and the delivery of the placenta. In the following, we briefly explain each step:
First stage: opening of the cervix
This stage is the longest part of natural childbirth and begins with uterine contractions. The contractions of the uterus gradually open the cervix so that the baby can pass through it.
This step is divided into two parts:
1. Latent phase: Initially, contractions are weaker and occur more frequently. At this stage, the cervix opens to about 3 to 4 centimeters.
At this stage, the mother may feel mild to moderate pain and can manage the pain with walking, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.
2. Active stage: In this stage, the contractions become more intense and continuous, and the cervix opens up to 10 cm.
This stage can be painful and the mother may need extra support from her doctor or companion. At this stage, the mother is usually transferred to a hospital or a birthing center.
The second stage: the baby’s exit
After the cervix has opened enough (10 cm), the second stage of labor begins. At this stage, the mother guides the baby out of the birth canal using body pressure and contractions.
The doctor or midwife may instruct the mother to perform certain breathing or pushing techniques to facilitate the process of the baby’s exit.
At this stage, the baby’s head first comes out of the birth canal and then gradually the rest of his body is born.
The doctor may help the mother by using special techniques so that pressure and contractions are done in a coordinated and safe manner.
The third stage: removal of the placenta
After the baby is born, the placenta that fed the baby during pregnancy must be removed from the uterus.
This step usually takes about 5 to 30 minutes.
At this stage, milder contractions occur and the doctor or midwife helps the mother’s abdomen with gentle pressure so that the placenta comes out of the body completely and without damage.
Postnatal care
After the placenta is removed, the labor stage ends and the mother needs postpartum care.
The doctor or midwife checks the condition of the mother and the baby to make sure that both are healthy.
Also, possible wounds in the perineal area may be sutured and the mother transferred to the recovery room.
After giving birth, usually the mother can hug her baby and start breastfeeding.
This skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth helps to create a stronger emotional bond between mother and baby, as well as stimulate the production of breast milk.
These steps are intended for a natural birth, but depending on the individual conditions of the mother and the baby,
there may be changes in the birth process or the need for medical interventions such as the use of painkillers or other methods.