Home
Normal delivery or vaginal birth is the natural process of delivering a baby. It can also take several steps and needs close supervision and accompanying care to protect the mother and the baby’s health. Here is an overview of the normal delivery procedure:Here is an overview of the normal delivery procedure:
Table of Contents
Early Labor
The early labor or also known as the latent phase is the first stage of labor. In this stage you will get the first signs of contractions. These will be mild to moderate and will be irregular with each contraction lasting 30-45 seconds. These contractions assist in the process of making the cervix tender and dilute or in a process known as effacement.
Active Labor
The active labor is the second stage in which contractions are frequent and stronger than the earlier stage. Tighter and more frequent contractions that are 45-60 seconds long happen every 3-5 minutes. This phase is when the cervix becomes widened to 4 to 7 cm in size. This is commonly the time to go to the hospital or the birth facility. The indicator of active labor include; Contractions are heavier and more unpleasant, contractions occur frequently with longer intervals, and one is unable to walk or even talk during contractions.
Transition Phase
The transition phase follows the latent phase and constitutes the last stage of active labor and the most demanding one. In this phase, contractions are very severe and frequent with the duration of 60-90 seconds and the intervals between successive contractions are 2-3 minutes. The cervix stretches to 8-10 cm. Many women have symptoms as they are easily tired, grumpy, or have mood swings. Symptoms that are associated with the transition phase include; frequent and strong contraction with less relaxation in between, pressure on the lower back and rectum, and nausea, shaking or chills.
Pushing and Delivery
In this stage, the baby moves from the uterus to the outer exit path of the mother’s body known as the birth canal. The cervix is fully effaced and you will have the feeling that the baby wants to come out with every contraction and push. Every push helps the baby to move down the birth canal until the baby is born. The gynecologist may explain to you some of the best practices of pushing.
Delivery of the Placenta
After the baby is born, there is another organ that has to be removed which is the placenta. Mild contractions assist in separating the placenta from the wall of the uterus and then it is delivered through the birth canal. This is common soon after delivery, within 5-30 minutes of delivery of the baby.
Postpartum Care
After the delivery, the care of the mother and the newborn is very important for the maternal and infant health. The best gynecologist in Rawalpindi will observe the adverse effects of the mother including cases of abnormal bleeding or infection. The baby will be checked by a healthcare provider and other services that may include cleaning, weighing, giving medication or vaccine if due. Breastfeeding may also be introduced soon after birth. Postnatal care includes adequate sleep, good diet, and someone to talk to to help the mother and baby adjust after delivery.
