There are many different ways to give birth. While many people prefer to have a natural birth, it is beneficial to be aware of all the options available. Knowing about all of your birth options allows you to be more prepared if complications arise during your pregnancy or while you are in labour, as these may affect your birth preferences. The information we have provided is here as an overview of the various different types of birth available.
Vaginal birth
A vaginal birth is a birth that occurs without the assistance of the doctors. The midwife looks after you and assists you in having a vaginal birth. You can have a vaginal birth at home or in the hospital, whether you have a long or short labour, and even if you have had a different birth in the past. A water pool is also another way to achieve a vaginal birth.
After your baby is born, the midwife will assist you with the afterbirth (placenta). This is usually a simple process and there are two options for delivering the placenta. Many women choose to have an injection to help the placenta separate. This is referred to as ‘active management,’ and the midwife will ask for your permission before it occurs. The other option is ‘physiological management,’ in which there is no injection, and the placenta is delivered naturally.
In regards to the pain relief you may have during a vaginal birth, that is completely your choice. As for stitches after birth, they may not always be necessary as the midwifes help women give birth in very natural ways. If however a tear occurs, which sometimes it can, then your midwife will put in stitches after your baby’s birth.
Assisted Vaginal Birth
This procedure is when a healthcare professional uses specially designed instruments, either forceps or ventouse, to help you give birth. Ventouse may be used when there is little progress despite your efforts during the delivery stage of labour. When you or your baby appears tired, this type of birth may be recommended. The ventouse extractor is a rubber or metal cap that a doctor attaches to your baby’s head with suction from a small machine. While you push during contractions, the baby is gently guided through the birth canal. The cup is removed after your baby’s head is born, and your baby’s body is born naturally.
A doctor always performs forceps deliveries. A forceps delivery may be used for the same reason as a ventouse extraction: you are pushing well during the birthing stage of labour, but the baby is moving slowly. There may be concerns about how your baby is doing, and it may be best to have your baby delivered sooner. When the baby’s head is in a position that slows his progress, forceps can be used to correct it. Forceps are metal instruments that resemble large spoons. To cradle the baby, a doctor wraps the forceps around its head. As you push with your contractions, your baby is guided through the birth canal. Once your baby’s head is born, the forceps are removed, and your baby’s body is born naturally.
Caesarean section
There are numerous reasons why Caesarean Sections are performed. The most common reason is when there is a medical indication that a vaginal birth would be unsafe for either you or your baby. There are a few circumstances in which you, your doctor or midwife may believe that the risks of vaginal delivery outweigh those of caesarean section. Such indications can be identified before labour. For example, if the placenta covers the cervix or if the womb has been weakened by previous surgery. In these cases, where a caesarean section is clearly safer for you and the baby, the doctor/midwife will discuss the risks with you and arrange for a caesarean section with your consent.
A Caesarean Section is a surgical procedure in which your baby is delivered through a cut in your abdominal wall. Because the cut is usually made along the top of the pubic hairline, the scar is well hidden when healed. It is always performed in an operating room by a doctor, and a midwife will be present at all times. When you are in labour, a Caesarean section may be performed as an emergency procedure. Before performing the surgery, the doctors and midwife will ensure that you understand the reasons for the surgery.
If you have already had an Epidural for pain relief, it is very likely that you will be given another one for your surgery. Otherwise, the anaesthesiologist will insert a Spinal (which is very similar to an Epidural but works very quickly). When entering the operating room you will always have your Midwife with you, your birth partner can accompany you, and all the staff in the theatre are there to assist you in having your baby safely.
Always Remember…
Always remember your healthcare team is there to help you make the best decisions for you. Your midwife or consultant will be happy to talk with you about your situation and answer all of your questions. You can also take advantage of our Instant Midwife service for any further questions you may have in regards to the different types of birth or even any general pregnancy questions. Our Instant Midwife service offers instant answers to the most common questions that are asked by expectant women.
NHS Website: https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/services/maternity/poole/types-of-birth