Normal Birth
Normal birth is the type of birth in which the baby is born without the need for any external intervention. Scientifically, it is usually possible between 37-42 weeks. In normal birth, the cervix begins to open with the pain that starts spontaneously in the expectant mother and the baby passes through the birth canal due to this opening. Normal birth, also known as vaginal birth, should be decided by the doctor after examinations. Normal birth is not recommended for some expectant mothers. For this reason, it is extremely important for expectant mothers to be in constant contact with their doctor from the beginning of pregnancy until birth.
What are the Symptoms of Normal Birth? How does it start?
Each birth is a unique event as it occurs with different symptoms and stages. Since the structure of each mother and baby is different from each other, an estimated date range is given instead of giving an exact date for normal birth. Expectant mothers and fathers are advised to prepare their hospital bags before this time. The most common symptoms indicating the onset of normal labour are as follows;
- The arrival of pink-coloured and bloody fluid, also known as engagement among the people,
- Recurring contractions at regular intervals, with shorter intervals and increasing intensity,
- The amniotic fluid containing the baby starts to flow from the vagina,
- Lower back and back pain caused by contractions in the uterus,
- A feeling of lightness and relief in the abdomen and a feeling of pressure in the rectum as the baby passes into the birth canal,
- Frequent urge to urinate due to the baby pressing on the urinary bladder
After the above symptoms appear, expectant mothers are advised to call their doctor and go to the hospital without delay.
How is Normal Birth Done?
The completion of the birth process as well as the symptoms of normal birth can take place in a different scenario for each mother. But in general, normal birth consists of 3 different stages. The processes developing in these stages are as follows:
Stage 1 in Normal Birth: In the first stage of normal birth, it is seen that the uterine contractions begin in the expectant mother. While these contractions start with a mild intensity, they intensify and become more frequent in the following periods. In the meantime, the cervix opens, relaxes and softens. These changes allow the baby to move into the birth canal. With the opening of the cervix, viscous and pink-coloured discharges begin to come. With the baby coming into the birth canal, the expectant mother is recommended to do activities such as walking, exercise, shower or relaxing music that will make her feel comfortable. With the continuation of contractions, the cervix now expands up to 10 cm. The arrival of the water takes place at this time and the second stage of normal birth begins with nausea, cramps in the legs and intensified contractions in the mother.
Stage 2 in Normal Birth: The cervical opening of the cervix of the expectant mother is checked by the specialist doctor or midwife. If there is sufficient opening for birth, the expectant mother is asked to push the baby by pushing. Throughout this time, the expectant mother and the experienced birth team are in constant communication to ensure that the mother relaxes and does not panic. With pushing, the baby's head is first removed and then the body is removed. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and the umbilical cord is cut.
Stage 3 in Normal Birth: After the baby is born in a healthy way, it is reunited with its mother. In the last and 3rd stage of normal birth, the placenta is now expected to arrive. The placenta, also called the baby's mate among the people, undertakes the blood exchange between the mother and the baby during the whole pregnancy process. The placenta is usually expelled from the vagina within half an hour after birth. In this process when the uterus returns to its normal shape, contractions may continue. If the cervix does not open sufficiently during normal birth, an incision can be made by the doctor. In addition, tears in the uterus can also be seen during labour. In the 3rd stage of normal birth, such incisions or tears are carefully sutured by the specialist doctor after the placenta is expelled.
Although normal birth is completed in the 3 stages mentioned above, some births may not proceed according to plan. In different scenarios, such as the baby not being able to move to the birth position, the mode of delivery can be converted to caesarean section. In both cases, it is extremely important to remain calm in such moments, as the priority is the health of the mother and baby.
Benefits of Normal Birth
Although normal birth seems to be a frightening process among the public, it brings many benefits. It can be carried out in an extremely comfortable and easy way with a specialist doctor and team. The benefits of normal birth for mother and baby health are as follows:
Benefits of Normal Birth to Mother
- Since no surgical operation is performed during normal birth, the recovery period is much shorter and more comfortable.
- An intense amount of oxytocin hormone is secreted during normal labour. This hormone ensures that breast milk comes faster than a caesarean section.
- If there are no health problems in the mother and baby after normal birth, they can be discharged immediately.
- After the birth is over, there is no pain and pain in the expectant mother, while problems such as infection and complications are at a minimum level.
Benefits of Normal Birth to the Baby
- Since the mother does not receive any anaesthesia and recovers quickly, she can take care of her baby more easily.
- The speed at which the baby reaches breast milk is shorter compared to caesarean section.
- If there is no birth-related health problem in the mother and baby, the baby can start its normal routine as soon as possible.
Recovery Process After Normal Birth
If there are no health problems in the mother and baby after normal delivery, they can be discharged after 24 hours of observation. If there is no tear or incision during labour, the mother can return to her daily and social life very quickly. In case of stitches due to tears or incisions, it is recommended to be careful against infection and to move more slowly in the first few days. Puerperal bleeding, sitting and getting up, toileting and similar activities may cause pain, albeit at a minimum level. However, all bleeding and pain can disappear in a few weeks. For a period of 6 weeks, sexual intercourse is not recommended. In addition, in order for this area to recover faster, it is necessary to consume plenty of water and eat more fibre foods. Going to controls at the times requested by the doctor also accelerates the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Normal Birth
How Many Weeks Does Normal Birth Occur?
Normal birth can occur between 37th and 42nd weeks. However, since the pregnancy process of each mother is different from each other, the most accurate decision in this regard is determined by her doctor.
Is Normal Birth Very Painful?
Since the pain threshold and body structure of each expectant mother is different from each other, the amount of pain experienced may differ in everyone. Nowadays, epidural (regional) anaesthesia can sometimes be applied if needed to alleviate these pains.
How Many Days to Stay in the Hospital in Normal Birth?
If there is no problem during normal birth and there are no health problems in both mother and baby afterwards, a 24-hour observation period may be sufficient. At the end of this period, the mother and her baby can be discharged immediately.
