NORMAL DELIVERY

May 9, 2022

Becoming pregnant is undoubtedly a dream come true for any woman, but delivering the little one can be an enormous challenge, and one must be prepared for it. Normal delivery is defined as the expulsion of the baby out of the womb through the vagina. The delivery options are natural unassisted delivery, assisted delivery, and delivery by Caesarean section. In assisted delivery, instruments like vacuum and forceps aid in delivery.

Delivery usually happens between 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy. A woman may experience “false pains” before entering into true labor. The term “false pains” is self-explanatory, as it doesn’t result in a delivery.

False pains are more common in the first pregnancy. It can be a precedent for true labor pain. Some of the features that help a woman recognize it as false pain are dull aching kinds of pain. On the contrary, real labor pain will be coming at more regular intervals and will increase in intensity. Hardening of the uterus also accompanies true labor pains. Taking a sedative or enema can relieve the false labor pain but accelerate true labor pains. 

SYMPTOMS OF NORMAL DELIVERY:

Getting close to the due date, one of the earliest and sure-shot signs of labor will be the actual labor pains or the “breaking of waters.” Then, there is a softening and widening of the mouth of the womb to allow the descent and delivery of the baby. It takes about 16-18 hours for delivery once the patient has gone into labor. In the first stage of labor, the mouth of the womb, termed as “cervix,” begins to thin and open up. The second stage follows the first stage. Next, the cervix widens up to 10 cm, and the uterus contracts with maximum intensity resulting in the baby’s delivery. Finally, the delivery of the placenta follows the delivery of the baby.

The post-delivery period is associated with changes like blood-stained discharge, breast engorgement, pain and discomfort at the stitch site, and constipation. In addition, the womb will take about 6 to 8 weeks to return to its normal size after delivery. 

TIPS FOR NORMAL DELIVERY:

Women have started opting for a cesarean to normal delivery as in cesarean; the baby can be born without maternal efforts. She also doesn’t have to endure the pain associated with normal delivery. But a natural delivery is associated with faster recovery and better healing. Moreover, being completely involved in the process, natural birth is also said to improve the mother-child bonding. A baby born vaginally also tends to have a lesser risk of breathing difficulties at birth.

Now, as women are more aware of the benefits of normal delivery compared to cesarean, it will be helpful to follow a few simple tips to achieve it.

One of the most effective tips is to stay as active as possible. Apart from household chores, one should regularly go for brisk walks or engage in yoga. Regular exercise tones the muscles and relieves the body of constant aches and pains. A particular exercise routine should be adopted only after discussing it with your gynecologist.

Attending prenatal classes can be very beneficial as the caregiver educates you about the physical changes one can expect at each stage of pregnancy and the specific routine followed during each phase.

Practicing deep breathing is another powerful way to alleviate labor pains and helps make the process a smooth ride.

Irrespective of whatever tips we follow, vaginal delivery can still be a traumatic experience due to labor pain. But nowadays, this is no longer a concern as labor analgesia is widely used for labor pain management.

Keeping stress at bay and getting adequate sleep can help a woman prepare herself for the days ahead. In addition, sleep improves the baby’s blood supply and helps enhance the baby’s weight.

Eating healthy throughout pregnancy is essential to maintaining an average body weight. It is best to avoid oily and deep-fried foods. Smoking and alcohol should be abandoned entirely.

Hence it goes beyond words that if we take sufficient efforts in the right direction, the journey of motherhood can no doubt be an enriching experience.

NORMAL DELIVERY IN BAHRAIN:

Al Hilal Hospital is the largest and fastest-growing chain of private healthcare providers in Bahrain, with five branches. Al Hilal Healthcare Group is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services at an affordable price to the people of Bahrain through a combination of superior medical technology and excellent clinical services. Its vision is to be the largest healthcare service provider in the region by catering to the needy at the most affordable rates.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has been providing comprehensive healthcare for women. As a result, the healthcare group has successfully given birth to new babies and new mothers through normal delivery.

NORMAL DELIVERY SPECIALIST IN BAHRAIN:

Al Hilal Healthcare group is equipped with several well-qualified and experienced Gynecologists. In addition, the doctors have gifted motherhood and parenthood to the patients through natural birth.