Natural delivery, or vaginal delivery, is appropriate for low-risk, healthy expectant moms who show no indication for a cesarean section
Natural delivery is a delivery method that humans have used for thousands of years. It is a time when mothers will have the most wonderful experience of seeing their little ones enter the world for the first time.
Compared to caesarean sections, natural births have several benefits, including safer for the mother and the child, requires shorter hospital stay and recovery time compared to cesarean section and improves the immune system of the baby.
Procedures
Natural delivery consists of 3 stages as follows:
- Dilation stage: During this stage, the mother will periodically experience period-like cramps. This stage may last from several hours to several days. Towards the end of this stage, the mother will feel more frequent and severe abdominal pain.
- Expulsion stage: During this phase, the mother will feel severe abdominal pain and have the urge to push. The mother must push the baby out through the vagina. This stage may last approximately 2-3 hours.
- Placental stage: During this stage, the mother will feel slight pain as the uterus contracts to expel the placenta. This stage may take approximately 1-2 hours.
Preparation for Natural Delivery
Preparation for natural delivery is as follows:
- Medical consultation for childbirth readiness assessment and delivery planning
- Physical examination
- Learning the steps and facts about natural delivery
- Emotional and mental preparation
Postpartum Self-care
After natural delivery, the mother needs to stay in the hospital for approximately 2-3 days and strictly follow the doctor’s instructions as follows.
- Take medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep the perineal wound clean and dry.
- Refrain from exercising or lifting heavy objects.
Advantages
- safe for both mother and baby
- requires shorter hospital stay and recovery time compared to cesarean section
- improves the immune system of the baby
Disadvantages
- Severe pain during delivery
- May take longer than an operative delivery
Conclusion
Natural birth is an experience that both mother and baby will remember for the rest of their lives. With good preparation and planning, natural delivery can be a safe and pleasant experience for the mothers.
