Vaginal delivery is the most common and natural method of childbirth, offering a range of benefits for both mothers and babies. While the process is generally safe, understanding the stages of vaginal delivery, the advantages of vaginal birth and the risks involved can help you make informed decisions about your birth plan. From the early signs of labor to the final moments of delivery, each stage presents unique experiences and challenges. Knowing what to expect during labor and delivery can ease anxiety and ensure that you feel empowered and prepared for the big day.
Despite its benefits, vaginal birth complications can arise, and it’s essential to recognize the potential risks. Whether it’s postpartum hemorrhage, tearing, or more serious complications like shoulder dystocia, being aware of these factors helps expectant parents take proactive measures. In this article, we’ll explore the stages of vaginal delivery, the advantages that make it the preferred choice for many, and the complications that can arise, offering a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.
What Is A Vaginal Delivery?
Vaginal delivery or labor is the process through which the uterus expels a fetus through the vagina, and it begins spontaneously. The infant should be born spontaneously between 37 to 42 completed weeks of gestation.(1)
How Common Are Vaginal Deliveries In India?
According to the studies done it is shown that the percentage of normal delivery is around 80% in India highest in Telangana and around 70% all over the world. (2)
What Are The Types of Vaginal Delivery?
Vaginal delivery means delivering the fetus through the vagina in a specific period of gestation. But not always it happen on its own, the labor might need some external medications.
The types of vaginal delivery mainly depend upon the position and lie of the fetus’s presentation. Sometimes it becomes difficult to deliver the baby vaginally even after assessing everything prior because of obstructed labor.
There are three types of vaginal deliveries. (3)
- Spontaneous vaginal delivery
- Induced vaginal delivery
- Assisted vaginal delivery
What Are The Stages Of a Vaginal Delivery?
Vaginal delivery is divided into 3 stages which take place one after the other with the addition of one other stage which is for observation. (4)
1. Labor
Normal labor may seem simple, but it is divided into three stages. If healthcare providers do not properly monitor these stages, complications may arise.
- Active – This is the stage of labor where the cervical dilatation goes from 3 to 6 cm. This is the stage of labor where the mother asks for epidural anesthesia since the pain increases and becomes unbearable (5)
- Early – this is the stage of labor where the cervical dilatation starts and lasts till 4 cm with the thinning of the cervix which is called effacement (6).
- Transitional- in this stage of labor, the cervical dilatation from 4 cm to 10 cm is there. Here the contraction increases and the woman in labor feels like pushing from down. (7)
2. Birth
It starts from full dilatation of the cervix till the delivery of the baby. In this stage, the woman feels like passing motion and pushing from down and she starts to push from down. Here, the health care providers help the mother deliver the baby through simple maneuvers.(8)
3. Delivering the Placenta
This stage is also known as parturition. It starts after the baby’s delivery and lasts until the placenta’s delivery. It generally lasts 30 minutes.
Risks Of Having A Vaginal Delivery
The vaginal delivery is a safe procedure but still it can have some complications which can lead to an emergency. (9)
- Failure to progress of labor which can lead to emergency cesarean delivery
- Fetal heart rate can be abnormal which can cause distress to the fetus
- Bleeding which can be severe
- Infection
- Vaginal tears which can be painful
- Postpartum eclampsia
When To Avoid Vaginal Delivery
Though vaginal delivery is the most common form of childbirth, still there are some conditions where we must avoid vaginal delivery. When to avoid vaginal delivery is to be determined by the last ultrasound which is done around 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. The exact method of delivery should be decided by the obstetrician and to be discussed with the mother. When vaginal delivery is contraindicated then c-section is the best method of delivery
The conditions are-
- Breech presentation
- Placenta previa
- Eclampsia
- Cardiac disorders
- Infection in the vagina
Advantages Of A Vaginal Delivery
Vaginal delivery is a safe form of childbirth. More often the doctor discharges the mother and child on the same day or the next day post-vaginal delivery. This reduces the risk of iatrogenic infections for both the mother and the child. Vaginal delivery can have lots of advantages in both mother and the fetus. From earlier times before c section was introduced the mothers used to give birth vaginally.
The Advantage Of Mother
- Shorter recovery time
- Breastfeeding can be started immediately
- Less chance of next pregnancy problems
The Advantages Of Fetus
- Early breastfeeding will reduce the chance of hypoglycemia in babies.
- Early Breastfeeding also strengthens the immune system.
- Decreases the likelihood of respiratory problems.
Side Effects Can I Expect After a Vaginal Delivery
Some changes happen generally after giving birth which are physical or emotional. But the vaginal delivery per se has some side effects.
- Engorgement of breasts
- Constipation
- Vaginal bleeding
- Mood swings
- Soreness in the vagina or the surrounding genital areas
- Leakage of urine
- Cramps
What To Expect Post Vaginal Delivery
Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in an unimaginable way possible. The body structure, and skin texture change but the major change occurs on the emotional front. The changes continue post-delivery and can have a delirious effect on her. Let’s discuss in detail the problem a woman faces post-delivery. (10)
1. Vaginal Soreness
During the normal delivery there can be vaginal tears which can be larger or smaller. Sometimes to smoothen the delivery, the doctor can give a surgical cut which is called episiotomy at the vagina. This pain in the vaginal region takes 2 to 3 weeks to resolve.
The methods which helps the mother to ease the pain are as follows : (11)
- Sit on the sitz bath which helps in resolving the pain
- Sit on the donut or the padded surface
- Pain can also be there during passing stools, so stool softener should used
- Use pain-relieving medication
- Ice packs should be used in the perineal region
If the pain lasts for a longer time and it is severe then the patient should go for a checkup because it can mean she is having an infection.
2. Vaginal Discharge
Post delivery for about 6 weeks the woman can have a vaginal discharge which is normal and is known as lochia. The lochia is different every 10 days. Immediate post delivery the discharge is more bloody and looks like menstrual blood, following which it is less blood-tinged, followed by it becoming yellowish and lastly it becomes watery. If the discharge lasts more than 6 weeks and it becomes profuse and has a foul smell then the woman should go to the doctor for a checkup, since again it indicates infection. (12)
3. Afterpains
Afterpains are the contractions that a woman experiences post-delivery. The pain is similar to the cramps during menstruation. The pain is due to breastfeeding which releases a hormone called oxytocin in the body. If the pain increases, the individual should take pain-relieving medication after consulting the doctor. It resolves on its own after a few months. (13)
4. Constipation and Diarrhea
The bowel issues can be a problem for the woman post-delivery. Sometimes it is painful due to tears in the vagina. There can be either constipation or diarrhea which again depends upon the individual. The constipation can lead to hemorrhoid formation which again can cause pain and blood loss. The doctor prescribe laxatives to the woman and recommends a healthy diet with plenty of fiber. (14)
5. Trouble Peeing
After vaginal birth, there can be a weakness in the perineal muscles so there can be leakage of urine when doing any strenuous work. The women might need to wear sanitary pads to avoid getting embarrassed. There are some exercises like kegel exercises which can help regain the strength of the genital muscles. (15)
6. Breast Swelling and Soreness
Since post-delivery the woman starts breastfeeding, there can be a lot of problems during breastfeeding that the mother faces. There can be emotional problems due to pain during breastfeeding in the initial days, this problem resolves on its own as the mother gets used to the breastfeeding practice.
The breast should be emptied every 2 hours otherwise the breast will be swollen with the filled milk the breast will be hard and the woman will be experiencing pain in the breast.
Proper knowledge of breastfeeding should be given in the hospital so that the mother doesn’t face all these problems. The breast should be emptied with the help of a breast pump which helps the release of the milk painlessly. (16)
7. Postpartum Depression
As already discussed earlier, delivery does not only affect the woman physically but it also has a lot of emotional effects. In the initial 2 to 3 weeks the woman might feel low which is known as postpartum blues. If this lasts for more than that then consultation with the psychiatrist should be done. The symptoms may be constant lows, crying, anxiety attacks, not feeding the baby, and feeling detached from the baby. (17)
When To Consult a Doctor?
After delivery within 3 to 4 weeks, the woman should go for a checkup. If there are any problems which are mentioned above the patient should go to the doctor immediately. Then again after 60 to 65 days post-delivery, the patient should undergo a checkup and at that moment the couple should undergo contraception counseling. (18)
During each checkup, there are certain points that the patient should discuss with the health care professionals. They are-
- How are the sleeping patterns
- How is the mood of the mother? Is she undergoing any depressive episodes?
- Baby care and breastfeeding
- Contraceptive counseling
- Birth spacing
- When to have intercourse
- How the patient is adjusting to the new life and the changes
These checkups are not only about the physical checkup of the woman but also the emotional understanding of the woman to the adjustment of the new life. The health care professional should understand by the discussion how the woman is feeling and what she is going through.
When the mother is caring for her newborn she might sometimes forget to take care of herself. But not only the newborn but also the new mother needs some caring and pampering to cope with all the hormonal changes that occur. So not only the patient but also her surroundings should take care of the new mother and should know when to get help from the professional.
FAQ’s
1. How Long After Vaginal Delivery Can You Have Sex?
Obstetricians generally advise couples to wait 6 weeks post-delivery before having intercourse. However, if the couple feels comfortable once the vaginal bleeding stops, they can resume intercourse, provided they use proper contraception.
2. How Long Do You Bleed After a Vaginal Delivery?
Bleeding per vagina post-vaginal delivery depends on person to person. Generally, it lasts for 6 weeks post vaginal birth but it can stop before 6 weeks.
3. How Long Does It Take To Heal From Vaginal Delivery?
The healing post-vaginal delivery is faster than that of recovery from c-section. But there can be vaginal soreness, swelling, difficulty in passing motion, and difficulty in sitting can be there which can be resolved within 2 weeks post delivery.
Reference
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