A normal delivery is usually safe for the mother and the baby. Here are a few tips for normal delivery and some exercises to help you prepare for it.
Research highlights that 85% of pregnant women can have a normal delivery, and only the remaining 15% may need a c-section due to medical reasons. But statistics show that more than 30% of pregnant women undergo a c-section, suggesting that elective cesarean delivery has become prevalent.
While a c-section looks like an easier choice, it requires an extended recovery period and could pose complications during and after delivery. Hence, a suitable delivery option should be chosen only after contemplating the pros and cons.
Read on to learn some tips that may help raise your chances of normal delivery and some ways to help ensure you go through the labor process smoothly.
What Factors Improve Your Chances Of A Normal Delivery?
Certain factors determine your ability to have a normal delivery. They may not guarantee a 100% result, though. You may have increased chances of a normal delivery if:
- You had a normal vaginal delivery in your previous pregnancies.
- You do not have any underlying health issues, such as asthma, which may aggravate during pregnancy and labor.
- You have an ideal weight, as being overweight could increase the chances of having a large baby and lower the chances of normal delivery.
- Your pregnancy is going smoothly without any complications.
- You are physically active throughout your pregnancy. The more physically fit you are, the higher are the chances of normal birth.
- Your physiological conditions, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and hemoglobin, are in control (3).
The above are the general health factors during pregnancy that influence your chances of having a normal delivery. You could also follow a few tips that could help increase the chances of normal delivery for you.
Tips For Normal Delivery
Normal vaginal delivery is the best way to give birth, both for the mother and child. And if you are hoping to go natural, you may follow these tips for a better outcome:
1. Stay away from stress:
It is common to feel stressed during pregnancy. It is advisable to avoid stress, anxiety, and random thoughts because negative emotions can turn the process of childbirth into a nightmare.
- Try any form of meditation that helps you feel comfortable.
- Read books, listen to music, and involve in visualization techniques.
- Remain in the company of good and friendly people.
- Stay away from people and situations that make you feel uncomfortable or negative.
2. Stay positive and refrain from negative birth stories:
You may come across both easy and difficult childbirth stories. Listening to negative stories would make you more anxious and may result in a panic attack.
- If a fellow mother happens to share her bad experience of childbirth, just walk away from her.
- Say no to gossips.
- Remember that not everyone has the same story of labor. Just because your friend had an unfortunate delivery does not mean you will have one.
3. Acquire knowledge about birthing:
Knowledge is power. Acquire as much knowledge as possible about labor and the delivery process.
- Get all your doubts about pregnancy and childbirth cleared by your doctor.
- Read books about childbirth.
- Talk to your mother or other older women in the family who can help you with their experience.
- Grab information on natural management techniques such as relaxation, breathing, and coping techniques.
- Enroll in antenatal classes.
However, do not be overwhelmed. Sometimes, too much information can also be a problem. When the time is right, the medical professional will help you get through the situation.
4. Build a strong support system:
Have enough emotional support. Have your partner, mother, and close friends around so that they are there to boost your confidence and allay your fears about normal delivery.
- Make sure you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to childbirth.
- Your family will stand by your side, but if you have any different views or ideas about pregnancy, do share them with them and come to a consensus.
- Having a support system can help take away the stress.
5. Choose your doctor wisely:
It is a sad fact that many doctors look for convenience and convince mothers to have a C-section. So, it is important to choose a doctor who will manage your pregnancy appropriately.
- Make sure your doctor and the clinic have a good rate of normal delivery.
- Talk to your doctor about their views on normal delivery.
- If you feel that your doctor may not respect your wish of having a normal delivery, look for another doctor.
6. Hire an experienced doula:
If you can find an experienced doula to help with your childbirth, that’s half the battle won!
- An experienced doula can be invaluable during labor and delivery.
- She can help you stay calm and be your advocate during labor.
- Post-birth, she helps you breastfeed the baby.
7. Regular perineal massage can help your body get ready for normal delivery.
- You can start doing perineal massage once you enter the seventh month.
- It helps you deal with labor and manage stress too.
- To massage the perineum, hook your thumb inside, and gently pull the lower part of the vagina outward and forward.
8. Stay hydrated:
Water is vital for your health, more so now that you are pregnant.
- Labor is hard for the body, and you’ll need extra water to stay hydrated. Your body gets a lot of stamina and energy with water, and you will be less likely to need intravenous fluids.
- You can also stock up on some fresh juices or healthy energy drinks to get your daily quota of fluids. This is one of the best tips to have a normal delivery.
9. Use water:
Apart from drinking water, you can also use it to make the labor process easier.
- Hydrotherapy can help beat stress and reduce discomfort and pain during labor.
- Fill the bathtub with water and soak in it for relief. Also, showers, birthing pools, and hot compresses could help ease pain and offer relaxation.
- Keep the water at room temperature to avoid any harm to your unborn baby.
10. Try the ice game:
If you want to know how best to cope with the birthing process, try the ice game that requires your partner’s participation too.
- Take turns to hold an ice cube in your hand for 60 seconds.
- The first time around, you can try holding the ice cube while talking to each other.
- Next, try holding the ice cube while walking around.
- Finally, hold an ice cube in complete silence for 60 seconds.
- It is a great way to gauge how long you can take the pain and cope with labor pain.
11. Keep a watch on your postures:
Keep your body aligned so that the baby can glide smoothly. Standing and sitting for extended periods, sleeping in awkward positions, and wearing high heels and tight belts could misalign your body.
- Sit with proper support to your back. There would be added pressure on your spine during pregnancy, and mishandling your body can only increase the pain.
- Sit with folded or stretched out legs as hanging them for too long can lead to swelling.
- Do not slouch when sitting or bending to lift things. Do not rush down or up the stairs.
12. Try not to put on excess weight:
Yes, it is important to achieve a decent amount of weight during pregnancy, but you don’t need to pile on the pounds. Overweight women can have problems during labor and may end up with a C-section.
- Obesity can make it difficult to monitor the baby during labor, making normal delivery difficult.
- If you are obese, your baby could be big, making it difficult for the baby to come out.
Food Tips For Normal Delivery
Your diet plays an important role in keeping you healthy, thus paving the way for a natural birth.
1. Eat right:
A healthy mother means a healthy baby.
- Your diet should consist of a healthy dose of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, legumes, and dairy.
- Choose dark green vegetables, a good amount of starchy food, and foods that are rich in protein.
- Your body needs extra iron during pregnancy, so make sure you eat an iron-rich diet.
- Avoid organ meat.
- Avoid foods that contain retinol.
- Consume seafood in moderate amounts.
- Reduce your intake of sugar.
- Avoid eating street food as they may contain bacteria, which could harm your health.
2. Include bromelain-rich foods:
Bromelain is an enzyme that can stimulate labor and soften the cervix.
- Fruits, such as mango and pineapple, are rich in bromelain.
- Consume raw bromelain-rich food for the best results.
- But do not consume these fruits in excess as you may go into premature labor.
3. Eat spicy food:
It may be an old wife’s tale, but many women swear by this trick !
- Spicy food can make your body warmer and encourage normal delivery.
- But some women may end up with a bad case of indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea due to spicy foods. If that is the case with you, avoid this and try something else!
A little bit of exercise never hurts anyone. Keeping yourself physically active during pregnancy aids in natural delivery.