Written By: Dr Anitha Anchan | Updated : November 2, 2015 6:54 PM IST
Most women would want a natural delivery. As you approach your due date and look forward to holding your bundle of joy, the thought of the impending childbirth may make you anxious. Every delivery is unique. But knowing what to expect as you deliver your baby can help ease your apprehensions.
The method of giving birth naturally is termed vaginal delivery. It is the birth of babies through the vagina. Vaginal delivery can either be spontaneous or assisted.
Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery: In a spontaneous vaginal delivery, a pregnant woman goes into labour without any form of induction through use of drugs or procedures. The baby is delivered in the normal manner without any assisted intervention like incision, forceps or suction.
Assisted Vaginal Delivery: At times, an assisted vaginal delivery may be necessary. Labour in a pregnant woman may be induced with the use of drugs or techniques. The baby may be delivered vaginally with the use of vaginal incision (episiotomy) or the use of special instruments like forceps (forceps delivery) or a vacuum extractor (vacuum extraction).
1. Induced labour
An induced vaginal delivery is normal delivery involving induction of labour. Labour is initiated through drugs or manual techniques.
2. Episiotomy
An episiotomy is the enlargement of the vaginal opening through an incision. It is done to ease the birthing process. To widen the vaginal opening during labour, an incision is done over skin between the vagina and anal opening (perineum). This is done for easy delivery, to protect the perineum and at times the baby (particularly in the case of premature births) from injury. Situations that require an episiotomy can be:
Complications:
3. Vacuum extraction
Vacuum extraction (ventouse) is a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. Once the head is engaged in the birth canal, the baby is delivered vaginally with the assistance of a vacuum device (vacuum extractor). The suction cup of the device is correctly placed on the baby s head and a vacuum is created using a pump. The baby s head is then gently delivered down the birth canal as the mother s uterus contracts. Once the head is out, the rest of the baby is delivered normally. Situations that require vacuum extraction:
Complications:
4. Forceps delivery
In forceps delivery the baby s head is delivered through the vagina with the help of obstetric forceps. The forceps hasve two curved spoon-like branches that are inserted into the vagina and positioned firmly around the baby s head. If needed, the position of the baby's head is corrected. An episiotomy may be performed if necessary. The baby s head is then delivered with a gentle pull. Once the head is out, the rest of the baby is delivered normally. This method can help reduce delivery time and in certain cases, avoid C-section. Situations that require forceps delivery:
Complications:
Doctors usually recommend a Caesarean section (C-section) if the baby cannot be delivered through a normal vaginal delivery. It is a surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother s abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies.
You may also like to read:
Induced labour 10 important facts you can t miss!
Epidural anaesthesia: 8 things you need to know before opting for it
5 things that happen to you after delivery that no one speaks about
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