What Is Vaginal Birth
A vaginal birth, also known as a normal birth, is the natural process through which pregnancy is completed and the baby is brought into the world. It is a complex yet physiological function of the female body, which usually begins between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy. Vaginal birth is considered safe for both the mother and the newborn when it progresses without complications, and it offers important benefits, such as faster maternal recovery and the ability to start breastfeeding immediately.
Symptoms – Signs
Labour is a complex process that is indicated by a range of signs, which may vary from woman to woman. During the last weeks of pregnancy, the female body prepares for the upcoming birth through various changes—psychological but mainly physical. The most common symptoms before labour include the following:
● lightening. The baby’s head descends into the pelvis, giving the woman more room to breathe and relieving heartburn. In first-time mothers, this usually happens 2–4 weeks before labour, whereas in women who have given birth before, it often occurs almost at the same time as labour begins.
● pelvic pressure. After lightening, the woman may feel discomfort and lower back pain. Pressure on the pubic bone and the spine can lead to pain, while increased pressure on the bladder may cause the need to urinate frequently.
● vaginal discharge. A softened cervix may cause increased vaginal discharge that looks like egg white.
● weight loss of 0.5 to 1.5 kg due to fluid loss a few days before labour.
● increased energy during the last month of pregnancy.
● diarrhoea, indigestion, and nausea, which may be caused by prostaglandins produced by the body before labour.
● blood-stained mucus discharge of a thick substance that sealed the cervix during pregnancy.
● rupture of membranes. This is the well-known “waters breaking”, which occurs when the amniotic sac ruptures due to contractions or during labour.
● regular contractions at regular intervals, which become stronger and do not subside with movement.
Process - Stages
A vaginal birth is divided into three stages: the stage of cervical dilatation (during which dilatation may occur either without an epidural, or with epidural anaesthesia for effective pain relief and to help maintain muscle strength for the next stage), the stage of pushing and the stage of delivery of the placenta.
Stage of DilatationThe first stage of labour is divided into three phases:
● latent phase: This phase is the longest and easiest period of labour. During it, the cervix gradually effaces and dilates to 3–4 centimetres. Contractions are mild, last 20 to 60 seconds, and become increasingly frequent and stronger. During this phase, the blood-stained mucus discharge may appear or the waters may break.
● active phase: In this phase, the cervix dilates more quickly. Contractions intensify, last 45–60 seconds, and increase in frequency. If it has not already happened, rupture of the membranes may occur. It is worth noting that this phase is usually short and the cervix will soon become fully dilated.
● transition phase: This phase lasts about 1–2 hours, during which the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimetres. Contractions are very strong, last 60–90 seconds, and come every 2–3 minutes. The woman will feel significant pressure in the lower back and perineum and may feel the urge to push, while at the same time feeling weak.
Stage of Pushing
The second stage of labour starts from full cervical dilatation until the baby is born. It usually lasts about one hour in women giving birth for the first time and about 20 minutes in women who have given birth before. Contractions occur every 2 to 4 minutes and last from 60 to 90 seconds. Although it is shorter, this is the most tiring and demanding period. At this stage, the woman often ignores the pain because she feels an intense need to push, and thus takes an active role in the birth process. However, the doctor or midwife will guide her on when to begin pushing.
Stage of Delivery of the Placenta
The third stage of labour begins with the birth of the baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This stage usually lasts 3 to 5 minutes, although it can take up to 30 minutes, which is considered normal. Immediately after the baby is born, the vagina and the perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus) are examined for any tears or injuries and, if present, they are repaired with absorbable stitches. At this stage, skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother and the immediate initiation of breastfeeding are encouraged, strengthening the bond between mother and newborn and, at the same time, reducing the risk of bleeding, as nipple stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.
Caesarean or Vaginal Birth
The choice between a vaginal birth and a caesarean birth is a personal decision that should be made with your doctor’s agreement, after evaluating any medical conditions that may require one method of delivery or the other. A vaginal birth is the natural method of giving birth, with advantages such as faster maternal recovery, a stronger emotional bond between mother and baby, and a lower likelihood of future complications for the mother and the child. On the other hand, a caesarean section is a safe and effective surgical procedure, especially in high-risk cases (multiple pregnancy, placental abruption, breech or transverse fetal presentation), offering safety for both mother and baby and protection from injuries. However, recovery after a caesarean may be slower.
For more information, please contact the doctor and schedule your appointment.
