Updates throughout to text, information, guidelines, formatting and sources, and new medical review.
After nine months, you know what to expect from pregnancy but what about when youre laboring and delivering?
While every birth is different, a vaginal birth is the most common form of delivery.
Heres what you’re able to expect leading up to, during and after those hours of childbirth.
What is a vaginal birth?
Vaginal births tend to be the safest form of delivery for both mother and child.
How do you prepare for a vaginal birth?
While its impossible to plan for every aspect of yourlabor and delivery, it never hurts to be prepared.
You may wonder: Does pushing hurt more than contractions?
Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta
The hardest part is over.
Your doctor will examine it as well as your uterus to be sure everythings as expected.
Pain relief and medication during a vaginal birth
A vaginal birth doesnt have to be a pain.
A number of medications can manage your labor pain.
You may feel an immediate bond with your baby, or you may feel somewhat detached.
Both responses are completely normal.
No matter how you feel now, you will come to love your baby intensely.
How long does it take to heal after giving birth?
How fastyour vagina will recover after birthvaries based on a lot of factors.
What is the difference between a natural birth and a vaginal birth?
Anatural birthis a vaginal birth that occurs without using medication.
A vaginal birth, on the other hand, can include pain medications like laughing gas or an epidural.
Be aware of the risks and know that not every woman is a good candidate.
And you should definitely have a physician or certified midwife present.
What if you’re gonna wanna be induced?
Once your contractions are in full swing, your labor should progress just like a non-induced labor.
What if you want a vaginal birth but need a C-section?
What is vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC)?
Talk to your practitioner about whats safest for you and your baby.
How long does it take to recover after a vaginal birth?
Getting the help you need is essential for both you and your baby.
