Among the most significant decisions that expectant parents must make is which birthing method is best. Of course, in childbirth, there is no one-size-fits-all because every pregnancy and every birth and preference is different. Besides, knowing all the birth methods available, each of their benefits and challenges best equips you to make a good decision for yourself.
1. Vaginal delivery
Deliveries most commonly occur as a vaginal birth in which the baby travels along the birth canal into the world. Known as the "natural birth," in which no medical interventions are made, most vaginal births involve pain relief and assistance during the delivery.
Advantages of Vaginal Delivery:
- Recovery is much faster among mothers who deliver normally compared to the one who has a Caesarean.
- The risks of infection and surgical injury associated with delivery are less likely during natural births.
- Babies delivered vaginally tend to have fewer respiratory problems because the physical process assists in helping remove fluid from the baby's lungs.
Disadvantages of Vaginal Delivery:
- Labor is extremely painful by vaginal delivery. Most of the women find contractions and the pushing stage unbearable. The mother can be given epidurals or gas and air (nitrous oxide) for pain relief.
- There is always a risk of tearing during delivery, especially at the vagina, which would usually heal and sometimes can be sutured back.
Vaginal delivery is usually recommended for women who have low-risk pregnancies, but the decision in any such case depends on various factors such as the baby's size and position and the general health.
2. Caesarean Section — C-Section
A C-section, in short, is an operative procedure where the baby is removed from the uterus and the abdominal cavity of its mother through a surgical incision. Elective and emergency C-sections both deliver the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
Advantages of C-Section:
- Elective C-sections allow for better control over the timing of birth, highly convenient for parents.
- As this delivery goes over the birth canal, it does not expose the new mother to tearing or damage of the pelvic floor.
- In cases like placenta previa, multiple pregnancies (more than one baby), or if the baby lies in a breech position with its feet or bottom first, it's safest if he or she is delivered through a cesarean for the woman.
Disadvantages:
- Recovery after C-section delivery takes much longer than delivery by the vaginal route. The mother is likely to be in much more pain around the cut site and takes much longer to heal.
- With a C-section, there is the risk of developing infection, blood loss, and reaction to anesthesia.
Whatever it might be, it should also be thoroughly discussed with the understanding of what can be anticipated from the healthcare provider regarding the process and its implications postoperative as well as the risks that may accompany it.
3. Water Birth
This occurs where labor and in most cases delivery is performed in a warm birthing pool. Water can help so much to soothe and calm down the environment thus relieving pain as well as helping ensure that the baby drops gently to the world.
Benefits of water birth:
- This technique will help in pain relief, reduce the use of other analgesic drugs during labor that might cause more relaxation.
- Water allows for increased freedom for the mother; she can position herself as it suits her best.
- Since water floats, it does not weigh down or put pressure on the body thereby creating minimal damage to the perineal.
Disadvantages:
- No hospital allows a water birth. Not all the birthing centers present in hospitals are maternity centers.
- According to several medical practitioners, the risk of infection or the risk of respiratory trouble to the baby is a reporting factor. However, when the delivery happens with well-experienced professionals, this risk becomes close to negligible.
Water birth may become an alternative for women with low-risk pregnancies. Raise this issue with your midwife or doctor and get an opinion as to whether it would be safe in your current state of health.
4. Home birth
Another alternative is a home birth for those who would wish to deliver from the comfort of their surroundings. Here, a midwife or other trained health provider will accompany the mother for birth at home instead of a hospital or birthing centre.
Benefits of a home birth:
- The familiar environment can help the prospective mother feel relaxed as well as in control over the birth.
- These are very few medical interventions.
- Home deliveries can be individualised by midwives for special tastes or requirements and thus may provide one-to-one attentions.
Disadvantages:
- Home birth is reserved for low-risk pregnancies.
- Very small amount of pain relief.
Consider discussing a home birth with your provider to determine if it's safe for you and your baby. Be prepared for an emergency transfer to the hospital.
5. Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing is the practice of teaching a woman how to go into an open, receptive state using carefully controlled breathing combined with deep relaxation and self-hypnosis. As such, hypnobreathing techniques may be used in any birth setting but is particularly popular among women aiming for natural, medication-free delivery.
Advantages of Hypnobirthing:
- The technique is supposed to calm the mind and fear, which can make labor a positive experience.
- According to most reports, women who use hypnobirthing during birth report lower pain perception.
- Hypnobirthing can accompany either vaginal or C-section deliveries, hence making it the flexible tool.
Disadvantages:
- It calls for preparation from classes or self-study that requires several hours and dedications.
- Hypnobirthing is no guarantee that there would be no feeling of pain.
Hypnobirthing is a fantastic alternative for those women who want to have an empowered natural birth. Best though if the mother has practiced, has supportive birth partners, and healthcare providers.
6. Delivery Case
At other instances though, medical attention needs to be given to ensure that the baby will come out safely. This makes assisted birth necessary - where either forceps or a vacuum is utilised in assisting the baby's labor to the birth canal for a vaginal delivery.
Remember, nothing is right or wrong here. Do what feels the best for you and your baby.
Reviewed by
Dr. Swaparnika S N - Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, Milann - Sarjapur.
