Normal Delivery

Understanding Normal Delivery

Childbirth is a natural event that has been perfected over thousands of years. For most women, it is entirely possible to have a normal vaginal delivery, with the right support, preparation, and guidance. At Sahaj Hospital, we support the natural childbirth process, emphasizing a holistic approach that includes emotional, physical, and medical care to ensure the best outcome. Our team believes that more than 95% of women are capable of having a normal delivery, provided they follow the right steps during pregnancy and labor.

While we acknowledge that there are cases where medical intervention might be necessary, our primary focus is on helping women prepare for a normal delivery. We work with expectant mothers to provide the right information, guidance, and encouragement throughout their pregnancy, helping them remain calm and confident as they approach the big day.

Key Steps to a Successful Normal Delivery

1. Balanced Diet at Every Stage of Pregnancy
   Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential during pregnancy. The right nutrition supports both you and your baby’s growth, ensuring a smoother labor process. Nutrients like iron, calcium, protein, and folic acid are crucial for your baby’s development and your energy levels during delivery.
   
   

2. Active Lifestyle and Exercise
   A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to complications during labor. We recommend that women maintain an active lifestyle by engaging in regular, brisk walking. This simple yet effective exercise helps strengthen muscles and encourages the baby’s descent into the birth canal, making delivery easier.
   
   

3. Hydration
   Drinking plenty of water, approximately 8 to 10 glasses a day, is vital during pregnancy. Staying hydrated supports overall health, reduces swelling, and prevents dehydration, which can cause fatigue during labor.
   
   

4. Gentle Exercises for Flexibility
   Exercises such as pelvic floor exercises, yoga, and stretching are beneficial for preparing your body for childbirth. These exercises help keep the body fit, flexible, and ready for labor, ensuring the baby’s descent is as smooth as possible.
   
   

5. Emotional Well-being
   Pregnancy can bring its own emotional challenges. However, it is crucial to remain emotionally positive and stress-free during this time. A calm, happy mindset plays a significant role in reducing labor pain and supporting a smoother birth. Engaging in activities like listening to calming music, meditating, or spending time with loved ones can help you stay relaxed and focused.
   
   

6. Avoiding Excessive Tests and Worries
   While it’s important to monitor your pregnancy and seek medical advice when necessary, constantly worrying about tests, scans, and results can create unnecessary anxiety. We encourage our expectant mothers to trust their bodies, their doctors, and their hospital care team. Stressing over minor issues can prevent you from fully enjoying the pregnancy experience.
   
   

7. Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
   When selecting your doctor, midwife, or hospital, it’s essential to ensure they support your wish for a normal delivery. You should inquire about the hospital’s normal delivery rates and the experience of the healthcare professionals involved in your care. At Sahaj Hospital, we are committed to providing a supportive and encouraging environment for your delivery.
   
   

8. Creating a Birth Plan
   Having a birth plan in place can be extremely beneficial for your comfort and peace of mind. A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences and expectations for your labor and delivery. It allows you to communicate your wishes with your healthcare team ahead of time, ensuring that everyone is aligned on your goals for the birth experience. We encourage expectant mothers to discuss their birth plan with their doctor or midwife to ensure a smooth delivery.
   
   

9. Childbirth Education Classes
   Attending a childbirth education class like Lamaze can make a world of difference during pregnancy and labor. These classes provide valuable knowledge about the stages of labor, pain management techniques, and the importance of staying calm and confident during delivery. The right instructor will guide you through exercises and relaxation techniques that can help you manage pain and feel in control of your delivery experience.

Benefits of Normal Vaginal Delivery

Choosing normal delivery has many advantages over cesarean delivery, especially when it comes to recovery and overall health. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Shorter Hospital Stays
  Women who undergo normal vaginal delivery typically experience shorter hospital stays compared to cesarean deliveries. This allows new mothers to recover more quickly and bond with their babies in the comfort of their own home.
  
  

• Lower Infection Rates
  Normal vaginal delivery involves fewer risks of infection compared to a cesarean section. There is no surgical incision, reducing the chances of complications such as wound infections.
  
  

• Faster Recovery
  The recovery time for a normal delivery is generally much faster than for a cesarean. Women can return to their normal activities sooner, both physically and emotionally.
  
  

• Reduced Risk of Postoperative Hemorrhage
  Hemorrhage risks are lower with normal delivery, as there is no surgery involved. This allows mothers to recover more smoothly after giving birth.