How to Increase Your Chances of Having a Normal Delivery

Did you know that statistically around 33% of women have a C-section instead of vaginal delivery due to a lack of knowledge? So, if you are wondering whether you can have a normal delivery, you are at the right place. It may not be the right option for everyone, but you can increase your chances of having vaginal delivery with these simple tips.

Vaginal or normal delivery is nothing but delivering the baby through the vagina with no necessity for surgical intervention. It typically occurs between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. To ensure vaginal birth, your cervix needs to dilate properly. Cervix dilation will start at the time of uterus contractions. The cervix needs to dilate up to 10 cm for vaginal delivery.

Many pregnant women prefer to have a normal delivery instead of a C-section because it carries fewer risks of complications. Recovery time is also shorter, usually just a few days to a week, whereas women who have a C-section need to rest for at least 6 weeks. Although there may be less pain during a C-section delivery, the real challenges come after the surgery.

The 9th month of pregnancy is the final stage of the third trimester. If you are close to your due date, you must also think about your delivery method. You might even be feeling anxious about it. Although it is very common and understandable, remind yourself to stay calm. Here are some tips for normal delivery in the 9th month to help you prepare for the big day.

• Continue your regular prenatal yoga to treat common discomforts like back and ankle pains. Additionally, squatting can help to strengthen pelvic muscles.
• Eating balanced food, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated can be vital in the third trimester.
• You can learn about the normal delivery process and prepare yourself mentally. Birth classes can help, too.
• Try to avoid negative or stressful labour stories that can induce stress and enjoy a happy time with your family.

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy diet is the first key to normal delivery. Follow the given tips throughout the pregnancy. 

• Eat a variety of foods to fulfil your pregnancy cravings.
• Along with taking supplements like folic acid and iron tablets, focus on complete nutrition.
• To increase energy levels, include whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
• Vitamin C and vitamin B-12-rich foods are needed for a healthy pregnancy.
• Calcium-rich foods are important for muscle strengthening, which helps in normal delivery.
• Limit your intake of packaged, high-sugar, and processed junk foods.
• Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, which helps in the baby's brain development.
• Also, having dates in the last month of pregnancy can help you have a shorter labour duration.

Exercise and Physical Activity

There is a myth that excessive physical activity and exercise harm the baby's growth. But in fact, normal daily physical activity is necessary to have a normal delivery. Swimming, squatting, walking, and prenatal yoga help you stay fit during delivery.

Evidence shows that pregnant women who engage in physical activities are less likely to experience postnatal problems. Muscle-strengthening movements like pelvic floor exercises help you push your baby easily during labour. However, you should start exercising slowly and in comfortable positions.

Preparing your body for childbirth is crucial for a smoother, more manageable delivery and faster recovery. Focusing on physical fitness helps build strength, improve flexibility, and boost stamina, which are vital during labour. It also reduces the risk of complications and promotes better postpartum recovery. Here are some key exercises designed to strengthen your body and prepare it for the challenges of childbirth.

Kegel Exercises

Pelvic muscles play a vital role in normal delivery. Hence, pregnant women must strengthen their pelvic muscles through regular workouts. Kegel exercises help a lot in tightening these muscles. The perfect technique to do Kegels is imagining that you are sitting on a marble and you're tightening your pelvic muscles to lift it. Keeping this in mind, tighten your muscles and relax them immediately. Repeat the same process at least three times daily. When you are doing Kegels, be careful of your abdominal muscles, and if you feel any discomfort, please stop the exercise immediately.

Perineal Massage

Perineal massage helps stretch the muscles around the vagina which can be very beneficial during labour. Not to mention, you will find it very relaxing too. This massage can be done with the help of your partner. He may use his index finger to massage your perineal instead of his thumb. In case you are doing it yourself, use your thumb for convenience. You can place your thumb just inside the back wall of your vagina and apply pressure down towards your perineum. If you find it uncomfortable or painful, please stop immediately.

To increase the chances of having a normal delivery, you can try the following tips

• Thinking about good times with your loved ones can reduce your stress levels. It's important to keep a calm mind throughout pregnancy.
• Surround yourself with positive people and avoid situations that make you uncomfortable.
• Always choose a healthy diet over junk foods or unhealthy packaged foods.
• Focus on exercises and physical movements. But do it at your convenience.
• Learn about birthing to prepare mentally for normal child delivery. You can take childbirth classes and consult experienced mothers to gather helpful information about normal childbirth.
• Getting enough sleep is the most important thing during pregnancy. Get plenty of restful sleep to stay well-prepared until your baby arrives safely.
• Also, stay in touch with your gynaecologist and keep them posted about your health updates.
• Last but not least, drink a lot of water. Remember, your baby needs it too.

Staying Active and Upright During Labour

Staying active during labour is very important for a normal delivery. You must be in an upright position during labour for a better outcome. This helps the baby get a constant supply of oxygen.

Additionally, using rocking chairs can help pregnant women stay upright. When you are active and upright at the time of delivery, you are likely to have a shorter labour. You might not even need an epidural anaesthesia.

Before labour, you should walk around the room to help the baby descend closer to the vagina.

Breathing Techniques and Relaxation

It is common to feel stressed and anxious during labour. But these breathing and relaxation techniques can help you stay calm and focus on the aby's arrival.

1. Expand your lungs while inhaling, hold it, and then exhale slowly.
2. Abdominal breathing is another important technique to expand your abdominal walls. Remember to practice this technique with your mouth closed.
3. By keeping your hands on your rib cage, follow the chest breathing technique with continuous inhaling and exhaling.
4. Open your mouth and take quick, short breaths. This technique is called panting because it resembles dog panting.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Pregnancy and labour are never easy without a supportive family and someone to take care of you. Also, creating a supportive environment during labour is necessary.

Maintain healthy relationships with your gynaecologist, nurses, and other supporting staff. Clear your doubts before labour starts, and stay calm during childbirth.

When you have a support system around you, you will find it much easier to have a normal childbirth.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Your experience of a normal childbirth depends on your healthcare team. So it is crucial to have a good team around you. Ideally, you should start looking for them as soon as you are pregnant. Your healthcare team includes gynaecologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and paediatricians for your baby's care. A good healthcare team is important because they will guide you throughout your pregnancy.