Choose a topic to read

• What is vaginal delivery?
• What are the types of vaginal delivery?
• What are the risks of having a vaginal delivery?
• When should I avoid vaginal delivery?
• What side effects can I expect after a vaginal delivery?
• How quickly can I recover from vaginal delivery?
• How can I prepare for a vaginal delivery?

What is vaginal delivery?

A vaginal delivery is when the baby is born through the vagina. It typically occurs spontaneously when the baby is ready, triggering the labor process for a natural delivery. In some cases, a doctor may consider using medication to induce labor, such as when you are past your due date for delivery.

What are the types of vaginal delivery?

• Spontaneous vaginal delivery: A natural birth process without the aid of labor-inducing medications, where the body orchestrates the labor and delivery process independently.
• Induced vaginal delivery: This method employs drugs or other techniques to stimulate labor and prepare the cervix for childbirth.
• Assisted vaginal delivery: Guided by medical instruments such as forceps or vacuum devices, this approach aids in safely guiding the baby through the birth canal. It can accompany both spontaneous and induced vaginal deliveries.

What are the stages of a vaginal delivery?

Vaginal delivery consists of three stages: labor, birth, and delivery of the placenta.

1. Labor commences with the onset of regular uterine contractions and culminates when the cervix reaches full dilation at 10 centimeters. The labor has three stages: Early, Active, and Transitional labor.

• Early labor: During this stage, uterine contractions commence, and the cervix begins to dilate and efface, typically reaching up to 5 centimeters.
• Active labor: Contractions become more intense and frequent, lasting up to one minute and occurring every three minutes. This stage is when pregnant individuals may request an epidural for pain relief; doctors might administer oxytocin to accelerate labor.
• Transitional labor: This stage occurs when the cervix dilates almost to 10 centimeters. Contractions become more forceful and rapid, lasting over a minute. The body may have symptoms like sweating, vomiting, and shaking, which are precursors to childbirth.

2.Birth commences when the cervix reaches full dilation at 10 cm. and concludes with the emergence of your baby through the vaginal canal. Characterized by intense contractions and the instinctual urge to push, this stage of labor may evoke sensations of pressure or the feeling of a bowel movement. The duration of this phase varies, ranging from a few minutes to several hours. Typically, childbirth progresses more swiftly for individuals with previous vaginal delivery experiences.

3.Placenta delivery starts once your baby has been born through the vaginal canal. It is the process of expulsion of the placenta from the uterus. It can extend for up to 30 minutes after childbirth.

What are the risks of having a vaginal delivery?

• Failure to progress: This occurs when labor slows or halts and cervical dilation ceases. In such cases, your doctor may consider oxytocin to stimulate contractions and facilitate labor progression or opt for a C-section.
• Irregular fetal heart rate: Compression of the baby's head or umbilical cord may cause a decrease in fetal heart rate.
• Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after childbirth poses a risk. In some instances, bleeding may not occur until several hours after delivery. It is usually secondary to inadequate uterine contraction.
• Vaginal tears: Tears in the tissues surrounding the vagina and anorectum may occur during childbirth, requiring medical attention.

When should I avoid vaginal delivery?

A vaginal delivery may be contraindicated and should be substituted by a C-section delivery if:

• The baby is in a breech presentation.
• You are diagnosed with placenta previa or encounter issues with placental health.
• You have genital lesions resulting from the herpes simplex virus.
• You have preexisting chronic health conditions.

What are the benefits of a vaginal delivery?

• Benefits for the mother include:
• • Faster recovery time.
  • Prompt initiation of lactation.
  • Diminished likelihood of subsequent pregnancy complications such as infections or postpartum hemorrhage.
• Benefits for the baby encompass:
• • Decreased risk of respiratory conditions.
  • Enhanced immune system development.
  • Higher probability of successful breastfeeding.

Is a vaginal delivery painful?

Vaginal delivery can be painful. A common method for pain management involves administering an epidural block, which effectively numbs the lower body from the waist downwards.

What side effects can I expect after a vaginal delivery?

Following a vaginal delivery, you may encounter a range of physical and emotional adjustments, including:

• Breast engorgement
• Cramping due to uterine contraction
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Lochia
• Mood fluctuations
• Vaginal pain and soreness from episiotomy
• Headaches, hot flashes, or sweating due to hormonal shifts
• Postpartum depression or baby blues may occur due to hormonal fluctuations. You may feel sad or tearful. If your symptoms persist or intensify, consult with your doctor.

How quickly can I recover from vaginal delivery? 

How fast you can recover depends on the delivery process, the presence and severity of vaginal tears, and complications during and after pregnancy.

If you have a torn vagina, everyday activities such as using the bathroom, sitting, and standing may be uncomfortable. Most people experience swelling, itching, bruising, and soreness in the vaginal area for 1-2 weeks after childbirth. Consult your doctor if you can apply cold compresses as a relief. It is important to prioritize self-care and allow sufficient time for your body to heal.

Vaginal tissues, though resilient, can tear and necessitate repair if delivery is rapid or forceful.  Up to 70 percent of first-time mothers have a vagina or cervix torn during vaginal delivery. However, the vagina and cervix benefit from a robust blood supply, facilitating rapid healing with minimal scarring, thereby mitigating the risk of long-term complications.

How does lochia stop after a vaginal delivery?

Lochia may last 4-6 weeks after childbirth. Bleeding can also occur for several weeks. If your bleeding increases, consult with your doctor.

How soon can I have sex after vaginal delivery?

Your body needs some time to heal. You should wait at least six weeks to have sexual intercourse. After a postpartum visit, you should also consult with your doctor about sexual intercourse and birth control options.

How can I prepare for a vaginal delivery?

Before childbirth, you may familiarize yourself with the labor and delivery process, pain management techniques, and postpartum care and a hospital bag with essentials for labor and postpartum recovery, including comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, and any items for relaxation or comfort.

A note from MedPark Hospital;s doctor

The journey of childbirth is both exhilarating and transformative. A vaginal or natural delivery is generally considered low risk. Mothers who choose MedPark Hospital can rest assured that they will receive the highest level of care and attention to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.