Normal delivery

There is an ongoing debate regarding what must be regarded as a normal delivery and what is to be considered as a deviation from it. Normal birth or normal delivery is commonly defined as a healthy duration pregnancy with the onset of birth occurring between weeks 37 and week 42. Normal delivery poses lower health risks to the mother and the infant.

According to WHO, 70 to 80% of the women fall under this category. The characteristic of normal delivery is that labour is induced on its own and is also allowed to progress in this manner. It consists of free movements and free positioning of the mother to best facilitate childbirth with ease.

Following normal delivery, the mother and the infant are in absolute health and do not require prolonged hospitalisation. The infant is sent with the mother immediately and both are allowed to spend time incessantly without being worried about any health concerns or being troubled by any underlying medical conditions.

Every woman experiences pregnancy quite differently, both physically, mentally and emotionally. But, certain signs and symptoms are experienced by all, which are indicative of a normal delivery. These symptoms are:

• Strong, regular contractions. (Read more: Contractions during pregnancy)
• Severe pain and cramping or tightening of the stomach, which may be felt as period pain by women.
• Stomach upset.
• Frequent urge to urinate. This is felt due to the foetus’s head being pressed in the area. This also leads to feelings of pressure in this area.
• Pain in the back
• Vaginal discharge, which may be clear or accompanied by blood. It is usually not a matter of concern and is indicative of the opening of the cervix to facilitate childbirth. This discharge is often called ‘show’ and implies that the mucus plug commonly present in the cervix has been removed.

The final symptom of a normal delivery is the rupture of membranes, which is commonly known as ‘breaking of the waters’. This is marked by the feeling of a slow gush of amniotic fluid, often felt like a tickling sensation. Some women may experience an urge to urinate, and amniotic fluid may be accompanied by urine.

Normal delivery or childbirth occurs in stages following the induction of labour. These stages are described in great details in this section, including the specific symptoms experienced at each stage and the duration of each.

Read more: Premature labour

Due to the side-effects of a cesarean section, normal vaginal delivery is the ideal form of childbirth. C-section, which involves incision of the belly and the uterus to facilitate childbirth, is often a complicated procedure being more painful and less aesthetically pleasing in the long term. To avoid an emergency c-section, which can be harmful to your health and that of the foetus, it is recommended to follow these tips.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet, including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals in the correct proportion. Eating high fibre food will help in relieving constipation and will improve your digestion.
• It is important to keep a track of your weight, which is indicative of foetal and maternal health and is a significant determinant of the delivery process. Different women gain different amount of weight during pregnancy, the average being 11.5 to 16 kilograms of weight. Lower weight gain may result in complications during childbirth.
• It is essential to include the desired micronutrients like iron, iodine and folic acid to prevent foetal abnormalities. (Read more: Pregnancy diet chart)
• It is important to consult with your doctor regarding the best diet to ensure the best maternal and foetal health, enabling a normal delivery.
• Other than this, visiting a doctor is also essential to keep a track of your health and to understand the importance of vaginal delivery. (Read more: Check up during pregnancy)
• You may also choose your specialist wisely.
• In addition, improving your own knowledge about pregnancy by joining a club for pregnant women and reading more often may help in achieving your best health during this stage.

Food certainly is the determining factor of maternal and foetal health, but, contrary to the popular belief, exercising during pregnancy is equally important. Limited physical activity during pregnancy is associated with foetal abnormalities, which may hinder a normal delivery. Exercise also helps you to build the stamina required for normal delivery. So, it is recommended to follow an exercise routine as follows:

• Start with light exercises, like walking for 15-20 minutes, which you may gradually increase up to 40 minutes.
• Work out in optimal weather conditions and ensure enough hydration during and before the sessions.
• Avoid sitting in one place for a prolonged duration, and try being more physically active.
• It is recommended to not indulge in back exercises or any heavy high-intensity workouts.
• Wearing comfortable and loose clothing is recommended while exercising, but it must not be flowy or hanging, to avoid imbalance and prevent falling.
• Balance exercises must be avoided during pregnancy since an imbalance can cause risks. Refrain from activities like running, bicycling, skipping, etc. especially after the second trimester.
• If any unusual symptoms like, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, abnormal contractions, intense abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or excessive foetal movements are experienced, it is recommended to stop exercising and immediately visit your doctor.
• Meditation, relaxation, breathing techniques, yoga and spas are recommended for the relaxation of the mind and the body.