Normal Delivery
Normal delivery refers to childbirth through the vagina without any medical intervention. It is also known as a vaginal birth. Every delivery is unique and may differ from mothers to mothers. There are different stages of normal delivery or vaginal birth that include:
Stage I: Early labor and active labor: This stage starts when a regular contraction starts leading to dilation (widening) of the cervix up to 10 cm. Contractions also lead to softening, shortening, and thinning (effacement) of the cervix, allowing the baby to move into the birth canal. It is the longest of all three stages. The substage of this stage includes:
Early labor: During this labor, the cervix opens and thins. The mother might feel mild irregular contractions. As the cervix opens, the mother might notice a clear, pink, slightly bloody discharge from the vagina, which is likely the mucus plug blocking the opening of the cervix. The average length of this
stage varies from hours to days for first-time mothers. To promote comfort, the mother can perform these techniques:
- Go for a walk
- Listen to soothing music
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Try relaxation techniques
- Change positions
Active labor: During this stage, the cervix dilates from 6 to 10 cm. Contractions become more powerful and come more frequently. Moreover, you might feel the following symptoms:
- Leg cramps
- Nausea
- Increase pressure in the back
- The feeling of water break
Active labor lasts for four to eight hours or more. During this stage, the cervix dilates at approximately 1 cm per hour. To promote comfort, the mother can perform these techniques:
- Go for a stroll
- Take a warm bath or shower
- Breathe in between the contractions
- Change positions
- Gently massage between the contractions
There’s the most painful phase called the transition phase because the cervix dilates to its fullest at about 10 cm. The contractions are powerful and painful, which continue at intervals of two to three minutes, each lasting for 60-90 seconds.