Normal Bırth

What is Normal Birth?

Normal birth occurs after the completion of the 42nd week of pregnancy. Normal birth is significantly less risky compared to other known types of birth in terms of struggle. It is observed that the expectant mother is ready for the normal birth process when she experiences labor pains between the 37th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Normal birth happens as the cervix dilates and the baby passes through the birth canal along with the contractions.

It is recommended in terms of pain and certain physiological characteristics. However, if the mother's body structure is not suitable for normal birth, other birth methods are applied. Thus, there is no risk for either the mother or the baby. Normal birth is completed in several stages.

• First, regular contractions continue until full dilation.
• After the cervix is dilated, the time until the baby's birth is the second stage. The stage called the placenta, which provides the baby's nutrition, is the third stage.
• Normal birth is completed in three stages. It occurs with minimal intervention for the expectant mother from a physiological perspective.

How is Normal Birth Performed?

Normal birth is completed in three stages. Here, the contractions of the expectant mother who starts feeling pain before the 42nd week increase in the uterus. With the increasing contractions in the uterus, dilation is expected within a period of 14 to 18 hours. Once the cervix is dilated to approximately 9 or 10 cm, the mother’s contractions are monitored along with the baby's heartbeat. Monitoring the mother’s contractions and the baby’s heartbeats regularly is important to ensure there are no complications during the normal birth process.

In the second stage, the baby is born naturally without requiring any additional intervention. Unlike other birth stages, the process is managed with known methods. In the third stage, the birth of the placenta is completed. The placenta is a crucial stage for the baby’s nutrition. Additionally, you can review the Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) and Water Birth methods.

When is Normal Birth Performed?

Birth typically occurs in the 40th week, between the 37th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Many factors influence the start date of labor, making it impossible to determine the exact time of birth in advance. Labor begins naturally when the expectant mother’s body is ready for birth.

The breaking of the water (rupture of the amniotic sac) and the dilation of the cervix are signs that labor has begun. Once these signs appear, birth is expected to take place within a few hours to a day.

Doctors monitor the mother’s and baby’s health throughout pregnancy to estimate the delivery date. If pregnancy exceeds 42 weeks, doctors may intervene medically to induce labor, as this can pose risks for both the mother and the baby.

For a healthy birth process, expectant mothers should maintain regular communication with their doctors and carefully monitor signs of labor. This helps ensure a smooth and natural birth.

What Are the Symptoms of Normal Birth?

There are signs indicating that the baby is ready to be born and that the labor process has started. These symptoms may increase within a few days or hours, signaling that birth is approaching. The symptoms of normal birth include:

• Regular Contractions: Contractions occurring at regular intervals are the most crucial sign of labor. These contractions may start mildly but become stronger and more frequent over time. Each contraction lasts between 20 to 70 seconds and spreads from the lower back to the lower abdomen.
• Water Breaking: The leakage of fluid from the vagina due to the rupture of the amniotic sac indicates that labor has begun. This fluid may come out suddenly or as a slow trickle. If the water breaks, you should contact your doctor immediately.
• Loss of Mucus Plug: A few days or hours before labor, a pink or brown discharge may occur as the mucus plug that seals the cervix is expelled. This indicates that labor is near.
• Lower Back and Groin Pain: Another sign of labor is persistent lower back and groin pain. These pains, which intensify with contractions, are often similar to menstrual cramps.
• Cervical Dilation: During a doctor’s examination, it may be observed that the cervix has started to dilate. As labor approaches, the cervix expands and thins, making the birth canal ready for the baby’s passage.
• Changes in Bowel Movements: In the days or hours before labor, changes such as diarrhea or frequent urination may occur in bowel movements. This indicates that the body is preparing for birth.
• Energy Surge: Some women experience a sudden burst of energy before labor. This is known as the "nesting instinct," where women feel an urge to complete household tasks.

Benefits of Normal Birth

Normal birth offers many benefits for both mother and baby. First, postpartum recovery is usually faster. Shortly after birth, the mother can start moving and return to her daily routine. This allows her to care for her baby more effectively and strengthens the mother-baby bond.

During vaginal birth, the pressure the baby experiences while passing through the birth canal helps their lungs and respiratory system develop better. This makes it easier for the baby to take their first breath and reduces the likelihood of respiratory issues. Additionally, as the baby passes through the birth canal, it comes into contact with beneficial bacteria in the mother’s vagina, strengthening its immune system and making it more resistant to infections.

Normal birth also allows the mother to actively participate in the birth process, giving her a sense of control and psychological strength. Natural birth reduces the risk of postpartum depression and enhances the mother’s emotional well-being.

Lastly, normal birth reduces hospital and medical expenses. Compared to cesarean deliveries, it generally requires a shorter hospital stay and lowers the risk of complications, making it a cost-effective option for families and healthcare systems.

For these reasons, normal birth is recommended whenever possible, as it provides numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby.