Prefer Natural Delivery Over C-Sec? 7 Steps To Prepare For The Same, As Suggested By Gynaecologist

For pregnant women, all the nine months come as a rollercoaster ride. For some, it is deciding whether they should go for a natural delivery or a C-section/cesarean section. Most of them, due to established societal norms, prefer natural birth since that comes with a lot of reported benefits. Whatever you opt for, following a plan is essential. Our expert gives a comprehensive list covering the same. For pregnant women, all the nine months come as a rollercoaster ride. For some, it is deciding whether they should go for a natural delivery or a C-section/cesarean section. Most of them, due to established societal norms, prefer natural birth since that comes with a lot of reported benefits. Whatever you opt for, following a plan is essential. Dr. Vinoad Bharrati, obstetrician and gynaecologist, director, Elite Momz, Unit of Rising Medicare Hospital, gives a comprehensive list covering what to follow if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

7 Steps to Ensure A Smooth Natural Delivery

“Planning of giving birth ideally starts with conception. From the initial visit to the antenatal clinic of a pregnant lady, the correct treatment, diet, and exercise, all play very important roles,” says Dr. Bharrati.

In the first trimester, ascertaining the correct delivery date is crucial. “Further sonography helps obstetricians detect any deviation from the normal course of pregnancy and any abnormality in babies,” adds the doctor. Thus, for a successful gestation and preparation for a natural delivery, if at all, take note of the following seven steps, recommended by Dr. Bharrati:

1. Attend Antenatal Visits, Conduct Family Discussions
   During antenatal visits, clinicians can detect challenges or complications related to pregnancy and treat them timely. At this stage, the couple also discusses further process of birth with their family members, friends, and seniors. After everything, the pregnant lady might be able to decide about the birth plan.
2. Maintain A Diet Chart
   Diet during pregnancy influences the baby’s development, avoids complications because of deficiencies, and prepares the woman’s body for childbirth. So correct diet choices ultimately will benefit her and the child within the womb.
3. Explaining Childbirth Process
   As the third trimester begins, doctors should discuss the entire process of childbirth with the couple. They must explain the advantages and disadvantages of natural birthing and Caesarean section. Even though a natural birth plan has many benefits compared to caesarean section, the woman’s medical conditions should determine the correct choice.
4. Childbirth Exercises
   Childbirth exercises help a woman cope with the physiological changes of pregnancy and prepare her body for natural birthing, thus contributing to the baby’s natural development. The pregnant lady should start exercises once advised by the treating clinician, that is after the placenta’s location is confirmed and other complications like the risk of preterm birth are ruled out. A few weeks before the due date, do antenatal exercises that widen the pelvis and prepare the birth passage. The partner and family members should participate in these plans to motivate the women.
5. Accompany the Woman
   The ideal person to accompany a pregnant woman as she gives birth should be a partner, mother, or midwife. The companion is taught techniques to comfort the lady and this training helps decrease the woman’s pain intensity by about 50% and increases the chance of successful natural birth. Other options for pain relief like entonox and epidural analgesia are also discussed prior to the onset of labour.
6. Educate the Woman
   The pregnant woman should be made aware of pelvic examination, artificial rupture of membranes, various steps of normal labour, options of water birth, episiotomy, instrumental delivery options, etc. If the couple is well aware of all things necessary, they can make the right decision.
7. Prepare Checklist
   The checklist of birthing preferences should mention demographic details, clinical details, ambient environment preferences, music preferences, birth companion preferences, non-medicinal pain relief techniques preferences, labour techniques preferences, medications consent, necessary interventions consent, position preferences, after birth umbilical cord cutting preferences, lactational preferences, etc. The same note must be given to the partner, obstetrician, birth companion, and labour ward team.