Natural Delivery refers to giving birth naturally without surgery, which is a safe method suitable for most mothers with normal pregnancies and no complications that prevent natural delivery. However, if there are indications for cesarean section, it is necessary to follow those indications.
Normally, the total pregnancy duration is 40 weeks, counted from the last menstrual period. It is divided into 3 trimesters: the first trimester is the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the second trimester is from 12 to 28 weeks, and then it enters the third trimester, which is considered full term from 37 weeks onwards. About 70-80% of mothers experience labor pains during this period and should promptly see a doctor when symptoms occur.
4 Signs Indicating.. It’s Time for Natural Delivery
Before delivery, mothers will have 4 signs indicating that labor is imminent. If any one of these 4 signs is found, go to the hospital immediately.
- Labor pains: Labor pains involve rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the uterus. During pregnancy, the uterus contracts occasionally, especially in the third trimester, but these contractions come and go. When the uterus contracts and relaxes continuously, lasting about 45-60 seconds with 2-3 minutes of relaxation, completing one cycle in 10 minutes, and this pattern occurs 2-3 times, it indicates that labor is starting, usually after 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Mucus discharge from the vagina, which may be mixed with blood. Normally, mucus blocks the cervix. When the cervix begins to open, the mucus plug is released, indicating that the cervix is starting to dilate.
- Amniotic fluid leakage: Amniotic fluid is clear water-like fluid. It is not necessary to wait for a large amount because some mothers have a lot of amniotic fluid, while others have less.
- Feeling that the baby is moving less.
Natural Delivery Consists of 3Ps
- First P is Passenger, meaning the baby, which should not be too large.
- Second P is Passage, meaning the birth canal or pelvis, which must not be smaller than the baby.
- Third P is Power, meaning the mother’s pushing force, which must be strong enough to help deliver the baby successfully.
How to Prepare for Natural Delivery?
Preparation for natural delivery can begin immediately once the mother knows she is pregnant by registering for prenatal care with a doctor at the hospital. Pregnancy does not always result in success; sometimes complications may occur during pregnancy. The earlier the mother registers for prenatal care, the better it is for the baby because the doctor can provide precise advice on self-care, leading to a successful delivery. If abnormalities are detected later, the doctor can closely guide the mother on self-care and prepare for cesarean delivery if necessary.
Benefits of Natural Delivery for Mother and Baby
- Benefits for the mother include faster recovery, less blood loss, and quicker milk production. Although labor pain is intense, it occurs only once. After the baby is born, if the mother is healthy, there is usually no further pain.
- Benefits for the baby include passing through the mother’s birth canal, which is a natural pathway. Research suggests that this helps strengthen the baby’s lungs more than cesarean delivery.
Dr. Tharinee Lamluek
Specialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Women’s Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
