Normal Delivery

What Is Normal Delivery?

In medical terminology expulsion of a mature fetus by the vaginal route is called a normal delivery.

What to expect during & post normal delivery?

The process of labour has is divided into the following:

1. Latent phase – this is the preparatory phase which we talked about. You may experience uterine contractions with varying degree of pain and frequency. This Phase helps the head of the baby to fix into the Pelvis and start opening the mouth of the uterus ( cervix) . This can cause a bloody discharge ( Show). Show signals the onset of labour.
2. Active Phase – during this stage the contractions become more frequent and you should be getting 3 contractions every 10 minutes. This will further push the head down and open the cervix fully – 10 cms for the head to come out of the uterus.
3. Latent and Active phase comprise the First stage of labour -ie. From the start of labour to the point when the cervix is fully opened up. The latent phase may vary from few hours to few days. The active phase is generally 7-10 hours.
4. Then is the second stage of labour when the baby is delivered out. The duration may vary but is generally not more than 2 hours. If prolonged facilitating methods like episiotomy. forceps or vacuum may be used.
5. The third stage is delivery of the afterbirths which is normally very quick
6. The fourth stage is the following 2 hours and is very important since we need to establish breast feeding and keep a watch for Haemorrhage from the uterus.

How to prepare for Normal Delivery?

• In the first stage, you should be relaxed and mobile. We teach you exercises in our monthly Antenatal class to prime you about this. Expect the pain to increase but remember this very pain is going to facilitate your normal delivery. Do activity which you like to take off the mind from the pain. There was a video showing the patient dancing with the Obstetrician – but please excuse me and you can prepare your husband to dance with you if u so wish.  Normal light diet is allowed.
• When you near the second stage – we take you to the labour room and make you bear down, The labour room will be shown to you during the antenatal class and how to do effective bearing down will be taught.
• Once you deliver the baby. we place the baby on your chest and make it do what is known as the breast crawl.
• It will be a great feeling to have the baby with you and you will forget whatever pain you underwent.

Post Normal Delivery care?

Taking proper rest & Breastfeeding is your job now – and you have learned it in theory – and it should be easy to put into practice. Our nurses will train you for the first few times – to make you an expert!