Natural birth is childbirth without medication. In some cases, this means not using pain medication during labor but having other medical interventions, such as fetal heart monitoring. For other women, it can mean not having any medical intervention.
Women who have a natural birth use relaxation techniques and controlled breathing to help relieve pain.
Natural birth often takes place in a birthing center with a midwife or doula, but it may also happen in a hospital.
There are many reasons you may choose to have a natural delivery. Some women choose a natural delivery because pain medication can affect labor, such as speeding it up or slowing it down. Pain medication can also have effects on the mother, such as lowering blood pressure or causing nausea.
Other women choose a natural delivery because they want more control over the labor process, including their pain management. Or they may feel that a natural delivery will help them feel closer to the birthing experience and remember it more clearly.
Childbirth pain is the major risk of natural delivery. Even if you've had a baby before, you don't know how bad your pain will be during labor or how well you'll be able to cope with it.
In addition, every delivery has a risk of complications, such as heavy blood loss or issues with the umbilical cord. These complications may be harder to detect or treat without medical intervention.
If you choose to have a natural delivery, you may want to remain open to other options, such as an emergency cesarean delivery (C-section), if they become medically necessary.
People with low-risk pregnancies are the best candidates for a natural delivery.
Why a natural delivery may not be the best option for youIf you have a high-risk pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend that you do not have a natural birth.
Your pregnancy may be considered high risk if you:
- are older than 35
- drank alcohol or used drugs while pregnant
- have had previous surgery on your uterus, such as a C-section
- have a history of medical conditions such as diabetes, preeclampsia, or blood-clotting issues
- are carrying more than one fetus
- have had certain complications during pregnancy, such as fetal growth restriction or issues with the placenta
In a natural delivery, you let your labor start spontaneously and progress without medical intervention until you give birth. Your labor is not induced or sped up unless medically necessary.
If you plan to have your baby at a hospital or birthing center, your doctor or midwife can help you choose the best time to go. Depending on preferences, you might be monitored constantly, such as with a fetal heart monitor, just monitored as necessary, or monitored at regular intervals to make sure everything is going smoothly.
When your body is ready, you'll have a vaginal birth, in a birthing position you find most comfortable. You won't have medical intervention unless it's necessary for the safety or health of you or your child.
As with all types of childbirth, natural birth takes a different amount of time for everyone. Without medical intervention, your cervix will dilate naturally, and you won't be given medication to speed up labor, so it can take longer.
However, medical interventions such as epidurals can also slow labor. Delivery often takes longer for first-time moms as well.
The pain level of delivery is also different for everyone. There are a variety of common pain relief methods you may use during a natural delivery.
methods to relieve pain during natural delivery
- breathing techniques
- massage
- warm shower or bath. You may also be able to give birth in a tub, depending on what your birthing center or hospital offers.
- finding the most comfortable position for you
- distraction techniques, such as music or games
- heating pad or ice pack
- birthing ball
- acupressure
- emotional support
In most cases, you'll be able to stay with your baby right after birth and begin breastfeeding as soon as you're ready.
To prepare for a natural delivery, make sure your birth plan is clear, and that your healthcare provider, doctor, midwife, doula, or other support people know how you want your labor to proceed.
You may also choose to go to childbirth education classes, alone or with a partner, to learn what to expect as well as pain management and relaxation techniques. Be sure to practice those techniques to find the ones that work best for you.
Some women may change their mind about a natural delivery during labor, often if the pain becomes too intense. You can have some types of pain medication at almost any time in your labor, as long as the baby's head has not started coming out.
Earlier in labor, you might be given an epidural or spinal block. These both allow you to be awake and alert during labor, but with very little pain.
Different types of medication can be given in an epidural or spinal injection. One type is a pain reliever, such as a narcotic. This works well because it relieves pain without creating numbness. It should not affect the baby, like getting an intramuscular or intravenous injection of pain medication might. The other type is a numbing medication that may make you numb from the waist down.
Epidurals start relieving pain within 20 minutes after they're given, and the amount can be adjusted throughout labor. Spinal blocks start working right away but only last one to two hours. They can only be given once during labor.
Depending on the medication given via an epidural, it can make it harder for you to push. Therefore, pudendal blocks are usually given in late labor. A pudendal block relives pain in the vagina and rectum but allows you to control abdominal muscles and to push. It's usually given right before the baby starts coming out.
The pain relief isn't as great as with epidurals, but you'll be able to push the baby out. Pudendal blocks also don't affect the baby.
Recovery after childbirth depends on the individual. Many women feel fully recovered in six to eight weeks, but for others, it can take months.
Recovery from natural childbirth is similar to recovery after other vaginal birth. You will probably be sore for at least a few days. Sitting on an icepack can help. Don't forget to take care of yourself and rest as much as you can until you feel fully recovered.
potential medical emergencyThe following symptoms could be signs of a post-delivery complication:
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- fever
- dizziness or fainting
- a severe headache that doesn't go away
- painful urination
- pain and swelling in your legs
- abdominal pain that gets worse or new abdominal pain
If you have any concerns, even if you don't have these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Your doctor, midwife, or doula can help you better understand the natural birth process and what to expect. If you're interested in a natural delivery, talk to them about whether it's right for you, and the best way to create a natural birth plan.