What you need to know about various types of childbirth processes

Childbirth processes

Childbirth is one of the most painful human experiences that women go through. The pain of childbirth is compared to pain experienced when you break a bone. For centuries and generations, childbirth was unassisted, and older women played the role of a birthing coach and helped women give birth. With the invention of modern medicine and medical technology, the process of childbirth has changed drastically.

Previously, childbirth was confined to the women’s home; now, women give birth at hospitals in sterile environments where the rate and possibility of any infections infecting the mother or child are very low. These advancements in medical science have improved the child mortality rate exponentially. Along with that, the process of childbirth has also changed over the years.

Today there are five types of deliveries or childbirth processes available for women which are advised by doctors. These childbirth processes are recommended to women and their families based on the type of pregnancy developed by women. So, let’s look at the various types of childbirth processes and understand their benefits.

Different Childbirth Processes & Their Benefits

Vaginal Birth

Vaginal birth, which is also referred to as natural birth, is a childbirth process where women go through labour unassisted. It is the safest type of childbirth, and it is the process of birth that was used in the past as well. Today, if women go for a vaginal birth, they are not given medications that are used to subdue the pain or medication to speed up the process of labour. One of the only medical help provided during vaginal birth is a baby heart monitor.

Episiotomy

Episiotomy is a surgical childbirth process where a cut is made in the perineum (the tissue between the vagina and the anus) of the woman. This cut allows for the baby to be born quicker and with lesser complications. Episiotomy is one of the most common childbirth processes, and it is very safe with low to no side effects. Currently, an episiotomy is only suggested to mothers if and when they develop complications during childbirth.

Forceps Delivery

Forceps delivery is a type of assisted childbirth process where doctors insert a forceps or salad tong like a medical device into the vagina to pull the child out and help them through the birthing canal. This type of delivery is only suggested to women that have developed any complication during their childbirth process. The shape of the medical device inserted in the woman resembles large spoons that help the baby out of the vagina.

Caesarean Delivery

One of the most commonly used childbirth processes in India, caesarean delivery, is a surgical process where the baby is extracted by making surgical incisions in the uterus and abdomen of women. This type of delivery is only advised only when there are complications in the natural birth process. Sometimes, it is also suggested when the head of the baby is too large for normal delivery. Caesarean delivery takes a longer recovery time as it is a complete surgical procedure.

Vacuum Extraction

Similar to the forceps delivery process, the vacuum extraction process uses suction to gently attach a plastic cup to the head of the baby and then using the suction, it slowly guides the baby out of the birthing canal. This process is also suggested to mothers that have developed any type of complications during the childbirth process.

Conclusion

These are some of the most commonly used childbirth processes. It is difficult to predict which of these procedures you can go through, but in general, each of these childbirth procedures have their pros and cons. It is crucial for you to speak to your doctor regarding these procedures to ensure you are fully knowledgeable about these procedures before going for any of them. For more information about different types of childbirth procedures, be sure to visit medipulse hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

GynaecologyHoney Mathur