Birth Preparation

Complete Guide to Natural Birth

Last updated 3 days ago 15 min read

Preparing for birth can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to expect during natural birth, explore your options, and make informed decisions that align with your birth preferences. Remember that each birth story is unique, and being prepared with knowledge empowers you to navigate your journey with more confidence.

Signs That Labour Has Begun

Recognising the early signs of labour helps you prepare mentally and physically for what's ahead. Here are the common signs to watch for:

Waters breaking: This can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle of amniotic fluid
Regular contractions: Unlike Braxton Hicks, true contractions grow stronger, longer, and closer together
Bloody show: A small amount of pink or blood-streaked mucus as your cervix begins to open
Lower back pain: Persistent aching or cramping that may radiate to your abdomen
Feeling of pressure: Increased pressure in your pelvis and rectum as your baby descends

When to call your healthcare provider:

If your waters break (even without contractions)
When contractions are 5 minutes apart for first-time mothers, or 7-10 minutes apart for subsequent pregnancies
If you notice unusual vaginal bleeding (more than just the bloody show)
If you experience reduced fetal movement
If you're unsure or concerned about any symptoms

What Happens at the Hospital or Birth Centre

Upon arrival at your chosen birth location, here's what typically happens:

Initial assessment: A midwife will check your vital signs, baby's heart rate, and examine your cervix to determine how far along you are
Birth plan review: Your preferences will be discussed and noted in your records
Monitoring: Depending on your situation, intermittent or continuous monitoring of your baby's heartbeat may be recommended
Birth environment: You might be shown to your birthing room where you can settle in and make the space comfortable

Inducing Labour

Sometimes labour needs a little help to get started. Induction may be recommended for various medical reasons:

Post-term pregnancy: If you're more than 41-42 weeks pregnant
Medical concerns: Such as preeclampsia, diabetes, or growth restriction
Waters breaking without contractions starting: To reduce infection risk

Common induction methods include:

Membrane sweep: A simple procedure during an internal examination
Prostaglandin: Gel or pessary to soften the cervix
Artificial rupture of membranes: Breaking your waters
Oxytocin (Pitocin/Syntocinon): Administered via IV drip to stimulate contractions

Premature Labour and Birth

Labour that begins before 37 weeks is considered premature. If you experience signs of early labour:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately
Try to remain calm and lie down on your left side if possible
Don't hesitate to call an ambulance if necessary

Management may include:

Medications: To delay birth if appropriate
Steroid injections: To help mature baby's lungs
Transfer: To a hospital with specialised neonatal care if needed

The Stages of Labour and Birth

Natural birth typically progresses through three distinct stages:

First stage: Begins with early labour (cervix dilating to 3-4cm) and progresses to active labour (4-7cm) and transition (8-10cm)
Second stage: Pushing and delivery of your baby
Third stage: Delivery of the placenta

First-time mothers can expect labour to last 8-12 hours on average, though this varies widely. Subsequent births often progress more quickly.

Active Birth Positions: Upright positions like standing, squatting, or kneeling can work with gravity, potentially shortening labour and reducing pain. Movement helps your pelvis open and your baby descend. Listen to your body and change positions as needed for comfort.

Tips for Your Birth Partner

A supportive birth partner can make a significant difference to your birth experience. Here's how they can help:

Physical support: Massage, counter-pressure, help with position changes
Emotional support: Encouragement, reassurance, breathing techniques
Practical support: Keeping track of timing, communicating with medical staff, advocating for your preferences
Self-care: Remembering to eat, drink, and rest so they can support you effectively

Giving Birth to Twins or More

Multiple births require special considerations, though vaginal birth is often still possible:

Positioning: The position of the babies (especially the first) impacts birth options
Monitoring: More intensive monitoring will likely be recommended
Location: Birth will typically take place in a hospital setting
Team: Additional specialists may be present

Discuss your preferences with your healthcare team, but remain flexible as circumstances may change requiring adaptations to your birth plan.

Pain Relief in Labour

There are various approaches to managing pain during labour:

Natural methods: Breathing techniques, water immersion, massage, hypnobirthing
Gas and air (Entonox): A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide
Opioids: Such as pethidine or diamorphine
Epidural: An anesthetic injected into the space around your spinal nerves

Each option has benefits and considerations. Discuss these with your healthcare provider before labour and remember you can usually change your mind during labour if needed.

Episiotomy and Perineal Tears

The tissue between the vagina and anus (perineum) stretches during birth, sometimes resulting in tears or requiring a surgical cut (episiotomy):

Episiotomy: May be recommended in certain circumstances like fetal distress
Natural tears: Range from first-degree (skin only) to fourth-degree (extending to anal sphincter)
Prevention techniques: Warm compresses, perineal massage, controlled pushing
Recovery: Proper hygiene, pain management, and pelvic floor exercises

Forceps or Vacuum Delivery

Sometimes assistance is needed during the pushing stage:

Indications: Maternal exhaustion, fetal distress, or prolonged second stage
Forceps: Metal instruments that cup the baby's head
Vacuum extraction: A suction cup attached to the baby's head
Preparation: Usually requires an episiotomy and local anesthesia

These interventions help approximately 10-15% of births and can prevent the need for an emergency cesarean section.

What Happens if Your Baby is Breech?

When a baby is positioned bottom or feet first (breech) near term:

External cephalic version (ECV): A procedure to gently turn the baby
Vaginal breech birth: Possible in certain circumstances with experienced providers
Planned cesarean: Often recommended as the safest option for breech presentation

Discuss your options thoroughly with your healthcare provider if your baby remains breech after 36 weeks.

What Complications Can Affect the Placenta?

The placenta is vital for your baby's development, but several complications can arise:

Placenta previa: When the placenta covers the cervix
Placental abruption: Premature separation from the uterine wall
Retained placenta: When part or all of the placenta remains in the uterus after birth
Placenta accreta: When the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall

These conditions require medical attention and may affect your birth options.

After the Birth

The first hours after birth are a special time for bonding:

Skin-to-skin contact: Helps regulate baby's temperature and encourages breastfeeding
Delayed cord clamping: Allows more blood and nutrients to transfer to your baby
Initial checks: Your baby will receive gentle assessments
First breastfeed: Support to initiate breastfeeding if that's your choice
Maternal care: Monitoring your recovery and providing support

Final Thoughts

Every birth is a unique journey. While having a birth plan is valuable, remaining flexible and open to changes is equally important. Trust your body's wisdom and the expertise of your healthcare team.

Remember that the ultimate goal is a healthy mother and baby. How you get there might take unexpected turns, but each birth story is valuable and worthy of honor. The way your baby enters the world is just the beginning of your parenting journey.