Ethan Rhodes
Vaginal delivery, also known as labour and birth, is the most preferred and common way to deliver a baby. It is considered the safest option for both mother and baby, with the lowest risk in most cases. Vaginal delivery can be spontaneous, occurring naturally at 40 weeks without the use of labour-inducing drugs, or induced, where drugs or other techniques are used to start labour and soften or open the cervix. While vaginal delivery is the most common method, some people may opt for a C-section, which is a surgical procedure that carries more risks but allows for more control in choosing a due date. When it comes to delivering a baby in a hospital setting, it is important to be prepared and have a hospital bag packed with essentials such as personal and comfort items, important documents, and baby necessities. It is recommended to have the bag ready by week 36 or 38 to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
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What You'll Learn
- Vaginal delivery is the most common and preferred method of childbirth
- C-sections are riskier but allow more control over the due date
- Natural deliveries involve no pain medication
- Prepare a hospital bag with essentials for mum, baby and birthing partner
- Hospitals provide gowns, slippers, underwear and basic toiletries
Vaginal delivery is the most common and preferred method of childbirth
A vaginal delivery is when a woman gives birth through her vagina or birth canal. It is a three-stage process, including labour, birth, and delivering the placenta. Vaginal delivery is generally preferred as it carries the lowest risk in most cases and has the most benefits for both the mother and the baby. It is also associated with a shorter recovery time, a decreased hospital stay, and a higher chance of successful breastfeeding.
Babies born through vaginal delivery have improved hormonal and endocrinological functions, such as better blood sugar regulation, respiratory function, and temperature regulation. They also exhibit more exploratory behaviours and have better long-term growth, immunity, and development compared to children born via a C-section. Vaginal delivery is also beneficial for the mother, as it results in a shorter recovery time, a faster return to normal activities, and a decreased hospital stay.
However, there are certain conditions where a vaginal delivery may be dangerous and a C-section may be recommended. These include cases where the baby is in a breech position, placenta previa, untreated infections, or chronic health conditions. It is important to discuss the options with your healthcare provider to determine the safest delivery method based on your medical history and pregnancy.
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C-sections are riskier but allow more control over the due date
Vaginal delivery is the most preferred and common way to deliver a baby as it carries the lowest risk and has the fastest recovery time. However, C-sections are sometimes necessary for the health of the mother or baby.
C-sections are major abdominal surgery and are generally riskier than vaginal deliveries. Risks include blood loss, the need for a blood transfusion, blood clots, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, injury to the bowel or bladder, and a longer recovery time. However, one benefit of a C-section is that it gives the mother more control over choosing a due date. This is called an elective C-section and is usually performed after 39 weeks of pregnancy because babies born earlier may need help breathing. Some providers may allow elective C-sections for non-medical reasons, but this is usually discouraged. In most cases, a C-section occurs because it is medically necessary, such as in cases of prolonged labour, carrying multiples, or when the baby is breech.
If you know you will be having a C-section, your obstetrician can walk you through the procedure and discuss the recovery process in advance. You can expect cramping and bleeding for up to six weeks, as well as some discomfort around the incision. It is recommended to avoid sex for at least six weeks or until your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
While vaginal delivery is typically preferred, the decision to proceed with a C-section is made for the wellbeing of the mother or baby.
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Natural deliveries involve no pain medication
Vaginal birth is the most preferred and most common way to deliver a baby as it carries the lowest risk in most cases. A vaginal delivery has three stages: labour, birth, and delivering the placenta.
Natural deliveries, or deliveries with no pain medication, are an option for those delivering in a hospital. While it is possible to change your mind about your pain medication preferences during labour, it is helpful to discuss your options with your pregnancy care provider before your due date. This way, you can be aware of the risks and benefits of each type of pain relief and make an informed decision.
There are two general options: no medication (drug-free or natural delivery) or using pain medications. Pain medications can be administered through regional anaesthesia, such as an epidural or spinal anaesthesia, or a combination of the two. Local anaesthesia can also be used to block pain in a small area of the body, such as the vagina, vulva, and perineum. This can be helpful during procedures like an episiotomy or repairing a vaginal tear. Natural pain relief methods, such as massage, are also an option.
It is important to remember that there is no shame in opting for pain relief during labour. Pain relief medications can help you better cope with labour and delivery, and they do not have long-term effects on the baby or any effect on their later development.
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Prepare a hospital bag with essentials for mum, baby and birthing partner
Preparing a hospital bag is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your baby. It's recommended to have your hospital bag ready by 36 weeks, or 35 weeks if you're having a high-risk pregnancy or expecting twins. Here are some essentials to pack for mum, baby, and the birthing partner:
Mum's Hospital Bag:
- ID, insurance information, and birth plan
- Comfortable clothes, including loose and cosy outfits for labour, and maternity sleepwear
- Toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, lip balm, hair bands, hand sanitiser, and contact lens case and solution
- Nursing bras and pads
- Healthy snacks, such as granola bars or dried fruit, and a water bottle
- Phone charger, rechargeable earbuds, and entertainment like books or magazines
- Eye mask and earplugs for better sleep
- Basic medical supplies like dry-mouth drops and balms for dry hospital air
- USB charger cable and a portable power bank
Baby's Hospital Bag:
- Onesies in multiple sizes, including smaller sizes in case your baby is born smaller than expected
- Going-home outfit, including warm clothing and a heavy bunting or blanket if it's cold
- Receiving blanket
- Newborn essentials, such as swaddles and a car seat
- Warm layers in winter, like a soft hat, mittens, socks, and a footed sleeper
Birthing Partner's Hospital Bag:
- Change of clothes and comfortable shoes
- Toiletries and basic medical supplies
- Snacks and water, as well as change for vending machines
- Phone, camera, and/or video camera, plus chargers and batteries
- Entertainment, such as books or magazines
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Hospitals provide gowns, slippers, underwear and basic toiletries
Vaginal birth is the most preferred and most common way to deliver a baby as it is associated with the lowest risks and the fastest recovery. It is also considered the safest option for both mother and baby.
If you are planning to deliver your baby naturally in a hospital, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect. Hospitals will usually provide you with a gown, slippers, disposable underwear, and basic toiletries. However, you may want to bring your own clothes, as labour and the first few days postpartum can be a very messy time. It is also recommended that you bring your own toiletries and any special dietary items in case you do not have access to the things you need.
Some hospitals may also offer pyjamas, robes, and underwear, but it is always a good idea to bring your own. In addition to clothing and toiletries, there are several other items you may want to pack in your hospital bag. These include a hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sanitary pads or tampons, nursing pads, and a contact lens case and solution if you wear contacts.
It is recommended that you pack your hospital bag by 37 to 38 weeks, and you should consider the possibility of your stay being extended. You may also want to bring some entertainment, such as books or an e-reader, and don't forget your phone and charger!
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Frequently asked questions
Vaginal delivery, C-section, VBAC and assisted vaginal delivery are some examples of types of delivery. Vaginal delivery is the most preferred and most common way to deliver a baby because it carries the lowest risk. A C-section is major abdominal surgery and is usually recommended only when medically necessary.
Discuss pain relief options with your pregnancy care provider before labour so you know the risks and benefits of each type. You can opt for no medication (drug-free or natural delivery) or use pain medications.
Essentials typically include personal items, comfort items, important documents, and baby necessities. For the mother, this includes ID, insurance info, birth plan, comfortable clothes, toiletries, a phone charger, snacks, and nursing essentials. For the baby, pack onesies, swaddles, and a going-home outfit. For the birthing partner, a change of clothes, toiletries, snacks, and a phone charger.
On average, mothers who deliver vaginally stay in the hospital for one to two days. If you deliver via C-section, you’ll likely stay in the hospital for three to four days.
