What do these birthing options involve?
Caesarean (C-section)
A C-section is an emergency delivery option when a natural vaginal delivery is considered unsafe and harmful for the baby and mother. First, your doctor cuts into the abdominal wall vertically or horizontally. A horizontal cut is a bikini incision made underneath the belly button. Then, another incision about 4 inches is created in the uterus wall, and the baby is removed through these cuts.
Vacuum delivery and forceps
A ventouse is a vacuum cup placed over the baby’s head to suction him or her out. At the time of a contraction, you are able to push the baby with the help of the suction cup. With a birth sooner than thirty-six weeks, the doctor uses forceps to deliver the baby, but in modern obstetrics, this is seldom practised.
Forceps are metal tong-like instruments used to pull the baby out gently. The forceps fit over the baby's head and help pull the baby out with you pushing simultaneously. A ventouse or forceps delivery is recommended when you cannot push the baby out due to cardiac conditions, poor maternal efforts, or when the baby shows signs of distress during delivery time and there are concerns over the position they are lying in.
Natural vaginal delivery
Natural vaginal birth does not require the use of medication to deliver the baby except for pain control and improving contractions in the womb whenever needed. As a result, the mother gives birth naturally by pushing as instructed by her doctor. The mother relies on simple relaxation techniques and controlled breathing methods.
What is postpartum care?
Postpartum care focuses on the health of the mother and her baby after delivery. The body goes through several changes after giving birth. The following can be expected during this period:
- Vaginal soreness may be due to an incision your doctor made or a vaginal tear that occurred during birth.
- Vaginal discharge occurs due to the release of the mucous membrane that lines your uterus at the time of the pregnancy.
- “Afterpains” (contractions) are normal within the initial days after the delivery. These pains, similar to menstrual cramps, occur during breastfeeding in response to the release of the hormone oxytocin.
- Incontinence is also quite common due to an injury to the pelvic floor muscles. In the meantime, it helps to wear sanitary pads temporarily and practise Kegels to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Haemorrhoids are common with each bowel movement. These appear as swollen lumps near the anus or swollen veins in the rectum. Your doctor will prescribe haemorrhoid cream or pads with a numbing agent to ease the pain.
- Sore or tender breasts (engorgement) occur due to the aftereffects of the delivery. As a result, the baby will struggle to feed. Your doctor will suggest expressing the milk yourself or using a breast pump.
- After birth , it is common to experience hair loss lasting up to five months and areas of the skin that darkened eventually return to what it was before the pregnancy.
What happens during a postpartum check-up?
Postpartum check-ups occur regularly for six weeks after the delivery. At these check-ups, your OB-GYN will address physical and psychological changes you have undergone during this time. Your doctor will advise on birth spacing using contraception and assist with changes in your mood.
He will also advise on difficulty with feedings, breastfeeding and general infant care. This is also a good opportunity to bring up any questions you have about adjusting to your new way of life and when you can resume sexual intercourse.
