Every pregnant woman dreams and prays for a safe and normal delivery. With a lot of doubts, fears, and stress, most pregnant ladies want to have a normal delivery and not a C-section or cesarean. But the normal delivery is mostly achievable with a few best practices and with the right support, knowledge, and care. Proper guidance from experienced professionals and a few healthy habits will make the journey of childbirth feel a lot smoother and manageable. Let’s deep dive into the normal delivery and tips for a safe and healthy pregnancy in this blog.
What is Normal Delivery?
Normal delivery is also known as vaginal birth and it is the natural way to give childbirth without any surgery, such as C-section or cesarean. This normal delivery is considered as the healthiest and safest way for childbirth for both mother and baby. A normal delivery usually helps in faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and avoids health issues in the future.
Advantages of Normal Delivery:
- Speed recovery after delivery compared to C-section or cesarean.
- No injury to the bowel or bladder.
- Lower chances of infection compared to a C-section or cesarean.
- No risk of blood clots
- Shorter hospital stay
- No scars on the stomach after normal delivery
- Will be able to do the normal routine work like before pregnancy in a shorter span
Top 10 Tips for a Safe and Healthy Normal Delivery:
1. Join a prenatal class to understand your body better:
Prenatal classes, also known as antenatal or childbirth classes, are educational classes that are designed particularly for first-time mothers for labor and delivery and at the early stages of pregnancy. This session includes stages of labor, pain management (like learning about many pain relief options that include breathing techniques, medication, and coping skills like specialized techniques to manage the pain and stress in the time of labor), postpartum care, and more.
2. Add healthy and natural foods that support easy labor:
Eating healthy and the right food during your pregnancy helps you stay strong and can make the delivery easier and smoother. Eating foods that contain bromelain, such as pineapple, helps to soften your cervix. A few small pieces of pineapple in the final weeks of pregnancy can be helpful.
You can also add dates, leafy green vegetables, healthy fats like nuts and avocados to improve your energy, digestion, and overall strength of your body. Along with these, eat well and make sure to drink plenty of water every day. A simple and well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to support healthy and safe delivery.
3. Avoid rushing to the hospital too early for false labor signs:
Many pregnant ladies will go to the hospital frequently and stay in bed for some false labor pains. Not all pain means labor pain; sometimes the body shows early signs like cramps or back pain, called false labor signs. It’s important to stay calm in these situations and check with your doctor before going to the hospital. Rushing to the hospital in the early stages leads to unwanted stress and hospital admission. Trust your body, and when you're in doubt, speak with your gynecologist for better guidance.
4. Avoid ultrasound scans during the last month of pregnancy:
In the last month of pregnancy, too many ultrasound scans are not needed unless there’s a medical emergency. At this stage, the growth of the baby and position will be mostly clear. Unwanted scans will cause more stress, and they will not give any new information. It’s always good to hear your doctor's advice and take scans when it’s necessary. A few simple tests will help you feel better and will lead to a safe childbirth without any stress.
5. Adding gentle exercises as a part of your daily routine:
Doing exercise and staying active during pregnancy helps your body have a safe and healthy experience. Simple exercises like walking or stretching improve blood flow, ease body pains, and stabilize your mood. Prenatal yoga also strengthens your muscles for labor, improves breathing, and helps you feel relaxed. Before starting anything, make sure to consult your doctor and keep it light.
6. Give your baby the time to choose their birthday:
Every baby knows when it’s time to arrive. Unless there is a medical reason, do not go for labor with early signs. Let your body go into labor naturally; that gives your baby more time to grow and helps your body get ready for delivery. Trust the process and stay connected with your doctor, and being patient in these final days will help you more with a safer and smoother childbirth.
7. Follow a good sleep routine to keep your body and mind calm:
Sleep routine plays a major role in the normal delivery, so make sure to have at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep. A well-rested body handles labor smoothly, and proper sleep helps you reduce stress and calms your mind. During pregnancy, avoid looking at the screen during late night, try to eat early, and sleep early. Good sleep keeps your energy higher and supports both your body and baby to stay healthy.
8. Speak with your mother, learn from their experiences:
Sometimes the best advice always comes from the closest ones and those who have gone through it. Talking to your mother, sister, or close friend who has experienced childbirth can give you more comfort and confidence during this difficult time. Their stories, tips, and emotional support help you to stay prepared for what’s coming. Asking about doubts and stories of your close ones' childbirth journey will not only give you the knowledge, but it will also help you feel like you are not alone in this journey.
9. Practice perineal massage to prepare your body for delivery:
Perineal massage is the easiest way to help your body and get ready for childbirth. Massaging gently the area between the vagina and anus in the final weeks of your pregnancy reduces the chances of tearing during delivery. Even though it’s a natural practice that can make a big difference. If you don't have an idea how to start this, ask your gynecologist for guidance and do it safely at home with clean hands and a calm mind.
10. Always go to your trusted doctor who hears your words:
In the time of pregnancy, you may hear many suggestions from family members, including advice to go for a C-section, or cesarean. In this situation, you need to decide with confidence and talk to your husband or doctor about your wish for a normal delivery. A good husband or doctor will listen to you and give importance to your words.
Conclusion:
Every mother, dreams of holding her baby after a smooth and safe delivery. While the journey is filled with many emotions, taking care of yourself with small, thoughtful steps can make a big difference. Eating right, getting enough rest, and being surrounded by people who truly support you matter more than we realise. But more than anything, having a doctor who truly listens to you and respects your choices matters the most.
If you're in Tiruvannamalai and looking for someone who understands what you’re going through, you’ll find that care at Sanjeevi Hospital. Known for having the best gynecologist in Tiruvannamalai, the hospital offers more than just treatment, it gives you the comfort and guidance you need during one of the most important times of your life.