Vaginal Birth or Epidural Birth?

NORMAL BIRTH (VAGINAL BIRTH)

Normal birth is the way humankind has carried on for thousands of years. It can also be called vaginal birth. In a full-term pregnancy, normal vaginal birth begins with the onset of labor pains, that is, uterine contractions, whose timing cannot be predicted in advance, and consists of 4 stages that include the delivery of the baby's placenta and the first 24–48 hours after birth. Unfortunately, for first-time mothers, normal vaginal birth takes longer and can be somewhat more tiring than for mothers who have given birth before.

In terms of timing, every mother-to-be who has completed 37 weeks of pregnancy should start expecting labor. The period from week 37 to week 42 of pregnancy is when birth is expected. Births before week 37 are called early, or preterm, births. Pregnancies that continue past week 42 are called post-term (overdue) pregnancies, and at that point labor must be started with medication, known as induced labor, to prevent risks to the baby associated with being overdue.

The first stage of labor begins with the start of uterine contractions and ends when the cervix has opened enough to allow the baby to be born (about 10 cm). This is the longest and most tiring stage of labor. In first-time mothers, it can last about 18 to 24 hours; in mothers who have given birth before, it lasts about 12 hours. Because this first stage is the most exhausting, the mother-to-be should be careful during it and avoid activities and behaviors that would tire her and waste the energy she will need for the birth. One of the most common mistakes at this stage is pushing. Pushing does not help the baby move forward when the cervix is not yet open enough, and it only tires the mother needlessly. During this stage, breathing exercises should be done with each contraction while waiting for it to pass.

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix has opened about 10 cm, enough for the baby to be born, and ends with the birth of your baby. This is the stage where the mother-to-be has the most work to do. The second stage is the truly demanding phase, in which strong, effective pushing is needed under your doctor's guidance and strong pushes speed up the birth. It lasts about 2 hours in first-time mothers and about 1 hour in mothers who have given birth before. During this stage, it is very important for the mother-to-be to work in good coordination with her doctor and midwives and to follow her doctor's instructions.

The third stage of labor begins with the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. By now the mother can relax. The pain and contractions have disappeared, and first contact with the baby has been made. From here on, the process is actively managed by your doctor. You have completed your main task, successfully seen through the contractions and pushing needed for your baby's birth, and reached the happy ending.

The fourth and final stage of labor covers the first 24–48 hours after the delivery of the placenta, when you are resting in your room with your baby. During this period, you and your baby receive your first postnatal care, any necessary treatment is given and your bleeding is monitored.

EPIDURAL BIRTH

Epidural birth is a method in which, during a normal vaginal birth, a local anesthetic is given into the epidural space of the spinal canal through a thin needle in the mother's lower back to reduce, or even completely block, the pain she feels. It is popularly known as “princess birth.” It has many advantages but also some disadvantages. It helps the mother feel almost no pain during labor and promises a comfortable birth. However, the reduced pain also causes the mother to lose the urge to push and makes uterine contractions weaker, which prolongs labor. Epidural birth can extend the first stage of labor to more than 24 hours in first-time mothers and up to 18 hours in mothers who have given birth before, and the second stage to up to 3 hours in first-time mothers and up to 2 hours in mothers who have given birth before. In such cases, mother and baby may begin to tire, and an assisted delivery—using vacuum extraction and various maneuvers—may become necessary.

Unfortunately, normal vaginal birth has become a feared process today. There are various reasons for this, but it is not a fear that cannot be overcome with healthy preparation for vaginal birth during pregnancy. With a healthy pregnancy and mental preparation, there is no reason not to have a normal vaginal birth. As long as your doctor has not found an additional health problem, if the mother-to-be wants a vaginal birth, prepares herself both physically and mentally and has her family's full support, normal vaginal birth will be a demanding, yes, but equally beautiful experience for you.

Regular exercise, weight control and breathing exercises throughout pregnancy will make labor easier. Regular exercise keeps the mother's muscles strong, making birth easier through more powerful pushing, and also helps her during the postpartum period so she recovers more easily. Likewise, avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy will make it easier for the baby to move through the birth canal.

Birth is a different experience for every mother-to-be. That is why you should never compare yourself with another pregnant woman. Even the different pregnancies of the same woman can unfold very differently. So do not compare your own journey with the pregnancy and birth stories you hear from others, and do not let the bad experiences you hear about undermine your motivation. Please remember that you will always get the most accurate information from your doctor. Throughout pregnancy and birth, your doctor and expert midwives will be your greatest supporters.

We wish you a healthy and peaceful pregnancy, followed by a smooth birth and the joy of holding your baby in your arms.