Delivering Your Bundle Of Joy
There are two age-old routes of child delivery which everyone is aware of and that is either vaginally or abdominally by caesarean section, So, even though the routes by which a baby ¡s delivered cannot be changed, there are definitely latest trends by which the existing delivery patterns can be modified to make it more comfortable for the mother as well for the baby. But whatever methods of assisted deliveries are available, they are to help the mother successfully deliver a healthy baby.
Different Delivery Methods
Vaginal Delivery – This is the most common means of delivery and should be the preferred route of delivery until and unless there Is an indication for caesarean section.
Benefits
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Short recovery time.
- Less chances of respiratory problems in the new born.
Delivery With Forceps – This is a kind of assisted vaginal delivery wherein, a spoon shaped instrument is used to deliver the baby’s head in circumstances when the baby is under distress or to cut short the second stage of labour. It’s a kind of operative vaginal delivery. Sometimes, a forceps can also be used in a caesarean section.
Delivery With A Vacuum – This is a type of instrumental delivery in which a cup (rigid or soft cup) attached to a vacuum is used on the baby’s head to guide its delivery through the birth canal. Use of a vacuum is almost same as forceps, except in cases of pre-term babies.
Caesarean Section – With this method, a baby Is delivered abdominally. During this procedure, an incision is made on the abdomen (usually on the lower abdomen) and the uterus is cut in the lower segment to deliver the baby. After delivery of the baby, the uterus and the abdomen are closed in layers.
This method of delivery is opted for some special conditions wherein vaginal birth cannot be used as the primary method of delivery such as in cases of placenta praevia, cephalopelvic disproportion or in some cases where a vaginal birth is tried but is not possible due to the mother or baby’s condition. It is also done as an emergency procedure.
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean – This method is also popularly known as VBAC. This is not a universal method that can be used for all women who has had a caesarean section but rather an individualization of cases is needed and whoever fits the criteria for VBAC is allowed vaginal birth after a caesarean section.
Painless Labour Or Epidural Analgesia – This is a way of providing pain relief during labour. For this, an injection is given in the back which enables continuous pain relief to the lower part of the body while one remains fully conscious. And though it decreases sensation it doesn’t result in a total lack of feeling.
Advantages
- Provides ettective pain relief.
- Dose, amount and strength of analgesia can be controlled.
- Medication does not reach the baby as it has local ettect.
- Patient remains awake and this helps in pushing during the second stage of labour.
- In case of an emergency, analgesia can be converted to anaesthesia for a caesarean delivery anytime.
Water Birth – This is the delivery process in warm water. Giving birth underwater may be entertained as it is less stressful for the mother as well as the baby. It’s easier to move inside water as compared to movements on the bed, so it may make the labour process a little less painful as compared to labour without water.
Precautions
- An experienced health care professional should be available to help throughout the labour and delivery.
- High standards have to be maintained to prevent infection.
- It is important for the tub to be cleaned and well maintained.
- The mother and baby has to be monitored properly, while in the tub.
- The water temperature should be well regulated.
- Have water to drink during a water birth to prevent dehydration.
Risks
- You are less than 18 or more than 35 years of age.
- You have medical problems such as diabetes, pre-eclampsia.
- You are pre-term.
- The baby is in a breech position.
- Constant monitoring is quite impossible in water.
- You are having twins or a multiple pregnancy.
- You have an infection.