If you are pregnant or planning to conceive soon, understanding the different types of childbirth can provide you with valuable information. In this article, we will introduce you to various childbirth methods and offer insights into each one.
Childbirth is one of the most delicate medical processes. Expectant mothers often experience high levels of anxiety and seek ways to reduce pain and risks. Today, public knowledge about medicine has increased compared to the past, and women, in particular, place greater importance on their health. Since pregnancy and childbirth are integral parts of many women’s lives, addressing these topics is crucial in the medical field. The World Health Organization (WHO) even considers maternal health after delivery as a key indicator for assessing a society’s overall health.
Many women are concerned about post-childbirth issues such as body shape, C-section scars, and abdominal sagging. This leads them to ask which childbirth methods are available and which is the best option. Because childbirth is a major stressor for women and involves the health of both mother and baby, finding improved methods to reduce its risks has been a constant concern for doctors and researchers.
In this article, we will introduce both traditional and modern childbirth methods, comparing their risks, consequences, and benefits. This information will help women choose the best delivery method based on their personal goals and discuss their options with an obstetrician.
This refers to the conventional vaginal delivery process, which occurs naturally in a woman’s body. In this method, the doctor or midwife primarily monitors the labor process to ensure everything proceeds correctly and only intervenes if a specific risk arises for the mother or baby.
A mother undergoing natural childbirth is not restricted in terms of position—she can deliver while sitting or standing. If walking helps reduce her pain or anxiety, she is encouraged to move around freely. Any actions that ease the mother's stress during labor are recommended, such as drinking water or juice and taking deep breaths. Today, more attention is given to a mother’s emotional well-being during childbirth, and many hospitals now allow the presence of the woman's spouse during labor to offer support.
Unassisted vaginal birth is the most common and safest type of childbirth. The term "natural birth" is often used to describe a vaginal delivery without the use of pain relief medications or labor-inducing drugs. However, some expectant mothers may still choose to use medical monitoring, such as fetal heart rate tracking, during labor.
Forceps Delivery – In some cases, doctors use forceps to grasp the baby’s head and assist with delivery through the birth canal.
Vacuum-Assisted Delivery – This method is similar to forceps delivery. The doctor places a plastic suction cup on the baby’s head and gently pulls the baby out through the birth canal.
Episiotomy – A surgical incision is made in the perineum (the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus) to prevent severe vaginal tearing during childbirth. While previously considered beneficial, recent studies suggest it should only be performed when absolutely necessary.
Amniotomy (Breaking the Water) – This involves rupturing the amniotic sac using a small plastic hook to induce or speed up labor. The mother may feel a warm fluid release when this happens.
Induced Labor – When a doctor initiates contractions before they begin naturally to safeguard the health of the mother or baby.
Water birth is a relatively new method that has gained popularity in European countries in recent years. Initially, it was studied as an experimental approach, but today, many women are opting for this delivery method.
How It Works – As soon as labor pain begins, the mother enters a tub filled with warm water (approximately 45 cm deep). This helps ease the pain, and as labor progresses, she applies pressure to assist the baby’s passage.
Advantages – Water birth significantly reduces labor pain. While it does not completely eliminate discomfort, it provides a degree of natural pain relief without the use of anesthesia or medication, making it a highly appealing option.
Disadvantages – Water birth requires specialized medical equipment to monitor the baby’s health. For example, the baby’s heart rate needs to be tracked using specific devices. Unfortunately, this method has not been widely successful in some countries due to the lack of necessary medical facilities. A major concern even in advanced countries is ensuring the water is sterile enough to prevent infections, despite rigorous disinfection efforts.
Vaginal delivery is not always possible, and in some cases, a C-section is necessary for the safety of the mother and baby. Common reasons for C-sections include:
The baby is not positioned correctly (e.g., lying horizontally or feet-first).
The baby is too large to pass through the birth canal.
The baby is under distress.
Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.).
The placenta is blocking the cervical opening (placenta previa).
Fetal growth restriction.
The umbilical cord exits the cervix before the baby.
The placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely (placental abruption).
A previous C-section.
C-sections are performed under two types of anesthesia:
General Anesthesia – The mother is completely unconscious during surgery. This method is avoided unless absolutely necessary because anesthesia can enter the mother's bloodstream and affect the baby. Additionally, anesthetic drugs remain in the mother’s system post-delivery, causing drowsiness and even passing into breast milk.
Regional (Spinal) Anesthesia – This involves numbing the lower half of the body while keeping the mother awake. There are two types:
Epidural Anesthesia – A continuous dose is administered through a catheter.
Spinal Anesthesia – A single injection into the spinal fluid provides immediate numbing.
Doctors prefer regional anesthesia whenever possible because it allows the mother to be alert and hold her baby immediately after birth. Studies have shown that a newborn recognizing the mother's scent at birth has a calming effect on both mother and baby.
Pregnancy is one of the most critical stages in a woman’s life, and childbirth is the final step in this journey. It is essential for expectant mothers to be under the supervision of an obstetrician throughout pregnancy and to carefully follow their doctor’s recommendations. Ultimately, the decision between vaginal delivery and C-section should be made based on medical advice, as emergencies may require switching from a natural birth to a C-section for the safety of the mother and baby.
