Vaginal Delivery

A vaginal delivery is the most common method of childbirth. A vaginal delivery is a delivery in which the offspring is birthed through the vagina. It is the natural birthing process that almost all mammals go through and the signs of labor vary. The labor process itself contains three stages. The first stage is everything that occurs before the cervix is completely dilated. The second stage is everything that occurs after the cervix has dilated to 10 cm. The third stage involves the delivery of the placenta.

There are many different signs associated with childbirth. These signs fall under the first stage of delivery. Lightening is the process where the baby settles low in the pelvis (“Pregnancy and signs of labor”, n.d.). The lowness of the baby lets the mother know that the labor process could begin after a few weeks. Another sign of delivery is the passing of the mucous plug. The mucous that is discharged from the vagina can vary from being clear, pink, or a little bloody. Labor could begin at any time because losing the mucous lets the mother know that her cervix is becoming wider rather than tight (“Pregnancy and signs….”, n.d.). The most common sign of labor is the feeling of contractions. The discomfort of the contractions is different for each woman. When contractions become closer together and occur in a pattern then labor is most likely active. The next sign is the breakage of the water. This is also known as rupturing the amniotic sac (“Stages of childbirth: stage I”, 2007). During this phase of labor, the mother can remain at home. Once the contractions are regular and the water is broken then the mother is in active labor because the cervix is most likely dilated to about 3 cm. At this time, she can go to the hospital or birthing center, because the contractions will become stronger. It is important to relax and start breathing techniques (“Stages of childbirth: stage I”, 2007). During the transition phase the mother will rely heavily on positive support because this is by far the hardest phase. The cervix will dilate from 8 cm to 10 cm.

The second stage of delivery consists of the birth of the baby. Once the cervix is dilated to 10 cm it is time to push (“Stages of childbirth: stage II”, 2007). Most will get the urge to push before it is time. Some feel like they need to urinate or have a bowel movement (“Stages of childbirth: stage II”, 2007). Now, the mother is ready to get in to a comfortable position to push. Then, when she feels the urge to push she bears down into her bottom and pushes for ten seconds. To regain strength she will rest in between the contractions. Once the head emerges, the shoulders will emerge and the baby will easily slip out (“Stages of childbirth: stage II”, 2007). Enlarged genitalia, cone heads, and a vernix coating are common appearances that the babies have after they are born.

The third stage of labor involves the removal of the placenta from the uterine wall. The process usually takes five to ten minutes and is not very painful (“The stages of labor”, n.d.). Usually only a few contractions are needed to complete the separation. The mother may have to engage in a few pushes to get the placenta delivered. The uterus should become firm and you should be able to feel the top of your belly by your navel (“The stages of labor”, n.d.). The firmness of the uterus is very important because if it is not contracting properly the mother will continue to bleed (“The stages of labor”, n.d.). Too much blood loss will result in the having to receive a blood transfusion. When the uterus is not contracting a drug called oxytocin is given to help it function normally. The third stage is also the stage where the mother bonds with the baby, practices breastfeeding, and adjusts to motherhood. 

A vaginal delivery is a more complex method of delivery. It is by far the most popular way of delivering a child. The stages of labor vary in time for each mother. The process is very rewarding and ends with the birth of a baby.

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