As an expectant mother, many child birth options. This article outlines some of the options a pregnant woman has, giving the advantages and disadvatanges of each.
Having a baby is one of the most rewarding and stressful times in a woman's life. On one hand, you look forward to meeting this small person who has been living in your body for the past nine months. One the other hand, you may wonder how you can ensure that your child's transition from the womb to this world happens with as little trauma as possible for yourself and your baby.
Labour can be long and painful, but each woman has a unique experience of childbirth. The key to a fulfilling birth is to keep an open mind and ensure that you have full information about the types of delivery available and how labour is managed.
Making your choice
You can decide where and how you give birth. You can discuss your options with your OB. They will tell you more about the options available to you. They will tell you the advantages and disadvantages of all the childbirth methods available to you, and answer your questions and concerns.
1. Normal Delivery at a hospital
Labor usually starts spontaneously between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. When labour starts, you are expected to drive to the hospital, and where expected, notify your obstetrician-gynecologist.
Advantages and disadvantages
You will also be monitored throughout the birth process. Should complications arise, trained medical staff is on hand to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. The disadvantage is that excessive monitoring of the birth process can lead to intervention, which may or may not be necessary. Also, many mothers feel comforted by familiar things during this period, and a hospital is hardly a cozy and comforting
2. Assisted delivery at a hospital
Assisted deliveries take place when complications arise. There are two types of delivery processes:
a) The Ventose or vacuum
A suction cap is attached to the baby's head, which enables medical staff to pull him out
b) Forceps
This instrument is positioned on either side of the baby's head to gently pull him out
Advantages and disadvantages
Assisted delivery shortens the distress to the baby. The assistance given may save the child's life, too. However, the suction cap or forceps may leave the baby's head a little bruised and misshapen.
3. Home birth
This is a normal delivery conducted at home by a nurse or midwife. This option is safe provided that your pregnancy remains normal and your midwife uses up to date portable equipment she brings to your home. She also needs to be able to reach your home in time.
Advantages and disadvantages
The key advantage is that the mother is in familiar, comfortable surroundings while going through the birthing process. She also doesn't have to go to the people who will help her; rather, they come to her. The disadvantage in this situation is that, should complications arise, she there will no trained specialist at hand to help her. Also, the help that she will receive is heavily reliant on the expertise that will come to her home.
4. Water Birth at home or at a hospital
This is a normal delivery conducted under water. Many women use water as a form of pain relief in labour.
Advantages and disadvantages
The mother can move freely in the water. However, some people believe that there is a risk of infection to the mother and baby.
5. Caesarian Section
This is a major surgical procedure by which the baby is delivered through your abdomen. Elective Caesareans are planned during pregnancy because you have a medical or obstetric complication and labour is considered unsafe for the baby. Emergency Caesareans are done following labour complications.
Advantages and disadvantages
It may save the baby and mother's life. However, the effects on the mother of major surgery and anesthesia can give rise to medical complications.
