Vaginal delivery is the natural way for a mother to birth offspring. The average length of a hospital stay for a normal vaginal delivery is 36 to 48 hours, or with an episiotomy (a surgical cut to widen the vaginal canal) 48 to 60 hours, whereas a cesarean is up to four days. There are different types of vaginal births. A spontaneous vaginal delivery occurs when a pregnant woman goes into labor without the assistance of drugs and delivers the baby in a normal manor. An assisted vaginal deliver involves the use of drugs to induce labor and special instruments.
Vaginal Birth
As part of our obstetrics, we will inform you about learning the signs of labor can help you when the time comes to head to the hospital. Learning the stages let you know what to expect when you go into labor. There are three stages of labor, but the progression of the stages and length of labor are different for every woman.
Stage one: Early labor and active labor
The first stage of labor can last for a few hours or days especially for first-time moms. You can spend this time at home or wherever you are most comfortable. During early labor your cervix begins to dilate. Contractions come every five to twenty minutes and last thirty to sixty seconds. Contractions will get stronger and last longer. Walk around, take a bath, ice your lower back and relax as much as possible. When you dilate to ten centimeters it is time to have a baby.
Stage Two: Your baby is born
This is when it's time to push. You will feel pressure as the baby moves down the birth canal. This stage can last twenty minutes or several hours. Once the baby is born the umbilical cord is cut.
Stage Three: Delivery of the placenta
The placenta, which provided your baby with food and oxygen through the umbilical cord, has to be delivered too. It will take five to thirty minutes to deliver the placenta. You may have chills or shakiness during stage three.
Solace Women's Care is here to help expectant mothers through the labor, birth and into parenthood. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
