Research-backed
The magic that ensures a natural delivery lies in the process. Yes, sometimes life gets in the way and leaves you with the only option of a C-section. But important precautions during your journey of pregnancy can lead to a healthy, organic delivery and keep C-section delivery at bay.
Here are some things to keep in mind while trying to grow a planet inside you and fulfilling the promise of well-being for you and the baby:
1. Keep your labour organic
The natural way of going through labour is hard but definitely worth the trouble. Think of it this way: You can either be impatient, request induced labour and later suffer complications for years to come, or wait a little, go through organic labour and be a healthy mother.
Do you need proof? Findings show that first-time mothers who experience induced labor have far higher chances of getting a C-section delivery than the ones who take the natural course (1). In the study, 44% of all women went through induced labour and 20% had C-sections due to failure in the induction process.
2. Wait at home until 3cm dilation
Home is cozy and full of people who love and care for you. Hospitals, on the other hand, are dull and boring, not to mention scary.
There’s no need for you to head to the hospital until you are 3cm dilated. You’re safe at home until then. Only if it becomes absolutely necessary before the said dilation should you consider going to the hospital with your loved one.
3. Epidural can be taken later too
Once the contractions begin, every woman hurries for the epidural. But don’t forget that getting one early on can cause your labour to slow down or even come to a halt. This can have serious implications including a decrease in your baby’s heart rate. You don’t want that.
Take the suggestion and wait. The chances of a C-section drop down significantly when you wait as long as possible to get an epidural.
4. Choose a doctor with a high rate of natural pregnancy
Picking the right doctor is essential. Be shameless and ask the ones you interview all the questions about their performance. After all, doctors carry a reputation. Enquire about their percentage rates of natural pregnancy vs. C-section deliveries.
Get your research done, ask friends and relatives, and make sure that you’ve done all the fact-checking before choosing the right doctor for your delivery.
5. Discuss with the doctor
Be open and honest with your doctor. Tell her/him what you want, how you would like the delivery done, and what more you’d like to learn. Effective communication between you and your gynecologist is necessary to ensure that the results are to your liking.
Believe it or not, often mothers realize only at the very end that they and the doctors were not on the same page! So you better be ready with your amazing communication skills right from the start.
Pregnancy is quite a ride and going through labour is extremely intense. Natural delivery is how it used to be done in the earlier times when C-sections didn’t exist. Women took all the necessary steps during their pregnancy to ensure that their baby is delivered organically with little complications. Today with advances in science and technology, we often choose convenience over nature and that seriously harms our long-term health.
Nature is always more promising than artificial measures. Try your best to keep your labour natural and avoid C-section delivery to lead a happy and healthy parental life.
