Childbirth: What are your options?
When most people think of delivering a baby, they either think of the traditional vaginal delivery or the increasingly common cesarean section (c-section). However, due to complications, health reasons, or otherwise, some babies are being delivered using several other methods. Remember, each type of baby delivery holds certain risks for both the mother and the child and should be performed only by a doctor or other delivery expert.
Vaginal Delivery
The typical way to deliver a baby, vaginal births are the primary type of delivery in which a mother pushes the child out through the birth canal. A mother may choose to get drugs to help numb the pain of vaginal birth, or she can have a completely natural delivery.
Related: NATURAL BIRTH VS. EPIDURAL: WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Episiotomy
Kind of a subset of vaginal birth, mothers may undergo an episiotomy of the vagina has not stretched enough to deliver the baby, or if the baby is too big or in distress, among other things. The doctor will make a straight incision through the perineum and vaginal wall that will allow the baby more room to come out. After the delivery, it is easier for the doctor to sew up this straight incision rather than an uneven tear that might occur otherwise.
Related: EPISIOTOMY DURING CHILDBIRTH: IS IT BETTER THAN TEARING?
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A c-section can be planned or unplanned, but it is usually a relatively quick surgery where the doctors slice you open underneath your belly button and take the baby out. Sometimes, a c-section is necessary if a mother’s hips are too narrow to allow for a vaginal birth so that it can be planned for in advance. Other times, fetal distress or problems with the cord may cause doctors to perform an emergency c-section.
Forceps Delivery
Sometimes, the doctor may have to insert forceps into the birth canal. They are like giant spoons that cup the baby’s head, allowing the doctor to guide the baby or reposition him. They are most often used in breech births, or if the baby’s heartbeat slows while the head is in the birth canal.
Vacuum Extraction
The use of vacuums in births are supplanting forceps because they are gentler. A doctor will take a suction device and place it on your baby’s head. A small vacuum force is applied, which gives a doctor the chance to rotate the baby’s head and also pull while the mother pushes.
Related:
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME TO GIVE BIRTH
EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LABOR
No matter what birth you will have, some complications can arise that can harm both you or your baby. Sometimes, these complications can be the result of medical malpractice. If you or someone you know has had a baby that has suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
