Benefits of Normal Delivery

Dr. Rita Goel

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Rita Goel

Gynaecologist and Obstetrician

6 min read

Synopsis

A healthy baby and a mother is the ultimate goal of the delivery method. However, surgeries and C-sections might be detrimental to a baby's health in the long run. In that case, the normal delivery process is useful as it reduces any long-term condition of either the baby or the mother. 

Key Takeaways

  • Normal delivery mitigates the chances of long-term diseases in the child and the mother
  • The normal delivery process is natural and is a time-tested procedure
  • The normal delivery recovery time is minimal, and the mother heals faster

What is Normal delivery?

normal delivery occurs when the baby is delivered through a natural opening of the birth canal. This normal delivery type uses the mother's vagina, cervix, and uterus for childbirth. In this type, the mother is aided in pushing the baby out of her body through the vagina. This delivery method is known as vaginal birth or spontaneous vaginal birth because it is a natural delivery that doesn't involve medical surgeries but is a biological childbirth process. However, medications may be used to alleviate labor pain. In addition, the mother must be at ease in her posture. Therefore, gynecologists and nurses help her throughout the process and in case of an emergency.  

You can find online doctor consultations for normal delivery in your locality or prefer in-clinic consultation with a gynecologist. It can be done at the hospital or at home with doctors' and nurses' help. It's your choice. Normal delivery is an ancient method of childbirth and is considered safer than other modes of childbirth, both for the mother and the baby. Often delivery tips are shared by elderly women from the family, which makes the whole process even more smooth. 

Cost Associated With Normal Vaginal Delivery

Numerous factors can affect the cost of the normal delivery process. The hospital, your type of health insurance, and your geographic location determine the cost. The average price of a normal vaginal delivery in an urban area is INR 50,000 (615$) to INR 1,00000 ($1200). The fee may be negligible in rural areas, ranging from INR 5000 to 30,000. This will depend on where you live and your insurance type.  

Different Stages of Normal Delivery

The process is not a new concept. It has been around for centuries, and its advantages are obvious. From ancient times, women were given various herbal treatments and tea to relieve postpartum pain during normal delivery. However, the process is not an effortless method. It goes through three steps of delivery or labor stages: 

Preparation or Dilation Stage

The first stage of labor is typically the most difficult and time-consuming. The contractions are intense and close together, but the cervix remains closed. At this point, you may experience abdominal pain or tightness. This stage can last anywhere from hours to days.

Delivery Stage

The cervix softens and dilates during the delivery stage. Then, the baby's head begins to emerge, and the baby is born. The process usually takes a few hours. If the mother cannot push hard enough, doctors will use vacuum extraction to help her during childbirth.

Placenta or Follow-Up Stage

At this point, the mother delivers the placenta, which can take up to an hour if done spontaneously. The mother might collapse several times during the process. In that case, the stage can be accelerated by injecting an ecbolic into the mother's leg because it can be exhausting. 

Benefits of Normal Delivery

It has many benefits. For one, it is less risky than other types of delivery methods and is often gentler on the mother's body. It also reduces the need for surgical intervention and any potential complications associated with labour and childbirth. It also ensures a short hospital stay for the mother. The mother's body naturally returns to normalcy over time and heals faster. Normal deliveries have a lower risk of miscarriage than emergency deliveries, which are frequently performed when there is a problem with the pregnancy or the baby. However, normal delivery carries some risks, such as tearing or lacerations to the vagina or perineum, which can lead to infection. Another benefit that is not exactly a benefit of normal delivery but helps as an extension to this is breastfeeding benefits for mothers. [1] After normal delivery, women recover early and do not have any external medication. Therefore, they can breastfeed without any hesitation. 

Additional ReadBreastfeeding Benefits for MotherBenefits of Normal Delivery

Risks Involved With Normal Delivery

It carries a low risk, but it does exist and can be serious for both mother and child. Women who have had previous C-sections or who have other medical conditions are at a higher risk. The risks of a normal vaginal delivery are as follows: [2]

  • Nerve damage extending from the uterus to the bladder
  • Dysfunction of the pelvic floor
  • Tears in the cervix
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Haemorrhage
  • Postpartum depression
  • Preeclampsia

During a delivery, the placenta cannot provide enough nutrients for the baby because it cannot pass through your cervix and uterus.

Sometimes, in a delivery, complications can arise, and women may choose to undergo a tubectomy.Additional Read: Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Causes

Advantages of Having Maternity Health Insurance

Maternity health insurance covers the medical costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It can help to pay for pre-natal care, delivery costs, and post-partum care. Maternity insurance is often an optional addition to a regular health insurance plan and may come with an additional premium. It is important for expectant mothers to carefully consider their insurance options to ensure that they have the coverage they need during this important time.

Types of Normal Delivery

The baby's position in the birth canal determines the type of delivery a woman has. It is classified into four types:

Spontaneous vaginal delivery

The baby comes down into the birth canal and appears without medical intervention or complications. This is also referred to as natural childbirth.

Forceps-assisted vaginal delivery

The doctor carefully places the forceps around the baby's head and pulls them out to assist with the delivery.

Vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery

The doctor uses a vacuum device to help the baby exit from the uterus and pass through the vagina. This can be both painful and risky.

Cesarean section

Cesarean section or C-section delivery is another common procedure that women undergo. Because of the surgical procedure involved, women need a longer recovery time than normal delivery. You can adopt a suitable diet to aid you in recovering faster. You can adopt a suitable diet to aid you in recovering faster. 

The food you eat during pregnancy can have an impact on your baby's health. Eating a nutritious and healthy diet is essential for both the mother and the baby. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy products. You should also limit your intake of fats, sugars, and processed foods. Your body will require energy to help it cope with the demands of labour during delivery. If you are planning a vaginal delivery (rather than a caesarean), it is not necessary to avoid any particular food group during pregnancy. In the initial stage, women may want to eat for energy to endure contractions. Small amounts of nutritious food may help with nausea and vomiting that frequently accompany labour.

Following Food For Normal Delivery

  • Plain yoghurt
  • Ice cream
  • Oatmeal
  • Rice
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Soups. 

Aside from this, women should be careful about what not to eat

  • They should consume raw or undercooked meat or eggs
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Food left out for more than two hours

Process of Normal Delivery

It process is not always simple. The mother may have to push for a long period of time, and her body may become sore as a result. She may also experience several minor injuries and internal traumas. Doctors may recommend a c-section or forceps delivery to help the mother who is not healthy for delivery. However, surgical procedures may result in future complications. The goal of the entire process is to have a healthy mother and baby. 

It is the most common method, with no increased risk of neonatal mortality and a low risk of severe maternal morbidity. The process can be done at home or in a clinic with the help of doctors. However, you can find the best maternity plan to cover all your pregnancy expenses. If you are looking out for maternity insurance plans and online doctor consultations, check Bajaj Finserv Health and book a slot. Conceive with confidence! 

Published on 13 Dec 2022Last updated on 13 Apr 2023
  1. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/labor-delivery/topicinfo/complications
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092135/

Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.

Dr. Rita Goel

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Rita Goel

, MBBS 1 , MD - Obstetrics and Gynaecology 3

Dr Rita Goel is a consultant gynecologist, Obstetrician and infertility specialist with an experience of over 30 years. Her outstanding guidance and counselling to patients and infertile couples helps them to access the best treatment possible. She addresses problemsof adolescents and teens especially PCOS and obesity. Besides being a renowned gynaecologist she also has an intense desire and passion to serve the survivors of emotional abuse and is also pursuing a Counselling and Family Therapy course from IGNOU. She helps patients deal with abuse recovery besides listening intently to their story.

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