Normal delivery
Labor consists of a series of rhythmic, involuntary, progressive contractions of the uterus that cause effacement (thinning and shortening) and dilation of the uterine cervix. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines normal birth as follows:
- The birth is spontaneous in onset and low risk at the start of labor and remains so throughout labor and delivery.
- The infant is born spontaneously in the vertex position between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.
- After birth, mother and infant are in good condition (1)
The stimulus for labor is unknown, but digitally manipulating or mechanically stretching the cervix during examination enhances uterine contractile activity, most likely by stimulating release of oxytocin by the posterior pituitary gland.
Normal labor usually begins within 2 weeks (before or after) the estimated delivery date. In a first pregnancy, labor usually lasts 12 to 18 hours on average; subsequent labors are often shorter, averaging 6 to 8 hours.
Management of complications during labor requires additional measures (eg, induction of labor, forceps or a vacuum extractor, cesarean delivery).
Management of complications during labor requires additional measures (eg, induction of labor, forceps or a vacuum extractor, cesarean delivery).
Painless delivery
Painless delivery refers to the use of an epidural injection which is given by an anaesthesiologist for pain relief during labour. It is injected in the lower back, and a plastic tube is placed through which drugs are released around the spinal cord. It is injected only once when you are in active labour which means you are having at least three contractions in 10 minutes.
Epidural doesn’t always provide 100% pain relief, but it substantially reduces pain and sensations in the lower half of the body. In early labour, pain can be managed using natural methods like warm showers, massages, and exercises.
Epidural doesn’t always provide 100% pain relief, but it substantially reduces pain and sensations in the lower half of the body. In early labour, pain can be managed using natural methods like warm showers, massages, and exercises.
