Vaginal birth delivery is one where a woman births the baby through her vagina. There can be different types of vaginal births, as described below:
Spontaneous Vaginal Birth: A spontaneous vaginal birth is when the mother naturally pushes the baby out, without any intervention. This type of vaginal delivery has the least side effects and the quickest recovery time for the mother. Sometimes, there may be a small natural tear, which is repaired by the doctor, and usually heals quickly.
Forceps Delivery: this is when the woman births through the vagina, and forceps need to be used to pull the baby out, as the baby is not progressing through the birth canal even after the mother pushes.
Vaginal Delivery with an Episiotomy: An episiotomy is a cut made at the end of the vaginal opening in order to enlarge the opening. Routine use of episiotomies, during births, are not recommended. An episiotomy should be conducted only when medically necessary.
Vacuum Extraction Delivery: In this method, a vacuum extractor is used to pull the baby. It is similar to a forceps delivery, but instead of forceps, a vacuum extractor is used.
Women can and do have spontaneous vaginal deliveries without any of the above mentioned three procedures. At Aastrika Midwifery Centre, we promote spontaneous vaginal birth delivery without the use of any interventions, unless absolutely necessary. We use a range of methods to protect the perineum and prevent tearing.