Types of Birth Delivery

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1. NATURAL BIRTH – Natural birth refers to a normal delivery. Sometimes, normal delivery will bring complications, and no one is safe from those. That’s why it is necessary to check you and your baby’s physical condition so that you can anticipate any possible changes in your delivery. It is also important to discuss other option with the partner early on in your pregnancy so that he can prepare for any problem that may occur in the middle of your labor. A labor that is unplanned can be a bit scary. Unexpected medical interventions may arise and induction of labor may be required. Should any complication arise, let your birth attendants (in consultation with your partner) handle the situation.

2. CAESAREAN SECTION (C-SECTION) – A surgical procedure where the baby is removed from the uterus without passing through the cervix. A cut is made from the bottom point of the navel going down vertically and a horizontal line incision along the bikini line (just above the pubic hair).

What are the possible reasons for performing a C-section?

· Baby’s head is too big for the mother’s pelvic opening, making it impossible for the baby to pass through;

· Incorrect fetus position (as in breech);

· There’s a sign of fetal distress;

· Mother’s health problems(herpes, vaginal infection, etc.); and

· Poor contraction of the cervix, umbilical cord problems; such as when the cord slips out of the birth canal before the baby comes out

Remember, though, that if the position of your baby is normal and if you are capable of having of normal delivery (that is, if there are no complications), nobody can force you to have C-section. Though the procedure involves less pain than a normal delivery, It is much more expensive. If your doctor suggests a C-section, don’t say yes immediately. Ask her why exactly it is necessary. If you and your partner agree that it will be advantageous, then go ahead and have a C-section. Most women, however, would option for it only as a last resort, that is, when normal delivery has proven unsuccessful.

3. FORCEPS DELIVERY – as C-sections gained popularity, forceps delivery declined. Forceps are only applied nowadays when the cervix of the mother has fully dilated and the baby’s head has descended into the pelvis but fails to descend any further. It is also done when there is a sign of maternal or fetal distress. Forceps (a tong-like instrument) are placed on both sides of the baby’s head, enabling the birth attendant to pull out the baby from birth canal.

4. EPISIOTOMY – A surgical cutting of the vagina opening to expedite birth and avoid tearing. After birth, the cut is immediately stitched and the wound heals within a few days.

5. VACUUM EXTRACTION – suction is applied to the baby’s head by means of a small cup attached to a pump, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

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WHAT IS PREECLAMPSIA

Preeclampsia is a condition unique to pregnancy and the first twenty-four hours after delivery. It occurs in about 7 percent of first pregnancies and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. The cause of preeclampsia is not known, but it is thought to be related to insulin resistance, obesity, a kidney disorder, or chemical imbalances. Although it begins to develop very early in pregnancy, preeclampsia usually not diagnosed until the third trimester. Hypertension, elevated hemoglobin level, increased urine protein content, nausea, stomach pain, headache, and blurred vision are signs of this disorder. Although it is difficult to predict who will develop preeclampsia, women having their first babies and underweight, poorly nourished, and heavy women are at the highest risk.

There is no cure for preeclampsia. However, women diagnosed with it may be given medications to reduce blood pressure. Healthful diets are recommended for all women with this disorder. The diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grain products. Carbohydrate-containing foods should be of the low glycemic index variety. Some health care providers give women with preeclampsia 1.5 to 2.0 grams of calcium per day. Calcium supplements may effectively reduce blood pressure and appear to have few side effects. Vitamins C and E may also be given to help prevent some of the negative consequence of preeclampsia. This disorder should not be treated by restricting weight gain, caloric intake, fluids, or salt (sodium). These intervention not only don't work, but they may be harmful to both mother and fetus.

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