Natural childbirth is a goal many women have when planning for their delivery. However, sometimes things don’t always go as planned.
At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we offer comprehensive guidance, so you can navigate the many changes pregnancy causes in your body. Our experienced team of OB/GYNs also assist in planning for your labor and delivery in advance of your due date and can help you decide if natural childbirth is right for you.
Natural childbirth typically describes delivering a child without medications. Some women may also choose to forgo any kind of medical intervention during childbirth when opting for a natural childbirth experience.
Instead of using medications to control labor pains, expectant mothers learn to use breathing exercises and relaxation techniques during labor and delivery.
Some reasons women choose natural childbirth include having more control over the labor process and lowering their risk for side effects that some pain medications can cause. Some new moms also decide on a natural childbirth to remember more of the experience, since medications can cause drowsiness and affect memory.
Many women have safely gone through natural childbirth at home, in birthing centers, and in hospitals without the need for medication. But some women have also changed their minds when actually going through the experience.
The pain of labor is intense and can be overwhelming for some. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind about your original birth plan. Our OB/GYNs can discuss all of your birth plan options in advance during your prenatal appointments, so you can know exactly what to expect on the day you deliver.
In general, you can take medications to ease pain at almost any part of the labor process. However, once your baby’s head makes its way out of the birth canal, we may not be able to provide any type of pain reliever.
In the early stages of labor, we offer options like an epidural. An epidural involves an infusion of anesthetic medications into the epidural space of your spine to block nerve signals in the lower half of your body. Using this method of pain relief keeps you alert but pain-free during labor, and it only takes about 20 minutes to start working.
There’s also an option for taking narcotic medications that ease pain without numbing any area of your body. Narcotics can be safely used by pregnant mothers during delivery without harming the baby. However, this type of medication can have a sedative effect and may make your memories of delivery a bit fuzzy.
It's important to know that you have the freedom to plan your labor and delivery in a way that works best for you. Our team can help you make the most informed decisions about your delivery plans as you go through your pregnancy.
Although, if you have certain underlying conditions or are considered to have a high-risk pregnancy, a natural childbirth experience may not be a possibility in some cases. For instance, if you’re older than age 35, are carrying multiples, or have previously given birth via a Cesarean section, you may not be a candidate for natural childbirth.
To learn more about the benefits of natural childbirth and discuss your options for labor and delivery, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.
