If you have a high-risk pregnancy, consult a medical professional about your ability to have a natural birth. In some cases, you may be able to give birth naturally as long as you are monitored for complications.
A natural birth can save both you and your baby from the stress and unpleasant side effects of medication, surgery, and physical intervention. Many women who are guided through a natural birth also report less pain, anxiety, confusion, and stress than women undergoing births with medical intervention. Natural birth can provide a more personal experience that focuses on the overall well-being of mother and baby. Because you will be fully aware during the birth, you may remember it better and be able to enjoy it more. Having a natural birth reduces the chances that you will need a Cesarean section. Women who have natural births also tend to recover faster.
Natural birth may pose some danger to you if you have other health conditions if you are not attended by a health professional if you are not in proximity to a medical facility in case of emergency and if the baby presents in a challenging position. Remember that it’s okay if you end up deviating from your plan and do not achieve natural childbirth. There is no shame in this, and it is not a failure. The most important thing is doing what is best for you and your baby, and at times this may mean not doing natural birth.
Misplaced placenta (placenta previa) Active herpes infection or HIV infection Previous C-section deliveries Baby will not tolerate labor Induction of labor for the health of the mother or the baby
If you are a high-risk pregnancy but would still like to attempt a natural birth, you may wish to deliver at a hospital so that medical assistance is immediately available should it become necessary. Some hospitals have natural birth centers on-site that allow a natural birth experience in an environment that feels less like a hospital, but still allows expert medical care to be in close proximity. Talk to the nursing staff at the hospital about your options. Look for things like bathtubs for soaking during labor and birthing balls in the rooms.
Ask the birth center about the amenities they have including options they offer for delivering your baby, such as in a bed or in water. Request information on the qualifications of delivery staff and the center’s ability to offer care in emergency situations.
OB/GYNs are doctors who can deliver your baby as well as provide surgical care if necessary. Certified nurse-midwives are qualified to deliver your baby and they will call on an OB/GYN if complications arise. Perinatologists are doctors who are qualified to deliver your baby and who provide care for high-risk deliveries, such as women over 35, women who have STDs, and women who have diabetes. Family practitioners are doctors who are qualified to deliver your baby, but they are not specialists, so they will call on an OB/GYN if complications arise.
How do you feel about natural childbirth? How many natural births have you been involved in? Would you be willing to help me have a natural birth?
Where your baby will be born Who will deliver your baby Who your main support person will be Who else may be present during labor and birth Types of support that you want during labor Any pain medications that you want during labor Details about the umbilical cord and blood Will the baby stay with you or in the nursery after birth Any special traditions you would like to observe Who to tell first if there is a problem with you or the baby Anything else you want your health care provider and support team to know
Where your baby will be born Who will deliver your baby Who your main support person will be Who else may be present during labor and birth Types of support that you want during labor Any pain medications that you want during labor Details about the umbilical cord and blood Will the baby stay with you or in the nursery after birth Any special traditions you would like to observe Who to tell first if there is a problem with you or the baby Anything else you want your health care provider and support team to know
If you give birth in a hospital, a vocal advocate or a professional doula may help you stand up for your wishes if medical staff seems resistant to your plan. Having a birth advocate or partner can also help give you the encouragement and support you need to have a birth free of interventions, medications, or surgery.
Discuss your fears, anxieties, and hopes with other women in the class. In many cases, women who have delivered naturally before can set you at ease about pain management and medical safety.
Look into Lamaze and the Bradley Method. Both methods teach breathing techniques to help minimize pain and to help you stay relaxed during childbirth. Some women find it helpful to pair a word or phrase with breathing to help them focus. For example, as you inhale you might think to yourself “Keep” and then as you exhale you might think “Calm. ” Repeating this over and over as you breathe will help you to stay focused and calm.
Meditation can help improve your visualization skills and it is also an effective way to deal with pain during labor. Consider taking meditation classes prior to giving birth to help improve your visualization technique. Hypnobirthing is another good way to use visualization techniques. Hypnobirthing uses self-hypnosis to help you cope with pain during labor. There are classes and voice-directed programs that teach this technique. You can put the voice-directed programs on a portable media player and take this with you to listen during labor.
Make sure that the tub is kept at body temperature (98. 6°F or 37°C).
To use a maternity TENS machine, have your partner apply the pads to your back. You’ll want them evenly spaced on either side of your spine. Place the top two pads at about where your bra band would hit, and the other two on your lower back, just above your butt. Start with the machine on the lowest setting and turn it up as pain increases. Your machine may have a “boost” button, which will cause the machine to immediately switch into the highest, most intense setting. Use this button at the peak of your contractions. It may take at least an hour for TENS to start working.
If you don’t agree with your doctor’s recommendations, get a second opinion to be sure. While childbirth is natural, it can still be risky. Your doctor can help you understand those risks so you know what to expect.
In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you change your birth plan due to potential complications. If this happens, your birth advocate or birth partner can help you consider your doctor’s reasons and figure out what’s best for you.
If you’re at home, you’ll likely need to move to the hospital if you’re having complications. Try not to worry because your medical team is prepared to handle this situation. If you’re already at the hospital, your team will start your treatment as soon as the complications start.
If you have a fever or abdominal tenderness, you may have an infection or could need medical treatment. Bleeding is considered excessive if you’re soaking through more than 1 pad in an hour.
