The Birth

Two ways a baby may be born:

1. Through the vagina (vaginal birth). Contractions of the uterus push the baby out through the cervix into the vagina. The baby passes through the vagina to enter the world.

2. Cesarean section (C-section). This is a surgical method. The baby is taken directly from the uterus.

The type of delivery you have will depend on your needs. Discuss the options with your health care provider.

Vaginal Births

Natural childbirth means that no medication is given to induce (bring on) labor. Little or no medicine is given to relieve pain. The mother uses various methods to aid the delivery process, like special breathing. Her “coach” provides support.

Vaginal births can also involve medicines. Some of these are:

• Misoprostal. This tablet is put in through the vagina to help dilate the cervix.
• Pitocin. This is a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. It helps to start or speed up labor. It is given through an IV (intravenous drip).
• Prostaglandin gel. This is a gel that is put in through the vagina. It goes right on the cervix. It can help dilate the cervix. It also causes the uterus to contract. This helps to start labor.
• Narcotic pain relievers. Example: Demerol. These can be given with a shot or an IV. They take the edge off pain. But they can also cause you to feel drowsy or dizzy. They can cause an upset stomach or throwing up. Other medicines may be given with narcotic pain relievers. These help them have a stronger effect.
• Tranquilizers. These relax you if you are tense and anxious. They can be given in pills or with a shot. Tranquilizers are sometimes used with pain relievers.
• Local anesthetics. These cause a loss of feeling where they are applied. Common examples:
• • Pudendal block. A shot numbs the nerves in the vaginal area. It is usually given when the cervix is fully dilated (opened). It may be used with a pain reliever or tranquilizer.
  • Epidural block. A shot is given in the back to numb the area. A thin plastic tube is put into the epidural space of the spine. Medicine is given through the tube. This causes some loss of feeling from the waist down. An epidural block can have other effects. It can lower the mother’s blood pressure. It can make her unable to pass urine on her own. An epidural block can also increase the chance that forceps will be used at delivery. {Note: Just pain medicine can be given through the tube. It does not cause a loss of feeling from the waist down.}