Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Natural Birth – Stages, Benefits & Preparation

Natural birth refers to a vaginal delivery without major medical interventions. It is the physiological route of childbirth and is supported by midwives and doctors.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Natural Birth"

Natural birth refers to a vaginal delivery without major medical interventions. It is the physiological route of childbirth and is supported by midwives and doctors.

What Is a Natural Birth?

Natural birth, also referred to as a spontaneous birth or vaginal birth, is the delivery of a baby through the birth canal without major medical interventions such as a caesarean section, forceps, or vacuum-assisted delivery. It is considered the physiological route of childbirth and is generally recommended for pregnant women without significant risk factors. The process is driven by the body through natural uterine contractions.

Stages of Natural Birth

A spontaneous vaginal birth typically progresses through several distinct stages:

First stage (Latent and Active Labour): Contractions become regular and the cervix dilates to approximately 10 cm. This stage may last 8–12 hours in first-time mothers.
Second stage (Pushing and Birth): The baby descends through the birth canal and is delivered. This typically lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Third stage (Delivery of the Placenta): The placenta is expelled from the uterus, usually within 10–30 minutes after the baby is born.

Who Supports a Natural Birth?

Natural birth is supported by a midwife and, where necessary, an obstetrician. Continuous midwifery care during labour has been shown to improve outcomes and the overall birth experience for both mother and baby. The presence of a trusted support person, such as a partner or doula, is also encouraged.

Where Can a Natural Birth Take Place?

Natural birth can occur in several settings:

Hospital: Provides immediate access to emergency medical care.
Birth centre: A midwife-led facility designed for low-risk pregnancies and births.
Home: Supported by a qualified midwife, suitable for low-risk pregnancies.

Pain Management During Natural Birth

A variety of non-pharmacological methods can be used to manage pain during natural birth:

Breathing techniques and relaxation methods
Movement and position changes
Hydrotherapy (e.g., birthing pool or bath)
Massage and acupuncture
Hypnobirthing and visualisation techniques

Medical pain relief is also available and does not necessarily change the classification of a birth as a spontaneous vaginal birth. An epidural anaesthesia is a widely used option for effective pain relief during labour.

Benefits of Natural Birth

Spontaneous vaginal birth offers a range of benefits for both mother and baby:

Shorter recovery time for the mother compared to caesarean section
Reduced risk of surgical complications and infection
Exposure of the newborn to beneficial maternal bacteria, supporting gut microbiome development
Hormonal support for breastfeeding through the release of oxytocin and prolactin
Active participation of the mother in the birth process

When Is Natural Birth Not Possible?

In certain medical circumstances, a natural birth may not be recommended, or an unplanned caesarean section may become necessary during labour. Common reasons include:

Breech or transverse presentation of the baby
Placenta praevia (placenta covering the cervix)
Multiple pregnancies with certain positional complications
Previous multiple caesarean sections
Acute foetal distress (lack of oxygen to the baby during labour)
Failure of the cervix to dilate despite regular contractions

Preparing for Natural Birth

Good preparation can positively influence the birth experience. The following are commonly recommended:

Antenatal classes for the pregnant person and their birth partner
Regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring
Pelvic floor exercises to support the birth canal
Discussions with the midwife or care team about expectations and concerns
Creating a birth plan to communicate personal preferences

References

World Health Organization (WHO): WHO recommendations: intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience. Geneva: WHO, 2018. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550215
Sandall J, Soltani H, Gates S, Shennan A, Devane D: Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 4. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004667.pub5
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Intrapartum care for healthy women and babies. Clinical Guideline CG190. London: NICE, 2023. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg190

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.