How the delivery method will be is one of the most important issues that expectant mothers think about for 9 months. Most expectant mothers turn to natural birth, which starts on its own and considers it less risky for the baby. The most important advantage of natural birth is that it is natural. After the birth, the mother can return to her normal activities within a few hours, she can start breastfeeding her baby in a very short time, and the hospital stay is extremely short.

What is a natural birth?

Normal birth is the process in which birth is carried out as uninterrupted as possible. Scientifically; It occurs between 37-42 weeks of pregnancy when the cervix opens with the mother's spontaneous pain and then the baby passes through the birth canal.

How is a natural birth performed?

· Normal birth consists of 3 stages.

· In the first stage, it is expected that the cervix will open up to 9-10 cm in a period of 14-18 hours with the contractions that start in the uterus and gradually become more frequent. In this process, the contractions of the mother and the heartbeat of the baby are monitored at regular intervals.

· In the second stage, the baby is born.

· In the third and last stage, the birth of the baby's placenta is completed.

What are the signs of natural birth? How does a natural birth begin?

During the onset of labor, normal birth symptoms are seen due to the contractions in the uterus and the softness of the cervix. The process begins with a slimy, bloody staining called nits. This is the opening of the amniotic sac, which contains the amniotic fluid, which protects the baby against blows in the womb for 9 months, or the start of regular rhythmic contractions that do not go away. These symptoms may be together at the same time, or they may accompany in the later birth process.

In what week does a natural birth occur?

Normal delivery can occur at any time before the end of the 37th gestational week, before the end of the 42nd gestational week (between 260 and 294 days).

What are the criteria that the patient should have for normal delivery?

During the follow-ups, it is possible to have a normal delivery if the baby's development is within normal limits and the mother's body structure is suitable.

How many stages is natural birth divided into?

There are 3 stages of normal birth. First phase; It is the time from the onset of regular contractions to full opening. The period between the full opening of the cervix and the birth of the baby is called the 2nd stage. The period that ends with the birth of the placenta, which provides the baby with nutrition, is the third stage.

What are the benefits of natural birth for the mother?

After normal delivery, the mother experiences a faster and easier recovery process. This situation makes the mother feel more useful in taking care of the baby psychologically. In addition, oxytocin hormone, which is called the milk hormone, is released more quickly and effectively in mothers who have given birth normally, and the breastfeeding process is easier.

What are the benefits of natural birth for the baby?

The encounter of beneficial bacteria while passing through the birth canal of babies born with a normal birth ensures that the immune system of the baby is strengthened. In addition, the risk of developing respiratory distress is less common as the amniotic fluid in the baby's lungs is easier to expel.

Is natural birth painful?

Birth pain is a pain that has its own characteristics and is usually severe. This long-term painful process, which the mother has not experienced before, can also cause the mother to feel tired. Today, this process is made more painless for expectant mothers with the regional anesthesia technique called epidural anesthesia in many centers.

How many days do natural birth patient stay in the hospital?

Recovery time after normal delivery is much shorter than cesarean section. Although it varies from person to person, mothers are usually followed in the service for 24 hours. During this period, the mother is allowed to stand up, eat and take a shower.