10 Simple Pregnancy Tips to Help to Have a Normal Delivery

13 min read

Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

tips for normal delivery

Searching for the normal delivery tips is one of the most common things that expecting mothers do. This is due to the challenges and taboo associated with normal delivery. This article discusses 10 simple tips to help to have a normal delivery. C-sections have gained popularity over natural childbirth in recent years, even though they involve risks for both the mother and the baby. However, they have saved lives globally when medically necessary.

Yet, many pregnant women with low-risk pregnancies are opting for c-section deliveries- making it a common way of birthing. Statistically, about 1 in 5 pregnant women give birth via c-section. Alarmingly enough, in India, the C-section rates in private and government hospitals have risen over the WHO recommendation of 10%-15% to 27.7% and 15.2%. Performing C-sections when not medically required can pose lifelong risks of future complications in subsequent deliveries.

In This Article

Video Of 10 Pregnancy Tips For A Normal Delivery

What is a Normal Delivery?

Pregnancy is a beautiful combination of pain and gains. It has its share of worries and complaints. Almost every pregnant woman wishes to have a normal delivery, but not everyone can have it since one has zero control over dire emergencies.

As per Healthy People 2020, about 85% of pregnant women can achieve an unmedicated, normal birth and the tips for normal pregnancy are helpful in this. Many women have started to prefer C-sections over vaginal deliveries with changing times and perceptions due to various reasons.

Normal delivery is a natural process that every woman can bring a child into this world. Barring certain medical conditions, pregnant women can have natural, normal child-birthing experiences. Some medical conditions make it inevitable to carry a C-section to benefit the mother and the baby.

With very little or no medical intervention, particularly the use of anesthetic medications and surgical interventions such as episiotomies, or assisted methods of delivery, a natural birth proves conducive for a healthy baby and quicker recovery with minimum complications for the mother.

Natural childbirth also makes it easier for the mother to breastfeed the baby. Although there is no shortcut or formula to ensure that one can have a normal delivery, there are specific pregnancy tips for normal delivery that increase the likelihood of having a natural, normal childbirth.

Why Should I Prefer Natural and Normal Delivery?

In today’s age, most doctors assume that a woman in labor would need pain medications, and most women expect a pain reliever as soon as labor strikes in. However, birthing is mostly a natural experience, and unless there is an emergency, it is best to keep medical interventions at bay. God has made a way to deliver babies, and women have done so since times immemorial.

Yours and most women’s bodies are designed that way. In the wake of prevalent C-sections, many women have forgotten that a natural delivery paves the way for quick healing and faster recovery and is beneficial for the mother.

Natural labor is also shorter and enables a woman to connect to the childbirth experience closely. Breastfeeding is also facilitated after a natural birthing experience as both the mother and the baby are fully aware and alert.

The pregnancy tips for normal delivery helps in clearing the way for a natural birth. (Yes, epidurals can be passed on to the baby, and s/he may appear to be drugged, showing less or no interest in breastfeeding).

In fact, research has shown that if a baby is left skin-to-skin with the mother immediately after birth, the natural instinct is to crawl to the mother’s breast and suck. Above all, natural births are often healthier, not just for a mother, but even the babies.

What Are the Chances of a Normal Delivery For a First Time Mother?

No joy beats the extraordinary happiness of having a first baby. A first-time mother has all the chances of having a normal delivery, provided her pregnancy is not a complicated or a high-risk one. Also, first-time mothers are often apprehensive about labor pains and the process of delivery vaginally, which needs to be clarified with your doctor.

Normal delivery is actually a possibility for every pregnant woman, and C-sections were reserved mainly for obstetric emergencies. However, c-sections have become a norm now, even in low-risk pregnancies. Some tips for having a normal delivery for first-time mothers have been enlisted and you can increase your chances by following them.

Different Stages of Labor For Normal Childbirth

pregnant women in labor pain

First, we’d like to stress that every birth is unique, and so is every baby. Normal or natural childbirth mainly involves three stages of labor as discussed below:

1. First Stage

During the first stage of labor,  the uterus effaces and dilates. The first stage consists of 3 phases:

a) Early Phase

This is the stage when the labor begins – differently for all women. In the early phase of labor, the cervix dilates to 3-4 cms over a period of a few hours or days. While for some women, no noticeable symptoms may appear.

Others can have strong, irregular contractions spaced anywhere between 5-30 minutes, lasting 30-45 seconds. In some women, the rupture of membranes or “water breaking” may happen at this stage or later. It is not uncommon to see some pink discharge and feel abdominal discomfort.

b) Active Phase

In the active phase of labor, the cervix dilates from 4-7 cms, and the labor starts to get intense, increasing in frequency. The contractions are now spaced apart for 3-5 minutes, centering around the lower back, abdomen, and thighs. You will find it hard to talk now and may experience some more pinkish discharge – known as the “bloody show”.

c) Transition Phase

During the last and final phase of first stage labor, the cervix dilates to 8 to 10 cms. You will experience strong, intense, and painful contractions spaced out 1-3 minutes apart. In this phase, you will find yourself fatigued, nauseous, and somewhat shaky.

Though you will feel strongly to push the baby as the pressure in the rectal area increases, hold the urge until your doctor suggests the same. Go for the tips for normal delivery and focus on breathing and relaxation techniques, resist the urge to push, and keep reminding yourself that you are going to meet your baby soon.

2. Second Stage

During the second stage of labor, the baby is pushed out and is born. The second stage of labor starts when the cervix is fully dilated. You will be asked to push down at this stage, which can leave you breathless and fatigued. The vaginal area will be in intense pain as the baby’s head crowns, the perineal area will also be sore.

If you have to have an episiotomy, it will happen at this stage. Once the baby’s head is out, pushing the rest of the body might seem easy. And then with one last push, your baby will be out in the world!

3. Third Stage

During the third stage of labor, the placenta is removed from the mother’s body. Accompanied by cramping, you will push the placenta out of your body, though you may hardly notice this stage as all your attention and energy are now focused on your baby.

With so much happening around you, you might feel overwhelmed and burst into tears. You can ask your baby to be put to your breast for the first feed and skin-to-skin contact. This will further help in contracting the uterus. Just close your eyes and rest your brain – you are a mother!

[Read : Labor And What It Involves]

What Happens When You Are in Labor?

As explained above, labor comprises three stages, and the whole process can last anywhere from a few hours to two-three days. Labor is harder for first-time mothers, but it generally eases out in the subsequent deliveries.

Try to use the breathing, and relaxing techniques learned at the birth classes, and find a comfortable position to give birth. If you have a birth partner, he will be playing a crucial role in your delivery. Though painful, most women can birth naturally.

How Long Does Labor Last?

Though there is no one shoe that fits all, some generic rough ideas about how long labor will last have been known to depend on the below factors:

  • If this is your first baby
  • If this is not your first baby, how many births have happened, and when was the last delivery
  • The ease with which your cervix dilates and opens up
  • Strength and intensity of labor pains
  • Whether or not you are using an epidural
  • Position of your baby
  • Whether you are stressed or calm about childbirth

Based on the above factors, the length and intensity of your labor are decided, though no one can certainly be sure about it. It is said that first-time moms experience longer labor, and it may ease out in subsequent deliveries. Active labor can take 5-8 hours, though it may be longer rarely extends beyond 18 hours.

If you have had a baby before, it may be around 5 to a maximum of 12 hours. Once the cervix is dilated fully, it could be another 2 hours to push for a first-time delivery, though it may just be a few minutes in subsequent deliveries.

The separation of the placenta may take up to half an hour, but it usually takes about 15 minutes or so. Sometimes, labor can be really fast if you observe certain tips for normal delivery- like proper breathing techniques and a calm and relaxed mind. The most important factor is to trust your instincts and remain calm and relaxed during the phase.

[Read : How Long Will My Labor Last?]

How Painful is the Birth?

It would be incorrect to say that labor is not painful – it is, indeed, an intense and painful process. But labor experiences vary greatly among different women and even among different pregnancies in the same woman. The pain is mainly the result of the uterus contracting greatly to push your baby out, resulting in intense muscle tightening in the abdomen.

The back, perineum, vaginal area, rectal area, bladder, abdomen, and pelvic belt come under a lot of stress during labor, and all these factors work in combination to give you that intense, strong pain and discomfort.

Also, your personal pain threshold is another factor that determines how painful the birth will be. While the pregnancy tips for normal delivery try to relive you, genetics, fear, anxiety, life experiences, and your or others’ birth stories can also influence your labor.

10 Simple Tips to Help You Have a Normal Delivery

However, how you have the baby is secondary; your primary concern should be sailing through the pregnancy smoothly and having a healthy baby. During pregnancy, avoid thinking too much about your probability of having a normal delivery or a cesarean section.

About 85% of pregnant women do have a fair chance of delivering vaginally, but only about 65% are successful. If you are one of those women who want to have a baby the normal way, some simple sure-shot tips as listed below can be of help.

Here are some simple and easy tips for normal delivery. They also help you glide through the labor pain and discomfort with ease.

1. Regular Exercises

pregnant women doing squats

Doing mild exercises throughout pregnancy can help you build not only good stamina but also keeps you active during this span. So, cultivate the habit of exercising regularly. Regular exercises with vitality can strengthen the pelvic muscles. Kegels are particularly helpful. The strong thigh muscles are helpful in combating the stress of labor pains.

Pelvic stretches and tilts, deep squats, aquatic pregnancy exercises can open your hips and make your pelvic muscles stronger to enable you to have a normal delivery. Keep in mind to exercise under the supervision of an expert as wrongly done exercises can do harm to you and your baby.

You can also try prenatal yoga, which increases flexibility and will help you have breathing control. Yoga will also keep you relaxed and calm. However, in the interest of your and the baby’s safety, always take prenatal exercises/yoga classes from an expert. In fact, you can do some simple exercises at home that can help you have a normal delivery.

2. Refrain From Stress

pregnant women reading a book

Stay away from stress, anxiety, and too much contemplation. Your current phase requires you to stay cool and composed. There are times when avoiding stress is quite difficult still try to be calm.

Read good books about parenting and be in the company of good, friendly people. Steer yourself clear from situations and people that make you anxious or cause you discomfort. Remember maternal stress can adversely affect the baby’s health and wellness.

3. Practice Right Breathing Techniques

breathing exercise- tip for normal delivery

Breathing exercises are very important as during the process of delivery, you need to hold your breath from time to time. Proper and sufficient oxygen supply is mandatory for enhancing the growth of the baby. So, practice meditation and deep breathing exercises regularly. This way, you will inch a step closer to having a normal delivery.

4. Refrain from Hearing Horror Birth Stories

Avoid hearing negative stories from women who already had babies is very important. Stay away from hearsay and negative conversations. Some women are fond of narrating their painful and difficult delivery stories. Make a point to stay away from hearing such tales. These negative stories can adversely affect the progression of the natural course of delivery.

5. Watch Your Diet

pregnant women holding apple

Eat properly and eat rightly. Nutrition is important not only for your health but also for the health and development of your baby. Food is essential for making you strong and nourishing your body. A healthy and well-nourished mother is capable of facing the challenges of labor easily and more comfortably.

Drink a lot of water and eat a lot of green fresh vegetables and fruits. Where fruits and vegetables will nourish your body with essential nutrients, water will keep you hydrated and cool. However, you must keep a tab on your weight as well, as too much weight gain can interfere with your chances of having a normal delivery.

Many times women put on a lot of weight on the excuse of pregnancy by eating fatty foods. Thus, a quick tip out of the bundled tips for a normal pregnancy is to keep your cravings and control and opt for healthy, wholesome food. Gaining just the recommended weight during pregnancy can pave the way for normal delivery.

6. Get Prenatal and Birthing Information

attending prenatal classes

Educate yourself well about the process of delivery and labor. Get information on natural pain management techniques like breathing, relaxation, and other natural labor-management coping techniques. You can ask your doctor to tell you more about delivery or can join prenatal classes to enhance your knowledge about the phenomenon of giving birth.

Prenatal classes that cover labor pain management techniques would be particularly helpful. You can also research online, read good books, and have a confident mind. You can shed all your apprehensions and fears about childbirth to have a safe and easy delivery. So You can face delivery with a clear mindset with our pregnancy tips for normal delivery.

7. Spend Early Labor at Home

pregnant women in labor pain

Labor is real hard work, and early labor is the beginning of an intense, exhausting process. Early labor can be long – especially for first-time mothers, and if you drop to a hospital too soon, you will likely be sent back. Spend this time at home, relaxing your body and mind, and resting as much as you can.

If this is your first child, you will not know what to expect when you go into early labor- hence getting information on the signs and symptoms is a must. Stocked up with the right information, you will be able to avoid multiple trips to the hospital.

[Read : Early Signs That Labor is Coming Soon]

8. Consult a Good Doctor

Consult a good obstetrician and get your antenatal check-ups done regularly and routinely. Seek out someone who is into natural birth; avoid those whose C-section or epidural cases are higher. If you feel your doctor is not responding to you well, do not hesitate to find another cooperative doctor. Remember, a good doctor can boost your morale and help eliminate all your delivery fears.

However, if you do not have any health concerns, make it a point to go for a low intervention pregnancy. Get only those tests were done that are essential, and skip the optional ones. Remember, not every patient needs everything. The less you interfere with your pregnancy, the higher the chances of nature taking its way.

9. Regular Perineal Massages

You need to have regular perineal massages done after the seventh month of pregnancy. It reduces stress, helps an expectant mother tackle labor efficiently, and mitigates joint pains and muscular tensions.

10. Adequate Sleep and Water

Adequate Sleep - tip for normal delivery

Sound and undisturbed sleep is essential for promoting the proper growth and development of the baby. Keep the room dimly lit and noise-free to have a sound sleep. Avoid drinking tea or coffee two hours before going to bed to have uninterrupted sleep.

Make sure you are drinking adequate water to prevent urinary tract infections that pregnant women are prone to. Water will also help prevent dehydration and help with edema during pregnancy.

Do not worry about the pains associated with normal delivery when you’ve our normal delivery tips. Your support system- your husband, your sister, or your mother should be by your side while you experience labor pains. Besides this, it is also essential for you to have somebody reliable close to you always.

Avoid being alone in the house, especially when you are in your ninth month of pregnancy. Having someone reliable helps in easing discomfort and stress levels. You will feel empowered to tackle labor easily when you know your loved ones are by your side.

While you are pregnant, read good literature and keep your spirits lifted. Think about your child and feel strong. After all, it is the baby that matters the most. Whether the baby is delivered by C-section or via normal delivery, the most important point is to be happy and feel special. You have a new life in your womb-the thought itself is so exciting.

Enjoy every moment of your pregnant-hood and be mentally prepared for the new arrival. When you are happy, the feel-good hormone is released that keeps you high-spirited and eliminates the feelings of anxiety and worries. Our pregnancy tips for normal delivery are always there to assist you in your particular time.

FAQ’s

1. How to Follow Normal Delivery Tips?

The tips for normal delivery are easy to follow, with the least chances of them interfering with your baby’s health. You can start with a few and can shift to all of them. You have to obey these tips without compromising with your regular checkups.

2. How Can I Increase My Chances of Normal Delivery?

The pregnancy tips for normal delivery are safe and best to increase your chances of normal delivery. The c-section or other childbirths may seem attractive but have adverse long-term complications. Thus, following simple steps can endure your body to have a normal delivery only.

3. How Can I Make My Delivery Painless?

Delivering a baby can’t be painless, but you can reduce the pains to considerable amounts by following the tips for normal delivery. You don’t have to be afraid of the pain as it depends from body to body. Further, never seek any medication for painless delivery as it may affect your baby’s health.

4. What to Do in Pregnancy for Normal Delivery?

You can follow the pregnancy tips for normal delivery. These are small but powerful steps toward natural childbirth. These tips cover all aspects of delivery without risking your or your baby’s health.

Read Also: Top Benefits Of Normal Delivery For The Mother

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Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

Responses (5)

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N

nazia

Apr 02, 2017

thanks for ur humble msg

S

shahnawaz ah dar

Dec 24, 2016

Thank u very much for such a precious information.

N

nikhil rawal

Dec 11, 2016

I hope my wife will do Norma delivery and she il be safe after delivery....

V

vijay

Sep 08, 2016

i hope my dear lovely wife gives birth to our child normally because i cannot see her being in pain .thanks for the valuable tips being the parent.

J

josh

Jul 23, 2016

I am a husband who is facing the birth of my first child. Thank you all of this information is very useful to me. hopefully my wife can have a normal delivery.

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