Normal birth is the most natural way to give birth and guarantees some advantages over cesarean section, such as a shorter recovery time for the woman after giving birth and a lower risk of infection for both the woman and the baby. Although natural birth is often related to pain, there are some techniques that can help alleviate pain and discomfort during childbirth, such as baths and massages, for example. Check out other tips to ease the pain of labor.
One of the most important steps to having a normal birth without problems is to attend all prenatal consultations, as it helps the doctor to know if there is anything that prevents a normal birth, such as an infection or change in the baby, for example.
Normal birth can have several benefits for both mother and baby, the main ones being:
1. Shorter recovery time
After a natural birth, the woman is able to recover faster, and it is often not necessary to stay in the hospital for a long time. Furthermore, as it is not necessary to carry out invasive procedures, the woman is better able to stay with the baby, being able to make the most of the postpartum period and the baby’s first days.
Furthermore, after a natural birth, the time it takes for the uterus to return to its normal size is shorter compared to a cesarean section, which can also be considered for the woman, in addition to there being less discomfort after birth.
With each natural birth, the labor time also gets shorter. Normally the first labor lasts around 12 hours, but from the second pregnancy onwards, the time can decrease to 6 hours, however there are many women who manage to have the baby in 3 hours or less.
2. Lower risk of infection
Normal birth also reduces the risk of infection in both the baby and the mother, because in normal birth there is no cutting or use of surgical instruments.
In relation to the baby, the lowest risk of infection is due to the baby passing through the vaginal canal, which exposes the baby to microorganisms belonging to the woman’s normal microbiota, which directly interferes with the baby’s healthy development, as they colonize the baby’s intestine. , in addition to promoting the activity and strengthening of the immune system.
3. Greater ease of breathing
When a baby is born by natural birth, as it passes through the vaginal canal, its chest is compressed, which causes the liquid present inside the lungs to be expelled more easily, making the baby’s breathing easier and reducing the risk of problems. respiratory systems in the future.
Furthermore, some obstetricians recommend that the umbilical cord remain attached to the baby for a few minutes so that the placenta continues to supply oxygen to the baby, which has been associated with a lower risk of anemia in the first days of life.
4. Greater activity at birth
The baby also benefits from the hormonal changes that occur in the mother’s body during labor, making him more active and responsive at birth. Babies born vaginally when the umbilical cord has not yet been cut and are placed on the mother’s belly are able to crawl to the breast to breastfeed, without needing any help.
5. Greater receptivity to touch
During the passage through the vaginal canal, the baby’s body is massaged, making it awaken to the touch and not being so surprised by the touch of doctors and nurses at birth.
Furthermore, as during birth the baby is always in contact with the mother, sentimental bonds can be built more easily, in addition to making the baby calmer.
6. Calmer
At birth, the baby can be immediately placed on top of the mother, which calms mother and child and increases their sentimental bonds, and after being clean and dressed, it can remain with the mother all the time, if both are healthy, as it does not need to be of observation.
