Normal Birth

Giving birth and bringing a baby into the world is perhaps one of the most miraculous moments on earth. When things go smoothly and both the mother and baby are healthy, there is one type of birth: normal birth. The physiology of birth is naturally defined as the completion of pregnancy through vaginal delivery. If there are no health issues, the healthiest and most natural form of birth is vaginal birth [1]. In a normal (vaginal) birth, interventions such as episiotomy (cut), vacuum, and the Kristeller maneuver (pressure from above) may be used if necessary.

A cesarean birth should only be preferred if there is a health issue with the mother and/or the baby. Normal birth can be summarized in three stages.

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The female body is designed to give birth. Unless complications arise, the most physiological and natural way is vaginal birth.

Stage 1: Latent and Active Phase

In the first stage of labor, the mother begins to feel regular contractions. The cervix starts to open and soften. The first stage is the longest duration. During the latent phase, the cervix dilates and thins. At this stage, a light pink discharge may occur. It is recommended to spend this period at home while staying in contact with your doctor or midwife.

During the active phase, the cervix dilates between 6 cm and 10 cm. The contractions become stronger. Contractions lasting around 1 minute and occurring every 4-5 minutes are felt regularly. It is now time to go to the hospital [1].

At the end of the active phase, the contractions become more frequent and occur every 60-120 seconds. There is pressure in the back and rectum. If there is a sensation of pushing, the mother should inform her midwife or doctor. If supported by controlled breathing techniques, the chances of tearing or needing an episiotomy are reduced.

Stage 2: Birth of the Baby

The stage after the active phase is the birth of the baby. The baby's birth may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. The mother should push under the guidance of the doctor. Controlled breathing techniques can reduce the chances of tearing and the need for an episiotomy. After the baby's head is born, the body will follow shortly.

Stage 3: Separation of the Placenta from the Body

After the baby is born, the mother experiences a great sense of relief. No matter how long the birth lasts, no matter how much pain is felt, when the baby is born and placed in the mother's arms, everything instantly ends; the pain ceases, and the joy of birth and happiness fills the entire body.

Immediate skin-to-skin contact between the baby and mother after birth is very important. There are 3 points of contact for bonding: skin, eye, and sound contact. The baby is placed in the mother's arms before the umbilical cord is cut. The baby looks into the mother's eyes, and the mother says, "Welcome, my dear, we love you so much," and thus, bonding occurs through the three points of contact in a matter of minutes. The first steps of secure bonding are taken.

After this process, the placenta, which creates the proper environment for the baby's nutrition and birth during pregnancy, separates from the body. The placenta usually delivers within 5 to 30 minutes after birth [1].

To learn more about safely bonding with your baby after birth, you can visit our page on skin-to-skin contact and secure bonding.

When Does Normal Birth Happen During Pregnancy?

Normal birth typically occurs between the 38th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Births before the 37th week are considered preterm, while births after the 42nd week are considered post-term [1].

What are the Benefits of Normal Birth?

• The techniques used during normal birth are generally non-invasive. Therefore, the potential side effects and risks such as infection and bleeding are at their lowest levels. Studies show that vaginal birth significantly reduces the risk of wound infections compared to cesarean sections [2].
• Mothers who give birth vaginally recover more quickly after birth. Especially compared to other intervention methods, complaints of pain are much lower. Studies show that the recovery rate within five days after vaginal birth is 75%, whereas the rate for cesarean birth is only 30% [3].
• Mothers who give birth vaginally can be discharged from the hospital earlier. This is both beneficial from a risk and economic perspective [2].
• The physiological pressure and hormonal changes the baby experiences while passing through the birth canal help clear the lung fluids. This reduces the risk of respiratory problems in the baby. Research shows that babies born via elective cesarean without effort have a higher risk of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and other respiratory complications [4].

To prepare mentally for birth, you can check out our mental preparation for birth guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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  How long does normal birth take?

  The duration of normal birth varies from person to person. In first-time mothers, the total duration, including the latent phase, can range from 12 to 24 hours, whereas for mothers who have given birth before, this time is usually much shorter. The active phase and birth of the baby can range from a few hours to a few minutes.

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  When should I go to the hospital?

  When contractions become regular, occurring every 4-5 minutes and lasting about 1 minute each, or if your water breaks, it is time to go to the hospital. It is recommended to stay in contact with your doctor and spend the latent phase at home.

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  Is episiotomy mandatory in normal birth?

  No, it is not mandatory. Episiotomy is only performed when necessary. With controlled breathing and pushing techniques, the chances of tearing or needing an episiotomy can be significantly reduced.

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  Why is normal birth better for the baby?

  The physiological pressure the baby experiences while passing through the birth canal and the hormonal changes during the birth process help clear the fluid in the baby's lungs. This process facilitates respiratory adaptation and reduces the risk of temporary breathing difficulties, which are more common in cesarean births.

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  When does the placenta deliver?

  The placenta usually detaches from the body within 5 to 30 minutes after the baby is born. This process makes up the third stage of birth and takes place under the supervision of a doctor or midwife.

References

1. Holeckova, M., et al. (2023). Vaginal Delivery — StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf, NIH. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559197/)
2. Das, B., et al. (2024). Comparing Vaginal Birth vs Cesarean Section: Short and Long-Term Maternal Health Outcomes. Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice, 10(2), 57–65. (https://www.jccpractice.com/article/comparing-vaginal-birth-vs-cesarean-section-short-and-long-term-maternal-health-outcomes-188/)
3. Conde-Agudelo, A., et al. (2023). Planned cesarean delivery vs planned vaginal delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM. (https://www.ajogmfm.org/article/S2589-9333(23)00328-2/pdf)
4. Jain, L., & Eaton, D. C. (2006). Physiology of fetal lung fluid clearance and the effect of labor. Seminars in Perinatology, 30(1), 34–43. PubMed PMID: 16549212. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16549212/)