Vaginal Delivery

A vaginal delivery is when a person gives birth through their vagina. Vaginal deliveries are the most common and most preferred method of delivery. This is because they are typically low-risk and carry the most benefits to the birthing person and baby.

Healthcare providers prefer vaginal deliveries because they're usually safest for the fetus and the birthing person. A vaginal delivery occurs most often between weeks 37 and 42 of pregnancy.

Your obstetrician is responsible for:

• Spontaneous vaginal delivery : A vaginal delivery that happens on its own and without labor-inducing drugs.
• Induced vaginal delivery : Drugs or other techniques initiate labor and prepare your cervix. This is also called labor induction.
• Assisted vaginal delivery : A vaginal birth that occurs with the help of forceps or a vacuum device to get your baby out. Both spontaneous and induced vaginal delivery can be assisted.

• Second stage of labor starts when the cervix is dilated to 10 cm and finishes with the birth of the fetus. This is stage is characterized by strong contractions and active pushing by the mother. It can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
• Third stage of labor starts after the birth of the fetus and is finished when the placenta is delivered.It can last from 5 to 30 minutes.