Childbirth

Childbirth , is the exit of the baby from the mother’s womb, which grows and develops in the mother’s womb for an average of 40 weeks. According to research, babies decide when they are born and when they are ready to be born, some of the substances that are secreted from their bodies reach the mother, and thus the mother begins to secrete her own hormone oxytocin. As the moment of childbirth approaches, which expectant mothers eagerly await during pregnancy, the only question that comes to mind is what kind of childbirth you will do.

What are the types of childbirth?

Mothers who know they are pregnant begin to think about how their baby will be born and how their baby will develop from the very first moment. Although the method of delivery in the first weeks is not entirely clear according to the anatomy of the baby and the mother, in the coming weeks, families and mothers will be able to choose between different delivery methods. In addition to natural childbirth, various techniques have been developed over time to reduce the pain experienced by the mother.

Normal Birth

The birth of a baby from the mother’s womb without any surgical intervention is called natural birth or vaginal birth. This manifests itself in conditions such as contractions, water leakage, or spots. Natural childbirth, which has been used for centuries, is known as natural childbirth. In this birth, which occurs without medication, painkillers and any medical intervention, the first contractions of the uterus begin. With contractions starting between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is born vaginally. Natural childbirth takes place in three steps.

The birth of a baby from the mother’s womb without any surgical intervention is called natural birth or vaginal birth. This manifests itself in conditions such as contractions, water leakage, or spots. Natural childbirth, which has been used for centuries, is known as natural childbirth. In this birth, which occurs without medication, painkillers and any medical intervention, the first contractions of the uterus begin. With contractions starting between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is born vaginally. Natural childbirth takes place in three steps.

There are many advantages to a vaginal birth, and most women who believe they will overcome the pain with confidence opt for a natural birth, with a few exceptions requiring a cesarean section. Women who begin to experience the feeling of motherhood after learning that they are pregnant want to experience childbirth from start to finish. Since medicines are not used during childbirth, the expectant mother does not feel sleepy and is awake. The moment a child is born, they have the opportunity to be reunited early and form a stronger bond.

Women who have given birth naturally have more endorphins in their bodies than women given pain relievers. This allows mothers to return to their normal lives more quickly. At the same time, it was determined that women who gave birth vaginally experienced less pain than women who had a cesarean section.

Cesarean Section

A cesarean birth is a surgical procedure that enables the delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen of a pregnant woman. In cesarean deliveries, which take an average of one hour, the expectant mother is exposed to two or three times more anesthesia than a normal delivery. Caesarean section is the preferred method in case of danger during a natural birth or for an unborn child even though the time has come. In a caesarean section, spinal, epidural or general anesthesia is applied to the expectant mother and a large incision is made in the mother’s uterus and womb, so this method is considered a surgical procedure.

A caesarean section is preferred when it is not possible to safely complete a vaginal delivery. When a condition that threatens the mother or the baby is detected, a cesarean section should be preferred taking into account the risks of medical intervention. Among these risky situations, the baby is not in a suitable position, the baby is larger than the ideal size, premature detachment of the placenta, the baby’s heartbeat is weak, the first pregnancy after the age of 35. The fact that the psychology of the expectant mother is not strong enough to withstand pain can also be considered as one of the reasons Choosing a caesarean section. Caesarean section has become the most preferred method after vaginal delivery, especially in Turkey. According to 2017 data, 53 out of every 100 babies were born by caesarean section.

However, the Ministry of Health and many experts state that priority should be given to caesarean section only in exceptional cases when a natural delivery is not possible. Pregnant women do not feel any pain or soreness during the caesarean section. However, the disadvantages and risks of cesarean delivery are much higher than other methods. First of all, because anesthesia is required during cesarean delivery, the mother feels numbness in her body, and therefore she cannot feel the sensations experienced during vaginal delivery. Because the layers of the abdomen are opened in layers with an incision, the recovery period for the mother takes longer than with a natural birth. This may prevent the mother from having close contact with her baby and the hospital stay may be prolonged.

In addition, since a cesarean section is a surgical procedure, there are risks with this surgery, as with any surgery. Another advantage of a natural birth is that the baby can expel fluid in the lungs more easily during a natural birth. Your baby may have temporary breathing problems, as this process may take longer for a cesarean section. In cases where there is a life-threatening situation for the mother and the baby, a cesarean section turns into a life-saving operation. However, if urgent intervention is not required, the opinion of not only the mother, but also the opinion of your doctor should be sought. If conditions are not suitable for a normal delivery, a caesarean section may be preferred and you should be informed about the procedure.

Birth in Water

In order for the expectant mother to go through a comfortable and stress-free process, the baby is born in a bathtub filled with water. The aquarium is pre-sterilized and filled with water close to body temperature. After the desired opening of the uterus of the expectant mother is achieved, the expectant mother is taken to the bathtub and the process begins. It is one of the most preferred methods in recent years. In this accepted method as an alternative to vaginal delivery, the expectant mother gives birth in warm water, the temperature of which is between 35 and 37 degrees. Since the warm water gives the mother a feeling of relaxation, there is no need to give analgesics or artificial pain to the woman who gives birth in this way.

In addition, there is evidence that the endorphins secreted by the mother’s body during childbirth are more released into the water. This hormone, which allows the mother to relax, also reduces the level of stress and anxiety. Thanks to birth in water, the baby leaves the water in the mother’s womb for 9 months, and switching to another water prevents the baby from experiencing a shock. However, there are some situations in which it is not possible to give birth in water. These reasons can not be done in cases such as premature delivery of the fetus, miscarriage of the child, pregnancy in twins, excessive bleeding, and genital herpes. However, expectant mothers who want to give birth in water are generally advised to have a second or third pregnancy.

It must be ensured that the physician and the team who will be introduced into the water have prior experience, that this is done in a sterile environment, and that it can be taken out of the water quickly and efficiently in an emergency.

Epidural (Painless)

Epidural, which is called painless among the people, is applied by an anesthesiologist. While the expectant mother is in a sitting position, the lumbar region is cleaned and covered with a sterile solution. Then, local anesthesia is applied and a catheter is placed in the lumbar region with the help of a thin needle. The outer part of the catheter is adhered to the patient’s back area and the patient is prepared to administer the drug dose. The low dose given at the first stage allows to determine whether any allergic reaction has developed in the patient.

Things to consider during pregnancy

• Eat healthy foods,
• Do not use tobacco and alcohol,
• Avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks,
• Avoid eating processed foods and saturated fats,
• Avoid oily and spicy foods,
• Avoid entering places that are too hot, such as the steam bath, sauna and jacuzzi,
• Heavy lifting and strenuous movements should be avoided.
• avoid stress,
• Prefer comfortable shoes,
• Keep away from imaging devices that emit radiation,
• Avoid close contact with patients
• Exercising under the supervision of a trainer to strengthen muscles
• Be careful not to gain excess weight on the health of the mother and child,
• using only medicines and vitamins recommended by a doctor,
• Sleep from 7 to 9 hours a day so that the body can rest sufficiently,
• Wearing high-waisted underwear and bras that make the breasts comfortable,
• Prefer cotton and loose-fitting clothes rather than fittings,
• Avoid tight belts and pants
• Keep car, bus and train trips under 6 hours
• For air travel, the trip must be undertaken with the approval of the doctor.
• In cases of multiple pregnancies, intercourse should not be performed after 6 months.

What should be considered after the birth of the child?

The period after the birth of the baby is a period that needs to be taken care of as much as it should be done during pregnancy and childbirth. During this period that begins after childbirth and lasts for an average of 6 weeks, some changes can be observed in the mother’s psyche and physiology. Here are some issues that expectant mothers should consider so that they can go through this process more easily:

• Tobacco and cigarettes must be consumed.
• Tobacco and cigarettes must be consumed.
• Women who have given birth naturally should be monitored in hospital for 24 hours, and women who have had a caesarean section for 48 hours
• After leaving the hospital, mothers need to rest for a while at home.
• Rest is not the same as lying down all the time. Moving around the house and doing simple household chores is an important factor in increasing the mother’s blood circulation.
• People who were born naturally can start simple exercises after an average of one week. However, mothers who have had a caesarean section should avoid movements that would force stitches for 6 months.
• To avoid constipation, drink plenty of water and eat foods that contain fiber.
• Wait until the day your doctor recommends that you shower and shower standing up.
• Women who have given birth vaginally should take care and protect vaginal hygiene. People who use pads should change pads frequently and keep the genital area dry. Women who have had a caesarean section should keep the suture area clean.
• The baby should be breastfed frequently and the excess milk should be emptied by suction so that the breasts do not become infected and the milk ducts are not blocked. Massaging the chest with a hot towel helps relieve stiffness.Relationships should be avoided until the postpartum period is completely over.
• The child must be vaccinated and examined on time.
• It is important to have a vaginal examination after the baby is born.
• In cases such as heavy bleeding and clotting, discoloration of the secretions, swelling at the incision site, redness, severe pain, vomiting and nausea, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
• Nursing mothers should not use any medication other than the medications and vitamins prescribed by the doctor.