When it comes time for a pregnant woman to give birth, there are a number of birthing scenarios that may occur. One of them may be natural childbirth, or a vaginal birth using no medications (including pain medication). Women may choose natural childbirth for many reasons, including remaining in control of their body as much as possible, being an active participant in labor, and experiencing the natural, unhindered event of birth. This option is often a safe one for women with low-risk pregnancies.
“I highly recommend Dr. Tepper!He is highly professional, experienced, and calming. My pregnancy and birth were such a positive experience thanks to him and his lovely staff at the clinic.”
If you choose to have your baby naturally, you must accept that there is a potential for discomfort and pain during the birthing process. However, there are many benefits to natural childbirth, including:
The avoidance of side-effects associated with epidurals.
Shorter pushing time.
Decreased risk of needing interventions.
Little potential for harmful side effects to you or your baby.
Ability to change birthing positions.
Quicker recovery after birth.
And more.
MEET DR. ALEX TEPPER
Welcome to my practice. Let me introduce myself and my practice philosophy. I am a board certified OB/GYN in practice for over 20 years and have been a solo-practitioner on the Upper East Side of Manhattan since 2000. All deliveries are performed at The Mount Sinai Medical Center where I went to medical school and at Lenox Hill Hospital.
If you are interested in natural childbirth, it is important to speak with Dr. Tepper regarding the possible risks and if you are a good candidate for this option. Having a set birth plan before labor will help to make your experience more comfortable. Many women choose to have a natural delivery in a traditional hospital setting, though birth in an alternative setting such as at home is always an option. Overall, it is always a good idea to learn as much as possible before labor about both natural childbirth, coping methods, and what to expect during labor before your delivery date. Dr. Tepper will be happy to discuss these topics with you.
The Stages of Labor
The natural labor process can be broken down into three stages:
The first stage starts when you begin having contractions, which will start out short and irregular and become longer and more regular. Over time the cervix will slowly open to 10cm dilated.
The second stage (also called the pushing stage) begins once you are fully dilated. Your baby’s head will move down out of the uterus and into the birth canal. You can then deliver your baby.
The third and final stage begins after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. During natural childbirth, you will wait for your placenta to deliver with your effort, which may take up to an hour following birth.
Every pregnancy is different, and there is a wide variation of the length of labor. For first-time mothers, labor can take anywhere between 10-20 hours, however, vaginal births are often quicker than other methods.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Whether you are a new or returning patient, Dr. Tepper can assess your concerns and discuss your options to find the most comfortable and convenient care for you. To get started, call our office to set up an appointment.
If you are considering natural childbirth and would like to speak with Dr. Tepper regarding what to expect, please contact our New York office today! Our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare for Natural Childbirth?
I highly recommend the birthing class by MindBodyBabyNYC
Is natural childbirth better for the baby?
Not necessarily, each birth is unique and every situation is different with many changing variables.
What position is best for Natural Childbirth?
Once again this is a very complex question with multiple variables. For example If the baby is coming down in an occiput posterior position, the labor team will employ certain positions to facilitate the rotation of the baby in the pelvis. The size of the baby and of course the moms unique anatomy are also important factors for the best birth position.
How can I lower pain during a Natural Childbirth delivery?
Preparation is key along with reasonable expectations while acknowledging that the use of an epidural is not a failure by any means.
Where can I have a natural childbirth?
Natural childbirth can happen in a hospital, birth center, or at home. Many hospitals have birth centers designed for mothers to labor, birth, and recover all in one comfortable, home-like room.
What if I change my mind?
If you change your mind, that is completely okay. It is important to prioritize the safety of you and your baby. If it is early enough in your labor, you can receive an epidural and begin experiencing relief in as little as 20 minutes.
What exercises help you prepare for natural childbirth?
Adequately preparing your body and mind is an important step for natural childbirth. Doing exercises and stretches like child’s pose, deep squats, cat/cow, and perineal massage will help you greatly during the labor process. Perineal bulges are another great exercise that trains your body to breathe through pushes.
What can prevent you from natural childbirth?
Certain factors that are beyond your control may prevent you from being a candidate for natural childbirth. These can include your baby being in a breech position, having placenta previa, having an infection or genital lesions, or suffering from a chronic health condition that makes natural childbirth too dangerous.
What are the side effects of natural childbirth?
Some side effects of natural childbirth include constipation, vaginal pain, vaginal tearing, vaginal bleeding, hemorrhoids, and cramps. The sudden change in hormones can also cause hot flashes, headaches, and post-partum depression.
What are the risks of natural childbirth?
Risks of natural childbirth include failure to progress, irregular fetal heart rate, hemorrhage, vaginal tearing, deep vein thrombosis, and postpartum preeclampsia.
Do you heal faster after natural childbirth?
Recovery after natural childbirth is quicker and generally less painful than cesarean delivery recovery.
Are natural births riskier?
Those with low-risk pregnancies are the best for natural childbirth. In some cases, medical complications that arise during labor are harder to detect and treat with unmedicated pregnancies.
Can you have a natural childbirth after a cesarean?
In most cases, many women are able to have a natural childbirth after a cesarean delivery. The largest risk associated with a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is uterine rupture.
What non-medication methods can be used to ease pain during labor?
To ease pain during your active labor methods like massage, acupressure, warm baths, hot water bottles, breathing techniques, and changing positions frequently can help.
How common is it to poop in labor during natural childbirth?
Quite frankly, 80 percent of the time. It is nothing that we are not used to.
What does it feel like to give birth naturally?
The sensations often begin as mild cramping or discomfort similar to menstrual cramps and gradually intensify as labor progresses. Contractions build in strength and duration, creating powerful sensations in the abdomen, back, and pelvis. Each natural childbirth experience is unique, shaped by factors such as pain tolerance, the positioning of the baby, and the duration of labor.
What is the most painful part of natural childbirth?
The most painful part of natural childbirth is often considered the transition phase of labor, which occurs when the cervix dilates from about 7 to 10 centimeters. During this time, contractions become extremely intense, close together, and may last up to 90 seconds. Many women describe this phase as overwhelming and the peak of pain in labor.
What is considered natural childbirth?
Natural childbirth refers to delivering a baby without medical interventions such as pain relief medication (like an epidural), forceps, or vacuum extractions. It emphasizes the natural ability of the body to give birth, often with the support of techniques like controlled breathing, movement, water immersion, or other comfort measures to manage pain.
Do babies feel anything during labor?
While the exact sensations a baby experiences during labor are not fully understood, they are affected by the contractions and pressure changes in the uterus and birth canal. During the final stages of labor, the baby might experience pressure as they pass through the birth canal. However, the experience for the baby is not the same as it is for the mother, and they are generally well-adapted to handle the birth process.
Can you feel your baby coming out with an epidural?
An epidural does not usually numb the entire body. Most women with an epidural can still feel some pressure and a sense of movement as the baby descends through the birth canal.
Do contractions or pushing hurt more?
Contractions are often described as the more painful aspect for most women, especially during the active and transition phases of labor, as they involve intense, rhythmic waves of pain that radiate through the abdomen, back, and pelvis. Pushing, on the other hand, can feel like intense pressure and burning, especially as the head of the baby crowns, but some women find pushing to be a relief as they feel more control over the process.
Is natural birth bearable?
Natural birth is bearable for many women, especially with proper preparation, support, and the use of pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation methods, water therapy, and continuous support from a partner or doula. Some women describe the experience as intensely painful but empowering, while others may find it overwhelming.
Can I refuse to give birth on my back?
Many women find alternative positions, such as squatting, standing, kneeling, or being on hands and knees, to be more comfortable and practical for labor and delivery. It is essential to communicate your preferences to your healthcare provider or midwife in advance and discuss the options for birth positions that support a safe and comfortable delivery.
What do babies do during contractions?
During contractions, babies move in response to the rhythmic squeezing of the uterus. Babies may flex and rotate their heads and bodies to align with the shape of the birth canal.
What are the signs that labor has begun?
Signs that labor has begun include regular and increasingly intense contractions, a discharge of blood-tinged mucus, rupture of the amniotic sac water breaking, lower back pain or cramping, and a feeling of pressure in the pelvis. These signs vary from person to person, and it is crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider when you suspect labor has started.
What is the average delivery time for a first baby?
The average delivery time for a first baby can range from 12 to 24 hours from the onset of regular contractions to the birth of the baby. However, these time frames can vary significantly, depending on the health of the mother, the position of the baby, and whether any interventions are needed.
