What Is a Normal Delivery?
Normal delivery is the natural process of childbirth through the vaginal canal, without the need for major surgical intervention (like a C-section).
Key Features of Normal Delivery:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Type | Vaginal, spontaneous |
| Labor Involvement | Yes – includes contractions, cervical dilation, and pushing |
| Pain Management | Natural, or with epidural/spinal anesthesia if needed |
| Duration | Can last from a few hours to over 12 hours for first-time mothers |
| Recovery Time | Quicker compared to cesarean (days vs. weeks) |
| Hospital Stay | Typically 1–2 days |
Stages of Normal Labor:
1. Early Labor & Active Labor
- Cervix dilates from 0–10 cm
- Regular contractions begin
2. Delivery of the Baby
-
Pushing stage begins at full dilation
-
Ends when baby is born
3. Delivery of the Placenta
- Usually within 30 minutes of the baby being born