Planning the delivery of your baby is an important element of your birth experience. Have continuous discussions with your provider about your preferences and priorities.

Depending on your current and past pregnancies and your medical history, your provider will determine the safest way to deliver your baby.

Ask your provider questions about the recovery process, interventions that may impact future pregnancies, and benefits and alternatives to help you make informed decisions.

Vaginal Birth

Vaginal birth is the most common delivery method. For uncomplicated pregnancies and labor, vaginal birth offers the lowest risk for you and your baby.

If your labor is induced, you can still give birth vaginally. Labor induction means that medications or other methods are used to jumpstart the laboring process.

When you give birth vaginally, your cervix goes through a process called dilation (opening) and effacement (thins out). This process will help you push your baby through your vagina.

After delivering your baby, you will also deliver the placenta.

Vaginal delivery has many benefits for both mother and baby. Some benefits include:

• Faster recovery

• Lower infection rate

• Easier lactation and breastfeeding experience

• Babies born vaginally have a lower risk of needing respiratory support and have stronger immune systems

Download to keep reading.