Labor and delivery in V.

There are several ways and procedures used for giving birth. Based on a variety of issues relating to either the health of the mother or unborn child, here are V. and the reasons why.

i.   Vaginal delivery

Spontaneous vaginal deliveries are the most common and for the most part the safest method of childbirth. This type of delivery can occur with or without pain medication. If it is without pain medication and other interventions (such as no artificial rupture of membranes and without medical labor stimulation) then it is often referred to as natural childbirth. For some women, pain management is needed or requested for a vaginal delivery, and this can be with an epidural, or other types of analgesia. Some vaginal labors are induced or augmented with medication, most typically with pitocin.

ii.   Cesarean section

A C-section is the operative procedure to extract the baby from the uterus through the mother’s abdomen. There are many reasons that a C-section may be necessary; position of the baby, baby is in distress, slow progress in labor, placental location, multiples, etc. Approximately 1/3 of all births occur by C-section. 

 iii.   Vacuum assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD)

With a vacuum delivery a small suction device is placed on the head of the baby to help guide it through the birth canal. Certain criteria must be met to perform this procedure safely and successfully. The woman must be fully dilated with the head of the baby low enough in the pelvis before considering applying the vacuum extractor. This procedure should only be performed by a skilled provider. Reasons for a vacuum assisted vaginal delivery can include maternal exhaustion with pushing, fetal intolerance to pushing or maternal health conditions where it is advisable that she should not push during the labor process.

iv.  Forceps delivery

Forceps are instruments that resemble large spoons and are used to help guide the head through the birth canal. This method of delivery should only be performed by a skilled provider. There are certain maternal and fetal criteria that must be met to safely and successfully perform a forceps delivery including fetal distress or unfavorable position. Today, less than 3% of births are delivered using forceps.

v.  Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC)

In certain circumstances a woman who has had a prior C-section may desire a trial of labor after a previous C-section. There are certain criteria that must be assessed to allow for a VBAC. For example, the type of incision that was created on the uterus with her prior C-section must be known, the reason for the initial C-section should be evaluated, the time interval between the C-section and the possible VBAC, the size and position of the baby, and of course she should have no known contraindications to a vaginal birth in general. The reason that candidates for VBAC are carefully selected is because there is a risk of the uterine scar opening during the labor process which has the potential for adverse outcomes for the baby and/or the mother.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. Discuss all/any labor and delivery issues, questions or concerns with your personal doctor.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.