How to Increase Your Chances of Normal Delivery - 9 Pregnancy Tips That Really Work

According to the caesarean section (C-section) delivery now accounts for more than 1 in 5 (about 21%) of all childbirths globally, and this rate is projected to continue rising in the coming decade unless medical unnecessary interventions are reduced.

According to a report by World Health Organization (WHO), 21% of all childbirths globally are caesarean instead of normal birth. This rate is expected to continue to rise in the coming decades. Yet, normal (vaginal) delivery is usually the preferred method of childbirth. One of the major reasons is fewer surgical risks, faster recovery, and lesser complications in future pregnancies.

It is important to remember that the final mode of delivery depends on multiple medical factors and the safest option for the mother and baby.

Factors Consider When Planning a Normal Delivery

There are various medical factors that doctors usually consider before recommending normal delivery: -

• Cephalic Position of the baby (when a fetus is positioned head-down in the uterus)
• Adequate pelvic size and shape
• Healthy progress of labor
• No major maternal or fetal complications
• Normal fetal heart rate and movements

Before reading further, let us understand the benefits of Normal Delivery.

Benefits for the mother: -

• Lower risk of infection, excessive blood loss, and blood clots Lower risk of infection, excessive blood loss, and blood clots
• Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery
• Earlier mobilization and bonding with the baby
• Fewer complications in future pregnancies
• Avoids surgical risks associated with abdominal surgery

Benefits for the baby: -

• Exposure to beneficial maternal bacteria, which may support immunity in the child born from a normal delivery
• Better adaptation to breathing at birth
• Reduced risk of respiratory problems
• Easier initiation of breastfeeding

Since there are various benefits of normal delivery, it is essential for you to be aware of the tips for normal delivery.

Let us now discuss the tips that may help increase the chances of a normal delivery

Consume a well-balanced, nutritious diet –

It is important for you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (pulses, dairy, eggs, fish, or lean meats) for a healthy and normal delivery. You must also take prenatal vitamins to keep you fully energized, as natural labor requires a lot of energy. 

Create a stress-free environment –

You must stay away from negative thoughts and emotions, as they can affect the labor process. Being positive will keep you calm and help promote relaxation and emotional preparedness. To create a positive environment around you, you must go for walks, practice deep breathing, meditation, and listen to calming music.

Maintain healthy weight gain -

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy may increase the risk of labor complications and C-section. Your doctor will guide you on ideal weight gain based on your BMI.

Exercise and movement –

You must exercise at least once a day for natural labor. Regular, pregnancy-safe exercises such as walking, prenatal yoga and stretching under medical guidance can improve stamina, posture and pelvic flexibility. This is one of the important suggestions for normal delivery. Regular exercise will prepare your body for labor.

Take advantage of Pain Management Techniques –

Various pain management techniques can help facilitate a smooth, normal delivery, such as warm showers, water therapy, Acupressure, and breathing techniques.

Get enough rest and sleep –

It is important to get plenty of restful sleep before delivery, as labor requires physical endurance. Proper rest will help you to stay energetic and mentally well-prepared until your baby arrives safely.

Learn and practice labor breathing techniques -

Breathing techniques taught in antenatal classes help to improve oxygen supply, reduce anxiety, and cope better with labor

Attend antenatal and birthing classes –

Attending a birthing class with a certified professional is an excellent way to stay motivated throughout your pregnancy journey. These professionals will educate you about the stages of labor, pain relief options, when to go to the hospital, and pushing techniques.

Well-informed mothers often feel more confident and less fearful during labor. Trust your doctor and be flexible -

Despite best preparation, labor can be unpredictable. The priority is always the safety of mother and baby. Sometimes, a C-section becomes necessary even after planning for a normal delivery-and that is completely okay.

Conclusion: -

There is nothing more heartwarming and joyful than welcoming your baby into this world. For a normal delivery, you must follow healthy pregnancy practices mentioned above in this blog, right from consuming a well-balanced diet, staying physically active within safe limits, managing stress, and attending regular antenatal check-ups, this can help support your body’s readiness for labor.

We all know that pregnancy is not an easy journey and your body’s nutritional requirements change with each trimester. Merely following a healthy diet may sometimes be challenging to meet all increased micronutrient needs through food alone. In such cases, Trimacare, a trimester-specific pregnancy supplement, may help bridge nutritional gaps. It may be helpful to meet all your nutritional requirements (in each trimester), and for your baby’s healthy future, as a complement to a healthy diet. Trimacare provides comprehensive prenatal support and is designed to address trimester-wise nutritional needs to support maternal strength and fetal development as part of an overall antenatal care plan.

Every pregnancy is unique. Regular consultation with your doctor, personalized care, and informed decision-making are the keys to achieving the best possible pregnancy outcome.