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The majority of babies are born vaginally without any additional procedures, but some require a little extra help from the hospital staff to ensure the safest birth process possible. If you need to have any of the following procedures, your clinicians will be with you every step of the way.
Assisted delivery
Your clinician might offer what’s called an assisted delivery if your baby becomes distressed. It’s also a good idea when you no longer have the energy to push effectively.
Clinicians use a couple of different tools to help you safely give birth. They might try forceps, which look and act like long tongs. If your baby’s head is already far down in your birth canal, forceps can be used to help guide them out.
Clinicians might also try suction cups or vacuums that attach to the top of your baby’s head. This keeps their head in place while clinicians guide them down your birth canal.
Assisted delivery is generally very safe, but there are some risks. Tools like forceps or vacuums might lead to bleeding or bruising on your baby’s scalp. Their shoulders could get stuck as they are guided out. Your clinician will let you know whether any other risks are possible.
Cesarean birth
Also known as a C-section, a cesarean birth is a surgery where clinicians deliver your baby through an incision in your abdomen. C-sections are common for babies who are in breech position or whose placentas are covering the opening to the birth canal and are often planned in advance. Sometimes they are recommended if you’re having trouble giving birth vaginally or your baby is in distress. Either way, your care team will discuss the rationale for recommending a C-section and can discuss the risks of the procedure and the risks of proceeding with vaginal delivery. Many of your birth preferences can still be honored with a C-section, even if you didn’t originally plan for cesarean birth.
Unless it’s an emergency, your partner can be with you for a C-section. Most people do not have any complications with a C-section, although you will need longer to recover and may need stronger medications for pain related to the incision.
Episiotomy
Some people need an episiotomy to help them deliver safely. This is when a clinician makes an incision between the vagina and anus.
Your clinician may recommend this if your baby becomes distressed or if they’re not in a good position for a safe delivery. Episiotomies usually aren’t needed during birth, but they are more common with first-time mothers.
If you have an episiotomy, a clinician will seal the cut with stitches. In most cases it heals within six weeks. Certain treatments, like ice packs, sitz baths, and pain medications can help make the healing process a little easier.