OBGYN: Pros and Cons of Natural Labor

When someone gets pregnant, one of the first things on the checklist is usually to go visit with an OBGYN. This is where the pregnancy can be confirmed, an approximate due date can be given, and the patient can learn about what to expect in the next nine months. There are many decisions to be made when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, and one of those decisions is whether to have a natural birth or to opt for medication to help manage pain. Both of these options have advantages and disadvantages, and there is not a one-size-fits-all option.

Natural childbirth

Many women choose to attempt a natural childbirth without pain medication, and it can offer several advantages.

Advantages

There are many different reasons women may choose a natural childbirth. According to WebMD, this technique can reduce the number of interventions, which allows the mom and baby to decide the proper time to come into this world. It can involve getting up and walking around, switching positions, or sitting on a birth ball. Many women find that pain can be managed with changes in position or moving around. It can also help speed up the labor process.

A woman who is not medicated should be able to feel when it is time to push, which can allow her to work with her body to deliver the baby. This can eliminate the risk of tearing and other complications. Going through the process naturally can also decrease the likelihood of needing interventions to speed up the labor. This is good news, as interventions such as synthetic oxytocin can put the baby in distress and can make things more painful for the mother, according to Healthline.

Disadvantages

A natural birth is not right for everyone. For some people, it can put their health at risk. Those who have issues with their heart, such as high blood pressure or tachycardia, may be dangerously stressed by the pain that comes with giving birth. It is important to discuss this with the OBGYN and a cardiologist to see if this is something that could cause complications. Those with high-risk pregnancies also may not be good candidates for a natural birth.

Even for a healthy woman, childbirth can be painful, particularly if the baby is not in the proper position or if the labor was induced. Labors that go on for hours or even days can be agonizing for a woman who has no pain relief. This can be an exhausting battle physically and mentally. Also, if the baby goes into distress during labor, there may be a need for an emergency C-section. If the woman has not already received an epidural, she may need to be put to sleep for the surgery, as time is often of the essence.

Conclusion

Giving birth is a beautiful thing, but it can be difficult and painful. Every woman is different, so a pregnant woman needs to make the decision for herself. The opinion of the OBGYNsshould also be considered. Women who decide to attempt a natural birth should keep the option for pain medication open, as things can progress slowly, and labor can take longer than anticipated.

Request an appointment here: https://eckhardtobgyn.com or call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. at (346) 201-4716 for an appointment in our Tomball office.

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