During your pregnancy, think about the different types of birth you may have. Your midwife can offer advice and information.
Vaginal birth
Most babies are born vaginally. That usually means head first, via the vagina, with no intervention. Labour may begin on its own, and continue until the baby is born. But, in some cases, labour is started by induction. Induction means labour is started artificially in hospital.
If you’ve had a caesarean section (C-section) before, it is possible to go on to have a vaginal birth. Sometimes there are medical reasons meaning this is not recommended or possible, but often your chances of having a vaginal birth after caesarean section are very good. Talk to your doctor or midwife about this.
Caesarean section (C section)
A caesarean section is a surgical procedure. Caesarean sections are often also known as C sections. Your baby is born through a cut made in your tummy and womb. The cut is usually across the body on the bikini line.
Your baby is delivered through the opening. Then you will be stitched up and offered an injection of oxytocin. This helps your womb contract and reduces blood loss.
Nearly 3 out of 10 babies are delivered by caesarean. A caesarean section can be either elective (planned) or emergency (unplanned). The procedure usually takes around 40-50 minutes and you may need a few days in hospital to recover.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it’s usually only done if it’s the safest option for you and your baby.
Assisted delivery
An assisted delivery is when the baby needs some help getting out of the birth canal. This means the use of a ventouse (suction cup) or forceps (surgical tongs).
You’ll usually have a local anaesthetic to numb your vagina and the skin between your vagina and anus (perineum) if you have not already had an epidural.
You may need to have a cut made to the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) which can reduce the risk of a tear. This is called an episiotomy and it makes the opening of the vagina a bit wider, allowing the baby to come through it more easily. Any tear will be repaired with stitches.
Breech birth
Babies twist and turn in the womb during pregnancy. By the time they reach term, most settle in a head-down position, ready for birth.
A breech baby is one that is presenting bottom first, rather than head first. Breech babies are sometimes delivered vaginally bottom first too. You will be guided by medical staff if this happens.
A ‘footling breech’ is a baby that is presenting feet first. Babies sometimes also present in the ‘traverse’ position. This means they are lying sideways across your body.
More information on what happens if your baby is not head down.
Water birth
It is possible to have a water birth in the midwife-led Newcastle birthing centre. During labour, many women find that the warm water helps them to relax and eases pain. Some women stay in the water for just part of their labour to benefit from this. Others also deliver their babies in the pool itself. Speak to your midwife about the advantages and disadvantages of a water birth.
