Natural Labor & Delivery: What to Expect & Options

A normal labor and delivery is one that occurs naturally without the need for a Caesarean section, vacuum or forceps. It is possible to have medical interventions, such as an epidural or intravenous medication, for pain relief during a normal labor and delivery.

Location

• Normal labor and delivery can take place at home, in a birthing center or at a hospital. The labor and delivery may take place in a birthing pool if the woman desires.

Time Frame

• According to the website What to Expect, labor for a first-time mom lasts approximately 14 hours. For a mom who has already had a baby, the average labor is eight hours. However, labor may be shorter or longer depending on the woman.

Stages and Phases

• Labor and delivery is divided into three stages, according to the website Epigee. The first stage is labor, which is divided into three phases: early, active and transitional. The second stage is the delivery of the baby. The third stage is the delivery of the placenta.

Considerations

• The birth may be attended by a doula, midwife, family physician, obstetrician and/or pediatrician, depending on the circumstances. In most cases, if the woman opts for a home birth, it will be attended by either a doula or midwife but no doctor will be present.