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Definition Vaginal or natural birth is a “low-tech” way of giving birth, allowing nature to take its course. Labor and delivery of the baby are done without medications, including pain relievers and epidurals. There’ll be little to no medical interventions as well. Natural birth is all about allowing the mother to lead the entire labor and delivery process, letting her deal with it whichever way she’s comfortable.

Cesarean section (c-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby. It involves making an incision in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus. It can be planned or suddenly medically necessary when natural birth is unsuccessful or too risky for the baby or the mother. Certain situations that may require a c-section are:

Pregnancy with two or more babies Medical concerns for the baby Breech presentation Maternal infections or conditions The baby is too large Procedure Vaginal birth can take place in a birthing center, a hospital, or even at home. Once the cervix is fully dilated at 10cm, the mother starts pushing. The medical team will be assisting her as the baby moves down the birth canal. The entire labor and delivery process of vaginal birth can take 12 to 14 hours for first-time moms.

Since c-section is a surgical procedure, it can only be performed in a hospital. Most of the time, it’s done while the mother is awake and under an epidural anesthesia —a spinal block that numbs the lower body. While the surgery is relatively painless due to the painkiller, the patient will feel pressure and a tugging sensation once the baby is pulled out. The whole surgical procedure takes only 45 minutes.

Healing and Recovery The first 6 weeks following the delivery is called the “recovery period”. Whether it was a vaginal birth or c-section, the first 6 weeks is when the body needs plenty of rest to heal from the stress of giving birth.

For vaginal birth, healing can only take 3-5 weeks if the mother didn’t experience any tearing. But, it’ll take the entire 6 weeks to fully heal if she has any perineal tears or had to undergo episiotomy.

Healing and recovery after a c-section take much longer compared to vaginal birth. Just like other surgeries, the patient will have to stay in the hospital for 2-4 days. Moving around and getting out of bed can be difficult and painful, but it’s important to prevent fluid buildup in the lungs and encourage boost circulation.

Get in Touch with Camille Smith D.O Whether you’re going with vaginal birth or c-section, it’s important to have a trusted obstetrician in Twin Falls, ID guide you through your pregnancy. Call Camille Smith D.O at (208) 733-1112 to book your appointment now.

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