Giving birth and bringing a baby into the world is perhaps one of the most miraculous moments in life. If everything goes well and both mother and baby are healthy, there is only one type of birth, which is natural birth. The physiology of birth is defined as the natural ending of pregnancy through the vaginal route. If there are no health problems, the healthiest and most natural method is normal birth. During a normal (vaginal) birth, interventions such as episiotomy (cut), vacuum extraction, or the Kristeller maneuver (fundal pressure) may be used when necessary.

A cesarean section should only be chosen if there is a health problem with the mother and/or the baby. Normal birth can be summarized in 3 stages.

Stage 1: Latent and Active Phase

In the first stage of labor, the mother begins to feel regular contractions. The cervix starts to dilate and soften. This is the longest stage. During the latent phase, the cervix dilates and thins out. A slight pink discharge may occur during this phase. It is generally recommended to spend this period at home while staying in communication with your doctor or midwife.

In the active phase, the cervix dilates between 6 cm and 10 cm. Contractions become stronger. Regular contractions lasting about 1 minute occur approximately every 4-5 minutes. It is now time to go to the hospital.

At the end of the active phase, contractions become more frequent, occurring every 60-120 seconds. There is pressure in the lower back and rectum. If there is a sensation of needing to push, the mother should inform the midwife or doctor. Controlled breathing and supported pushing can reduce the risk of tearing and cutting.

Stage 2: Birth of the Baby

The stage following the end of the active phase is the birth of the baby. The baby's arrival can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Pushing should be done actively under the doctor's supervision. Controlled breathing and supported pushing reduce the risk of tearing and cutting. After the baby's head is born, the rest of the body follows as quickly as possible.

Stage 3: Separation of the Placenta

After the baby is born, the mother feels a great sense of relief. No matter how long the labor lasts or how much pain you felt, the moment your baby is born and placed in your arms, everything suddenly ends, the pain disappears instantly, and a wave of joy and happiness floods your entire body.

Skin-to-skin contact between the baby and mother immediately after birth is very important. There are three points of bonding contact: skin, eye, and voice contact. The baby is placed on the mother's chest before the umbilical cord is cut. The mother and baby make eye contact, and the mother says, “Welcome, my little one, we love you very much,” thus establishing bonding through the three contact points within minutes. The first steps of secure bonding are taken. Babies start life one step ahead.

After this process, the placenta, which nourished the baby and created the right environment for birth during pregnancy, separates from the body. The placenta is usually delivered within 5 to 39 minutes.

When Does Normal Birth Occur During Pregnancy?

Normal birth occurs between the 38th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Births before the 37th week of pregnancy are considered preterm. Births occurring after the 42nd week are classified as post-term.

What Are the Benefits of Normal Birth?

• Techniques used in normal birth are generally non-invasive, so the risks and possible side effects like infection and bleeding are minimal.
• Mothers who have vaginal births tend to recover faster postpartum, especially with significantly less pain compared to other intervention-based birth methods.
• Mothers who have normal births can often be discharged home earlier, which is beneficial both from a risk and economic perspective.
• The pressure on the baby passing through the birth canal helps clear the amniotic fluid from the lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory problems.