What to know about giving birth vaginally

The process can include early labour, active labour, pushing, and delivery of the placenta. Some people give birth without medication, while others use pain relief or need assistance such as an episiotomy or an instrument-assisted delivery. The right plan depends on your health, the baby's position, and how labour progresses.

During labour, contractions thin and open the cervix. As the baby descends, pressure in the pelvis often increases. Your maternity team may monitor your contractions, your observations, and the baby's heart rate, while supporting positions, movement, breathing, and rest where appropriate.

After the baby is born, the placenta is delivered and the team checks for bleeding or tears. Soreness, swelling, cramping, and vaginal bleeding can occur during recovery. Feeding support, hydration, gentle movement, and prescribed pain relief may make the first days easier. Oxytocin is a hormone involved in uterine contractions and may be used by a maternity team in specific situations.

Discuss your birth preferences before labour, including pain relief, movement, who may support you, and what would happen if the plan needs to change. Attend scheduled antenatal appointments and ask how to contact your maternity unit at any hour.

Pack practical items, arrange transport, and learn the signs of labour provided by your care team. A vaginal birth may change to a caesarean section if that becomes safer for you or the baby. Labour may also be induced when there is a medical reason or when your maternity team recommends it.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, reduced or changed baby movements, leaking fluid, or contractions that follow the pattern your team told you to report. Seek urgent help for fainting, trouble breathing, chest pain, or a severe headache with vision changes.

After birth, urgent assessment is needed for worsening pain, fever or feeling very unwell, foul-smelling discharge, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, one-sided leg swelling, or bleeding that is rapidly increasing. If you are worried about your symptoms, explain what changed and when it started rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Ask which pain-relief options are available where you plan to give birth, when to call the maternity unit, and how your medical history or the baby's position could affect your options. You can also ask what recovery support is available, including help with feeding and pelvic-floor symptoms.