Natural childbirth

Giving birth to a baby without any surgery or medications can be termed as natural childbirth. Minimal medical interference while supporting natural process, avoiding use of anesthesia and surgical procedures that are vital to natural childbirth.

Dystocia

Abnormal or difficult childbirth or labor is termed as dystocia. Cervical dystocia is a condition where the cervix fails to dilate during labor. Shoulder dystocia is the condition where the shoulder gets stuck in pelvis while delivering the child. Dystocia is noticed just before or during the delivery. Depending on how the baby is presenting itself for delivery cephalic (head comes out first) or breech the doctor decides the type of delivery.

Causes of dystocia

Dystocia can occur due to one or more factors, both maternal and fetal:

• The expulsive force of the uterus during all stages of delivery may not be strong enough.
  
• Large fetus
  
• Fetus size may not fit the size or portion of the pelvis.
  
• Abnormally bony pelvis or fractured pelvis in mother.
  
• Breech baby
  
• Tumor in fetus
  
• Uterine complications in mother
  
• Obese mother
  
• Herniated bladder in mother
  
• Ruptured uterus/diaphragm in mother
  
• Genetic defects in mother
  

Physical examination of the mother is done and labor progress is charted on a labor curve. Uterine contraction patterns are reviewed using an intrauterine pressure catheter. Oxytocin is used to improve contractions when they are inadequate. Forceps are used often when there is abnormal fetal positioning.

Kegels Exercises

Kegels Exercises are pelvic floor exercises that attempt to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor (PC Muscle). These exercises improve the urethra and rectal sphincter functions. Dr. Arnold Kegel developed a set of exercises to aid women in strengthening their pelvic muscles, especially after childbirth. These exercises are now increasingly recommended for women who suffer from urinary incontinence.

Conditioned pelvic muscles can help in easier childbirth. The toned musculature of the pelvic region can make for an easier vaginal delivery. You can prevent prolapse of pelvic organs. A uterine prolapse can occur when the ligaments that hold the uterus to the wall of the pelvis become weak. This can lead to discomfort and incontinence. Kegel exercises strengthen the inner walls of the vagina and increase the blood flow to the genital area.