Birth, also known as labour and delivery, is the ending of a pregnancy by one or more babies leaving the uterus by vaginal passage or Caesarean section. In 2015, there were about 135 million births globally. About 15 million were born before 37 weeks of gestation, while between 3 and 12% were born after 42 weeks. These late and early deliveries are associated with an increased risk of neonatal death and disability.
The most common type of childbirth is vaginal delivery. It involves three stages of labour: the shortening and opening of the cervix during the first stage, descent and birth of the baby during the second stage, and the delivery of the placenta during the third stage. Vaginal deliveries may be complicated by problems such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia, prolapse, breached position or uterine rupture.
Caesarean section (C-section) is another type of childbirth in which a surgical incision is made through the mother’s abdomen to deliver her baby. C-sections are typically performed when vaginal delivery would pose a risk to either mother or child. They are also sometimes used for breech presentation or twins/triplets where separation might be difficult otherwise. Recovery from a C-section takes longer than from vaginal delivery; however mothers who have had C-sections can often still breastfeed successfully.
Childbirth experience varies significantly between individuals; it can be calm and serene or overwhelming and filled with anxiety. Some women report feeling empowered by their birth experience while others feel traumatized or disempowered by it. How a woman feels about her birth experience can impact her postnatal mental health significantly – so it is important that she receives adequate support both during and after labour.”