NormalDelivery—NaturalVaginalChildbirth
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
0+
Years of Experience
0+
Successful Surgeries
0+
Happy Families
Whatisnormaldelivery?
Normal delivery is the process of giving birth naturally, with the baby delivered through the vagina — which is why it's also called vaginal delivery. It can happen spontaneously or with some medical assistance, and it remains the most common way babies are born.
When there's a lower chance of a safe normal delivery, your gynaecologist may recommend a C-section instead. Normal delivery does involve real pain and pressure, and some tearing of the cervix or vaginal tissue can happen during dilation — this is common and straightforward to repair afterward.
Advantagesofnormaldelivery
Whenisnormaldeliveryindicated?
The mother's health supports a normal delivery
The baby's health condition allows it
The baby's position and size are appropriate
There are no signs of foetal distress
Stagesofnormaldelivery
Latent phase of labour
The cervix dilates slowly, up to 4–5 cm — the longest phase, often taking many hours.
Active phase of labour
From the end of the latent phase until delivery, cervical dilation speeds up, typically progressing at around 1–1.2 cm per hour.
Full dilation
Once the cervix reaches roughly 10 cm, it's ready for the baby to be born.
Crowning
As the baby's head emerges, the pain and pressure usually ease.
Suctioning & rotation
Once the baby's mouth and nose are gently suctioned clear of fluid and mucus, the head is rotated a quarter turn to align with the body.
Delivery
A final push delivers the rest of the baby's body.
Post-deliveryrecoverycare
The placenta and amniotic sac are delivered shortly after the baby, usually within about 30 minutes
Your nurse may gently massage your abdomen to help the uterus contract and release the placenta
Some pressure is normal as the placenta is delivered
If the placenta doesn't come away completely, your doctor may need to remove any remaining tissue to prevent heavy bleeding
Rest is advised once the immediate post-delivery steps are complete
Whatdeterminesthecost?
Contact either branch directly for specific cost information.
Whenisnormaldeliverynotrecommended?
Breech position
Cephalo-pelvic disproportion (the baby can't pass through the pelvis)
Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
Placental dislocation
Cervical cerclage
Prolonged labour
Risks&complications
Heavy bleeding
Scarring of tissue
Tearing of the vagina
Injury to pelvic muscles
Perineal pain (between the vagina and anus)
FAQsrelatedtonormaldelivery
An experienced, skilled gynaecologist or obstetrician.