If you are about to have a baby in a week what is the best way to give birth?

Answer 1

There's no such thing as a generic "best way" -- one size does not fit all, folks.

If there are no complications, the baby is in a position that doesn't pose a risk with a vaginal delivery, labor proceeds steadily or quickly enough in terms of dilation of the cervix, etc. then a vaginal delivery is generally the preferred method. What you want to do for pain management is very individual, with some women opting for completely natural childbirth (kudos to them...I don't know if I could do it) and some opting for epidurals, etc. And within the wide realm of "vaginal delivery" there is a lot of variety....hospital....home birth...doctor v. midwife (or both)...water birth....lying down...birthing chair...etc. For that, I really believe it's what you are most comfortable with -- again, assuming no health issues that make any of the options a bad idea. But if birth is imminent, unless you're already familiar with the options and associated risks, to be frank I wouldn't say "hey I think I'll have a home birth in my bathtub." If you aren't educated about it and you don't know what you're getting into...bad idea all around.

As for cesarean sections: while they are, without a doubt, performed too often and doctors push them much too readily, there are absolutely situations when that's the best way to go. So if contractions are going on and on but the cervix isn't dilating...if each contraction starts to cause the baby's heartrate to decelerate...and for many other things...a cesarean is absolutely warranted. And many women are choosing it. As far as scarring: the scar is horizontal, and not a long vertical scar as someone else suggested. It does fade but not entirely, and no, your belly will not be the same after. As for whether it's less or more painful -- sorry, that's individual too. Some women have no issues with recovery, some do, and for some the surgery itself is painful. And it IS surgery, abdominal surgery no less, so even though it's performed a LOT it is hardly something to be entered into lightly.

The bottom line is that the "best way to give birth" depends on the pregnancy, and the health and state of the mother and the baby. No matter what the delivery method, there will be some pain, that's just the way it goes.

Answer 2

I'm a little biased about this one. The best way is in a hospital with a OB or Midwife you feel comfortable with. You can still have a natural birth even in a hospital. Yet you would have lots of resources around you if something went wrong. Personally, I like to see my patients comfortable, and epidurals work very well. But I also respect those who choose not to have analgesia or anesthesia during labor. The best way to give birth is surrounded by those you love most, those who will give you the support you need, and in an environment where you feel most comfortable.

Answer 3

With drugs! No one remembers or cares if you went "all Natural". It feels horrible. There's a point of labor when you think ok it hurts, but I can handle this. And then it hits you. Stabbing pain that lasts a whole minute and just as it start to go away it starts to come back again. It's not like in the begining when you have the contraction and then it comes down and you can relax a second. It's constant shooting pain that makes you puke, takes your breathe away, makes you cry, while you are clenching tightly onto the railing of the bed. Then the Doc comes in and asks you if you want the epidural. SAY YES! Within 2 to 3 contractions it all goes away and you can rest a little while before you have to start pushing. I think the epidural allows you to really enjoy and experience the beauty of giving birth instead of being blinded by agonizing pain

Answer 4

The more natural the better -- it's safest for you and the baby.
The best way to have a good labor is to keep moving. Walk, get in the shower, lie down for 15 minutes, get up and walk again. Keep moving. Stand by the bed and rock your hips back and forth. Move, move, move. This is what helps your labor to progress, and helps your baby to come down.
Avoid an epidural unless you are having an unusually long drawn out labor. There are risks associated with it; sometimes it can't be avoided, but if things are progressing normally, don't mess with it.
If you get an epidural, you are stuck in bed. You can't walk or get in the shower. And you can't push as well, either. You can't get into different positions, such as squatting, for example.
Wait and see how it goes, and be open to what comes.
Good luck!
Sherry

Answer 5

I have to get a c-section since my last birth was a c-section and I feel cheated. My first child I was able to birth vaginally and I thank God for that because it was the most beautiful thing I got to experience. Yes it hurt, even with an epidural, but I would rather go through that again than another c-section.

So vaginal, if possible.

Answer 6

When I was in labour with my first daughter, now 2, I was in hospital quite early as I had been ill but I used bean bags to lay on and it made things more comfortable, I used gas and air. In the last half an hour before delivery I had 2 injections of pethadine and my daughter was delivered whilst I was sitting on a birthing stool. Sitting on the stool is easier to deliver than if your lying on a bed, if you have a good midwife she will try to get you on a stool anyway. I'm now 32 weeks pregnant with my 2nd daughter and I'm trying for a home birth, you do have to be 37weeks though or you have to deliver in hospital. Good luck and remember whats good for someone else may not be good for you. Go with the flow and try to be as relaxed as possible. You will be fine xx

Answer 7

Whatever feels natural to you. You should have come up with a birthing plan by now. The more natural- the better for the baby!

Answer 8

Women have been debating this for decades, and there are pros and cons to any birthing method. I prefer in a hospital with an epidural and vaginally, but plenty of women would argue differently.

Answer 9

Vaginal: natural
-Water Birth: it is very soothing and the baby comes out eas-
ier.
- Rocking Chair/floor: people think it is easier
- Standing: gravity force- my friends mom did it this way and
the mom said later that when she stood up it just came out
it hurt her because she didnt have control over when to stop
pushing but it was quicker.( you might want your husband to behind you b/c you might lean on him.
- Home: Bed, rocking chair, chair, floor, water, ball

Answer 10

in one why it would be in a birthing tub or the other best way is the old fashion way. good luck and cungrats but ask you doctor first.