Normal childbirth is the completion of the human pregnancy, in the period when the baby leaves the mother’s womb.
It is expected that the delivery occurs between 37 and 42 weeks from the date of the last period.
The most common signs are the mucous plug being expelled, the occurrence of uterine spasms at increasingly smaller intervals, increased pelvic pressure, discharge of abundant amniotic fluid.
The process of natural birth is divided into the following phases: the effacement and dilation of the cervix, the descent and birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta. It will be assessed in the hospital whether there is rupture of the amniotic membrane, uterine bleeding, the degree of dilation of the cervix, presentation of the foetus, and above all the well-being of mother and foetus.
- Edmund F Funai. Management of normal labor and delivery. UpToDate, Agosto 2016
- World Health Organization, Maternal and Newborn Health/Safe Motherhood Unit. Care in normal birth: a practical guide.
- Berghella V. Evidence-based labor and delivery management. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 199:445.
- Kauffman E. Cervical Dilation on Admission in Term Spontaneous Labor and Maternal and Newborn Outcomes. Obstet Gynecol 2016; 127:481.
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research. Managing complications in pregnancy and childbirth: a guide for midwives and doctors. World Health Organization, Geneva, 2007.
