There are many types of childbirth, in the same way that there are different pregnancies. The health of the mother, the health of the child as well as the possible risks largely determine the choice of the type of birth, which can be natural or non-medicalized and medicalized. Today we talk about the different possibilities, focusing on what the differences between a natural birth and a medicalized birth
When we talk about natural birth we normally talk about a non-medicalized birth. This being so, it is evident that the use of analgesia or monitoring They make the difference between one and the other, but there are many other differences to highlight between both types of birth. Discover them!
Analgesia
It is not uncommon that during childbirth the use of medication is required to eliminate the sensation of pain and epidural analgesia It is probably the one that comes to mind when we talk about childbirth, but there are other types.
the epidural, reduces or eliminates pain caused by contractions and allows mothers to better tolerate the most painful peak. When this or other medications that act in a similar way are used, we speak of a medicalized birth. Although there are births in which the woman requires an epidural, but then they evolve physiologically.
In natural births, other types of methods are generally used to relieve pain and help the mother relax, such as hot baths or showers, massages, walks, etc. Now medical resources should always be at hand so that they can be used if necessary.
Monitoring
Monitoring is a tool that allows healthcare professionals know the status of the mother and her baby during the delivery. Continuous monitoring may be required when delivery is at risk or any type of medication is administered to the future mother. In these cases, whether the monitoring is external or internal, we will also talk about medicalized birth.
And what happens in natural births? Monitoring can also be part of the process in these but is not used as in continuous medicalized births, although its use may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Instruments to access the baby
When instruments are used to access and remove the baby, it is also often referred to as assisted or medicalized natural birth. The forceps that serve to rotate, traction and flexion of the baby's head; the obstetric suction cup that contributes to the baby's expulsion process; and Thierry's spatulas, which are used to widen the birth canal, are some of these tools.
Does it stop being a natural birth if we use these tools? There are so many definitions of natural childbirth. that there is no unanimity on the matter. In the opinion of many experts, a natural birth may require some help and it is still so for that reason.
Hospitalization and recovery time
En general, recovery after a natural birth is faster As there are no major interventions, however, it requires more energy so the recuperation It will depend largely on each woman. And in addition to physical factors, hormonal and emotional factors come into play.
What is true is that the uterus returns to its normal size faster and that physically there are fewer interventions to heal. Therefore, in general, mothers usually require shorter hospitalization time, returning home after 1 day.
The birth process is a unique experience that can take different forms depending on the needs of the mother and baby. The ideal is to have all the possibilities at hand so that as it develops you can guarantee the health of both under any circumstances. One choice is not better than another but more convenient or less convenient depending on the case, so knowing what the differences are between a natural birth and a medicalized birth should simply be a matter of interest and curiosity.