Vaginal Delivery
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What do I need to know about vaginal delivery?
A vaginal delivery occurs when your baby is born through your vagina (birth canal).
How do I prepare for vaginal delivery?
- You can ask someone to be with you during labor and delivery. The person can be a spouse, friend, or family member. This person can help make you more comfortable. Make sure you can contact the person when labor begins.
- Ask your healthcare provider for information about a birthing class. You may learn about signs of labor, ways to manage pain, and labor positions. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them.
- Your provider can give you medicines for pain relief if you choose to have them. You may need medicine to induce (start) the labor process. You may need to move in bed, stand, or walk to help your baby move into position for birth.
- You may need tests to check for certain infections that can be passed to your baby. You may be given antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection you have or prevent an infection during delivery.
- Ask your provider if it is okay to eat and drink while you are in labor.
What will happen during vaginal delivery?
- Your healthcare provider will monitor your labor progress by checking your cervix. This will check the position of the baby. A fetal monitor will be placed around your abdomen. The monitor has 2 straps. One strap measures your contractions. The second strap records the heartbeat of the baby.
- You can move into several positions during delivery. You can lie on your back, have your feet up in stirrups, or squat. You may feel pressure on your rectum. This pressure is caused by the movement of your baby's head down the birth canal. You may feel the urge to push. Your provider will let you know when to push. Your provider will guide your baby out of the birth canal. Forceps or suction may be used to help deliver your baby. You may also need an episiotomy (incision) to make the vaginal opening larger. This will make more room for your baby.
- At least 1 minute after your baby is born, your provider will put clamps on the umbilical cord. The cord will then be cut. Your uterus will continue to contract after delivery to push out the placenta. You may be given medicine to prevent heavy bleeding when the placenta is pushed out. Your provider may close your episiotomy incision or any tears with stitches.
What will happen after vaginal delivery?
- Healthcare providers will examine your baby. Your baby may be placed on your chest right away. He or she may start breastfeeding. Your baby may need medicine such as vitamin K or a hepatitis B vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.
- Healthcare providers will examine you. Your blood pressure will be checked right after you give birth. Your temperature and heart rate will be checked regularly. Providers will check for vaginal bleeding, and check that your uterus is contracting.
- You may be taken to another room to rest with your baby. Call for a healthcare provider if you are holding your baby and start to feel tired. The provider can put your baby in a bassinet near you while you rest or sleep. This will help prevent an accidental drop or fall of your baby.
- A healthcare provider may massage your abdomen several times to make your uterus firm. This can be uncomfortable. You may have abdominal pains for up to 3 days after you give birth because your uterus is still contracting. The contractions help release blood from inside your uterus so it shrinks back to its normal size. These contractions may hurt more while you breastfeed your baby.
- Healthcare providers will monitor your urine output. You may have trouble urinating for 1 to 2 days after childbirth. This occurs because of changes in hormones and weakened bladder muscles. Tell your provider if you urinate very little or not at all.
- Your provider may suggest you get up and move around. Activity can help prevent blood clots. Sitting in a chair or going for a walk can improve blood flow.
- You may be able to go home within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. If you need support at home, ask your provider about home visits by another healthcare provider. This healthcare provider can help you learn about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, baby care, and perineum care.
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