Almost every expectant woman wishes to have a normal delivery but not everyone is able to have since one has zero control over dire emergencies. According to Healthy People 2020, a natural, unmedicated vaginal birth is entirely achievable and reasonable goal for about 85% of pregnant women.

Here are some tips to help you have a safe and natural delivery:

Take a good birthing class:

Opt for  classes which include how labor and birth work along with natural labor pain management techniques, such as breathing, self-hypnosis, relaxation and other coping mechanisms. Try a few different classes until you find one that feels like a good fit.

Reach out to moms who had natural births:

It really helps to talk with moms who have natural birth experiences.  All births that end with healthy babies and moms are good birth stories, but it may also help to learn from those who had births that didn’t go exactly as the mother had hoped.

Don’t put on too much weight:

Labor tends to go more smoothly for women who aren’t overweight. They have fewer complications and require fewer medical interventions.

Prepare your body:

Preparing the perineum, the pelvic floor, for child birth is an essential component of prenatal preparation. In addition to perineal massage, pelvic exercises are suggested to tone and prepare the muscles. They also aid in postpartum recovery, specifically in that they help prevent unwanted side effects such as urinary incontinence.

Be on same page with your hubby:

Your husband will most likely be your most significant birth coach. Encourage your husband to attend childbirth classes and also to read books on natural labor.  It is so helpful if your husband understands the process of labor, what you will be going through, and how to comfort and encourage you.

Try water therapy:

Spend as much time as possible in water. A shower, bathtub, birthing pool and hot compresses are Mother Nature’s tools for easing pain and helping you relax.

Consult a good doctor:

Consult a good obstetrician and get your antenatal check-ups done regularly and routinely. Seek out someone who is into natural birth. If you feel she is not responding you well, do not hesitate to find another cooperative doctor.