What-Can-You-Do-to-Maximize-the-Chances-of-Normal-Delivery

What I Did to Maximize the Chances of Normal Delivery (From My Own Experience)

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I maximize my chances of a normal delivery?” — trust me, you’re not alone. As an expectant mother, I had the same question running through my mind.

Like many women, I dreamt of a smooth, natural childbirth experience. But if you’re a first-time mom, the process can feel overwhelming — physically, mentally, and emotionally. The good news? There are several things you can do to prepare your body and mind for a natural, vaginal delivery.

In this post, I’m sharing everything that truly helped me during my pregnancy — not just expert advice, but also small, real-life things I practiced myself that made a big difference. From attending prenatal classes and building a support system to adding traditional habits (like having ghee with milk after 32 weeks!) — here’s everything you can do to boost your chances of a normal delivery.

Tips I Tried for Achieving a Natural Childbirth

Here are some key things I personally followed to get a vaginal delivery: 

1. Attend Prenatal Classes

Attend Prenatal Classes

Pregnancy brings joy, but also a fair share of anxiety — especially for first-time moms. I remember signing up for prenatal classes a few months before my due date, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made. Those classes weren’t just about theory; they gave me confidence. We practiced breathing techniques, learned different birthing positions, and even discussed what to expect during each stage of labor.

More than anything, meeting other moms who were just as nervous and excited made me feel less alone. It’s where I realized that childbirth isn’t something to fear — it’s something to prepare for.

2. Eat Nutritious Food

Eat Nutritious Food

Food became such an important part of my pregnancy journey. Of course, the cravings were real — but I tried to balance them with wholesome choices. After 32 weeks, I started drinking a glass of warm milk with a spoon of ghee every night. My mom insisted on it, saying it would keep my body strong and flexible, and I genuinely felt the difference.

I also began eating 5 to 6 dates daily, something my doctor encouraged. They’re rich in iron and natural sugars and, interestingly, are believed to help with cervical dilation. Between that, lots of fruits, veggies, and homemade meals, I could feel my energy stay steady and my body feel ready for what was coming.

3. Breathe Right

Breathing — something so simple, yet so powerful. During my prenatal classes, I learned how breathing affects pain management, and I practiced it almost daily. Whenever I went for my evening walk, I’d sync my breath — deep, steady inhales and slow, long exhales — imagining myself doing the same during labor.

When the real contractions began, this habit paid off. Breathing right didn’t take away the pain, but it helped me stay calm and focused instead of panicking.

4. Build a Strong Support System

Build a Strong Support System

I truly believe no woman should go through labor feeling alone. Having my partner by my side made all the difference — he was calm when I wasn’t, kept reminding me to breathe, and held my hand through every contraction.

During pregnancy, I also surrounded myself with positive people — my mom, a couple of friends who had gone through childbirth, and my doctor who encouraged normal delivery from the start. Their reassurance and stories gave me strength and belief in my body.

5. Choose Your Doctor Wisely

Choose Your Doctor Wisely

This is something I tell every expecting mom now — find a doctor who listens. I was lucky to have one who didn’t rush to talk about C-sections or interventions. Instead, she focused on movement, hydration, and patience. She’d always say, “Walk more. Trust your body.”

Those simple words became my mantra. Every evening, no matter how tired I felt, I’d take a slow walk, reminding myself that each step was bringing me closer to a normal delivery.

6. Focus On Light Exercise

Focus On Light Exercise

I didn’t follow any fancy workout plan — just gentle, consistent movements. Butterfly poses, duck walks, and slow squats became part of my daily routine. Some days I’d feel heavy and tired, but I always felt better afterward.

These small exercises helped keep my hips open and my body flexible. Even walking after meals became a small ritual that made me feel more active and connected to my baby. I truly believe that staying active with these light exercises helped me maximize the chances of normal delivery because they kept my body strong, flexible, and ready for labor.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Get Enough Sleep

Do you know poor sleep in pregnancy raises risks for mom and baby, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, C-sections, and preterm birth issues?

Getting enough sleep during pregnancy can feel like a luxury, especially as your due date approaches. However, prioritizing rest is essential for you and your baby’s health. 

We understand that discomfort, frequent bathroom trips, and racing thoughts can interfere with sleep, but establishing a soothing bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help improve your sleep quality. 

8. Acquire Knowledge About Birthing

For me, information was empowering. The more I learned, the less scared I felt. Reading books like Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth gave me a sense of peace — the kind that comes from knowing your body is built for this.

I also spent time watching positive birth stories online (and avoiding the scary ones!). That shift in mindset — from fear to faith — was one of the most important parts of my preparation.

9. Hire a Doula

Hire a Doula

I didn’t hire a doula during my delivery, and looking back, I feel it could’ve made a big difference. While my family was there to support me emotionally, a doula brings that extra layer of calm and guidance that can be so valuable in the labor room. They know how to comfort you, remind you to breathe, and help you stay focused when contractions get intense.

If you’re preparing for childbirth, I’d definitely suggest hiring a doula to maximize the chances of normal delivery. Having someone experienced by your side — someone who understands both your emotions and the process — can make you feel stronger, more confident, and supported every step of the way.

10. Read Childbirth Books

Read Childbirth Books

I know childbirth can feel like uncharted territory, especially if you’re a first-time parent. That’s why educating yourself about the birthing process through reading can be incredibly empowering. 

From learning about labor stages to exploring pain management techniques, childbirth books can provide valuable insights and prepare you for the journey ahead. In fact, reading books during pregnancy has other benefits, too, such as bonding with your child, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and promoting healthy habits. So, why not curl up with a good book and dive into the world of childbirth?

11. Perineal Massage

This one isn’t talked about much, but it helped me. From around 34 weeks, I began gentle perineal massages using natural oil. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing at first, but over time, it helped me feel more prepared physically and mentally for the birthing process.

Though, I didn’t help me in avoiding the stretch marks (perhaps I didn’t do it on a regular basis or started a bit late), but a lot of my friends who started earlier and practiced it more regularly said it really helped them feel more flexible and reduced tearing during delivery.

So, if you’re in your third trimester, I’d definitely recommend giving perineal massage a try — it’s a small habit that can truly help maximize the chances of normal delivery and make you feel more in control when the big day arrives.

12. Stay Hydrated

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that staying hydrated during pregnancy is essential for both you and your baby’s health? Dehydration can increase the risk of complications such as preterm labor, urinary tract infections, and electrolyte imbalances. 

Research indicates that adequate hydration during labor can also help maintain maternal energy levels, prevent fatigue, and facilitate more effective contractions. Drinking plenty of water throughout pregnancy and labor can help ensure optimal hydration and support a smoother childbirth experience.

13. Be Motivated for Normal Delivery

Be Motivated for Normal Delivery

Mindset matters so much for a natural delivery. I used to repeat affirmations like “My body is strong,” or “I trust my baby and myself.” It may sound small, but those little thoughts become anchors during tough moments.

Every evening, I’d visualize a calm, smooth delivery — and that visualization slowly turned fear into confidence.

14. Create a Comforting Environment

When labor finally started, I wanted the space to feel like mine. We dimmed the hospital lights, played soft music, and kept voices low. That peaceful energy helped me focus.

Even before delivery, I kept reminding myself — I can’t control everything, but I can control how I feel. That thought alone helped me stay centered.

Parting Thoughts 

Preparing for a natural childbirth is a journey-one filled with excitement, curiosity, and sometimes, a bit of fear. But with the right preparation, mindset, and support, you truly can maximize your chances of normal delivery.

For me, it was a mix of traditional wisdom and modern learning — ghee with milk, daily walks, breathing exercises, and lots of faith.

Every pregnancy is unique, but I hope sharing my experience gives you the reassurance that you’ve got this. Your body knows what to do — just trust it.

FAQs

The chances of having a normal vaginal delivery are quite good for most pregnancies. According to statistics, around 60-70% of births happen vaginally without any complications. Of course, every pregnancy is different, but if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy without any risk factors, your odds of a normal delivery are very favorable.

Very common! Normal vaginal deliveries are by far the most common way babies are born. While C-sections are necessary in certain situations, the majority of births, somewhere around 2 out of 3, happen vaginally without surgical intervention. It’s the natural biological way human babies have been arriving for centuries.

While a normal vaginal delivery is the way nature intended, there are some potential risks involved. Severe tearing, heavy bleeding, and injuries to the pelvic floor muscles are possibilities, though quite rare with proper medical care. The baby could also experience distress or injuries like fractures if the delivery is very difficult. However, most normal deliveries occur smoothly without major complications.

There are a few reasons why cesarean section rates have risen in recent decades. The increasing age of mothers, multiple births, and requests for scheduled c-sections all contribute. But medical reasons like complications during labor, abnormal fetal positioning, or concerns over the baby’s size often necessitate a surgical birth. While vaginal birth is preferred when possible, c-sections can greatly reduce risks in certain high-risk pregnancies.

Meenakshi

Meenakshi Mamgai is a Parenting & Maternal Wellness Coach with over 8 years of experience helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. Blending her personal journey as a mom with research-driven insights, she offers practical, relatable guidance rooted in empathy and expertise. Her work focuses on empowering parents with trusted advice on child development, pregnancy health, and emotional well-being.

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