Childbirth is a life-changing event, marked by many questions and emotions for expectant parents. Here are the essential guidelines to help you approach this milestone with peace of mind.
What is childbirth?
Childbirth is the physiological process by which the baby leaves the mother’s uterus to be born. It marks the culmination of pregnancy and can occur in several ways:
- Vaginal delivery: a natural method of childbirth, with or without the use of instruments
- Cesarean section: a scheduled or emergency surgical procedure based on medical indications
- Successive stages: onset of labor, dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, followed by the placenta
According to data from Inserm, approximately 1 in 5 births in France is by cesarean section. To prepare for this stage, check out our pregnancy tips.
How can you recognize the signs of labor?
Several signs indicate the onset of labor:
- Regular contractions that become increasingly frequent, are painful, and do not subside with rest
- Loss of the mucus plug: thick mucus, sometimes tinged with blood, which may occur several days before labor
- Rupture of the amniotic sac: a sudden or continuous flow of amniotic fluid (report this immediately)
- Changes in the cervix: gradual effacement and dilation, detectable during a vaginal exam
- Diarrhea or nausea as labor approaches
- Increasedsensation of pelvicpressure
If in doubt, contact your maternity ward or your midwife. If your water breaks, you must go to the maternity ward, whether or not you are experiencing contractions.
What are the stages of labor?
Childbirth consists of three successive stages:
- Dilation stage: from the start of regular contractions to full dilation of the cervix (10 cm). Duration varies: 6 to 12 hours for a first child, often shorter for subsequent children
- Expulsion stage: from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby. Average duration: 30 to 60 minutes, accompanied by pushing
- Afterbirth: expulsion of the placenta within 30 minutes of birth, under medical supervision
Each phase is supervised by the medical team (midwife, obstetrician), who adapts care based on how labor progresses. Fetal heart rate and contractions are monitored continuously.
What are the different types of childbirth?
Several options exist depending on the circumstances:
- Normal vaginal delivery: spontaneous delivery without the use of instruments
- Instrumental vaginal delivery: assistance using forceps, a vacuum extractor, or spatulas in cases of difficulty with expulsion
- Elective cesarean section: scheduled in advance for medical reasons (breech presentation, medical history, maternal conditions)
- Emergency cesarean section: decided during labor for maternal or fetal reasons
- Normal delivery at a birthing center: for low-risk pregnancies
- Home birth: a supervised but rare practice in France
The choice is made in consultation with the obstetric team based on the clinical situation. Our childbirth preparation section offers helpful resources.
How to Prepare for Childbirth?
Childbirth preparation helps structure the final weeks:
- Childbirth preparation classes: 7 sessions covered by health insurance, with a midwife or in a group
- Breathing and relaxationexercises
- Physical preparation: prenatal yoga, sophrology, haptonomy, prenatal swimming, prenatal singing
- Visit to the maternity ward and meeting with the staff
- Writing a birth plan (wishes and preferences)
- Packing the hospital bag starting at 32–34 weeks
- Logistical preparations: travel to the maternity ward, arranging care for older children, contacting loved ones
- Emotional preparation: talking with your partner, managing anxieties
The early prenatal appointment, offered in the 4th month, is an opportunity to discuss any questions with the midwife.
How can you manage pain during labor?
Several approaches exist and can be combined:
Medication-based methods:
- Epidural: a regional anesthetic, the most commonly used method in France, administered by an anesthesiologist
- Spinal anesthesia: used for cesarean sections
- Nitrous oxide (MEOPA): a complementary alternative
- Intravenous analgesics in certain situations
Non-pharmacological methods:
- Deep breathing and relaxation techniques
- Hypnosis and self-hypnosis
- Obstetricacupuncture
- Warmbath or shower during labor
- Birth ball, movement, walking
- Massage and continuous support from the partner
- ObstetricTENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Sophrology and visualization
These options should be discussed with the obstetric team and may change during labor as needed.
When should you go to the maternity ward?
There are several situations that require going to the hospital:
- Regular contractions: every 5 minutes for at least 1 hour for a first child, and sooner (every 10 minutes) for subsequent children
- Your water breaks, even without contractions
- Heavy bleeding
- Decreased or absent fetal movements
- Intense, continuouspain that feels different from normal contractions
- Fever or chills
- Severe headaches, vision problems, sudden swelling (signs of preeclampsia)
- As recommended by your healthcare provider
If in doubt, never hesitate to call the maternity ward or your midwife: they will advise you on what to do.
Spontaneous or induced labor: what’s the difference?
There are two types of labor induction:
- Spontaneous labor: begins naturally when the mother’s body and the baby are ready, most often between 37 and 41 weeks of gestation
- Induced labor: medically initiated for medical reasons (post-term pregnancy, prolonged rupture of membranes, fetal growth restriction, hypertension, gestational diabetes)
- Induction methods: intravenous oxytocin, prostaglandins, cervical balloon, amniotomy
- Increased monitoring in cases of induction
The decision to induce labor is made by the obstetric team, in accordance with specific recommendations from the HAS and the CNGOF. The term “post-term” generally requires close monitoring and induction between 41 and 42 weeks of amenorrhea.
What positions should be used during labor?
Several positions are possible depending on comfort and medical considerations:
- Supine or gynecological position: the traditional position, still widely used
- Lateral decubitus: promotes gradual descent
- Semi-seated position: balances comfort and the effectiveness of pushing
- Squatting position: opens the pelvis and promotes descent
- All fours: relieves back strain and helps guide the baby
- Birth ball: promotes mobility during labor
- Standing or suspendedposition
With an epidural, certain positions may become more difficult. The choice should be discussed with the medical team and may change depending on how labor progresses.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a personal document that outlines the expectant mother’s wishes:
- Preferredpain management (epidural or not, complementary methods)
- Preferredpositions during labor and delivery
- Presence of the partner and loved ones
- Preferredmonitoring methods and interventions, as well as those she fears
- First steps after birth: skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, cord clamping
- Newborn examinations and the extent to which parents are involved in care
- Preferences in the event of a cesarean section or complications
Discuss these with your midwife or obstetrician during prenatal visits. Keep an open mind: actual circumstances may require adjustments. A birth plan facilitates communication with the healthcare team.
How does postpartum care work?
Postnatal care involves both the mother and the newborn:
- Immediate monitoring in the delivery room and then in the postpartum recovery room (bleeding, uterine contractions, baby’s vitality)
- Baby care: weigh-ins, clinical exams, feeding monitoring
- Advice onbreastfeeding or infant formula
- Home visits by the midwife in the days following discharge
- Postnatal checkup at 6–8 weeks with a gynecologist or midwife
- Prescribedperineal rehabilitation following the postnatal exam
- Mood monitoring (baby blues, postpartum depression)
- Baby’s vaccinations according to the immunization schedule
- Pediatric follow-up at key ages (health record)
How can you promote a good recovery?
Postpartum recovery takes several weeks:
- Adequate rest: take naps when the baby sleeps, share nighttime care duties
- A balanced diet: rich in iron, calcium, omega-3, and protein
- Hydration: 2 to 2.5 L/day, especially if breastfeeding
- Gradual,gentle physical activity after getting medical clearance (walking, gentle yoga)
- Local care for the perineum or C-section scar as recommended
- Support from family and friends for daily logistics
- Monitoring of mental health: “baby blues” are common (affecting up to 70% of mothers); screen for postpartum depression
- Resume sexual activity at your own pace, using appropriate contraception—discuss this with your doctor
- Prescribedperineal and abdominalrehabilitation following the postnatal checkup
Forthe postpartum period, specialized guidance supports new mothers over the long term. According to the HAS, close monitoring during the first 6 weeks postpartum is essential for physical and mental well-being. Don’t hesitate to ask for help: taking care of your health is also part of taking care of your baby.
