Reviewing Different Childbirth Techniques from Several Countries

Abstract

For many years, women have endured the hardships and pain of childbirth. Though a woman’s body is built for childbirth, there are several medications offered in the delivery room to help with pain. Around the world, there are many different views as well as birthing techniques used to ensure that a woman is comfortable during labor. Although doctors recognize that prenatal care is important during pregnancy, some countries are not able to provide woman with proper medical treatment. This literature review examines the process of childbirth and the different health programs provided in the countries. The paper compares techniques of childbirth between countries while at the same time explaining post-natal care that is provided after childbirth.

How does Childbirth differ in different countries?

A Review of the Literature

Though medical procedures have changed as technology improves, every woman that has gone through labor have similar emotions and concerns when contractions begin. Some feel excited to finally have reached the end, while at the same time, some might feel a sense of worry because they do not know what to expect. Based on what country a woman lives in, there are certain expectations such as the type of medical treatment provided by the hospital, whether its a public or private hospital. Unfortunately, the choice to use medications to relieve pain is not always offered in every hospital facility. Also, sometimes, depending on what area you live in, there might be more complications during labor because of poor prenatal care treatment. This literature review considers the differences between countries and the medical treatment provided by responding to the following questions:

1. What is the history of childbirth and medical technology?
2. How does treatment differ in different countries?
3. What is the significance of prenatal care?
4. What birthing options are available to woman?

Understanding the basics of childbirth will help to explain why women in different countries are provided with various services: from private to public hospital, midwife or doctor, and unmedicated or medicated treatment.

What is the History of Childbirth and Medical Technology?

Childbirth was first considered to be a woman’s responsibility or domain, meaning that men were absolutely not allowed in the delivery room. (Leggitt 2013). Woman family members were the only ones allowed in the delivery room. Because there was little medical knowledge on childbirth as well as no technology inventions, if a woman experienced any kind of complications, there was not much a doctor could do in order to prevent maternal or infant death. In the 1800’s, doctors came up with the idea of forceps, which is a tool used to pull a baby out in case it had trouble coming out on its own. (Leggitt 2013). Another idea developed from the idea of the pain that assisted labor. Chloroform would make a woman unconscious during the whole labor procedure unable to feel any type of pain, however, doctors did not consider how dangerous it could potentially be to a woman’s health. Before the idea of chloroform, woman preferred midwives, but after the use of chloroform, woman seeked doctors so that they could be given pain relief. (Leggitt 2013). In the late 1900’s, Dr. Reed observed a woman go through an unmedicated natural birth. She claimed that she experienced no pain. (Mothering Moments 2009). This led to his theory that fear impacts the labor process. Once woman became aware of the dangers of being medicated, they became interested in natural childbirth so that they were alert and in control the whole time. Dr. Reed and Dr. Lamaze both created deep breathing techniques to help relax a woman during labor. (Mothering Moments 2009). By the 1950’s and 1960’s there was more medical treatment provided but none of it was completely risk free, which led woman to continue to prefer natural childbirth over medicated childbirth.

How does Treatment Differ in Different Countries?

Woman in South Africa have two hospital choices to choose from, either a government/public hospital or private hospital. In the public hospital, no medications are provided to help with labor pain, becauses of protocols that prevent hospitals from performing an epidural procedure. (BirthWays, N.p.). Public hospitals are more limited than private hospitals because of the lack of equipment available. As a result, there are higher maternal mortality rates in public hospitals provided in rural areas. The other option is a private hospital, which offers more choices for the woman during labor. In a private hospital, meals are provided as well as high tech equipment. (AngloINFO, 2000). Woman also have the choice to give birth at home, though it is more dangerous. Post-natal care is provided through a midwife for 28 days. The midwife cares for the baby by checking the its temperature and blood pressure. The midwife also checks on the mother and provides treatment for any symptoms. (AngloINFO, 2000).

In Russia, the most popular option for woman is to give birth in a hospital. (AngloINFO, 2000). However, in a public hospital, the services that are offered are all basic. Any additional services may cost extra fees. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer more service, medications, and even provide doctors that speak other languages. Though it is expensive, something that is guarantee is better hospital services and environment. After giving birth, the required amount of days to stay is three to seven days. (AngloINFO, 2000). If a woman chooses to leave earlier for her own personal reasons, it is advised that she sign a release form. Also, there are sometimes restrictions that regulate visitors, not allowing men in the delivery room. As with any other birth, home birth is an option, however, more complications are likely to occur. (AngloINFO, 2000). Water birth is another option, though it is not common. Cesarean section procedure are only carried through when necessary and in the emergency of the mother or baby’s health.

China offers two choices for woman to give birth at, either a Western-style hospital or Chinese hospital. (AngloINFO, 2000). In China, it is recommended that a woman going through childbirth choose a hospital ahead of time. At the hospital, the minimum stay is three days. (AngloINFO, 2000). In major cities of China, hospitals that are similar to hospitals offered in Western worlds are more expensive. Prior to birth, in these hospitals, the expected stay is a few weeks. (AngloINFO, 2000). At a Chinese hospital, unless the parents are demanding towards their needs, service will not meet their requests. It is required that men are not allowed in the delivery room in a Chinese hospital. Forty to fifty percent of births in China are Cesarean sections. (AngloINFO, 2000). On the trip to the hospital, both parents must come prepared and bring food as well as baby clothes because its not always provided at the hospital. Women in China are paid for maternity leave 90 days following birth. (AngloINFO, 2000).

Woman in Costa Rica have the option to give birth in a public hospital or private hospital. In public hospitals, pregnant woman are eligible for Caja, a health care program that gives “free birth and postpartum health services.” (Costa Rica, 2012). Because doctors are on call, most of the time, a woman does not get the privilege of meeting her delivery doctor. Caja does not allow cover the costs of an epidural or c-sections that are not required. (Costa Rica, 2012). Under the healthcare plan, the only way a husband is qualified to be allowed in the delivery room is if he has attended birthing classes during the pregnancy. During labor, a woman is advised to take warm showers and choose the most comfortable birthing position. After labor is over, woman are expected to stay in the hospital for at least one night to hold a discussion with a lactation specialist. (Costa Rica, 2012). Private hospitals are much more expensive and their procedures are similar to the United States. Woman are allowed to schedule whatever type of birthing plan they have. Delivery doctors are arranged and discuss appointments and scheduled ultrasounds as well as whether or not they would like to be provided with a private room. If a woman chooses to have a natural birth, she can do so at either the public or private hospital. (Costa Rica, 2012). Water births, however, are only provided at private hospitals.

What is the Significance of Prenatal Care?

To have a healthy birth, it is vital to plan a healthy pregnancy. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, a woman must have early and regular prenatal care. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute, 2013). Preconception care was created to help women plan ahead of time a healthy pregnancy guide. The steps towards a healthy planned pregnancy includes methods like increasing daily intake of folic acid, keep immunizations up to date, controlling medical conditions if any, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking, drinking, and taking drugs. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute, 2013). If a woman believes she is pregnant, it is advised that she schedule an appointment as soon as possible to begin prenatal treatment. At an appointment, a doctor will check weight, urine sample, and blood pressure. Also, the doctor and patient will discuss mother’s health, baby’s health, and questions or concerns about the pregnancy. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute, 2013). Together, both preconception and prenatal care can not only prevent complications, but even keep a woman informed about necessary steps to be taken to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Regular prenatal care can reduce complications, encourage women to follow a healthy diet plan and daily exercise, and prevent exposure to certain substances or medications that could potentially be dangerous. (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute, 2013). It can help women control preexisting medical conditions to prevent any complications during labor. Prenatal care can reduce risk for an infant by encouraging woman to not use drugs during pregnancy while at the same providing them with additional information and tips about how to stay healthy.

What Birthing Options are Available to Women?

With every pregnancy and among every pregnant woman is the opportunity to choose a birthing plan. Water birth, cesarean section, and vaginal birth are three different techniques that have their own benefits and risks. A water birth is when a woman gives birth in a pool filled with water. A water birth can take place in a hospital, birthing center, or at home assisted by a midwife. (WebMD, 2005). Because of possible risks to infections and complications, it is recommended that during the second stage of labor, a woman exit the tub. (WebMD, 2005). During the first stage of labor, however, a waterbirth has been found to ease pain and even speed up the birthing process. Though a water birth has been not been proved to improve the baby or mother’s health, it does help a woman relax and feel more in control. (WebMD, 2005). The risks that come with a water birth is the possibility of infection, the umbilical snapping in the water, the baby’s temperature could be either too high or low, the baby could have seizures and not be able to breathe, or the baby could breathe in water. (WebMD, 2005).

A C-section is typically a medical procedure where a baby is delivered through the abdomen because of high possibilities where the baby or mother’s health is at risk. Only in certain countries is it an elective option to get a cesarean section. Woman almost always know in advance whether or not they will have the procedure done during childbirth. (Hatfield, 2005). The procedure lasts three to four hours and is considered to be a major surgery. The risks that could take place include the possibility that there will be damage to the organs, excessive bleeding, or infection. (Hatfield, 2005). Women who have had three or more c-sections are more at risk for complications.

One of the most beneficial ways to give birth as found through research is vaginal birth. It is also considered to be one of the safest ways to give birth. Babies born by vaginal delivery are usually born at 41 or 42 weeks, whereas with a c-section, a baby is born a week or two before the due date. Also, babies born vaginally are at lower risk for developing respiratory problems. (Buhimischi, Conway, & Dahlen, 2010). This is because the compression of the thorax pushes out the amniotic fluid during labor, which helps to prepare the lungs for breathing. The endorphins that are released during birth into the umbilical cord are believed to help prepare the baby to adjust to life outside the womb. One European study conducted in 2008 discovered that babies born vaginally were at a 20 percent lower risk for developing type 1 diabetes. (Buhimischi, Conway, & Dahlen, 2010). Unmedicated vaginal birth has been found to not cause any side effects in the baby. One of the benefits for woman is a quick recovery within a day after delivery. A woman is able to perform her normal activites as well as care for herself and her baby. (Buhimischi, Conway, & Dahlen, 2010).

Conclusion

Although technology and medical advances have contributed to major changes with childbirth, there are still some procedures and traditions that are practiced by certain countries. There may not always be proper prenatal care treatment which is the ultimate cause of complications during childbirth. With background knowledge, everyone can begin to understand the significance of a healthy pregnancy as well as why certain birthing options may benefit a woman depending on her own beliefs. Every country offers their own health programs and techniques for pregnant woman to ensure they have a safe labor. Even if there are not medications offered during delivery, there are still some relaxation techniques that can help guide a woman through the whole process. Through every pregnancy is an excited but nervous woman who may overthink the whole delivery process, but as long as she is well informed and guided by doctors as well as family, the experience can be life changing and empowering.