Normal birth is the natural form of birth. So scientifically; It is defined as the birth of the baby vaginally with the mother’s spontaneous pain.

Vaginal Birth (normal birth) Happens in Three Stages:
Stage 1: opening (dilatation)
Stage 2: baby’s emergence
Stage 3: placenta (baby’s partner) delivery
Real labor pains are pains that occur regularly every 2-5 minutes, the intensity of contractions gradually increases, and last about 1 minute. As a result of these pains, the cervix softens and opens (effacement and dilatation).

normal birth

1st Stage of Labor (Cervix Opening)
It is the longest stage of birth. It consists of 3 phases.

Early Labor Stage: The period from the beginning of labor until the cervix dilates 3 cm.
Active Labor Phase: Time until the cervix is dilated 7 cm
Transition Period: The time until the cervix is dilated to 10 cm
Premature Birth Stage
You should be comfortable during this period. You do not need to rush to the birth. You should evaluate your situation and continue your normal activities. Pain is expected to increase. If you start to feel night pains, you can sleep until they bother you, if possible.

This period:

It usually takes 8-12 hours
The cervix becomes thinner and its width reaches 3 cm
Contractions last 30-40 seconds and are 5-30 minutes apart
Contractions are initially mild, irregular, and gradually become stronger and more frequent.
Contractions start in the waist, become like menstrual pain, and there is pressure and tension in the groin.
Your water may break (water bladder rupture)
If contractions become more frequent, regular, last longer, or water breaks, it is time to go to the hospital because active labor has begun.

Active Labor Phase
It’s time to go to the hospital. You should start breathing and relaxation exercises.

In this period:
Duration: 3-5 hours
Cervix expands from 4 cm to 7 cm
Contractions last 45-60 seconds with a 3-5 minute waiting period in between.
Contractions become stronger and longer.
Transition Phase
The hardest part of phase 1. In this period:

Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cervix expands from 8 cm to 10 cm
Contractions may be long, strong, frequent and overlapping.
Although it is the most difficult phase, it is the shortest phase.
Hot flashes, nausea, vomiting and flatulence may occur.

2nd Stage of Birth (Baby’s Exit)
The stage after the cervix is fully dilated until the baby comes out.

The stage when the baby is pushed to the exit and is born. By this time, your body has done all the work for you. At this stage, it is time for you to push.

In this period:

Duration: 20 minutes to 2 hours
Contractions occur for 45-90 seconds at intervals of 3-5 minutes
feeling of straining
Sensation of urination and defecation
The baby’s head is seen at birth (during straining)
Burning and stinging sensation at the moment of crowning (when the baby’s head pushes out of the vaginal entrance)
Pushing the Baby Out

When your doctor says it’s time, you should push the baby out.

While pushing:

Pushing position (deep breath is taken and held, chin rests on the chest, hands are held at the support point and the baby is pushed out with all the strength)
Pushing should be done with the feeling of contraction and pain.
Pelvic floor muscles should be relaxed (as in kegel exercise)
You should relax between contractions and gather strength for the next contraction.
You should push with all your strength while straining.
At the end of this period, birth takes place with the help of your doctor.

3rd Stage of Birth; Placenta Expulsion
This period is the shortest period and lasts 5-30 minutes. Small contractions continue after the baby is born. Once the placenta separates from the uterus, the placenta is removed by gently massaging the uterus and gently pulling on the cord. The birth is now over.