Birth

Giving birth at Mediclinic Middle East

You’ll be supported through labour and birth by skilled midwives, gynaecologists, and paediatricians.

You and your doctor can discuss the birth options that may be right for you, including vaginal birth, Caesarean birth, and pain relief choices.

Vaginal birth

Labour usually lasts around 8 to 12 hours for a first baby. The latent phase, when the cervix gradually opens to about 10cm, typically takes 6 to 10 hours, followed by the active phase as labour progresses.

An episiotomy, a small cut to widen the vaginal opening, may be needed during delivery. Immediately after birth, your baby can be placed skin-to-skin with you, supporting bonding and a smooth transition to life outside the womb.

Caesarean birth

A Caesarean birth may be planned, usually around 38 weeks, or may become necessary as an unplanned or emergency procedure during labour.

You’ll need an empty stomach beforehand, and the procedure is carried out under regional or general anaesthesia. Birth itself usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes, with a further 20 to 30 minutes to close the incision.

Reasons for a Caesarean can include:

• Cephalopelvic disproportion
• Breech or transverse lie
• Placenta praevia
• Placental abruption
• Prematurity
• Fetal malformation, such as spina bifida

Pain relief during labour

• Painkilling medication
• Breathing techniques, movement, massage, and a warm bath
• Epidural anaesthesia
• Pudendal block
• Spinal block, which requires lying flat for around 8 hours afterwards and may cause some nausea