Childbirth

Childbirth, also known as labour and delivery, is the ending of pregnancy where one or more babies leaves the uterus by passing through the vagina or by Caesarean section.^[7] In 2015, there were about 135 million births globally.^[8] About 15 million were born before 37 weeks of gestation,^[9] while between 3 and 12 percent were born after 42 weeks.^[10] In the developed world most deliveries occur in hospitals,^[11]^[12] while in the developing world most births take place at home with the support of a traditional birth attendant.^[13]

The most common way of childbirth is a vaginal delivery.^[6] It involves three stages of labour: the shortening and opening of the cervix, descent and birth of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta.^[14] The first stage typically lasts 12 to 19 hours, the second stage 20 minutes to two hours, and the third stage five to 30 minutes.^[15] The first stage begins with crampy abdominal or back pain that last around half a minute and occur every 10 to 30 minutes.^[14] The pain becomes stronger and closer together over time.^[15] During the second stage, pushing with contractions may occur.^[15] In the third stage, delayed clamping of the umbilical cord is generally recommended.^[16] A number of methods can help with pain, such as relaxation techniques, opioids, and spinal blocks.^[15]