Vaginal Birth May 2026

: Labor begins and progresses on its own without medical intervention.

According to the Cleveland Clinic , vaginal birth offers several advantages, though it does carry potential risks: Vaginal Delivery - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf vaginal birth

: A planned attempt to deliver vaginally for women who have previously had a C-section. Benefits and Risks : Labor begins and progresses on its own

: Starts with full cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the baby. During this phase, the mother begins to push to move the baby through the vagina. During this phase, the mother begins to push

: Labor is started or stimulated by healthcare providers using medication (like Pitocin) or manual techniques.

Labor and delivery are typically divided into three distinct stages, as outlined in clinical resources like StatPearls :

: Begins with regular uterine contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm). This stage is further divided into early, active, and transitional phases.