Childbirth
Hear this word Childbirth
Also known as: Labor and delivery, giving birth
Image description: Cesarean Birth (C-Section) and Vaginal Birth
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
Childbirth is when a baby is born.
Some babies are born by coming out of the pregnant person’s vagina. Other babies are delivered through a medical operation called a cesarean or c-section, where the baby comes out of a cut in the pregnant person’s abdomen and uterus.
Vaginal Birth:
Image description: Three illustrations of a vaginal birth. The first illustration shows the pregnant person giving birth, their birth partner who is providing support, and a medical provider. The second illustration shows the baby inside the pregnant person's body. The third illustration is of the baby being born. The baby is pushed from the pregnant person's uterus and out through the vagina.
Cesarean Birth:
Image description:Three illustrations of a cesarean birth. The first illustration shows the pregnant person, their birth partner who is providing support, and two medical providers during the procedure. The second illustration shows the baby inside the pregnant person's body. The third illustration shows how the baby is born through a cut in the uterus and abdomen.
An Example
Kim speaks with their midwife and doula to discuss what they do and do not want to experience during childbirth. Kim asks their midwife and doula lots of questions. Kim’s midwife and doula respond to all of Kim’s questions with complete, affirming, and honest answers.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- It is important for a pregnant person to get prenatal care before childbirth. During prenatal health care appointments, the health care provider will monitor the pregnancy and the wellbeing of the pregnant person.
- Pregnant people can communicate with their midwife or OB-GYN to make plans to prepare for childbirth. Some people will plan to have a vaginal delivery. Some people will plan to have a cesarean. It’s important to ask about all of the different options and outcomes before the day comes to give birth.
- Some pregnant people may choose to take classes on how to make childbirth more comfortable.
- Some pregnant people might want their partner, family members, or friends to support them during childbirth. This is something to discuss with the hospital or birthing center to plan appropriately.
- In addition to their midwife or OB-GYN (a healthcare provider who works with pregnant people), pregnant people might want to work with a birth doula before, during, and sometimes even after childbirth. A birth doula provides emotional and practical support. A doula can help a person create a birth plan, to stay more comfortable during childbirth, and to help transition into life with the baby. A doula can also support the pregnant person to advocate for themselves.
- Some people might want to create a plan for support immediately after childbirth. Having a community of supportive people or hiring people to support the pregnant person after they give birth can be very helpful.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What are two ways that a baby can be born?
- Vaginal delivery, which is when the baby comes out of the pregnant person’s vagina.
- Cesarean (or c-section), which is a medical operation where the baby comes out of a cut made in the pregnant person’s uterus and abdomen.
What questions do you have? What else would you like to learn?
To learn more, visit the Resource Hub or other sections of Your Sexual Health Toolkit.