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When Is It Too Late to Change My Mind About Having a Natural Birth?

At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we offer comprehensive pregnancy care, including options for natural childbirth. Our experienced OB/GYNs work closely with you through all stages of pregnancy to help you navigate your journey.

If you’re considering natural childbirth but are still interested in exploring your other options, read on to learn more about the choices you have.

What to know about natural childbirth

A natural childbirth means delivering your baby with minimal medical intervention. Many women who opt for a natural childbirth experience prefer to have no pain-relieving medications during labor.

If you decide on natural childbirth, our experienced obstetricians and midwives provide the support you need to deliver your child in an environment that’s as comfortable and calm as possible. We encourage you to follow your instincts when it comes to navigating your labor, so you can stay in the present moment of your experience.

Natural childbirth is a safe, viable option for women with low-risk pregnancies. However, there is always a possibility that complications can arise during childbirth, which could remove the possibility of a natural childbirth.

The timeline for changing your mind

If you feel like you can’t tolerate the intense pain of labor, our obstetrics team may be able to provide pain-relieving options to meet your needs. They can prescribe oral pain-relieving medications throughout most of the labor process. You may also be a candidate for an epidural if you change your mind during the earliest stages of labor.

The point at which we can’t start managing your pain typically begins when your baby’s head is out of the birth canal. Our team still offers support throughout the final stages of labor by coaching you through breathing exercises or placing cold or warm compresses on your back.

Working with our midwife team also ensures you have the personal support you need to navigate labor and delivery. They are also here to help you adjust to the life changes involved in caring for a newborn.

Making the best decision for you

The most important thing to know about changing your mind about your childbirth plan is that it’s your right to do what’s best for you. We work with you from the earliest days of your pregnancy to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your labor and delivery decisions.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy and aren’t a candidate for certain types of pain control, our providers will discuss your options for your labor and delivery during your prenatal visits. You can also meet with an anesthesiologist to gain more clarity about your pain management options.

If you’re considering having a natural birth or are interested in looking at your other choices, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.

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