Birth is a complex physiological process involving multiple stages of cervical dilation, foetal expulsion and placental delivery. Globally, approximately 135 million births occur every year, with 15 million taking place before 37 weeks of gestation. Most births around the world take place in hospitals, although home births remain common in developing countries. A typical birth involves cervical changes, contractions and foetal movement through the birth canal, with head-forward presentation being the most common. Birth can involve various interventions such as pain management and caesarean delivery. There are complications, including maternal and foetal health risks, with developing countries experiencing higher rates. Vaginal birth offers advantages such as faster recovery, while caesarean sections are recommended for specific medical conditions. Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks, accounts for around 10-11% of global births and can lead to developmental challenges.
Note: For other meanings, see Childbirth (disambiguation).Childbirth or birth is the term of a pregnancywhere one or more babies leave the uterus of women. In 2015 there were 135 million births worldwide. Around 15 million were born before 37 weeks gestationwhile between 3 and 12% were born after 42 weeks of gestation. In developed countries the majority of births take place in hospitals, while in the developing countries the majority of births take place at home with the support of a mother. midwife.
The most common method of childbirth is vaginal birth. Labour is divided into three periods: thinning and dilation of the cervix. cervix; the descent and expulsion of the baby; and, finally, the expulsion of the placenta. The first phase usually lasts from 12 to 19 hours, the second phase from twenty minutes to two hours and the third phase from five to thirty minutes. The first phase begins with abdominal or back pain lasting half a minute and with an interval between them of 10 to 30 minutes. As time passes, the pains become more intense and occur at shorter and shorter intervals. During the second phase, the contractions that expel the baby occur. In the third phase, the placenta is expelled and the umbilical cordIt is recommended that the cut be made after the first minute. There are various methods of relieving painsuch as relaxation techniques, opiates e spinal anaesthesia.
In most births, the head is the first part of the body to pass through the birth canal. However, in around 4% there are pelvic presentationin which the baby's feet or toes are buttocks facing the birth canal. During most of the labour, the woman can usually eat and walk freely. It is not recommended to push during the first stage or during the passage of the head, nor to use enemas. Although it is common for a small incision to be made at the opening of the vagina, called episiotomyThis is not usually necessary. In 2012, around 23 million births were carried out through a surgical procedure called caesarean section. Caesarean sections are recommended in the case of twins, foetal distress for the baby or in the case of pelvic presentation. This procedure can take longer to heal.
Each year, the pregnancy complications and childbirth are the cause of 500,000 maternal deaths, seven million long-term problems and 50 million unfavourable prognoses following childbirth. Most of these problems occur in developing countries. Common complications for the mother include dystocia, postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia e postpartum infections. Common complications for the baby include perinatal asphyxia.
English 
Portuguese 
French