The 3 Factors That Can Disrupt, Delay, and Derail Natural Birth

Did you know that in the United States nearly 1 in 3 births is performed as a Caesarean section? If that statistic is shocking, consider that in some countries the rate is as high as 90%. It is true that some of these procedures are planned, some are the result of “high risk” pregnancy, and some are the result of emergency situations requiring intervention. However, a portion of those births that result in C-section were intended to be delivered naturally. The information in this article is meant to empower those individuals who desire a safe and natural birthing experience. Understanding the circumstances that can transition a natural birth process to a surgical intervention allows for the appropriate precautions and preparations to be undertaken.

Defining NORMAL

To understand situations that require attention, it is important to first establish what is considered a “normal” birth process. Before going any further, it is important to address the myth that it is impossible to have a natural birth following a birth that required intervention. Did you know that greater than 2/3 of women given C-sections due to cephalopelvic distortion (a situation of ineffective uterine contractions and mal-position of the baby’s head) deliver even larger infants naturally? The human body is dynamic and adaptable, and there is hope for those who wish to reestablish a natural birth process.

While it is admittedly difficult to define “normal” when it comes to a dynamic process such as birth, normal physiological birth adheres to the principle that normal function follows normal structure. The term “dystocia” refers to abnormal labor and/or childbirth. According to Williams Obstetrics, “Dystocia is very complex, and although it’s definition is ‘abnormal progress in labor’ seems simple, there is no consensus as to what ‘abnormal progress’ means. Thus, it seems prudent to attempt a better understanding of normal labor in order to determine departures from normal.”

While there are a host of causes of dystocia (maternal, fetal, placental) the focus of this article is on the factors surrounding the leading cause of dystocia leading to C-section, namely failure to progress. From a purely structural perspective, creating the conditions for the progression of a normal and natural birth process begins early in pregnancy. Our environment is extremely important when it comes to development, and it is no different for fetal development. Since abnormal fetal positioning is an important underlying cause of failure to progress through normal physiological birth, it is important to highlight three very important variables affecting this process – Power, Passage, and Passenger.

Power

Autonomic Nerve System

Labor and delivery is a complex process requiring a cascade of functions to occur under the direction of the nervous system – the body’s electrical communication system. The role of the nervous system in birth is to coordinate function. The brain is essentially the command center, and the effective transmission of signals between the brain and body gives real-time feedback about how things are progressing for both mom and baby. The plexus of sacral nerves acts as a relay between the brain and the pelvic structures involved in birth, including the uterus. The electrical supply that powers the muscular tissue of the uterus is responsible for the strength and timing of contractions in coordination with the positioning of the baby. Abnormalities of this electrical supply system can result in misinformation in the same way that an interference to the communication between the satellite dish and your television results in static on your screen. Chiropractic care is focused on removing the structural obstructions to this problem (sacral misalignment) to ensure that the lines of communication are open and operational.

Passage

Female pelvis, front view.

The sacrum is the large triangularly-shaped bone in the center of the pelvis. As pregnancy progresses, a hormone called relaxin is released in order to allow the ligaments of the pelvis to stretch in preparation for birth. As this process occurs, abnormal structural alignment of the pelvic structures can result in a decreased diameter of the pelvic brim. When the diameter is diminished due to displacement of the sacrum, dystocia or difficult labor may result. Pelvic imbalance may also lead to abnormal tension within the uterus via ligamentous attachments. A cramped, tense uterine environment has been implicated in not only abnormal labor progression, but also optimal fetal positioning. Webster certified chiropractors are uniquely trained to evaluate and correct the structural causes of pelvic imbalance that lead to a less than optimal passageway for baby.

Pelvic brim, view from bottom up.

Passenger

Birth is ultimately about the baby. The health benefits of a natural vaginal birth are well documented. Throughout growth and development, the considerations of both Power and Passage are two important variables that contribute to a comfortable and safe uterine environment. As life expresses intelligence, optimal fetal positioning (as opposed to various abnormal positions such as breech) will result when the baby’s environment is appropriate. Webster certified chiropractors have observed changes in fetal positioning as structural and neurological obstructions are removed resulting in a more favorable environment. If these obstructions are left uncorrected throughout pregnancy and labor fails to progress, often unplanned interventions enter the picture including epidurals, Pitocin, and unplanned C-section. The stress that mom experiences during this process is also experienced by the baby through the release of hormones into the bloodstream which can be traumatic in and of itself.

Summary:

Chiropractic care as a part of a collaborative effort to achieve normal physiological pregnancy and birth offers unique benefits to both mother and baby. Specific and gentle care reduces interference to mom’s nervous system – the electrical communication system of the body which coordinates function throughout pregnancy. It also focuses on restoring and maintaining pelvic balance by working with the bony and soft tissue structures that are involved in the delivery process. The ultimate goal of maintaining pelvic balance and neurological performance is to optimize maternal function throughout pregnancy, thereby reducing the potential for unnecessary intervention.

For more information, visit:
http://icpa4kids.org/
http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/