What is a straightforward birth?

This article covers the definition of straightforward birth, the benefits for mother and baby, and who can have a straightforward birth. Straightforward birth, sometimes called natural birth, means giving birth vaginally, without any procedures or interventions. Interventions include those that are carried out in hospital by a specialist hospital doctor, such as:

• induction of labour
• epidural or spinal anaesthetic 
• use of forceps or ventouse 
• caesarean section.

It is possible to experience a straightforward birth at home, in a birth centre, or in hospital.

What are the benefits of straightforward birth?

Evidence shows that improving opportunities for women to experience straightforward birth has positive benefits, both physical and psychological. Some of these benefits are:

• You are less likely to suffer from pain after childbirth than women recovering from a caesarean or an assisted delivery.
• You are more likely to initiate breastfeeding than women who had a caesarean birth.
• You are more likely to feel satisfied with spontaneous vaginal delivery than if you have your labour induced or accelerated, or have an episiotomy or epidural.

After a straightforward birth you have a greater chance of starting motherhood fit and healthy and able to cope with the demands of a new baby.  

Who can have a straightforward birth?

Although some women need interventions for the safety of their baby or themselves, many more can give birth safely without. Birth is a normal physiological process. With appropriate support, the majority of healthy women are able to have a straightforward vaginal birth with minimal assistance. 

Can I do anything to make straightforward birth more likely?

There are lots of things you can do in pregnancy and labour to make a straightforward birth more likely. Read our articles about encouraging a straightforward birth in pregnancy and labour.

Further information

NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

The MIDIRS Informed Choice resource offers information on a range of birth-related subjects based on unbiased/objective summaries of the best available research evidence.