Our Philosophy: Safe, Supported, Natural Birth
At Dhaara Speciality Hospital, we believe every woman deserves a respectful, safe, and supported birth experience. Our maternity team, led by Dr. Prathima Srinivas (Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon), provides expert care throughout labour with the goal of achieving a safe vaginal delivery for every eligible mother — while having the full surgical backup of an experienced surgical team when needed.
When is Normal Delivery Possible?
- Singleton pregnancy (single baby)
- Baby in vertex (head-down) position at term
- No placenta previa or major uterine abnormalities
- Normal fetal heart rate patterns during labour
- Adequate pelvis size (assessed clinically)
- No active maternal medical conditions contraindicating vaginal delivery
- Previous C-section: VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) is possible in select patients — discuss with your doctor
Signs of Labour: When to Come to Hospital
Come Immediately
- Regular contractions: 5 mins apart, lasting 60 secs, for 1 hour
- Water breaking (rupture of membranes) — any time, with or without contractions
- Reduced fetal movements
- Bleeding (more than bloody show)
- Severe headache, blurred vision (preeclampsia signs)
Early Labour — Stay Home Comfortable
- Irregular, mild contractions (early latent phase)
- Bloody show (mucus plug with blood streaks) without heavy bleeding
- Mild backache
- Nesting instinct / burst of energy
Call us anytime if you are unsure — our team is available 24/7.
The Three Stages of Labour
Stage 1 — Cervical Dilation: From onset of regular contractions to full cervical dilation (10 cm). Latent phase: 0–6 cm, can take 8–20 hours in first labours. Active phase: 6–10 cm, progresses faster. We monitor contractions, fetal heart rate, and progress closely.
Stage 2 — Pushing and Delivery: From full dilation to birth of baby. First-time mothers: average 1–3 hours. Subsequent births: often 30–60 minutes. Support from midwife/nurse; position of your choice.
Stage 3 — Placenta Delivery: Delivery of the placenta, usually within 5–30 minutes after birth. Oxytocin injection given routinely to prevent postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
Pain Relief Options During Labour
- Epidural analgesia: Most effective — provides near-complete pain relief while you remain fully conscious and able to push. Placed in the lower back. Available on request at Dhaara Hospital.
- Nitrous oxide (Entonox): Inhaled gas — reduces pain perception, allows you to remain mobile. Safe for mother and baby.
- IV/IM opioids: Pethidine — moderate pain relief. Not recommended close to delivery (can affect baby's breathing).
- Non-pharmacological: Warm shower/bath, birthing ball, TENS machine, massage, hypnobirthing — discussed and supported.
Instrumental Delivery: Forceps and Ventouse
When the second stage of labour is prolonged, or when immediate delivery is needed (fetal distress), assisted delivery using forceps or a ventouse (vacuum cup) may be used. This avoids unnecessary C-sections when vaginal delivery is achievable. Our team is experienced in both techniques.
Our Maternity Facilities
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Labour RoomsPrivate, partner-friendly labour rooms
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NICULevel 2 NICU on standby 24/7
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PostnatalBreastfeeding support, postnatal care
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24/7 CoverConsultant on call day and night
Postpartum Care
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation within 1 hour of birth
- Perineal wound care if episiotomy/tear repair was performed
- Monitoring for postpartum haemorrhage, urinary retention
- Breastfeeding support by trained nurses
- Contraception counselling before discharge
- 6-week postnatal review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is normal delivery possible if I had a previous C-section?
Yes — VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) is possible for selected women with one previous lower segment C-section. Success rates are 60–80% in appropriate candidates. We assess eligibility based on type of previous incision, reason for C-section, pregnancy course, and your preferences. Careful monitoring during labour is essential.
Does epidural slow down labour?
Modern low-dose epidurals (combined spinal-epidural) are "walking epidurals" that allow some mobility and do not significantly prolong labour. The old concern about epidurals slowing the second stage has been addressed by improved techniques. Epidurals do not increase C-section rates.
Can my partner be present during delivery?
Yes — we welcome and encourage a support person (partner, mother, or close family member) to be present during labour and delivery. A familiar support person significantly improves labour outcomes and maternal experience.