What to Do for a Normal Delivery – A Complete Guide for Expecting Mothers in India

Published on 06/16/25

(Updated on 06/16/25)

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What to Do for a Normal Delivery – A Complete Guide for Expecting Mothers in India

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences a woman can have — and in India, where family traditions and natural methods are cherished, many expecting mothers hope for a normal delivery. But let’s be real: childbirth is intense. And while it's completely natural, it also comes with a lot of questions. What should you eat? What should you avoid? How do you make sure your body’s ready for labor? Is it all about yoga, or is there more to the story?

This article isn’t just a bland checklist — it's a real-world, no-fluff guide written with you in mind. If you're wondering what to do in the third trimester for normal delivery, or what exercises to do during pregnancy for normal delivery, you're in the right place. Let's dive in.

Understanding Normal Delivery

Normal delivery, also known as vaginal delivery, is the natural method of giving birth without surgical intervention. It involves spontaneous labor, minimal medical assistance, and a shorter recovery time. In India, especially in smaller towns and tier 2 cities, it's often the preferred mode of childbirth — both due to cultural expectations and because it’s generally safer for both mom and baby (when conditions allow).

What is a Normal Delivery?

A normal delivery is when the baby is born through the birth canal, usually around the 37th to 42nd week of pregnancy. No C-section, no induced labor — just nature doing it’s thing (with a bit of help from your doctor, of course). Some women are in labor for just a few hours, others for 12, even 24 hours. It varies.

But here’s something important — not every pregnancy is the same. Even if you’ve had a normal delivery before, things might be different this time. That’s why staying informed and prepared is key.

Benefits of Normal Delivery

Why do doctors often encourage a normal delivery when it's safe? Well, here’s why:

Faster recovery time: Most women are up and about within a day or two.
Lower risk of complications: Surgery always brings risks, right? Avoiding that is a big win.
Immediate bonding: Babies born via vaginal birth often get skin-to-skin contact quicker.
Natural immunity boost for the baby: As your baby passes through the birth canal, they receive beneficial bacteria from you that help strengthen their immune system.

Not to mention, it’s usually more affordable — especially relevant in India, where medical costs can be a concern for many families.

Myths and Facts About Natural Birth in India

There are loads of myths floating around — and honestly, some are plain weird. Like the one that says eating ghee daily in the last month will “grease” the birth canal (spoiler alert: it won't). Or that walking too much in your ninth month might cause premature labor (totally untrue if you’re healthy and your doc agrees).

Fact is, most Indian women can have a normal delivery — but it takes the right prep, knowledge, and sometimes, just a little bit of luck.

What to Do in the Third Trimester for Normal Delivery

The third trimester is where the real game begins. Your belly’s heavy, sleep is almost a joke, and emotions are all over the place. But this stage is crucial if you’re aiming for a normal delivery. Your body is getting ready for the big day, and so should you.

Importance of the Third Trimester in Labour Preparation

Think of the third trimester as the warm-up before a marathon. This is when your baby gains most of its weight, and your uterus starts practicing with Braxton Hicks contractions. The ligaments around your pelvis loosen. Your cervix might even begin dilating a bit.

But if you’re chilling on the couch all day — no judgement, we all have those days — you could be missing a chance to help your body get ready. Light activity, stretching, and staying mobile all help in setting the stage for smoother labor.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for the Last Trimester

“Should I eat for two?” Not really. You need more nutrients, yes, but not double portions of biryani.

Focus on iron-rich foods (like spinach, lentils, jaggery), calcium (milk, paneer, ragi), and hydration. Many Indian moms swear by coconut water — and they’re right. It’s great for hydration and keeping things moving in your gut.

Avoid oily, heavy food in the evening. Constipation and heartburn are already your annoying new roommates — don’t invite their friends.

Also, try to sleep on your left side as much as possible. It helps with blood flow to the baby and reduces pressure on your organs.

Warning Signs to Watch For in Late Pregnancy

While discomfort is normal, pain that comes and goes regularly might not be. Watch for signs like:

Sharp, constant abdominal pain
Sudden gush or leakage of fluid (could be your water breaking)
Blurred vision or swelling in hands and face
Decreased fetal movements

If anything feels “off,” trust your gut and call your doctor. Better safe than sorry.

Preparing the Body for Normal Delivery

If you’re wondering how do I prepare my body for normal delivery? — this section is your answer.

Physical Preparation

One word: movement. Staying active doesn’t mean hitting the gym or doing headstands — it means gentle, daily movements that encourage your baby into the right position and keep your body flexible.

Best Exercises During Pregnancy for Normal Delivery

Walking: 30 minutes a day is golden. It improves circulation, eases swelling, and helps the baby move down into the pelvis.
Squats: They open up the hips and strengthen your legs. Start slow, maybe with support.
Pelvic tilts: Great for back pain relief and encouraging the baby’s head-down position.

Pro tip? Don’t start new routines in the third trimester if you’ve been mostly sedentary. Always ask your doc first!

Prenatal Yoga and Breathing Techniques

Yoga is hugely popular in India — and for good reason. It helps reduce stress, improve flexibility, and teaches you breathing techniques that you’ll actually use during labor. (Unlike algebra. Sorry, math.)

Look for certified prenatal instructors and avoid risky poses.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Now here’s the part that often gets ignored — your mind. Preparing your body is essential, yes, but your mindset during labor can make a huge difference. Fear and anxiety release stress hormones (like cortisol), which can actually slow down labor. Who knew, right?

Managing Anxiety and Fear of Labour

It’s okay to be scared. Everyone is, even if they act all chill about it. One day you’re shopping for tiny clothes, the next you're Googling “how much does labour hurt.”

To help:

Talk it out: Speak with other moms, doulas, or even join online support groups. Hearing real experiences — not just horror stories — helps normalize it.
Practice mindfulness: Guided meditation apps (many free ones in Indian languages now) can be surprisingly effective.
Trust your support system: Whether it's your partner, your mom, or your best friend, let them be part of this journey. Don’t isolate yourself.

What Should Be Done for a Normal Delivery

There’s no magic recipe, but here are some practical steps you should follow if you want to increase your chances of a normal delivery:

Routine Check-ups and Monitoring

Don’t skip those antenatal appointments, even if you “feel fine.” Monitoring your baby’s growth, your blood pressure, and sugar levels helps catch complications early. Many women ignore signs thinking it’s “just pregnancy stuff,” but that can be risky.

Keep a small diary — old-school but helpful — to track your weight, baby kicks, and even random questions you want to ask your gynae next visit.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor

This one's underrated. Your doctor’s attitude toward normal delivery matters a lot. Some hospitals have high C-section rates for convenience or profit. Ask questions. Look at reviews. Don’t be afraid to switch if something feels off.

And ask about the hospital’s policy on things like labor movement, birthing positions, or epidurals. Your experience will depend heavily on how supportive they are.

Birth Plan: What It Is and Why It Matters

Nope, not just for Western moms on YouTube. A birth plan is a simple document where you note your preferences — like “I want to try without epidural,” or “no unnecessary episiotomy.”

It’s not a contract, but it lets your care team know what matters to you.

Conclusion

Normal delivery isn't just about luck. It’s about smart prep — physical, emotional, and practical. Indian moms have been doing it for generations with everything from old wisdom to new science. The goal? A safe, healthy birth. Whether it takes 4 hours or 14, remember: your body knows what to do. Just trust it (and maybe breathe through the pain).

You’ve got this.

FAQs

How can I increase my chance of normal delivery?

Stay active, eat right, keep stress levels low, and make sure you’ve got a supportive doctor. Start early — not in your 9th month!

How do I prepare my body for normal delivery?

Focus on walking, squats, pelvic floor exercises, and prenatal yoga. And stay hydrated (seriously, drink more water!).

What should I eat for normal delivery?

Iron, calcium, and protein-rich Indian foods — dal, paneer, eggs, dry fruits, leafy greens. Avoid too much sugar or fried food, especially in late pregnancy.