Want to go in for a natural delivery? Start preparing before you get pregnant.

I have always recommended natural delivery as the first option (except when there is a strong medical need or risk that pushes us to consider a C-section).

With growing awareness of the benefits of natural delivery, including faster recovery for the mother, greater chances to immediately breastfeed the baby (within the golden hour), and lesser risk of respiratory disorders for the baby, many couples are putting forth their preference for a natural delivery.

In this regard, it is important to understand that the pregnancy and manner of delivery are closely intertwined. The steps taken from an early stage in terms of watching the mother’s health closely and guiding her on diet, lifestyle and exercise will help keep her fit and able – and ready to handle a natural delivery. The steps we recommend include the following:

• Get a full health check-up prior to getting pregnant: This is important to determine some key health markers, such as your blood sugar levels (which may be indicative of the risk of gestational diabetes). Also, be open about health conditions (such as diabetes, cholesterol or hypertension) among immediate family members. This will help the doctor form a more accurate picture of risk factors they should keep a lookout for.
• Chart out a healthy diet plan – and follow it: Pregnancy is a time of joy and expectation. It is also a time you will be lavished with attention – and fed all your favourite foods. While it can be tempting to write off excess indulgence as ‘eating for two’, it is important to remember that keeping a majority of the meals centred on healthy, nutritious food is essential for the child’s growth and development. So, go ahead and indulge – but do so responsibly.
• Join an ante-natal exercise class: There are specific exercises designed for each trimester, to help keep the mother’s body fit and flexible. The best way to learn and benefit from them is by joining an ante-natal class. Apart from getting personalised attention from the instructor, it is a place where you will get to meet other moms – which will give you a boost in terms of mood and energy.   
• Don’t be too rigid about the manner of delivery: This might sound counterintuitive to what I have spoken about so far, but it is important that you don’t get stuck on whether or not you will ultimately have a natural delivery. There is always a tiny chance of a medical risk leading to the decision of a C-section – but that does not mean that all these efforts are wasted. They all contribute to helping your baby have a good headstart in terms of health and growth – and that is the best you can do.