What is the Difference Between Normal Vaginal Delivery and Assisted Vaginal Delivery?

The main difference between a normal (spontaneous) vaginal delivery and an assisted vaginal delivery lies in the use of instruments or devices to help the baby out during the birth process. Both types of deliveries involve giving birth through the vagina, which is the most common and preferred method of childbirth due to its typically low risk and numerous benefits for the birthing person and the baby.

In a normal (spontaneous) vaginal delivery:

• Labor and birth occur without the use of drugs or other interventions.
• The uterus contracts to thin and open the cervix and push the baby out through the vagina.

In an assisted vaginal delivery:

• The baby is delivered with the help of forceps or a vacuum device.
• This type of delivery is performed when certain complications arise during the second stage of labor, such as concerns about the fetus's heart rate, the fetus's head not moving down the birth canal, the birthing person being very tired, or a medical condition limiting the ability to push safely and effectively.
• Assisted vaginal delivery is chosen to avoid a cesarean birth, which is a major surgery with its own risks.

Assisted vaginal deliveries are less common than normal vaginal deliveries and are performed only when specific conditions require their use. While both types of deliveries have their advantages and disadvantages, the choice between them depends on the individual circumstances of the birthing person and the baby, as well as the experience of the healthcare provider.

Comparative Table: Normal Vaginal Delivery vs Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Here is a table comparing normal vaginal delivery and assisted vaginal delivery:

Assisted vaginal delivery is performed when the baby is having difficulty proceeding through the birth canal, and it requires the use of forceps or a vacuum device to guide the baby out. Normal vaginal delivery is the most common type of childbirth and carries the lowest risk, making it the preferred method for most pregnancies.