Definition

Noun: A method of giving birth that emphasizes minimal or no medical intervention, particularly avoiding the use of pain-relieving drugs or surgical procedures to assist the delivery process. It typically involves using breathing techniques, movement, and support to manage labor pain.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific philosophy and approach to labor and delivery. * She attended classes to prepare for a natural childbirth. * The couple's birth plan emphasized their desire for a natural childbirth experience. * While she hoped for a natural childbirth, she remained open to medical assistance if necessary for the baby's health.

Advanced Usage

• "To have/go through a natural childbirth": This is the most common verb collocation.
  • Despite the long labor, she successfully had a natural childbirth.
• The concept is often discussed in contrast to medicated births (e.g., with an epidural) or surgical births (cesarean sections).

Variants and Related Words

• Unmedicated childbirth (n): A more precise synonym, specifying the absence of pain medication.
• Vaginal birth (n): A clinical term describing delivery through the birth canal, which may or may not be natural/unalded.
• Home birth (n): A birth that takes place at home, which is often, but not always, a natural childbirth.
• Lamaze method (n): A specific technique of prepared natural childbirth focusing on controlled breathing.

Synonyms

• Unmedicated birth
• Drug-free childbirth
• Physiological birth (a more clinical term)

Antonyms

• Medicated childbirth
• Cesarean section (C-section)
• Assisted delivery (e.g., with forceps or vacuum extraction)

Noun

1. labor and childbirth without medical intervention; no drugs are given to relieve pain or aid the birth process
   • natural childbirth is considered the safest for the baby