Definition

Noun: 1. A childbirth in which the fetus is delivered through the birth canal (vagina): This is the natural method of childbirth, as opposed to a surgical delivery (cesarean section). It describes the complete process of labor and delivery that concludes with the baby exiting the mother's body via the vagina.

Usage

• The term is used in medical, clinical, and general contexts to specify the mode of delivery.
• It is often contrasted with "cesarean section" or "C-section."
• It can be used as a countable noun (e.g., ).

Examples

• The mother had a smooth vaginal birth after many hours of labor.
• The doctor explained the benefits and risks of vaginal birth compared to a cesarean section.
• Her first child was delivered by cesarean, but she is hoping for a vaginal birth this time.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a vaginal birth": This is the most common collocation, describing the act of experiencing this type of delivery.
  • Despite some complications, she was able to have a vaginal birth.
• "Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)": A specific medical term for when a woman gives birth vaginally after having had a previous cesarean section.
  • Her doctor discussed the possibility of a VBAC for her second pregnancy.

Variants and Related Words

• Vaginal delivery: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably in medical contexts.
  • The medical team assisted with the vaginal delivery.
• Natural birth: A related, though less precise, term that often implies a vaginal birth without major medical interventions like epidurals. Note: "Vaginal birth" is the more precise clinical term.
• Labor and delivery: The broader process that culminates in a vaginal birth (or surgical birth).
• Parturition (formal/medical): The act or process of giving birth.

Synonyms

• Vaginal delivery
• Natural childbirth (context-dependent)
• Spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) (a specific medical term)

Antonyms

• Cesarean section (C-section)
• Cesarean delivery
• Surgical birth

Related Phrases

• To deliver vaginally: The verbal phrase describing the action.
  • The baby was delivered vaginally at 3:00 AM.
• Mode of delivery: A phrase used when discussing whether a birth will be or was vaginal or surgical.
  • The final mode of delivery will depend on the progress of labor.

Noun

1. the parturition process in human beings; having a baby; the process of giving birth to a child