Types of Birth: Childbirth Options, with Dr Amber Moore

When it comes to preparing for labour, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what types of birth you might have—or aim for. While you can’t control every aspect of your delivery, understanding your options can help you feel more confident and prepared.

In this podcast episode, we break down the different types of birth—vaginal, elective caesarean, emergency caesarean, and instrumental deliveries (like forceps or vacuum)—with insights from obstetrician Dr Amber Moore.

Elective Caesarean Birth

An elective caesarean is a planned surgical delivery, often chosen for personal, psychological, or medical reasons. Some women may opt for this type of birth to:

• Reduce the risk of pelvic floor injury
• Avoid unpredictable labour outcomes
• Feel more in control of the timing and process

Dr Amber Moore explains that many women today are better informed and feel empowered to request a C-section if it aligns better with their physical, emotional, or family circumstances.

Tip: Ask your care provider about the risks of multiple C-sections if you’re planning a large family, as this can increase the risk of placental complications later on.

Emergency Caesarean Birth

An emergency caesarean is unplanned and usually happens during labour if complications arise. Common reasons may include:

• Baby’s heart rate dropping
• Labour not progressing
• Concerns about baby’s position or size

This type of birth often requires quick decision-making. The key takeaway from Dr Moore is that open communication with your healthcare team before and during labour can make a big difference in how supported and safe you feel—even when things don’t go as expected.

Vaginal Birth

Vaginal birth remains the most common type of birth and can be a deeply empowering experience. Benefits include:

• Shorter recovery time
• Lower risk of surgical complications
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact with baby

But it’s important to note that a “natural” birth can still come with interventions, such as episiotomies or pain relief options. According to Dr Moore, one of the first questions she asks women is how many children they plan to have, as vaginal birth may be preferred when planning for larger families to avoid cumulative risks of multiple C-sections.

Forceps-Assisted Delivery

Forceps are metal instruments used to gently guide a baby out during the pushing stage. This type of birth may be recommended when:

• Labour has stalled at full dilation
• Baby needs assistance due to positioning
• There’s a need to avoid prolonged pushing

Forceps deliveries require precision and are usually only used when absolutely necessary. While they can be associated with more trauma than other methods, skilled care and slow, controlled delivery reduce risks significantly.

Vacuum-Assisted Birth

A vacuum-assisted birth involves placing a suction cup on the baby’s head to aid delivery during contractions. It’s generally less invasive than forceps and used when:

• The baby is lower in the birth canal
• A quicker delivery is needed, but a full C-section isn’t ideal

Vacuum deliveries usually cause less trauma to the mother than forceps, though they still carry risks of bruising or minor injury to the baby. Dr Moore notes that vacuum is typically used when the baby is in a favourable position, but struggling to be delivered after pushing.

Perineal Tears and Episiotomies

One of the most talked-about concerns in vaginal birth is perineal tearing. Tearing can range from mild (first-degree) to severe (third- or fourth-degree). Most tears heal well, especially with the right postnatal care and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

In some cases, a planned episiotomy (a surgical cut to avoid severe tearing) may be recommended. Dr Moore stresses the importance of:

• A slow, gentle delivery
• Moisturising the perineum (she recommends sweet almond oil)
• Perineal massage during pregnancy
• Open discussions with your care provider about episiotomy practices

Good to know: Not all tears are equal. First- and second-degree tears often heal with no long-term issues, while third- and fourth-degree tears may require specialist care—but they are relatively rare (about 6% on average in Australia).

Which Type of Birth Is Right for You?

The truth is, there is no single “best” type of birth—it’s about what’s safest and most appropriate for your unique circumstances. Some questions to ask your care provider include:

• Is my baby likely to cope well with labour?
• Do I have a higher risk of pelvic floor injury?
• What are my chances of needing an assisted delivery?
• What’s your approach to episiotomy or intervention?
• Can we make a plan that balances my preferences with medical safety?

Whether you’re leaning toward an elective caesarean or hoping for a spontaneous vaginal birth, knowledge is power. The more you understand about each type of birth, the more you can advocate for your body, your baby, and your birth experience.

And remember, no matter how your baby is born, support is always available—especially when it comes to pelvic floor recovery, emotional wellbeing, and postnatal healing.

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Links

Dr Amber Moore

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