Childbirth

The process by which a fetus and placenta are delivered from the uterus after pregnancy.

Childbirth can occur through vaginal birth or cesarean section. Vaginal birth may occur spontaneously or with assistance such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

Childbirth includes more than the moment the baby emerges; it encompasses the labor and delivery process and the delivery of the placenta.

QUICK FACT

Childbirth does not always involve vaginal delivery; a cesarean section is also a form of childbirth.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

Labor: Labor refers to the process leading to birth, whereas childbirth refers to the delivery of the baby itself.

SEE ALSO

Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

Explore how "Childbirth" is covered across our evidence-based editorial guides:

1 Article
Medicine without Jargon

The Best Birthing Position: What Current Evidence Says

Childbirth is not simply the baby moving downward until delivery.