Whether it's your first baby or your fifth, it's hard to predict just how your labor and delivery will progress. In fact, there are several possible birthing scenarios — including an unplanned birth, a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC), a water birth, a home birth, and hypnobirthing — and any one could end up becoming your reality. To help, check out the videos on each scenario so you're ready and confident.
If you're like most modern mamas, chances are you've never been on the business end of a live delivery. (And while it is very entertaining, watching Call the Midwife doesn't count.) Sure, you have a doctor or midwife who will take care of the medical side, but it's important to know the basics about the type of delivery you'd like to have. Getting familiar with what'll happen inside and outside of your body can help reduce any fears and anxiety you may have.
And if your birth doesn't go according to plan? Understanding other types of deliveries can help you feel prepared for any contingency. These educational birth videos can help.
Note: Any way a baby comes safely into the world is a good way. Discuss your options with your doctor, make a birth plan, (and a backup birth plan) and know that you're doing your best for both you and your baby.
What is an unplanned birth?
Just as it sounds, an unplanned birth can occur in an unusual or unfamiliar setting, when you'd least expect it, or, possibly, when you're alone. Of course, no woman wants to deliver her baby in a car, in a restaurant, or stuck at home during a storm, but while rare, these things do happen. It can't hurt to learn what to do if you do find yourself giving birth alone or having an unplanned delivery.
This video, by HowCast, explains the basic supplies you need and how to help deliver the baby, cut the umbilical cord, get the baby to breathe, and deliver the placenta. Most likely you'll never need to use this information, but it can't hurt to be prepared!
Labor and delivery questions are super common! To help, head to the What to Expect app for all the science-backed info you crave, plus tips from moms who've been there.
What is a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC)?
A VBAC is a vaginal birth for a woman who's already had a Cesarean. There's a popular myth that once you've had a Cesarean section, then you are committed to the same surgery for any future children. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends attempting a vaginal birth after a C-section as long as there is no medical reason not to, saying it's safer for mom and baby than a subsequent C-section.
Talk to your doctor about whether you're a good candidate for a vaginal birth after C-Section (VBAC). Note that your doc will most likely want you to give birth in a hospital in case something goes wrong and you need another C-section.
What to Expect Community parent shevoraedy says, "I had a C-section in January 2024 and then had a VBAC in September 2025. It was a wonderful experience for me!"
This delivery vlog by Hailey Paige Johnson shows just how smooth a successful VBAC can be. Bonus points for adorable fresh-from-the-womb newborn!
What is a water birth?
If you love the water, giving birth in it might be for you. ACOG doesn't recommend pushing and delivering in water due to the increased risk of certain conditions, but it does give interested moms the green light for laboring in a pool or tub during the early stages of childbirth.
This video, by Bikini Body Mommy, shows her experience with her second at-home water birth. You get to see her laboring process, her pain, the moment she meets her daughter, how her kids react, and … is it raining in here? We're not crying, you're crying!
What is a home birth?
Laboring and delivering your baby at home may be appealing since being in your own space is often comforting and peaceful. About 1% of all babies born in the U.S. are delivered at home, a stat that's gone up for the past decade or so, according to a study published in the journal Birth.
If you have no pregnancy complications, a planned home birth can be a good option, but ACOG still recommends giving birth in a hospital or birthing center, which have lower infant mortality rates.
In the video above, by the B.E.A.M. Squad, the husband and proud papa adorably narrates the birth of his daughter as his wife gives birth in bed at home.
What is hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing uses meditation and hypnotherapy techniques to soothe laboring moms. Proponents say it works by helping you achieve a state of deep relaxation and reducing the fear often associated with childbirth.
This video, published by Auckland HypnoBirthing, shows an almost entirely silent labor and delivery. If a baby hadn't appeared at the end you might not have even known what was happening.
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