Regular Delivery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Regular Delivery?
A regular delivery means the birth of a baby through the vagina without surgery. It is usually performed by an obstetrician, a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth. It can also be performed by a certified nurse midwife, a trained health professional who attends births. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the stomach and intestines, does not perform deliveries.
What it is
A regular delivery, also called a vaginal delivery, is giving birth through the birth canal, the passage from the uterus out of the body. Most babies in the United States are born this way.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors often recommend vaginal delivery when the pregnancy is healthy and surgery is not safer. It usually means a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than a cesarean section, which delivers the baby through a cut in the belly.
How to prepare
Preparation starts during pregnancy with regular checkups.
- Attend prenatal visits and ask what to expect during labor.
- Take a childbirth class if offered.
- Pack a hospital bag with personal items and insurance cards.
- Plan the ride to the hospital ahead of time.
What happens during it
Labor begins with contractions, tightenings of the uterus that open the cervix, the lower part of the uterus leading to the vagina. The mother pushes until the baby is born, then the placenta is delivered. Pain relief options, such as an epidural, medicine placed near the spine, can be discussed ahead of time.
Recovery
Most people stay in the hospital one to two days. Soreness, tiredness, and bleeding like a heavy period are common in the first weeks, and many feel mostly recovered within six weeks. Follow-up visits let the doctor check healing and answer questions about the baby.
Risks and side effects
Vaginal delivery is safe for most people but carries some risks, including heavy bleeding, tears between the vagina and anus, and infection. Sometimes forceps, tools that guide the baby's head, are needed, or an unplanned cesarean becomes the safest choice.
Who performs it
Deliveries are performed by obstetricians, family medicine doctors with childbirth training, and certified nurse midwives. A gastroenterologist would not be involved, though they may help manage digestive conditions like Crohn's disease alongside the pregnancy care team.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor charges more and often works with insurance. Either can handle pregnancy planning and recovery visits, but they do not deliver babies. They refer patients to an obstetrician or midwife for the delivery.
Common questions
How long does labor take?
Labor varies a lot. First labors often last 12 to 18 hours, and later labors are often shorter. The care team tracks progress along the way.
What are my options for pain relief?
Yes, options include an epidural and other medicines. Some people choose to give birth without pain medicine. Discuss preferences with the care team before labor starts.
How do I know when labor has started?
Common signs include strong regular contractions, the water breaking, or bleeding. Call the care team when labor seems to start.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
