i have read somewhere that taking certain herbs etc could ensure a smooth delivery(actually, i read it in one of the romance story books..medieval times!)..So, is there anyone who could tell me about their real life experiences in getting a smooth delivery?

My first baby was born after a 36 hour labour. Once I had an epidural everthing was fine!

My second baby was born totally naturally, as in I didn't have any time to get anything to help me with the contraction pains. She was almost born in the car!

My point it that birth is so different and unpredictable that I don't think I could suggest you take anything really. Any delivery is open to complications, you just have to go with it at the time.

I agree with bubble. Giving birth is unpredictable. Just make sure to walk a lot on your last trimester. Even obstetricians recommend this.

It certainly is unpredicatable.

My first 3 babies I had no medication~ actually no time for any. They came really quickly.

My 4th child I wanted an epidural and loved it! I actually went to the hospital early so I could get one. I wish that I had one with all of my babies.

All labours and births are different, while I was 19 hours on my first son I was 30 mins on my second, massive pain on my first and every drug under the sun and nothing on my second, I had the normal labour pains but no pain relief. I firmly believe now that if you are fully aware of what is about to happen and well up on the ins and outs of the whole labour and birth then there is no fear and you can relax and get on with it, I think it's the unknown that causes stresses and fear which prevents us from relaxing.

I am glad I do not have to go through child birth again.

But I know it is normal to feel freaked out about it as it approaches birth time.

Stress causes every thing to tense - so try to keep calm leading up to labour.

Gosh I am not sure that there is a magic cure once labour begins - but your lead up work of looking after your mind, emotions as well as your body can help you be in the best state to cope with it.

Yes as it has been said already - Each birth is different. And we pretty much survive it!! Medical staff know how to help.

SECRET!!!
My sister will kill me if she ever finds out that I have mentioned this. But her husband used to help stretch the virginal muscles a little more each day. Don't ask for details!!!! I never did thats for sure!!!!!

But any way she had a great birth with both children. Upright position and allowed gravity and the babies weight to do half the work.

She doesn't understand what all the fuss is about!!!! So I guess what ever they did made a difference because thats not my experience.

She isn't on this forum so I should be safe sharing this.

Walking is the best exercise for normal delivery. Moreover do all your household work by yourself which gives exercise for abdomen muscles. Don't stick on machines.

My delivery is normal. Nothing i didn't do specially. Just i go for walk daily 1/2 an hour and i will be very active in doing my household work by myself.

i don't think there is anything we can do to ensure a smooth delivery. what we can do however is to keep ourselves as prepared and as healthy as possible to avoid or prevent any complications during childbirth. these would include making sure we eat healthy and at least try to do some exercises.

I think you are talking about perineal (perineum)massage ... and about stretching the vaginal walls..
Googling will get you all the details ...... including videos