Management of normal labor and birth.

This article describes an approach to the management of normal labor and birth that fosters a balance between support of normal processes without intervention and appropriate monitoring to allow for early detection and intervention for problems. Support and observation are the hallmarks of managing normal labor and delivery. Unnecessary medical interventions may displace the credit for the birth outcome for the mother to the provider, and result in iatrogenic complications. Primary care providers may serve as advocates for maintaining the proper balance of labor and birth management in hospitals to preserve the normal experience in an environment filled with available technology.