Myths about Labor and Delivery - The Obstetrics and Gynaecology (TOG) Centre

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Myths about Labor and Delivery

March 21, 2024

kdaley
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Myth 1: All women experience intense pain during labor and delivery.

Fact: The level of pain experienced during labor and delivery varies from woman to woman. While some women may experience intense pain, others may have a more manageable or even pain-free experience. Additionally, pain relief options are available that can help reduce discomfort during labor.

Myth 2: The due date is always accurate, and labor will start exactly on that day.

Fact: The due date provided by healthcare professionals is an estimation based on the woman’s last menstrual period and the length of her menstrual cycle. However, only about 5% of births occur on the exact due date. Labor can start two weeks before or after the estimated due date and still be considered normal and healthy.

Myth 3: If a woman has a C-section, she won’t be able to have a vaginal birth in the future.

Fact: While a previous C-section does slightly increase the chances of having a C-section in subsequent pregnancies, many women who had a Cesarean delivery can have a vaginal birth in the future. This possibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and factors such as the reason for the previous C-section and the woman’s overall health will be considered.

Myth 4: The size of the baby directly correlates with the difficulty of labor and delivery.

Fact: While larger babies can present some challenges during labor and delivery, the size of the baby alone does not determine the difficulty. Factors such as the woman’s pelvic structure, the position of the baby, and the progress of labor play a significant role in determining the ease or complexity of the delivery process.

Myth 5: Women should avoid exercise during pregnancy to prevent complications during labor.

Fact: Regular and moderate exercise during pregnancy is generally encouraged, as it can help maintain overall fitness, reduce discomfort, and prepare the body for childbirth. Unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional due to specific health issues, most pregnant women can safely participate in activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or low-impact aerobics.

Myth 6: A Boy or girl can be determined by certain factors

There’s also a common belief that women pregnant with boys carry low bellies while those with girls carry high.

Fact: This has hardly proven to be true but that doesn’t stop many individuals from believing.

Myth 7: Boy or girl based on heart rate

Fact: Fetal Heart Rate does not determine the Sex of the Baby. One common myth is that the fetal heart rate can predict the sex of the baby. According to this myth, a higher heart rate suggests a female fetus, while a lower heart rate suggests a male fetus. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The fetal heart rate can vary greatly throughout pregnancy for each baby. It is often believed that a higher heart rate indicates a girl, while a lower heart rate indicates a boy. However, research has shown that there is no correlation between fetal heart rate and the sex of the fetus. The heart rate can vary throughout pregnancy and is influenced by factors such as fetal activity, maternal activity, and gestational age, but it has no connection to the baby’s gender.

Myth 8: Faster Heart Rate Means a More Active Baby

Fact: Another myth is that a faster fetal heart rate means a more active baby. While there may be some correlation between heart rate and activity, it is not a direct relationship. The fetal heart rate can change for various reasons, including the baby’s movements, the mother’s activity level, or even the position of the baby. Therefore, it is not accurate to assume that a faster heart rate always indicates a more active fetus.

Myth 9: Abnormal Heart Rate Indicates a Health Problem

Fact: It is commonly believed that any deviation from the average heart rate range suggests a health problem in the baby. Howe

Dr. Christopher Fletcher (MBBS, DM OBGYN @

UWI, FACOG)

Consultant in Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

kdaley

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