We believe not for long, only until the first child. Then we know exactly what and how. But with the first pregnancy, there are always many questions.
In fact, the main thing to know is that no one birth is like another. No two pregnancies are the same because no two women are alike. Everyone has different health, different genetics, different lifestyle, everything is different in general. Therefore, the experience of friends will most likely not be useful to you at all. Another important thing: don’t be intimidated. Many horror stories that tell about childbirth are just horror stories. We will dispel some of the most popular ones.
Myth 1. Water will leave suddenly.
They will pour out in one continuous stream, and certainly in a public place. Well, like in the movies. But that’s what cinema is for, to surprise and impress us. For many women, the water does not leave at all. Often this happens already in the hospital, when the obstetrician-gynecologist removes the plug. Only about ten percent of women are faced with the fact that their water flows spontaneously. And even then we are not talking about any stream. This is usually a thin trickle. But in any case, if this happens, you must immediately call the doctor and rush to the hospital. Water can leak for several days, but more often it means labor is starting. In addition, the risk of catching an infection increases.
Myth 2. Epidural anesthesia increases the likelihood of a cesarean.
Not true. A few years ago, it was found that there is no connection between epidural anesthesia and the risk of having to have a cesarean section. The truth is, an epidural can slow down the second stage of labor when pushing begins. This is because the woman feels the lower part of the body worse. Therefore, it is important to listen to what the midwife says: she advises pushing – that means pushing. If he says to breathe and be patient, then it is worth breathing and be patient. By the way, there is a study that claims that epidural anesthesia can save you from postpartum depression. Nice bonus.
Myth 3. Natural childbirth is more painful than cesarean.
Also not true. It hurts both. It’s just that the pain comes at different times. With natural childbirth, all the discomfort will fall on you even in the process. In the case of cesarean, you will feel all the delights of childbirth when the effect of anesthesia ends. In addition, it is worth remembering that a cesarean section is an abdominal operation, and this is always very serious.
Myth 4. Lush hips – a guarantee of easy childbirth.
Looking at the powerful thighs of Kim Kardashian, I just want to say that she would give birth and give birth, with such and such a physique. However, as practice has shown, no matter how magnificent your hips are, this will not affect the course of labor. The size of the inner, small pelvis is important. Whether it is narrow or not, only a doctor can determine.
Myth 5. Childbirth often begins on a full moon.
A myth that exists in the medical community. And so long ago that now no one can understand where he came from. Maybe because the days of the full moon are more often remembered, and ordinary days pass in monotonous rows? In general, doctors, discarding sentiments, compared the statistics and found out that in fact, there is no increase in fertility on the full moon.
Myth 6. If the plug has come off, it means that labor has begun.
A mucous lump clogs the cervix until it is time for the baby to be born. If he moved away, it means that you are almost there, but only almost. The cervix softens and becomes more elastic in preparation for childbirth. But in fact, this is not even a reason to call the doctor. Many women, as obstetricians note, do not even notice how the plug comes off.
Myth 7. Castor, hot peppers and bumping speed up labor.
Yes, there are indeed ways to bring hour X closer. But they are all so popular that doctors do not recommend trying them. “It’s not a fact that any of these methods will work. It is possible that all you will achieve is diarrhea or heartburn. The baby will be asked to be born when he is ready, and not earlier, ”they say. However, mothers, tired of being pregnant, are ready for anything to give birth as soon as possible. They even dance salsa in the hope that the child will get tired of it too.
Myth 8. Childbirth of a daughter will be the same as that of a mother.
Well … there is a 55 percent chance that you have the same pelvic shape as your mom. Therefore, there is some truth in this myth. But genetics is not the only reason for the course of childbirth. There are many other factors that will make your experience completely different from your mother’s.
Myth 9. If you are expecting twins, caesarean is inevitable.
Multiple pregnancies and childbirth are indeed risky. But it is not at all necessary that you have to do a cesarean. Doctors say that if the first baby to be born is in a normal cephalic presentation, there are no obstacles to natural birth. Moreover, the fetus will be smaller than during pregnancy with only one baby.
Myth 10. You need to make a birth plan and follow it.
A birthing plan is good. Doctors and nurses should respect your wishes: what position is more comfortable for you, who will be present during childbirth, whether to do an epidural. All this is worth considering, but you need to be prepared for the fact that the plan will have to be changed. No one is immune from an emergency cesarean, for example. After all, the most important thing in childbirth is a healthy mother and a healthy baby.