Congratulations on your pregnancy, what an exciting time! It’s also a time when you’ll be inundated with a lot of information regarding parenting, as well as childbirth. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know what’s true and what’s just a myth, so the Grace Private team is here to help you separate fact from fiction.
Let’s debunk some of the most common labour myths:
While your water breaking can be the first sign of labour, it’s not like the movies and it’s not the only way labour begins. Labour can start in many different ways. It may start with slight pressure in your pelvis, or for some women, it may begin with mild contractions which slowly increase in intensity and frequency.
Yes, labour is often associated with intense pain but not everyone experiences labour in the same way. Some women may only feel some discomfort, while others experience severe pain.
While epidurals help relieve pain during labour, they are not for everyone. Every woman is different and your Grace Private obstetrician will recommend the best way to manage your pain for your condition and your birth plan.
Birth plans are a great way to communicate what you want for your labour and delivery, but they must be flexible. Labour can be unpredictable and things don’t always go to plan. Your obstetrician may need to offer alternative solutions to protect the health of you and your baby.
When you’re in labour it’s important to stay hydrated. You can drink fluids and eat snacks to keep up your energy as long as there aren’t any complications. Your doctors will advise if you should stop eating and drinking. Many women find it difficult to eat and drink during labour and are given ice to suck on to stay hydrated.
Years ago it was thought that lying flat on your back was the best way to deliver a baby. Nowadays, we recommend you try different positions such as standing or sitting on a birthing ball to find which position feels more comfortable for you during labour.
There’s a common myth that if you’ve had a caesarean, you can’t have a vaginal birth. While this is true for some mothers, VBACs are possible for many women and you can try for a VBAC under the advice of your Grace Private obstetrician.
Inducing labour doesn’t increase your chances of a c-section. You may need to be induced due to your condition, but in many cases, women are still able to have a vaginal birth.
There are times during labour when you may feel the urge to push, but it’s not always necessary. It can be a sign that your baby is moving down the birth canal, however, be guided by your midwife and doctors as to when you should start to push.
We hope that debunking these common labour myths has helped you feel more informed and prepared for your birthing experience. Remember, every woman’s labour and delivery is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to give birth. At Grace Private, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
