Myths About Normal Delivery Busted!

Wednesday, November 7, 2018, 15:23

Are you expecting your little bundle of joy soon? Then you must already have your mode of delivery planned. Though it is not really a choice given to mothers nearing their due date, most expectant mothers in the 21st century are increasingly opting for a Caesarean section to painlessly deliver their baby.

If you too have opted for a Caesarean mode of delivery, it may be due to the harrowing experience narrated by your fellow friends or expectant mothers. You must have heard many tales about the endless hours of painful labour and the many after-effects of vaginal delivery. There are a lot of myths that surround normal delivery and most of these are not so pleasant and not true as well.

Whether normal or Caesarean, no delivery is easy. There are pros and cons to each. But the fact that a normal delivery is like a near-death experience may just be an exaggeration from a mother who had to go through a difficult delivery. It is important to note that all deliveries are not the same. So if your friends have had the worst experience of their lives during their normal delivery, it does not mean that you will as well.

We at Boldsky believe that a normal delivery is indeed best for the mother and baby in the long run. And that is why, we are here to bust some myths regarding normal delivery you ought to know. Who knows! You may just have a whole new perspective on things after this.

So here we have separated the facts from fiction just for you-

Myth #1- Normal Delivery Is Difficult For Women With Narrow Hips-

This is a common misconception regarding normal delivery with women today. Our ancestors were always wary of petite women as they were predicted to have the hardest times during delivery. But this is just a myth. The fact is that the size of the hips of a woman does not affect her ability to deliver a normal baby at all.

In fact, the ligaments in the pelvis of a mother soften up in preparation for the baby to arrive. Additionally, the baby rotates in order to fit the mother's pelvis during delivery and their unfused skull bones will ensure that there is no obstruction for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Myth #2- Normal Delivery Can Cause Uterine Prolapse-

While this is partly true, uterine prolapse is not caused by normal delivery alone. A Caesarean can also be a cause of it to an extent. Our pelvic floor muscles are what hold up the pelvic organs, such as our uterus, bladder and rectum.

When these muscles are weakened during delivery, the pelvic organs extend down into the vagina. This is called uterine prolapse. Contrary to popular belief, there are a variety of reasons for uterine prolapse rather than normal delivery.

Myth #3- Vacuum Delivery Is Dangerous For The Baby-

Modern-day vacuum cups which are used for delivery are known to be extremely safe. A vacuum delivery is done to prevent going for a Caesarean delivery and is considerably safer than Caesarean section. The side effects of this kind of delivery usually are in the form of swelling in the baby's forehead, which typically goes down in a day or two.

Myth #4- There Could Be Pain During Sex Post A Vaginal Delivery

Sex after a vaginal delivery may not necessarily be painful. In fact, it is common after Caesarean sections due to a variety of reasons such as tearing of the uterine tissues or even a dry vagina due to breastfeeding.

There are a lot of changes that take place in our body during pregnancy and delivery and no matter what mode of delivery you go through, sex after a delivery may give you a little discomfort at first.

Myth #5 Consuming Ghee During Pregnancy Can Lead To A Normal Delivery-

It is quite common for you to be bombarded with advice to include copious amounts of ghee as a part of your diet during your third trimester. But it scientifically does not help induce labour. Your chances of a normal delivery are only based on the position of your baby at the time of birth. Also, a healthy balanced diet and exercise is the only way to ensure a normal delivery.

Myth #6- A C-section Is Essential If The Cord Surrounds The Baby’s Neck-

The condition known as nuchal cord is extremely common during pregnancy and delivery and does not call for a Caesarean section at all. The umbilical cord when it surrounds the baby's neck does not pose any immediate danger to the baby.

In such cases, the foetal heart rate can help you determine if the baby is having problems due to it. Also, most of the nuchal cord issues do get resolved before delivery and an immediate Caesarean delivery is not necessary.

Myth #7- Consuming Raspberry Leaf Tea Can Trigger Labour-

Raspberry leaf tea is not considered to be safe for every mother; therefore, it is advised to be used with precautions. Taking raspberry leaf tea when you are overdue can cause quick and painful contractions which can cause distress to the baby.

Also, regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea may either cause a premature delivery or delay it. So it is better to avoid this tea if you are not quite sure how your body will react to it.

Myth # 8- Labour Pain Is Unbearable-

Labour pain may be difficult but it is not unbearable at all. Do remember that a mother's body is designed to deal with the pain. Also, there are a lot of techniques taught in birthing classes that help you deal with the pain in an effective way.

So it mustn't be too painful, right? Besides, a normal delivery has a lot or perks both for your baby and you lifelong. Modern-day painkillers also can help you deal with the labour pain rather effectively.

Myth #9- Drinking Castor Oil Can Help Start Labour-

Resorting to old wives' tales can often backfire. Though it can help kick start labour, consumption of castor oil during pregnancy can induce painful contractions which may be stress you and the baby out.

Also, it can lead to the baby passing the first stool before delivery which can further add to the complications. If you are already past your due date, inducing labour with medications under the strict supervision of your doctor is advised.

Myth #10- You Can Go Into Labour Only After Your Water Breaks-

Contrary to popular belief, water break during your pregnancy is not as dramatic as shown in the movies. In fact, only about 10%-15% of women experience a water gush when their membranes break. Also, only a minority of women go into labour only after their water breaks while most of the cases it's the other way around.

Most women go into labour first and eventually experience the rupture of their amniotic sacs due to contraptions.