Doctors Debunk Common Childbirth Myths

Experts Clarify Truths About Labor and Delivery

When it comes to childbirth, there are many myths and misconceptions that get passed around as fact. To help set the record straight, Drs. Laura Riley and Dina Goffman, two obstetricians with expertise in high-risk pregnancies, debunk some of the most popular childbirth myths.

One common myth is that having wide hips makes delivery easier. Drs. Riley and Goffman explain that this is not necessarily true. While the size of the bony pelvis does matter, factors like pelvic cartilage flexibility, fetal size and positioning, and the effectiveness of maternal contractions play critical roles as well. The shape of the hips alone does not determine if a vaginal delivery is possible. Doctors cannot look at the hips at 38 weeks and definitively determine if the baby will come out vaginally or not.

Another myth is that lying flat on your back is the optimal position for delivery. However, Riley and Goffman identify this as the worst position to be in during labor and birth. While laboring and birthing in bed can be appropriate, positions that allow gravity to assist like sitting upright, squatting, or standing frequently work better. Movement and changing positions are also encouraged, if possible based on access to wireless fetal monitoring and whether anesthesia has been administered. Once an epidural is given, walking is often prohibited for safety reasons.

Can you induce labor naturally by having sex or eating spicy foods? Despite popular notions, the doctors confirm there is no scientific evidence showing that these techniques effectively induce labor. While nipple stimulation and sex may have minor impacts on the body's natural contraction process, the effects tend to be inconsistent and minimal. The most effective, proven ways to induce involve medications given vaginally or intravenously under medical supervision. Regardless of old wives tales, babies will come when they are ready!

A common movie scene shows a pregnant woman's water breaking in a sudden, dramatic gush. While this does occur occasionally, Drs. Riley and Goffman note that it is not the norm. Leakage and inconsistent wetness are more common. If women experience persistent wetness, it should be checked by a medical provider to confirm if in fact the amniotic sac has ruptured. And contrary to TV portrayals, water breaking does not always immediately precede birth. Depending on factors like labor progress and the number of previous births, it may still be hours or days before active labor begins.

What about eating the placenta after birth? Some advocates claim this practice enhances recovery and mood, but Riley and Goffman strongly advise against it. Given serious infectious risks and a lack of proven benefits, placenta consumption is not recommended. Focusing on rest, nutrition, hydration, and support are much healthier postpartum activities.

First-time mothers often expect their labors to be brief, perhaps lasting only a couple hours like in the movies. In reality, doctors confirm active labor for a first baby averages 12-24 hours, sometimes longer. Early, non-active labor at home also lasts several hours for most women. The cervix must dilate from 0 to 10 cm before pushing begins, then delivery of the baby and placenta occurs. Second and third babies tend to involve much shorter labors.

Epidurals provide excellent pain relief, but do not increase chances of C-sections despite rumors to the contrary. The doctors encourage getting them when a woman feels ready based on her labor patterns, not prematurely. Late epidurals can still be administered unless birth is imminent. Neither "early" nor "late" is inherently good or bad; optimal timing depends on the individual.

Finally, concerning breech babies who are positioned feet or buttocks first, scheduled C-sections are common near term. However, Drs. Riley and Goffman remind expectant mothers not to lose hope. Flips to head down during late pregnancy still frequently occur naturally. While various techniques like yoga poses will not produce guaranteed results, babies often change positions on their own up until birth. Maintaining realistic expectations and appropriate preparations are wise, but mothers should not rush to C-section if breech presentation is diagnosed early.

In summary, Riley and Goffman debunk many false assumptions about childbirth while emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making between patients and their obstetric providers when developing birth plans. Distinguishing fact from fiction regarding labor and delivery promotes proper education and empowerment for expectant mothers. Though giving birth is different for every woman, understanding the realities and range of possible experiences allows for greater preparation to have the safest, most satisfying birth possible.