Today I had three new mothers-to-be come in for consultations. Two of them are first time moms – one was told that her baby had a big head, the other was told that her baby would become too big if she waited beyond 40 weeks. The third mother had already had a previous C-section after being told that her fluid levels were too low. And then, the most common one that I hear – baby has a loop of cord around the neck – so it would be wise to go for an elective C-section. Along with the usual, baby has still not engaged into the pelvis at week 37 – so most likely, the mother will not have a normal delivery. So many myths .. so many reasons for an unnecessary Cesarean (Uneccesarean)! Truth is, in otherwise healthy mothers, no one can predict if the mother will have a natural birth or not, unless she has good labor contractions going!
We now know that subjecting the baby to multiple ultrasounds may have adverse consequences later. Here is a link to a great article by Dr. Sarah Buckley.
We also know that around 30% of babies are born with cord around the neck. Here is a good article from British Journal of Midwifery that gives research based evidence regarding the facts and myths surrounding cord around the neck. Basically, it means waiting and watching during labor and birth – not a good reason to plan a Cesarean Section.
Finally, what about that “big baby”? Here is a wonderful article from BellyBelly – just goes to show that mothers will rarely grow babies beyond what their pelvises can accommodate!
So, go ahead enjoy your pregnancy .. let the myths be .. your body that has made your baby certainly knows how to get it out! Talk to your care provider about their views on due dates, big babies and need for ultrasounds – this simply will be the biggest determining factor of the kind of birth that you will have. Of course, take good care of yourself – eat plenty of proteins, drink plenty of water and exercise to the extent of your comfort, visualize a calm and gentle birth. All this will prepare your mind and body for the beautiful birth that you deserve.