My husband and I exchange looks as soon as we see a pregnant person show up on the television screen because he knows I’m about to say things like, “What?”, “Really?!” and “Why?” I understand that writers are trying to make their shows exciting, but the images shown often cannot be further from the reality of what the birth experience can be for prepared and supported birthers. So just in case you are getting your birth education from the media (please don’t!), I wanted to do some myth-busting of common scenes played out on TV and in movies.
Myth #1 - Labor always begins with waters breaking
At term, only around 8-10% of labors begin this way. If the normal process is allowed to unfold, typically the bag of waters remains intact until the intense contractions of active labor. The bag of waters serves as a layer of protection against infection, a cushion to the discomfort of contractions, and wiggle room for baby to maneuver into the proper position. When left to rupture on its own, sometimes the bag of waters ruptures just as the baby is coming out. And sometimes it doesn’t rupture at all – called an “en caul” birth.
Myth #2 -The partner panics and is useful only in getting the laboring person to the hospital - and they often can’t find the keys.
Partners have the opportunity to be incredibly useful during labor. In 1962, Dr. Robert A. Bradley published an article outlining the ways in which birth experiences were improved when partners were educated on birthing techniques and invited into the birthing space. This was a novel concept because at that time partners were widely kept in the hospital waiting room. Thankfully Dr. Bradley was part of a movement that eventually allowed partners to be present and involved in the birth process. A trained partner can aid in pain reduction, promote relaxation, and help advocate for quality care. Research shows that continuous support in labor leads to higher levels of satisfaction. If you are interested in having quality support from your partner, seek out a birth class that is independent of the hospital and focused on teaching labor stage-specific techniques for both birthers and their partners.
Myth #3 – Pushing is done lying down or sitting inclined, usually under time pressure, and with aggressive techniques like breath holding and purple-faced pushing.
There is no evidence of benefit in pushing this way. Spontaneous, mother directed pushing in upright positions, and allowing plenty of time for the second stage is a much gentler approach for mother and baby, and can help prevent damage and distress. Research shows that women who give birth in upright positions report higher levels of satisfaction and may shorten pushing. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) stated in their guidelines for preventing unnecessary cesareans that providers should allow at least 2-3 hours of pushing, but longer durations may be appropriate in some cases, such as the mother having an epidural.
The reality of birth doesn’t have to be the chaos you see on TV. Reach out! Get connected to a quality, evidence-based birth class to explore your full range of birthing options and prepare yourself and your partner for the kind of birth you desire.
~Lacy Knipper, Certified Birth Educator and Prenatal Yoga Instructor
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