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Myths About Labor and Delivery

 

Myths About Labor and Delivery

Birth, the thing that brings everyone into this world, yet remains something few like to get into great detail about. Stories of labor and delivery may be told among close friends and family, but there are still several misconceptions that surround one of the most magical functions of a woman’s body. With roughly 10,267 babies being born in the United States every day, birth should be a topic that is celebrated, not left to the unknown. 

Common Myths About Labor And Delivery

While giving birth is a very personal and deeply emotional process, the truth about the process is out there for anyone to discover. At Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center of Dr. Meenakshi Surve Pawar OB/GYN, we are dedicated to providing the best care possible for you and your baby. As part of that commitment, we have compiled a list of common myths about labor and delivery to help you better understand fact versus fiction.

Myth #1: C-Sections Are More Painful Than Vaginal Birth

A C-section is used to deliver a baby through surgical incisions made in a woman’s abdomen and uterus. It’s estimated that nearly 30% of births in the United States are by cesarean delivery. Furthermore, more than half of women voluntarily undergo C-sections. However, the common belief that C-sections are significantly less painful than vaginal births is not necessarily true. Although your doctor will administer anesthesia before the c-section, the pain and recovery time afterward may outweigh the initial pain of vaginal childbirth. Keep in mind that a healthy mom and baby are all that counts at the end of the day, no matter how you choose to deliver.

Myth #2: All Moms Instantly Bond With Their Baby

In the movies, the mother gives birth, the baby is placed on the mother’s chest, and there is an instant connection. News flash, sometimes bonding with your baby is a gradual process! Studies have found that about 20% of new moms and dads feel no real emotional attachment to their newborns in the hours after delivery. The baby blues can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Yet, should you have persistent feelings of anxiety, crying spells, mood swings, or difficulty sleeping, it is essential to contact your doctor, as you might be at risk for postpartum depression. If you feel little to no connection to your baby postpartum, try not to blame yourself or feel guilty; many different factors can interfere. Just remember it will come with time, and you’re doing a great job!

Myth #3: Wide Hips Make For An Easier Birth

Have you ever heard of the term “childbearing hips?” Essentially, this term was coined for women with wider hips, as it is thought to make childbirth easier. However, having wide hips does not always equate to seamless labor and delivery. Factors that can affect your birth experience regardless of hip width include the baby’s size, the baby’s position, your overall health, and the strength of your contractions. So, can wide hips make for an easy birth? In some cases, yes! Yet, the width of a woman’s hips is not the sole determinant of an easy or less painful birth.

Myth #4: Your Second Delivery Will Be Less Painful

When having a second child, some women experience a similar labor experience, while others may experience something very different. The good news is that the cervix, pelvic floor muscles, and birth canal all have been stretched by the first baby the second time around. However, this does not mean that your contractions before and after are not as painful or that you’re less likely to experience complications. In fact, you may experience more pain with your second pregnancy due to your uterus losing so much muscle tone with your first labor and delivery.

Myth #5: Your Water Will Break Like It Does In The Movies

Hollywood may have you believe that your water breaking is like a waterfall of amniotic fluid that soaks the floor around you. Although this can be true, it’s different for all women. Some women experience a small trickle down their leg, and others are induced at the hospital. Additionally, your water often breaks well after your contractions begin, meaning some women may have an inkling it may be nearing that time even before the waterworks. There is a lot to learn about the labor and delivery process, but you don’t have to navigate it alone! Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center of Dr. Meenakshi Surve Pawar OB/GYN can provide you with answers and resources about the incredible phenomena of birth.

About Pregnancy Food Cravings

Ever craved the combo pickles and ice cream? Well, if you’ve never been pregnant, you probably haven’t. But surprisingly enough, many women experience the sensation of wanting odd combinations of food throughout their pregnancy. Although there is not one specific time food cravings begin or subside throughout pregnancy, women usually start to have cravings by the end of the first trimester and normally decline as the third trimester ends.

Pregnancy Food Cravings

Although cravings are thought to be caused by changing hormone levels and nutritional deficiencies, there is no one reason pregnancy causes food cravings. Women may even experience complete aversion to foods they once loved! Here at Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center of Dr. Meenakshi Surve Pawar OB/GYN, we understand there are a significant number of unknowns surrounding pregnancy, and we want to ensure your questions are being answered. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about pregnancy food cravings, what they are, and how to manage them.

FAQ #1: What Causes Pregnancy Cravings?

There is no one specific reason why women experience food cravings during pregnancy. However, several theories come back to the cravings being hormone-based, which is probable due to the influx and shift of hormones throughout a woman’s pregnancy. Verywellfamily.com outlines a few theories surrounding palate changes, food cravings, and food aversions:

·        Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, women experience increases in estrogen and progesterone. In fact, a woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than she would her entire life not being pregnant. These hormonal changes are essential in helping the fetus develop, but also may cause food cravings.

·        Sensory changes: Sense of taste and smell have been noted to change in many pregnant women. This is also referred to as dysgeusia and generally begins during the first trimester of pregnancy. Because of this shift in senses, women may experience cravings for foods they didn’t like or aversion to foods they did like pre-pregnancy.

·        Nutritional needs: As your body prepares to host a baby for nine months, there becomes an increased need for specific nutrients such as calcium and iron. As your body experiences these changes in nutritional needs, you may begin to crave foods rich in these ingredients.

FAQ #2: What Do I Do About My Unhealthy Cravings?

Depending on the craving, sometimes it’s ok to give in! However, it is important to be mindful that high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes and unhealthy blood pressure levels. Make sure to balance your unhealthy food cravings with foods that offer essential vitamins and nutrients. If you are having trouble managing your food cravings, talking with your doctor to devise a plan can be beneficial.

FAQ #3 Can I Prevent Food Cravings?

With an influx of hormones during pregnancy, you may feel like you can’t escape food cravings. However, you can beat pregnancy cravings by eating regular meals, preparing healthy snacks in advance, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and opting for foods with high nutrient levels. And remember, depriving yourself will only make your cravings more intense. It’s ok to give in to the occasional temptation as long as the craving poses no harm.

FAQ #4: What Foods Should I Avoid?

While pregnant, some foods should be avoided altogether. WebMD suggests no matter how strong the craving, foods that may pose health risks for you and your baby include:

·        Undercooked and raw seafood

·        Undercooked and raw red meat, poultry, and eggs

·        Unpasteurized milk and any foods made from milk

·        Raw vegetable sprouts and unwashed produce

·        Alcohol

Although these foods can be a part of a healthy diet for a non-pregnant person, some of the ingredients listed above can harm your baby’s development and may lead to foodborne illness.

FAQ #5 What Are The Most Common Pregnancy Cravings?

Due to each woman’s pregnancy journey being specific and unique, food cravings range from sweet to salty or plain to savory. Some of the most common pregnancy food cravings include:

·        Sweets such as chocolate, candy, or ice cream

·        High-calorie foods such as pizza or fried foods

·        Animal proteins

·        Spicy foods

Some women may develop cravings to eat things that are not food throughout their pregnancy. This condition is called pica and may cause cravings for substances such as chalk, dirt, ice, toothpaste, sand, coffee grounds, or soap. Pica may indicate different nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency. If pregnant and experiencing cravings for non-food items, setting up an appointment with your doctor or OB/GYN is essential. Food cravings affect many women during pregnancy. Some women even experience food aversions and changes to their taste and smell. With a wide range of potential needs and questions, we are here to help you every step of the way. Looking to bring Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center of Dr. Meenakshi Surve Pawar OB/GYN into your pregnancy journey.

 

Dr. Meenakshi Surve Pawar

MS (OBGYN), MBBS, DNB (OBGYN), FICS (UK), FPAI, FMAS

Sr. Consultant (Obstetrician and Gynecologist)

Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center

Website: https://www.aashirwadclinic.net

Contact: +91-7499357236

 

Address: Aashirwad Clinic and Sonography Center, Sham Heights, First Floor, Shop No. 103, Old Jakat Naka, Chinchwad, Pune - 411033

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