by Giving birth to a child can be the most unnerving time for a woman. The idea of carrying a child inside the womb, labor, confusion between a normal delivery or a cesarean section, can cause a lot of anxiety. And when women search for answers to these questions, they come across different experiences. Some of this information can also make women fall prey to some myths about vaginal birth. But don’t worry, because we are here so that you are correctly informed about the process.
Health Shots contacted Dr Nagaveni R, Consultant, OB/GYN, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru to debunk some common myths about vaginal delivery.
Myths about vaginal birth
Dr. Nagaveni says, “Pregnancy itself can be an intimidating experience, however, misconceptions about pregnancy in the minds of mothers-to-be can make the pregnancy process difficult. When it comes to how to deliver a baby, mothers can opt for a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section. However, there are several misconceptions about vaginal delivery. Therefore, before planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to obtain correct information from reliable sources to avoid assumptions.
Here are 8 common myths about vaginal birth that you shouldn’t believe:
Myth 1: Vaginal delivery is more painful than C-section
A common misconception among people is that a C-section is less painful. Vaginal delivery is accompanied by immediate pain; however, recovery and discomfort after cesarean section surgery are longer and more challenging compared to vaginal delivery.
Myth 2: C-section is more convenient than vaginal delivery
Cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. When it comes to convenience, each method has its own set of risks that may differ from case to case. Rather, it is recommended that women have a vaginal delivery unless there are certain complications in the pregnancy.
Also read: Did you have a vaginal tear during childbirth? This is how to care
Myth 3: Labor pain is intolerable during vaginal delivery
Labor pain during pregnancy is intense and painful for the woman. However, certain breathing techniques and exercises can help alleviate pain for a successful birth experience.
Myth 4: A vaginal delivery can lead to sexual dysfunction
A common myth surrounding vaginal births is that a vaginal birth can lead to sexual dysfunction or low sexual desire among women. Studies have indicated that childbirth is not a major contributor to sexual dysfunction in women.
Myth 5: A vaginal delivery can result in a prolapse
A uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus descends from its normal position and bulges out of the vagina. However, choosing a C-section over a vaginal delivery to avoid prolapse is not a wise decision.
Myth 6: A cord around the baby’s neck requires a C-section.
The cord around a baby’s neck does not pose a threat because it is long enough for the baby to move through the birth canal without causing problems during vaginal delivery.
Myth 7: You can’t have a vaginal birth if you’ve had a cesarean section before
This is the most common misconception, and many women may opt for a vaginal delivery after a previous C-section. Of course, this will depend on how the previous pregnancy went and there must also be a gap of at least 2 years between both pregnancies.
Myth 8: Vaginal deliveries are more dangerous for babies
Another myth regarding vaginal delivery is the dangers of using forceps and a vacuum during the vaginal delivery process. If handled by a professional, the use of these tools is safe for both mother and baby.
Carry
During the birthing process, the doctor closely monitors the movement of the growing baby and the mother’s vital signs for a calm experience. It is important for a mother to maintain her physical, emotional and mental health by refraining from myths and misconceptions about childbirth.
