Question
What are the most common misconceptions about childbirth that Hilary Erickson has debunked?
Answer
I've debunked several misconceptions about childbirth over the years. Here are a few:
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You can't say no: Many people believe they can't refuse a doctor's instructions during labor, but that's not true. You have the right to make informed decisions about your care.
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You won't feel anything with an epidural: While an epidural can significantly reduce pain, it doesn't typically eliminate it completely. It's designed to take away about 80% of the pain.
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You have control over your body during labor: While you can control some aspects of your labor, there are many things you can't control, like your baby's position or size at delivery.
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Your water will break as the first sign of labor: This only happens for about 10% of people. Usually, contractions start first.
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You'll give birth on your due date: The due date is just an estimate. Only a small percentage of people give birth on their exact due date.
Remember, every labor is unique and what happens can vary greatly from person to person.