Someone needs to talk with the scriptwriter in Hollywood or Nollywood, telling them that intense labor doesn't come with the first contraction. Also, what is this illusion of perfection about the process of childbirth, where, with one breath, the child pops out, as portrayed by people on TikTok?
A woman came to share how she was disappointed by her childbirth process. Actually, her labor story didn't meet her expectations, so it was a setup for trauma, disappointment, and a feeling like she didn't do something right, but overall, she was grateful. In our growing world with information readily available to everyone, it is very easy to see videos, books, and other materials, but when we read materials or see videos, it is important to confirm if the author is an authority or knows what they are saying, and that they are not selling something or an idea to you. Be sure they know what they are saying; ask yourself whether you are more assured after going through the material or more confused. If it is the latter, please disregard it.
Now, back to how a woman knows it is time to go into labor. Far from what we see in movies, where water breaks a moment ago, a few contractions and gasping follow a child's birth; there is more to it. There is a general rule for labor, and while it is not for everyone, it works for the majority of mothers, and that is the 5-1-1 rule. For a woman to be in labor, you must experience contractions every 5 minutes, which will last for at least 1 minute and for 1 hour. As a pregnant woman, if these things are strange or not understood, just reach out to a medical practitioner.
Labor can be natural or chemically induced. When it is induced, it can take hours or days, and it is entirely normal. It can take time because, in most cases, the cervix isn't properly opened, and the process of getting it to the level it should be can either be physical or medications such as Pitocin to help the Uterus contract. At some point during induced labor, the bag of water would be broken by the doctor. There is no list to follow; the process is dependent on the body and medical history.
Let me quickly say this: there is no medical research that says a woman going through pain during childbirth will keep her child safe. Whatever method of delivery you are comfortable with is very fine, and listening to people with no clue or nuance to what they are saying can lead to post-birth trauma in women. Whichever method you're comfortable with, be it C-section, virgina birth, or epidural, just be sure that they are all safe, and you can have your baby your way without the misleading voices of people who are not practitioners and are biased. Don't let uninformed voices from people without medical training lead you toward post-birth trauma. Trust your healthcare team, trust your body, and have your baby your way.
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/when-to-go-to-the-hospital-for-labor
https://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birth
