Birthing Misconceptions

I’m small and the baby seems so big, so I can’t have a normal vaginal birth

Estimating the size of your baby before birth is difficult and not very accurate. An experienced care provider can be off by +/- 1 pound. Ultrasound estimates of the baby’s weight are +/- 15-20%.  Both your body and the baby’s body change and adapt during labour to allow the baby to deliver more easily.  Other factors, such as the strength of the contractions and the position of the baby’s head, are also important in favouring a normal vaginal birth. Some women who had their first cesarean birth because the baby was “too big” are able to successfully deliver a bigger baby vaginally the next time.