Safer beginnings – myth busting for a healthy third trimester and birth

 Pregnancy should be filled with excitement, especially when it approaches the time to actually meet your little one.  Often, however, it can seem that everyone has some kind of advice and, although mostly well meaning, it can prove overwhelming.

Along with evidence-based advice come many myths about pregnancy and birth and, whilst shared with good intention, not all are rooted in science and worst still, on occasion, these myths can be harmful especially when echoed through social media narratives.

Myth: Babies move less at the end of pregnancy

It has been raised that babies naturally move less toward the end of pregnancy. This is misleading.  Whilst the type of movement may change as the baby reaches its birth weight, the number of movements should not decrease. In fact, a noticeable reduction in movement can be an important warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.   Monitoring your baby’s movements throughout pregnancy is important and if you have any concern about a change or reduction in movement you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.  Kicks Count is a charity that focuses on this point:

Your Baby’s Movements Matter. Kicks Count is the UK’s leading baby movement campaign, keeping mums and babies safe.

Myth: It’s totally safe to take your pregnancy beyond 42 weeks

A safe and full term pregnancy is generally considered to be from 37-42 weeks, with 40 weeks taken as the average point.  In reality only about 4% of babies actually arrive on their due date.  However, it is medically accepted that pregnancies should not go beyond 42 weeks despite a common belief that it is safe because “your body knows when the baby is ready.”

Whilst there are certain to be stories of healthy post 42-weekers, research shows that severe risks—such as stillbirth and the placenta not working as well—increase after 42 weeks. Often if you are past 40 weeks you will be reviewed and offered medication to start you labour (an induction).  It is not about rushing the birth unnecessarily; it’s about balancing the risks of continuing the pregnancy versus delivering your baby safely.

If you have any medical conditions or have experienced any symptoms which increase your risk, you may be offered an induction or c-section before 40 weeks.

Myth: You don’t need to push during labour – your body knows what it is doing

There is a growing narrative suggesting that pushing during labour is unnecessary because your body will naturally give birth.  Often during labour involuntary pushing reflexes do occur but equally most women in labour need guidance and to actively push to ensure their baby is born safely. It is not a failure to have to push and your body is not letting you down, it is simply the best mechanism for your body to move your baby out safely.  Equally, if you no longer feel able to push and need medical intervention, by agreeing to this you are making the best choice for you and your baby.

Myth: Doulas can replace doctors or midwives

Doulas are individuals that provide personalised support during pregnancy, birth, and sometimes after birth. It is down to personal choice as to whether you feel the support they can offer will be beneficial to your pregnancy journey.

However, doulas do not provide medical care and do not require medical training or hold insurance.  Unlike an obstetrician or midwife, a doula’s role is non-clinical. They offer emotional support, physical comfort measures, and information — but they do not and should not perform medical exams, diagnose conditions, or make clinical decisions.

Myth: Pain Relief ruins the birthing experience

There are many voices that advocate for a completely natural birthing experience which means no pain relief.  There is nothing wrong with not needing pain relief and instead using methods like breathing techniques, massage, and water births alone.  However, this accounts for only about 2% of women.

Planning for no pain relief but then finding that some is required when the reality of labour bites, can often lead to unnecessary guilt or distress. Pain relief options — from gas and air to epidurals— exist to support wellbeing and choosing them does not diminish the quality or validity of the birth experience. It also should not impact the baby because the doctors and midwifes at your side should  make sure it is safe for mother and baby.  There is no universal “right” way to manage labour pain.  It is an entirely personal experience.

Myth: Birth requires a strict plan, as set by your antenatal classes

Sometimes structured antenatal classes, which aim to prepare and empower women, can, albeit unintentionally, set rigid expectations.  When labour or birth doesn’t follow the anticipated path, the space between expectation and reality hits home and can create a feeling of anxiety, disappointment, or at worse trauma.  Written birth plans are often encouraged, and these are helpful to prepare and focus, but should reflect your preferences rather than set a rigid agenda.  Plans and expectations should have flexibility built in.  Information given in classes should always include a range of possible outcomes and options, and reassure parents that needing extra help is not a negative thing.  The real goal at everyone’s heart should be a safe and healthy birth for mum and baby, whatever that may look like.

Myth: Social media gives the best advice

Social media can be a voice for good, sharing experiences, truth and encouraging supportive communities.  Sadly, it has also often amplified many of these myths.  However, the stories often lack context, medical accuracy, or accountability. Algorithms tend to promote emotionally engaging content which is neither safe nor evidence-based. This can create echo chambers where misleading ideas spread quickly with no forum for true challenge and this misinformation can cause direct harm if myths are believed and opportunities to ensure better outcomes are not recognised or taken as a result.  Always check your concerns or stories with your healthcare provider who will give you the facts.

Personal preference plays a key part in pregnancy and birthing, but this must be grounded in accurate information to keep baby and mother safe.

How Enable Law can support you

Pregnancy and birth are deeply personal experiences, but decisions should always be guided by accurate, evidence-based information rather than myths or online narratives. Understanding what is safe, and recognising when something may be wrong, can make a vital difference to outcomes for both mother and baby.