05/10/2026
As we grow and learn, we arrive in adulthood with a clear understanding of pregnancy, or so we think!
If you answered 1) 40, 2) 10cm 3) a hat then that’s because it’s what we’ve learnt. Text books, tv and films, as well as listening and absorbing stories from those around us. But when you break down the black and white nature of how we see pregnancy and birth, we start to see clearly that it’s most definitely not black and white!
1️⃣ There is no specific week of pregnancy, one could argue it is when your baby is ready. However the textbook says it is between 37-42, not bang on 40 weeks. There has to be variability, no different to our monthly cycles all being varied in days and symptoms. But ask, how many women do you know who birthed in their 42nd week? Although I bet you’ve heard someone say their baby was late, describing a baby born between 40-42 weeks?
2️⃣ You need to be 10cm dilated to birth a baby. But what if your baby doesn’t need your cervix dilating that much? What if 8cm is good for you and them 🤷♀️ What if you’re told to go against every sensation in your body just because you’re not 10cm? (And please remember any internal examination needs your consent).
3️⃣ A hat is immediately placed on your baby to help regulate their temperature. But what if your baby is born full term and healthy, and in a warm environment? What about the gold standard way of having skin to skin with a blanket over you both? And what disturbance can a hat make to being able to smell your babies head for oxytocin flow, needed for bonding, attachment and breastfeeding?
Attending a weekly class, like bump yoga+ can help compliment antenatal education, as we can touch on these subjects frequently. This can help shift our internal thoughts, and feel more familiar and confident with questioning the not so black and white journey of pregnancy and birth ❤️
