Volume 68, Issue 5 Louisville Medicine | Page 11

LABOR PREDICTORS ( MORE FACT THAN FICTION )
1 - Weather : Stormy weather ( severe thunderstorms or hurricanes ) can be associated with premature or unexpected labor . Studies have shown , the labor onset is more due to physiological stress and not a drop in the atmospheric pressure . To prevent premature labor from a severe storm or hurricane , the family should be “ storm prepared ” with proper shelter ready . “ Storm preparations ” are considered premature labor prevention .
If there is prolonged exposure to the temperature below the fifth percentile or greater than the 95 th percentile , 20- 30 % of the babies will have a low birthrate . So , don ’ t have prolonged exposure to temperature extremes .
Monsoon seasons cause an increase in preeclampsia .
2 - The Moon : The full moon can cause high tides , suicides and crazy moods . Why not affect labor ? If the moon can pull the tides , why not affect the amniotic fluid in the womb ? It is already under pressure . This can cause the bag of waters to rupture and start labor . There are stories of OB wards being filled on full moon nights . The studies , however , do not prove any relationship between the full moon and the time of delivery .
3 - Ambient Light : As the sun sets , the intensity of the contractions increases . The intensity of the contractions decreases after the patient arrives at the hospital . This is because the bright fluorescent lights in the labor room cause a decrease in the melatonin which causes a decrease in oxytocin ( labor hormone ). To keep the contractions going , dim the lights in the labor room . These studies are ongoing .
4 - Nipple Stimulation : Nipple stimulation by gentle rubbing or rolling the nipple is an effective way to induce labor . This is backed by scientific research . Massaging the nipple causes the release of oxytocin hormone which initiates labor and can make contractions longer and stronger . Patients should talk with their doctors to see if it is safe to try this at home .
5 - Exercise : Take a short walk or use your steps at home . Pregnant mothers frequently do the Seneca Park circle walk . Gravity may help the baby to drop farther into the pelvis , and this pressure may help dilate the mouth of the womb .
6 - Having Coitus : The partner should ejaculate inside the vagina . The prostaglandin in the semen can cause the body to produce oxytocin , which stimulates the labor . If the pregnant lady orgasms , that also causes oxytocin release . The patient should always check with the doctor to see if this is safe .
7 - Spicy foods : will not induce labor , only cause heartburn .
8 - Castor Oil : A small dose of castor oil ( 1-2 oz ) might help , but you do not want diarrhea .
9 - Eating and drinking red raspberry leaf tea : Remember , this is only folklore and always , always check with your doctor . Do not be upset if he or she laughs - may just be uninformed .
URBAN LEGENDS IN MEDICINE OTHER BABY GENDER PREDICTORS
1 - If she has headaches , that could indicate either a girl or boy . 2 - If the mother carries the baby high , it is a girl . If she carries the baby low , it is a boy . 3 - If there is an increase in breast size , it is a girl . 4 - If the mother is not sleeping well , it is a boy . 5 - If the mother holds a mug by the handle , it is a boy . If she holds the mug by the side , it is a girl . 6 - If she eats the end of the bread loaf , it is a boy . If she does not eat the end of a bread loaf , it is a girl . 7 - If the mother has large mood swings , it means she ’ s having a girl . 8 - If she has excessive morning sickness , it is a boy . 9 - If both mother and father gain weight , it is a boy . 10 - If the bed pillow faces south , it is a girl . If it faces north , it is a boy . 11 - If the mother ’ s feet are always cold ( unless it is winter ), that means it is a boy . 12 - If you show hands palm up , that means it is a girl . Hands shown palm down means it is a boy . 13 - If only the left breast enlarges , that means it is a girl . If only the right breast enlarges , it is a boy . 14 - If the mother is less attractive , it is a boy ( the good looks temporarily went to the baby ). 15 - If the father gains no weight , it is a girl . If he does gain weight , it is a boy . 16 - If the mother prefers to sleep on her left side , it is a boy . If she prefers the right side , it is a girl . 17 - If walking is easy and stable , it is a girl . Stumbling means it is a boy . 18 - If the mother ’ s pupils dilate after looking in the mirror for one minute , it is a boy . 19 - If the mother was more aggressive during coitus , that means it is a boy . 20 - If the previous child ’ s first word is “ dada ,” it is a boy . If it is “ mama ,” it is a girl .
MISCELLANEOUS 1 - Grandmas say a preponderance of boy babies in the nursery means there will be a war .
2 - Nursing- Grandma says if breast feeding a baby , drink a beer daily . It will produce more breast milk , a healthy baby and help mother and baby relax ( not proven ).
3 - Currently popular is a “ gender reveal ” cocktail party . The guest and the parents-to-be do not know the sex of the baby . The baby ’ s gender is given to the party planner in a sealed envelope by the OB doctor .
SUMMARY
Ultrasounds are important in proper management of a pregnancy . Learning of the baby ’ s sex is incidental but a fun finding .
The sex predictors are correct at least half the time . This article was meant to be fun and a little informative . The patient should always check with their OB doctor .
Bibliography Favorite pregnancy food predicts baby ’ s sex . Kids Health Magazine , from the Children ’ s Hospital in Minnesota , Aug 17 , 2020 Tesia Reff M . D . from Samaritan Sweet Home- Family Medicine , February 2020 Rosie Conroy : 36 of the Best Old Wives Tales to Predict Sex , Goodtoknow Magazine , June 1 , 2020 Mark Jarvis , National Weather Service , personal conversation .
Dr . Oberst is a retired obstetrician / gynecologist . OCTOBER 2020 9