Breaking Free from Estimated Due Date Anxiety

Childbirth is a monumental journey, one that fills expectant mothers with both excitement and apprehension. 

However, a looming fear can often overshadow this joyous anticipation. The dreaded Estimated Due Date (EDD) policies enforced by healthcare providers, hospitals, and even the state you reside in can be a large source of stress for expectant mothers. 

Today, we’ll explore the impact of EDDs on the desire for a spontaneous, natural birth experience, and discuss the need to trust in your body’s ability to go into labor naturally.

The Scare Tactics of Estimated Due Dates:

Let’s begin by understanding what Estimated Due Dates (EDDs) really are. 

These dates are essentially arbitrary milestones set by healthcare providers and hospitals, dictating when an expectant mother should give birth. While they are presented as guidelines, they often take on a life of their own, causing undue stress, anxiety, fear, and negativity for those who yearn for a spontaneous and natural birth experience.

Check out this video to learn more about EDDs: ​​https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cx_OytFJI7c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Questioning the Cultural Norm:

Our culture has the ingrained belief that birth should follow a specific path, one that often includes medical interventions. We’ve been led to believe that a woman’s body won’t initiate labor on its own. This belief, however, is far from the truth.

Before the era of widespread medical intervention, women were giving birth through the spontaneous onset of natural labor. So, why have we allowed this cultural shift to overshadow our trust in the natural birthing process?

Check out this video to learn more about medical induction scare tactics: https://www.facebook.com/reel/7040181509349458

The Medicalization of Childbirth:

Our culture has embraced a medical-centric mindset when it comes to childbirth. There’s a widespread notion that all births necessitate medical interventions- with the assumption that every expectant mother requires the same treatment, drugs, procedures, and sometimes even surgeries to bring a baby into the world.

Reclaiming the Spontaneity of Birth:

It’s time to reject this myth! Your body possesses the inherent capability to initiate spontaneous labor. There should be no doubts about this. The birthing process is a natural part of your physiology, orchestrated by the release of positive hormones like oxytocin and prostaglandins.

Check out this video to learn more about the Natural birth process as a baby navigates the levels of the pelvis:

The Role of Fear and Negativity:

If you find yourself living in fear, anxiety, or stress towards the end of pregnancy, or if you’re pressured to deliver by a specific date due to your EDD, it’s important to recognize that these emotions can suppress your natural birthing hormones. 

It is not your body’s incapability, but rather the mental anguish and negativity from outside sources that might be hindering the onset of spontaneous labor.

Empowerment Through Education, Knowledge, and Preparation:

Educating yourself about EDDs, natural birth, and the birthing process is key. Armed with knowledge, you can approach your pregnancy and birth with confidence. It’s time to trust in your body’s remarkable ability to bring your baby into the world.

Click here to get my Natural Birth booklet that will open your eyes to the truth about childbirth:

Seeking Like-Minded Providers:

If your healthcare provider emphasizes EDDs as unyielding deadlines, consider seeking a second opinion or finding a provider who shares your birthing philosophy. 

Not all providers view childbirth as a strictly medical event! some wholeheartedly support the natural, physiological birthing process.

Embracing the Spontaneity of Natural Birth:

In conclusion, estimated due dates should not serve as sources of fear and anxiety for expectant mothers seeking a natural birth experience. Your body is capable of initiating spontaneous natural labor, and this process is inherent within you. 

Place your trust in your body’s ability to bring your baby into the world when the time is right. Challenge the scare tactics, educate yourself, and seek providers who share your birthing philosophy. Your journey towards a spontaneous and natural birth is an empowering one.