You can and should make noise during labor, including moaning, groaning, or even screaming, as it's a natural way to cope with intense pain, release tension, and help labor progress, with healthcare providers being very accustomed to it; while some prefer quiet, vocalizing is often more helpful than holding breath and clenching, though some suggest low-pitched sounds over high-pitched screams to better direct energy.
Screaming - While the media would have you believe that all birthing women scream, in reality, it's not the most common noise.
The "5-5-5 rule" in a labor/postpartum context is a guideline for new mothers to prioritize rest and recovery in the first 15 days after childbirth, suggesting 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed (minimal movement), and then 5 days near the bed (gentle movement around the home). This promotes healing, bonding, and reduces stress, though it's a flexible guide, not a strict mandate, with some experts suggesting early movement can help prevent blood clots, making a modified approach ideal.
Potential Risks of Loud Noises During Pregnancy
While the womb offers some protection against external sounds, it is not entirely soundproof. Prolonged exposure to loud noises, especially those over 85 decibels (dB), can penetrate the womb and potentially harm the baby's developing auditory system.
People with high-risk pregnancies or those likely to need general anesthesia should not eat or drink during labor. This includes anyone who: Is having a planned C-section. Is at risk of having an emergency C-section.
Things You Can Say No to in Pregnancy & Childbirth
During birth: Emergencies, such as heavy bleeding and amniotic fluid embolism, cause the most deaths during birth. Amniotic fluid embolism is when some of your baby's cells or amniotic fluid (fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb) gets into the bloodstream.
Key Takeaways
Babies can sense their mother's emotional state through stress hormones like cortisol passing through the placenta. Short-term emotional responses and crying are part of healthy pregnancy and won't negatively impact fetal development.
A noise level of 115 dBA is roughly as loud as a chainsaw. Avoid areas that are louder than 115 dBA during pregnancy, even if you are wearing hearing protection.
When you shout at a pregnant woman: ⚠️ Her stress levels go up ⚠️ Her blood pressure can rise ⚠️ It can affect the baby's growth and brain development ⚠️ In some cases, it may even lead to early labor 💬 Kindness, calm, and support are not just good for her - they're good for the baby too. 👩⚕️ Speak gently.
The 2-hour rule for babies means they shouldn't stay in a car seat (or travel system seat) for more than two hours at a time, whether in or out of the car, because the semi-upright position can strain their developing spine and restrict their breathing, increasing the risk of low oxygen levels, especially for newborns and preemies. For long journeys, parents should take breaks every two hours to take the baby out, allow them to lie flat for a while, stretch, and feed, ensuring they get proper head/neck support and circulation.
The 40-day rule after birth, often called confinement or "The Golden Month," is a widespread cultural tradition emphasizing a mother's deep rest, healing, and bonding with her newborn, with family often handling chores and visitors, promoting physical recovery (like stopping bleeding) and mental well-being, rooted in ancient practices from Asia, Latin America, and religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity. Key aspects involve nourishing the mother, sheltering her from stress, and focusing solely on resting and bonding, a stark contrast to Western pressures to "bounce back" quickly.
The 'baby blues' are common around days three to five, thanks to plummeting oestrogen and progesterone levels. 1 in 5 mothers experience perinatal mental health issues in the first year after birth, including postpartum depression or anxiety, making the early days even harder.
Up to 9 in every 10 first time mothers who have a vaginal birth will experience some sort of tear, graze or episiotomy. It is slightly less common for mothers who have had a vaginal birth before. For most women, these tears are minor and heal quickly.
Indeed, when compared with other sources of acute pain (such as a fracture or deep laceration), using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, childbirth pain ranked among the most intense pains recorded [1,2].
The ring of fire can definitely be uncomfortable – how it feels depends a lot on whether you're using pain relief and how well it's working. Some women instinctively hold back or ease up on pushing when it burns, but this is the moment to breathe deep, stay focused, and push through.
Increased blood pressure, stress and tiredness in the mother may affect foetal development. Some studies have indicated that women exposed to high noise levels during pregnancy are at a significantly higher risk for having small-for-gestational-age, gestational hypertension and an infant with congenital malformations.
Sports and activities to avoid while pregnant
Any competitive sports where you have to move your body in a way that may not be safe. Activities with unsafe environments — such as spas, hydrotherapy pools or 'hot' yoga. Activities that involve heavy equipment — such as weightlifting, skiing and scuba diving.
Plus, it's noisy inside your uterus – sounds from your breathing, heartbeat, and digestion are as loud to your baby as a washing machine. That said, your baby will hear your voice more clearly than all others. That's because the sound of your voice reverberates through your body when you speak.
Research says that intense anger might put you at a higher risk for placental abruption, which is rare but can mean your baby doesn't get all the oxygen and nutrients it needs during pregnancy. Studies also show that if you are more angry during pregnancy, your baby may have growth delays and sleep issues.
Midwives know that the emotional release that comes with crying is a normal and even helpful part of labor for many people. Though your heart might break and you might wish you could trade places, if even for a moment, it's all part of the process.
Wadhwa et al. (5) noted that pregnant women with high levels of psychosocial stress have, on average, a 25%–60% increased risk of preterm birth compared with those with lower levels of stress. Stress is also an attractive potential explanatory factor for stillbirth.
Tips for a Safer Childbirth
On one side scientific literature more and more clearly says that the less risky range of maternal age to bear babies is 20-30 years and on the other side, people perceive they should postpone pregnancy (31, 34).
Vaginal Delivery
Safest and most common type of childbirth. A baby is born through your vagina or birth canal. With vaginal delivery, your recovery is faster, and you have lower rates of postpartum infection. Vaginal delivery can happen on its own when your body is ready.