Today I want us to consider some myths concerning pregnancy and how to induce labor. But before we do that, some of my colleagues suggested that I present some interesting misunderstandings about poison ivy, another summer-time malady.
Allergic reactions to poison ivy (also oak and sumac) are very common, and are a very common reason for people to seek medical attention. It is estimated that more than 90% of us react to the offending chemical (urusiol), with a wide range of responses. Some people only have a mild rash and itching, while others develop widespread rashes, with unbearable itching and oozing. This can really be a miserable condition.
So, what are some of the myths that we frequently hear regarding this problem?
First, a lot of people believe that poison ivy can be spread from one person to another. False. Once the rash has developed, the offending agent has usually been washed away and removed, and the rash cannot be spread.
Another common belief is that if you break open the blisters of poison ivy, the rash can be spread on the affected person. It can also be spread to other people. False again. The fluid in these blisters does not contain urushiol and will not cause poison ivy.
And finally, it seems that many of us are not aware that you can get this rash from any part of the plant: leaves, stem, roots. And it doesn’t have to be alive. In fact, some researchers have found that people can get poison ivy from plants that have been dead for five years. And if that isn’t spooky enough, you can also get the rash from being exposed to the smoke of burning plants. Actually, the worst case of poison ivy that I’ve ever seen was contracted in just this way. This unfortunate young man had been clearing a field, shirtless and sweaty, and was exposed to poison ivy smoke for several hours. He was so covered that he had to be admitted to the hospital for several days. Makes me itch just thinking about it.
OK, enough about poison ivy. Let’s talk about my younger daughter, Amy. For those of you who know her, you will appreciate this story. And for those who don’t, you’re missing out on something. But you’ll be able to identify with what we’re going to consider.
Amy was great with child for many months, and during the last week or two of her pregnancy, her frustration grew along with the size of her belly. She was ready to deliver her third child and get on with things. Now instead of consulting her obstetrician, she turned to her friends, the internet, and even her mother. It’s amazing the advice you can get online or on the phone.
Here are some of the things you can come across, presented as tried and true inducers of labor. We’ll start with these culinary concoctions: chili dogs, raspberry tea, really hot buffalo wings, fresh pineapple, any Mexican food, macaroni and cheese with Heinz 57 sauce, a heavy dose of balsamic vinegar on a large salad, any curry dish, and eggplant parmigiana.
Then there were a variety of physical activities: riding on a bumpy road, long walks, walking up and down stairs, doing 2-3 deep knee-bends every hour during the day, having a foot massage, mowing the grass, bowling, and blowing up balloons. A frequent recommendation for inducing labor is sexual activity. Now since I don’t even want to consider how Amy became pregnant in the first place, we’re not going to think about that one.
And finally, perhaps the most commonly recommended agent – castor oil, or its close relative, mineral oil.
Now, do any of these things work? Is there actually any sound evidence that supports these interventions?
During the last week of her pregnancy Amy tried long walks in the local mall, a professional foot massage, castor oil, and eggplant parmigiana. (I didn’t ask about the sexual activity thing.) And the outcome? They all must have worked. Amy delivered our grandson, Christian Nathaniel.
My personal hunch is that it was the eggplant parmigiana.
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