Dr Rekha Prabhu

Top 15 Most Common Myths & Facts about Pregnancy

Catagory: High-Risk Pregnancy  Author: Dr Rekha Prabhu

MYTHS

Most people have certain ideas and conceptions, which may or may not be true. Myths about pregnancy are widespread and differ from one location and one culture to another. Here are twelve widespread myths about pregnancy.

 

These are some of the typical “old wives’ stories” that are discussed at kitten parties. Here are a few of them.

 

Myth: Consuming papaya when pregnant is not advised.

 

Fact: It is true that you can eat papaya. Papaya seeds were formerly swallowed to hasten death hundreds of years ago. You and your unborn child should eat ripe papaya.

 

Myth: Pregnant women should consume enough food for two people.

 

Fact: Please don’t, I suggest you. Keep in mind that losing that weight will need twice the effort. Simply eating balanced, healthful little meals frequently is crucial.

 

Myth: If you have a need for salty foods, your baby is a boy.

 

Fact: Pregnancy cravings have nothing to do with the gender of the unborn kid. There is no scientific reason for the desires and they probably are only secondary to the hormonal changes in the body.

 

Myth: It is preferable to keep away from sex when expecting.

 

Fact: It is acceptable to have sex when pregnant. Only when particularly advised to do so by your doctor, when the placenta is low lying, when there is a possibility of miscarriage or premature birth, or when you are bleeding while pregnant, should you avoid it.

 

Myth: By examining the mother’s bump, you may determine the gender of the baby.

 

Fact: There is no correlation between the baby’s sex and how the bump develops. Someone is a superhuman being if they can identify the sex only by glancing at the baby bump.

 

Myth: You can’t wear a brassiere after giving birth.

 

Fact: There is no danger in wearing a brassiere, and the majority of women find it comfortable. You are able to use maternity bras that fit you properly.

 

Myth: Consuming dairy and peanuts might cause your child to become allergic to them.

 

Fact: Unless you have an allergy to them or your doctor has advised against them, eating these foods is completely safe. There is no proof that eliminating certain foods would stop your child from developing an allergy to them, but restricting your diet may damage your baby since you may not get all the nourishment you require. Some foods are best avoided during pregnancy because of the potential for dangerous microorganisms. Some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat, raw fish, raw or partially cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream are among them.

 

Myth: There are techniques to determine whether a baby is a boy or a girl.

 

Fact: The truth is that none of the ways you may have heard of to determine whether you are having a boy or a girl work, including putting a wedding ring over your abdomen and seeing which way it spins and how active the baby is. After 10 weeks, a blood test called the Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is available that can determine the gender of the unborn child. In many instances, an ultrasound scan may also reveal the gender of your unborn child. Although it isn’t completely accurate, you can ask the ultrasound technician to describe what they observe. If you want to learn the news after the baby is born, you can also ask them not to inform you.

 

Myth: I shouldn’t work out, take hot showers, or color my hair while pregnant.

 

Fact: The truth is that taking a warm bath while expecting is quite safe. hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause you to feel warmer than usual. Spa baths should be avoided since they may increase your body’s core temperature, which may cause overheating, dehydration, or fainting.

The little amount of chemicals in hair color is typically regarded as harmless. Many women still, however, choose to refrain from coloring their hair during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. You can use vegetable dye that is semi-permanent or color your hair as briefly as possible. When applying hair color, hairdressers should wear gloves and operate in an area with good ventilation.

 

Most workouts you performed before to becoming pregnant are safe, but make sure to verify with your doctor or midwife. If your pregnancy is straightforward, you should try to work out for 20 to 30 minutes on average, four to five times per week. Avoid activities like horseback riding, skiing, and cycling that increase your chance of falling. During pregnancy, you could notice that you get out of breath or feel overheated more rapidly. Generally speaking, you should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising while pregnant at a light to moderate intensity. You’re probably exercising too hard if you have trouble breathing while speaking.

 

Myth: Only in the mornings can people have morning sickness.

 

Fact: The truth is that hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause nausea (and/or vomiting) at any time of day. It often occurs in the morning for most women and starts to become better after three months. Though, it’s different for certain ladies.

 

Myth: I’m pregnant, thus I can’t have a cat in the house.

 

Fact: You don’t have to give your pets away when you get pregnant. Toxoplasmosis, on the other hand, is a condition that can affect your unborn child and that you can contract by touching cat feces. If you’re pregnant, ask a friend or family member to change your cat’s litter for you, or wear gloves while gardening and doing this.

Myth: Applying cream helps prevent stretch marks

 

Fact: Stretch marks, which typically dissolve with time, cannot be removed or prevented by lotions or oils.

 

Myth: I am having heartburn, maybe my baby is having a lot of hair.

 

Fact: A tiny study found that there may be a link between heartburn during pregnancy and the hair thickness of your unborn child. Heartburn does occur often during pregnancy, though.

 

Myth: Drying clothes on a line poses a risk.

 

Fact: It’s safe to hang your clothes on the line by extending your arm over your head. The umbilical cord of your child won’t likely be impacted in any manner. Any activities that are risky for you while pregnant will be mentioned by your midwife or doctor.

 

Myth: In order to breastfeed, I must prepare my nipples.

 

Fact: There is no proof that you should strengthen or prepare your nipples before giving birth