Pregnancy is a fascinating journey for every woman. As soon as you know that you have a growing baby inside you, you will be bombarded by different and confusing things about pregnancy and how to keep a healthy baby.
Both family, neighbors, and friends will surround you with different pregnancy myths. To make your pregnancy easy. We are here to debunk some pregnancy myths and superstitious beliefs so you can enjoy a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Listed below are 12 pregnancy myths that you should know.
Myth Number 1: You should not exercise while you are pregnant
The fact is, doctors and experts recommend exercise to a pregnant woman as long as she can do it. Exercise during pregnancy is good and vital for the health and well-being of both mom and the growing baby.
However, avoid high-impact sports or activities like skiing, horseback riding, and bouldering. Also, remember that as your bump grows, you may find yourself becoming more accident-prone. If you want to know more about exercise during pregnancy, talk to your physician.
Myth Number 2: You are eating for two
Well, in reality, pregnant women only need an extra 300 to 350 calories above the daily average of 1,800 to 2,300. Overeating and wrong food selection during pregnancy can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain. It can also make labor more difficult.
Myth Number 3: Having sex during pregnancy is dangerous for your baby
One common pregnancy saying is that you and your partner cannot have sex during pregnancy. However, study shows that amniotic fluid in your uterus protects your baby. So it is not true that sex is harmful during pregnancy. Sexual intercourse and orgasm are not associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications or preterm birth.
Moreover, the sexual activity won’t affect your baby. It is good as long as you don’t have complications such as preterm labor or placenta problems.
Myth Number 4: Do not color your hair
It is okay to dye your hair as long as the salon you choose is clean and reputable. Low-level chemicals found in hair dye are generally safe. However, it is best to minimize your exposure to chemicals when you are pregnant.
Myth Number 5: Drinking coffee can hurt the baby during pregnancy
Drinking coffee is not banned for pregnant women. You can still have and enjoy your coffee within 200 milligrams of caffeine a day. It is about an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee or two shots of espresso.
Myth Number 6: Use (magic cream) to get rid of stretch marks
There is no concrete evidence that creams can remove or prevent stretch marks. There are no magic creams that cure stretch marks. Don’t waste your money. You can use lubricating lotion or cocoa buttercream to keep the stretching skin from itching.
Myth Number 7: Eating peanuts can make your baby allergic to it
It’s perfectly safe to eat peanuts during pregnancy unless you are allergic to them. There is no direct evidence that peanuts or what you eat during pregnancy can harm your growing baby unless your doctor tells you not to. However, limiting your diet can harm your baby as you might not get all the nutrition you need.
Here is some food you can try to avoid during pregnancy. It includes soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, raw or partly cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream.
Myth Number 8: Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Nausea or vomiting during pregnancy can occur at any time of day. Morning sickness is associated with the changes in the hormones in your body.
Myth Number 9: Pregnant women should avoid eating chocolates
Yes, chocolate does contain caffeine in small amounts. Like coffee and other caffeinated beverages, it is okay to eat a little as long as you eat in moderation.
Myth Number 10: It is not safe to eat fish while pregnant
Seafood, like fish and shellfish, is a prominent source of protein, iron, and zinc. The omega-3 fatty acids found in many fish, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is known to enhance your baby’s brain development.
However, avoid eating predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. They can contain high levels of mercury. Too much mercury in your bloodstream could damage your baby’s developing brain and nervous system.
Myth Number 11: Flying while pregnant causes miscarriage
There is no evidence that flying will cause miscarriage. In addition, airplane rides are not harmful to you or your baby. The change in air pressure will not cause harm to your baby. There is also no evidence to suggest that flying causes miscarriages, early labor, or waters to break.
Myth Number 12: If you are carrying high, it’s a boy
One of the most common myths is that boys make neat little bumps. But ideas like predicting a baby’s sex through just looking at how your bump looks are purely traditional folklore. Even machines used in determining your baby’s gender aren’t 100% accurate. The only way to be sure about your baby’s gender is when you meet your baby.
