14 myths about pregnancy

1. You can’t exercise during pregnancy – False. Exercise is beneficial for both you and the baby, as long as you don’t overdo it.
2. You should eat for two – False. Eating for two is a myth. You only need an extra 300-500 calories a day during pregnancy.
3. Morning sickness only happens in the morning – False. Morning sickness can happen anytime during the day.
4. You can’t have sex during pregnancy – False. Sex during pregnancy is usually safe, as long as you don’t have any complications.
5. You should avoid all seafood during pregnancy – False. Some seafood, like salmon, is beneficial during pregnancy.
6. You can’t dye your hair during pregnancy – False. While some hair dyes contain chemicals that may be harmful, there are safe alternatives.
7. You should avoid all caffeine during pregnancy – False. Moderate caffeine intake is generally safe during pregnancy.
8. You can’t travel during pregnancy – False. Travel during pregnancy is usually safe, as long as you take the necessary precautions.
9. You can tell the gender of the baby by the shape of the belly – False. The shape of the belly is not an accurate predictor of the baby’s gender.
10. You shouldn’t lift anything heavy during pregnancy – False. Lifting heavy objects is usually safe during pregnancy, as long as you use proper lifting techniques.
11. You should avoid all medications during pregnancy – False. Some medications are safe to take during pregnancy, but you should always check with your doctor first.
12. You should eat a lot of dairy products during pregnancy – False. While dairy products are a good source of calcium, you don’t need to consume a lot of them during pregnancy.
13. You should avoid all spicy foods during pregnancy – False. Spicy foods are generally safe to eat during pregnancy, but they may cause heartburn.
14. You will always have a “glowing” pregnancy – False. While some women may have a “glowing” pregnancy, others may experience skin problems or other issues.

You can’t exercise during pregnancy

False. Exercise is beneficial for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Exercise can help improve mood, reduce back pain, decrease the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, and promote healthy weight gain. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor first and to engage in safe and appropriate exercise routines. Some activities may need to be modified or avoided depending on your individual health status and pregnancy.

You should eat for two

False. The idea of “eating for two” during pregnancy is a myth. While it is true that a pregnant woman needs additional nutrients to support her growing baby, she doesn’t need to double her calorie intake. Most women only need to consume an extra 300-500 calories per day during pregnancy.

It’s important to focus on eating a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to ensure both the mother and baby are getting the necessary nutrients they need. Overeating and excessive weight gain during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Morning sickness only happens in the morning

False. While the term “morning sickness” is commonly used to describe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it can occur at any time of the day. Many women experience nausea and vomiting throughout the day, and some may even experience it at night.

The exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. While it can be unpleasant, morning sickness is usually not harmful and tends to improve or resolve on its own by the end of the first trimester.

You can’t have sex during pregnancy

False. In most cases, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. Many women experience an increase in their libido during pregnancy.

However, there are some instances where sex should be avoided, such as if there is a risk of preterm labor, vaginal bleeding, or if the woman’s water has broken. It is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have about having sex during pregnancy.

You should avoid all seafood during pregnancy

False. While it’s true that some seafood may contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to a developing fetus, many types of seafood are safe and even recommended during pregnancy. Fish is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients that are beneficial for both the mother’s and baby’s health.

Low-mercury seafood options include shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, and cod. It’s recommended that pregnant women consume 2-3 servings of low-mercury seafood per week. However, it’s important to avoid high-mercury seafood, such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish.

You can’t dye your hair during pregnancy

There is no clear evidence that using hair dye during pregnancy is harmful to the baby. However, many hair dyes contain chemicals, such as ammonia and peroxide, that can be absorbed into the scalp and potentially affect the developing fetus.

While the risks are considered to be low, it’s generally recommended that women avoid hair dye during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are developing. If you choose to dye your hair during pregnancy, it’s recommended to do so in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and follow the instructions carefully.

Alternatively, you can consider using natural dyes, such as henna, which are considered to be safe during pregnancy. As with any concerns during pregnancy, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for individualized advice.

You should avoid all caffeine during pregnancy

It is not necessary to avoid all caffeine during pregnancy, but it is recommended to consume it in moderation. Consuming high levels of caffeine during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other complications.

However, moderate caffeine intake, which is generally defined as up to 200 milligrams per day, is not considered to be harmful to most pregnant women. This is equivalent to about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. It’s important to keep in mind that caffeine is found in other sources such as tea, chocolate, and soda, so it’s important to monitor your overall intake.

If you have concerns about caffeine intake during pregnancy, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for individualized advice.

You can’t travel during pregnancy

False. In most cases, it is safe to travel during pregnancy. However, there may be some restrictions depending on the individual’s health status and the stage of pregnancy.

Generally, it’s recommended that pregnant women avoid traveling to areas where there is a high risk of infectious diseases or areas with limited access to medical care. It’s also important to stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and take frequent breaks to stretch and move around during long trips.

Pregnant women who are planning to travel should talk to their doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any plans to ensure that it is safe for them to travel.

You can tell the gender of the baby by the shape of the belly

False. The shape of the belly is not a reliable indicator of the baby’s gender. The size and shape of the belly during pregnancy are influenced by various factors, such as the woman’s body type, the size of the baby, and the amount of amniotic fluid.

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that carrying high or low, or carrying in front or all over, can predict the gender of the baby. The only reliable way to determine the gender of the baby is through medical testing, such as ultrasound or amniocentesis.

Also Read: Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first

You should avoid all medications during pregnancy

False. While it’s important to be cautious about the use of medication during pregnancy, it’s not always necessary to avoid all medications. Some medications may be necessary to manage health conditions that could harm the mother or the baby if left untreated.

It’s important to talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional about any medications you are taking or considering taking during pregnancy to ensure they are safe for both you and your baby. In some cases, alternative treatments or medication adjustments may be necessary.

It’s also important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use for any medication and to avoid taking any medication without consulting your doctor first.

Also Read: Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

You should eat a lot of dairy products during pregnancy

While dairy products can be a good source of calcium and other important nutrients, it is not necessary to consume a lot of dairy products during pregnancy. Some women may have lactose intolerance or other dietary restrictions that make it difficult to consume dairy products.

It’s important to maintain a balanced and varied diet during pregnancy that includes a variety of foods from all food groups to ensure you and your baby are getting all the necessary nutrients. Some other good sources of calcium include leafy greens, fortified cereals, juices, nuts, and seeds.

If you have concerns about your diet during pregnancy, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for individualized advice.