Everything You Should Know About Pregnancy Myths And Facts
Every pregnant woman receives a dozen pieces of advice throughout her pregnancy. Elders and companions give pieces of advice regarding the well-being of the mother and the baby.
Some of this advice and tips work well for both, but some sayings have no scientific conclusion. There are many myths related to pregnancy that have been governing women for ages.
One must always look for an explanation of these ideas. In the article below, we will discuss some of the myths related to pregnancy along with the facts.
Myths And The Facts To Combat Them
Pregnancy myths can have various adverse effects on a woman’s health. Therefore, women need to know what these myths are. Pregnant women must know the medical reason behind them before believing any of the myths.
Following are some pregnancy myths:
Myth 1: A Pregnant Woman Should Eat Double The Quantity
Many people believe that pregnant women should eat double the quantity of food for the baby and themselves. It is false. A baby gets all the energy and nutrients from the food a mother eats.
Also, overeating can cause various issues, so women must avoid it. However, calorie intake increases automatically when a woman is pregnant, and she craves it. In the second semester, you can take in an addition of 350 calories.
Myth 2: Exercising During Pregnancy Can Hurt The Baby
It is not at all true. Doctors advise women to exercise during pregnancy as it helps in the easy delivery of a child. However, don’t try new exercises as the body might not be able to adjust them. Doctors advise women to do daily household chores by avoiding heavy labor.
Myth 3: Cats Are A Bad Omen
In many traditions, it is believed that cats are evil, and therefore pregnant women must avoid interfering with them. But, the truth is cats are natural creatures, just like other animals, and they cause no such superstitious harm to anyone.
However, street cats are dirty, and people must wash their hands after patting them. Also, faeces and urine can be infectious, so maintain hygiene if you have a cat at home.
Myth 4: Pregnant Women Should Not Drink Coffee
It is another old myth that restricts women from consuming tea and coffee during pregnancy. Having a limited quantity of coffee will never harm the baby. However, you must limit the consumption of excessive caffeine in a day.
Myth 5: Twin Pregnancies Are A Rare Phenomenon
Well, there is nothing such a myth. A report from the CDC states that 33 out of 1,000 births in the USA are twin births. Most people think that it is lucky to have twins. Well, there is nothing of that sort because twin pregnancy happens due to a medical reason and not because someone is lucky.
Myth 6: Teen Pregnancy Is Rising Dramatically
Teen pregnancy is still a taboo in most places, and people think it is rising dramatically. Teen pregnancy, also called adolescent pregnancy, happens among women who are below 20. It is true that, at one time, teen pregnancies were on the rise. However, the present scenario is quite different, as teen pregnancies have decreased to a great limit. A report from the CDC states that there has been at least a 7% decrease in these rates.
Myth 7: Heartburn Is Related To Hair Growth In Babies
There is hardly any evidence of this saying, as it cannot be proved medically. Pregnant women face issues of heartburn, which can arise out of many factors like hormonal imbalance, etc. However, it is still not proven that excessive heartburn means that the baby will have thick hair, which is still a myth.
Myth 8: Avoiding Fish During Pregnancy
It is one of the famous myths related to the diet of pregnant women. Elder women from later generations think that as fish contains mercury, it can be harmful to the baby. On the contrary, fish must be consumed during pregnancy because it contains various other nutrients like omega fatty acids, proteins, calcium, etc. However, pregnant women must look after the preparation of fish as a very spicy preparation may tend to cause other issues.
Myth 9: Certain Fruits Should Be Avoided As It Causes Miscarriage
It is an old saying that cooling fruits and vegetables should be avoided as it can cause a miscarriage. Avoid fruits like cucumber, green bananas, and citrus foods. There is no proven study that shows that they are harmful. If you have any doubts, talk to your dietician.
Conclusion
Women tend to become nervous during pregnancy after listening to all these myths. Such myths create confusion, and women get irritated. It becomes crucial to have the proper knowledge to stay informed. It is always advisable to ask the doctor before believing in such sayings and accept them.
If you have any queries, talk to a doctor. Believing such myths without having proper knowledge can be harmful.
FAQs
Are spicy foods harmful during pregnancy? Myth: Spicy foods harm the baby. Fact: They are generally safe unless causing discomfort like heartburn.
Can pregnant women exercise? Myth: Exercise harms the baby. Fact: Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for most pregnancies.
Does the shape of the belly determine the baby’s gender? Myth: Belly shape predicts gender. Fact: Gender is determined genetically and not by belly shape.
Is it safe to travel during pregnancy? Fact: Travel is usually safe in the second trimester but should be avoided if there are complications.
Can eating saffron make the baby fairer?
Myth: Saffron influences complexion. Fact: Skin colour is determined by genetics.
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