If you are pregnant, you might be getting a lot of advice from well-meaning people. You might be asking whether what they say is true. This article looks at some of the common myths you might hear and provides some answers.
Common Pregnancy Myths No.1: Eating peanuts and dairy can make your baby allergic to them
Truth: It’s perfectly safe to eat these foods unless you yourself are allergic to them, or if your doctor advises you not to.
There are some foods that it’s best to avoid during pregnancy due to the risks in certain harmful microbes. They include some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, raw or partly cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 2: There are ways you can tell if it’s a boy or a girl
Truth: The position of the baby in your tummy, holding a wedding ring over your abdomen and watching in which direction it turns, or how active the baby is are all ways you may had heard to tell if you are having a boy or a girl, but none of these methods works
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 3: I should be ‘eating for two’ while I’m pregnant
Truth: There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for two when you’re pregnant. Overeating is bad for both you and your baby. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is what’s important.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 4: I shouldn’t have hot baths, dye my hair or exercise while pregnant
Truth: It’s perfectly safe to have a warm bath when pregnant, but avoid becoming too hot. During pregnancy, hormonal changes might make you feel warmer than normal.
The low level of chemicals found in hair dye is generally thought to be safe. However, many women still prefer to avoid dyeing their hair in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Most exercises that you did before pregnancy will be safe, but check with your doctor or midwife. You might find you become breathless or feel hot more quickly during pregnancy. As a general rule, a light to moderate level should allow you to hold a conversation as you exercise when pregnant. If you become breathless as you talk, you’re probably exercising too strenuously.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 5: Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Truth: Nausea (and/or vomiting) during pregnancy can occur at any time of day, due to changes in your hormones. For most women, it’s more common in the morning and begins to improve after 3 months. But for some women, it’s different.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 6: I can’t have a cat in the house when I’m pregnant
Truth: There is no need to give away your pets when you become pregnant. A disease called toxoplasmosis can be harmful to your unborn baby — you can become infected by handling cat’s faeces. Ask someone else to change your cat’s litter, or wear gloves to do this — as well as when gardening — while you are pregnant.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 7: Cream can help avoid stretch marks
Truth: There is no evidence that creams or oils can remove or prevent stretch marks, which often fade in time.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 8: My heartburn means my baby has lots of hair
Truth: One small research study showed there might be a connection between having heartburn in pregnancy and the thickness of your baby’s hair. However, heartburn is quite common in pregnancy.
Common Pregnancy Myths No. 9: It’s unsafe to hang clothes for drying
Truth: Reaching up above your head and hanging clothes for drying is safe. It is unlikely that it will affect your baby’s umbilical cord in any way. Your midwife or doctor will advise you if there are any activities that are unsafe for you in pregnancy.
For concerns related to your health during pregnancy, visit near by hospital make an enquiry or book an appointment.
