Pregnancy is one of the most special moments in a woman’s life. It can be full of joy and excitement, but it can also bring about some anxiety for first time mother to be. With so many age-old pregnancy myths out there, it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t believe. In this blog post, we are going to debunk some common first pregnancy myths for you so that you know the facts behind them and are prepared for your journey into motherhood. Here are the most common pregnancy myths along with the facts:
Myth #1: One of the most common myths surrounding pregnancy is you can determine your baby’s gender through the shape of your pregnant belly.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that your baby’s gender can be predicted through the shape of your pregnant belly. A pregnant belly is shaped according to a woman’s muscle size, structure, position of the foetus, posture, and amount of fat deposited around her abdomen and not the baby’s gender.
Myth #2: You should be ‘eating for 2’ during pregnancy
Fact: There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for 2 when you’re pregnant. Your calorie intake depends upon your weight & height, how active you are and how far you are into your pregnancy. But, in general, a woman needs to only eat about 350 to 450 additional calories per day during pregnancy. That’s a couple of extra healthy snacks like fruits, a hard-boiled egg, a berry smoothie, or simply a glass of milk.
Myth #3: You need to drink as much water as possible during pregnancy as the baby needs fluid to survive.
Fact: A pregnant woman needs to drink water every day, but there is no specific requirement on how much she should be drinking. It can contribute up to a quarter of the body’s total fluid intake, and it helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels for both mother & fetus.
Myth #4: You can’t work out while pregnant.
Fact: Working out during pregnancy is perfectly safe as long as you’re careful about what exercises you do and how vigorously you perform them. Make sure to consult your gynecologist before committing yourself to an intense workout regimen. Your doctor will suggest you optimal types of exercise based on their knowledge of both health risks related to a sedentary lifestyle versus possible complications if you perform a more intense workout.
Myth #5: You should never lie down or sleep on your back when you’re pregnant.
Fact: It is best to avoid lying in the same position for a long period of time, but sleeping exclusively on one’s side is best with some exceptions. Sleeping mostly on your left side will help increase blood flow to the placenta and could decrease the risk of developing complications like preterm labor or preeclampsia. If that doesn’t work well for you, try switching positions occasionally, so each side gets a chance to rest closer to your due date. You can also go ahead and sleep sitting up if it feels better for you since there are no studies backing up any connection between developing problems while pregnant from sleeping in an upright position.
Myth #6: Some people say that if your mother had an easy pregnancy & delivery, then so will you.
Fact: There are no studies showing hereditary factors influencing how easy or difficult your pregnancy and childbirth will be. Instead, the size of your baby, the position it’s in during delivery, and your lifestyle play a significant role.
Myth #7: Having sex during pregnancy will hurt the baby.
Fact: During pregnancy, seven layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac are present, which protects your baby. Your cervix lengthens and hardens to prevent anything from getting into the uterus, and it also produces mucus that helps keep the area clean and infection-free. Thus, having sex during pregnancy will not touch or harm your baby. If your gynecologist has not asked you to abstain from sex due to certain complications, have no fear and go ahead.
Ending Note
Pregnancy is a life-changing event, and the decisions you make during this time can have lasting effects on your health and your baby’s future. The best way to prepare for parenting is to do research, ask questions, and form relationships with your gynecologist, who can guide you through each step of the process. At motherland hospital, we offer an array of prenatal care services tailored specifically for expecting mothers. We know how nerve-wracking it may be when you’re pregnant, especially for the first time. Contact our team of expert gynecologists in Noida extension to help you feel confident throughout pregnancy so that you can enjoy every moment without worry or stress!
