9 Common Myths About Pregnancy And What Specialists Have To Say About Them
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That moment when you hold the pregnancy test, and it reads ‘positive,’ your life changes completely. You no longer think for just yourself. Everything is now about you and the little one growing inside you. It’s fair that you would want to protect your baby from everything and see that no harm comes their way, but what if we told you that not everything you think is good for your baby is actually suitable for your pregnancy? Several myths encircling pregnancy are woven into our belief system that can cause you and your baby unwanted trouble. So, how do you stay safe from them? Here in this article are a few myths you need to avoid during pregnancy. Read on to know them all.
Myth 1: Women Should Eat For Two People When They Are Pregnant
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a woman does not require additional caloric intake during the first trimester of pregnancy (1). However, during the second trimester, pregnant women should consume an extra 340 calories daily, and in the third trimester, around 450 calories each day, as recommended by specialists (2). Dairy products, almonds, or lean protein are good options for supplemental calories.
Myth 2: Women Develop ‘Baby Brain’ When They Are Pregnant
While hormonal shifts tend to make women more passionate and sensitive, many expectant mothers report learning new skills and discovering hidden abilities. Some of them, like the great painter Luo Qianxi, create works of art, while others start enterprises or write books for children.
Myth 3: Ultrasound May Harm Your Baby
Ultrasounds are recommended thrice throughout pregnancy, once in each trimester, to check fetal development. The only time more frequent checks are wanted is when there is cause for concern about the mother’s or child’s health.
Myth 4: You Should Have Your First Child Before You Turn 30
Complications during pregnancy are not more likely for a woman in her thirties if she takes good care of herself by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising frequently, and getting regular preventative medical checkups, as compared to a woman in her twenties. Fetal complications during pregnancy are typically associated with the mother’s physical health rather than her age.
Myth 5: All Women Like Salty Food During Pregnancy
Pregnant women’s bodies might display unusual cravings to alert their carers that specific vitamins and minerals essential to the baby’s development are needed. If you’ve ever wanted to eat chalk or ash, there could be a calcium deficiency. Of course, hormonal shifts play a role, and so does the occasional need to pamper oneself.
Myth 6: You Need To Give Up On Gym, Treks, Or Swimming During Pregnancy
For pregnant women without complications, maintaining a regular fitness routine is crucial. Sports not only aids in maintaining fitness levels but also promotes healthy fetal growth and can make labor and delivery easier. During pregnancy, a woman’s muscles and tendons naturally grow more supple and strong since nature takes care of everything.
Myth 7: Pregnant Cannot Dye Your Hair Or Paint Your Fingernails
Pregnant women who want to look their best should pay special attention to the ingredients of the cosmetics they use. Toluene, formaldehyde, & dibutyl phthalate are among the chemicals that should be avoided during pregnancy and reintroduced after the baby’s birth. Most high-quality cosmetics are safe for use during pregnancy because they don’t include any potentially harmful ingredients. Always check the label to see what’s inside.
Myth 8: Pregnancy Stress Can Harm The Baby And The Mother
One cannot benefit from being under constant, intense stress. However, it is common for everybody to experience stress at times. The key is how you choose to think about and respond to stress. Short-term emotional outbursts are worse than chronic worry and fear that the infant may suffer from anxiety. Try not to allow minor difficulties to dampen your spirits.
Myth 9: Stretch Marks Cream Is Essential
Many pregnant women believe that stretch mark lotion can miraculously eliminate any skin problems they may experience. However, it should be noted that the composition might be harmful to the fetus. A stretch mark cream may help your skin feel more elastic & smooth, but it won’t eliminate all your stretch marks.
Myths about pregnancy are woven rigidly with the belief system of many, and even though that seems harmless, it may affect the well-being and health of both the mother and child. Make sure you read up and try to research every fact before believing in them blindly. So, what is the strangest myth about pregnancy that you have heard? Let us know in the comments section.
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