A Guide to Pregnancy: Myths, Realities, and Tips for a Healthy and Comfortable Journey by Shaz Amin
Pregnancy can be an exciting experience for soon-to-be moms and their families. Most delve into the preparation and research to ensure the process goes smoothly. However, a flurry of information may besiege expectant mothers, making it challenging to discern the facts.
This article explores five common pregnancy myths, the truth behind them, and tips to have a healthy and comfortable pregnancy journey. Please note this is not medical advice and because every body and baby is different you should always consult with your doctor or health care practitioner for your specific needs.
Myth #1: Exercise Can Harm the Baby
Several prevalent pregnancy myths involve exercise, most of which tell of exercise’s negative impacts on your baby.
One such myth says that too much exercise diverts nutrients from the baby to your body stores, causing stunted fetal growth. In reality, exercise does not reduce the nutrients provided to your baby. On the contrary, some studies suggest that babies whose mothers engaged in proper and regular exercise exhibited advanced motor skills.
Additionally, exercise benefits expecting mothers, such as improved mood and energy, better sleep, and reduced backaches and bloating. As with any activity, consult your OB-GYN before implementing any exercise plan.
Another exercise-related myth states that running places pressure on the baby and the urinary system, which leads to incontinence. In truth, incontinence is a common pregnancy symptom caused by several factors.
If you experience leaking urine, alleviate your symptoms by performing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and steering clear of carbonated and caffeinated beverages, which can irritate the bladder and trigger frequent urination. You can also wear leak-proof overnight underwear, to prevent leaks from staining your clothes or sheets.
Myth #2: Baths Should Be Avoided While Pregnant
Some people believe that pregnant women should avoid baths, as soaking in them allegedly causes congenital disabilities in your baby. Fortunately, taking a bath while pregnant is generally safe as long as you take precautionary measures. Keep the following in mind when taking a bath:
Maintain the bath water at a comfortable temperature, preferably not exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures exceeding that may raise the body’s core temperature, leading to discomfort and overheating.
Hold off on bath products such as oils and bath bombs, especially heavily scented ones, for the time being. These may affect the acidity of your nether regions, irritate the vagina, and cause yeast infections, which can be hard to treat during pregnancy.
Beware of slips and falls, which can be dangerous for both the pregnant mother and the baby. Install guide rails and non-slip mats to prevent them from occurring.
Myth #3: Morning Sickness Only Happens in the Mornings
Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting typically experienced by pregnant women in the first trimester of their pregnancy. However, the name can be misleading because though morning sickness often occurs during the mornings, it can also happen at other times of the day.
To relieve your morning sickness symptoms, take plenty of rest and avoid odors that irritate you. Pregnancy can heighten your sense of smell, which triggers nausea more often. Fill your diet with protein-rich and easy-to-digest food, and keep hydrated to replenish the electrolytes expelled through vomiting.
For more extreme cases, consult your doctor regarding possible anti-nausea medications or nutritional supplements for pregnant women.
Myth #4: Eating Allergens During Pregnancy Develops Food Allergies for the Baby
Some pregnant women avoid food allergens, such as peanuts and gluten, during pregnancy to prevent babies from developing food allergies. However, there has been no significant evidence to back such a claim.
Generally, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet ensures proper fetal growth and the baby’s health after birth. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help boost the baby’s brain development. On the other hand, consuming vitamin D-rich foods can reduce the baby’s risk of developing allergies later on.
Another food-related pregnancy myth states that seafood is unsafe for pregnant women.
Overall, you can eat most seafood during pregnancy, with some considerations. Fish, in particular, is an excellent source of essential nutrients, fatty acids, and protein.
Stay away from fish with high mercury levels, which can impede the baby’s development. These include groupers, sea bass, and ocean perch. Additionally, refrain from eating raw fish for the time being, such as sushi and sashimi, to avoid contracting any potentially foodborne illnesses.
Myth #5: Pregnancy Habits Can Help Predict the Baby’s Biological Sex Accurately
Several old wives’ tales predict your baby’s biological sex based on your pregnancy habits. They vary based on your location and culture:
Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness or heartburn will most likely give birth to a girl.
If you crave sweet food, your baby will be a girl. If you crave salty food, it will be a boy.
A high, wide baby bump means the baby will be a girl, while a low, narrow bump means a boy.
Women who experience a pregnancy glow will give birth to a boy. On the other hand, a girl would “absorb” the mother’s glow, leading to oily and pimply skin.
Despite the proliferation of these beliefs, scientific studies have yet to prove them true. To determine your baby’s biological sex accurately, go for an ultrasound scan around 18 weeks into your pregnancy.
For a safe and healthy pregnancy, it is crucial to have access to accurate information. Common pregnancy myths include avoiding exercise, baths, and food allergens and predicting your baby’s gender by observing your pregnancy habits. Though prevalent, take these myths with a grain of salt. Consulting your doctor and health care professionals remains the best way to prepare for your pregnancy.