Common Pregnancy Myths: Know the truth
Modern day’s medical technology is well advance but believe it or not, there are many myths that are still being followed from generations. I am talking about the pregnancy myths that are prevailing from very ancient times. Every family have some or the other myths about pregnancy irrespective of their place of origin; however myths may differ from one another. Once your friends and relatives know that you are pregnant, they will start giving advices based on their own pregnancy myths.
No one knows the truth behind any of the pregnancy myths but it has been passed from generation to generation. And here are some of the most common myths about pregnancy.
Myth: Do not eat spicy food as you are pregnant.
This is a myth that lot of women think that eating spicy food may harm their foetus. But it not at all true. Even in the country, where their traditional food is mostly spicy, expected mother are still eating the spicy food and they gave birth to a healthy baby. It is true that spicy food can be avoided if there are problems of heart burns or any digestive problem with certain spicy food items.
Myth: Fetal heart beat can tell you the gender.
The myth is that if the heart rate of the fetus is above 140 ranges, it’s a girl and if it is lowers than 130, it’s a boy. The fact is that the gender identification can only be possible by amniocentesis or ultrasound.
Myth: Heartburn related with the baby hair
It is also a popular pregnancy myth that if the expected mother is having a heartburn problem, the child would be born with lots of hair on his or her head. Heartburn is very common problem in most of the pregnant woman and it must not be related to the growth of the hair.
Myth: Sex during pregnancy will induce premature labor.
Well, the truth is just opposite of the myth. According to the study performed on 93 women at Ohio State University Medical Center, it has been found that women who were sexually active in the final three weeks of their pregnancies delivered their babies after 39.9 weeks. However the average delivery period among the women who are not sexually active is 39.3 weeks.
Myth: Raising hands will choke the baby.
This myth is also quite common that if you hold your hands above your head, it will hurt the baby inside your fetus. They say that umbilical cord will wrap around the neck of the baby. The truth is that holding your hand up is nothing to do with the choking. It is common in most of the pregnancies and it is caused if your baby makes early movements in uterus.
Myth: The shape and size of the pregnant women belly can tell you the gender.
It is believed that if a pregnant woman having a low belly may be carrying a baby boy, while woman with high belly a girl baby. Even some people say that women with small and round bellies are carrying a male child and those with large bellies carrying a female child. The truth is that the shape of the belly is similar to the original shape of the abdomen. The size and shape of the belly also depends upon the fact such as the amount and distribution of fat in it, the strength your abdominal muscles have, number of babies conceived, and most importantly the present position of the baby.
Myth: Double your food intake when you are pregnant because you are eating for two.
Dietary demands definitely increase while you are pregnant. But it does not mean that you eat for two. The fact is that for the healthy development of the fetus nutritional status of the mother is very important and it should taken care properly. In fact, pregnant women need a very well balanced diet which contains proper amount of vitamins, proteins, iron, and other minerals.
Myth: Swimming is very dangerous during pregnancy
The truth is that swimming is one of the best exercises that you can do during pregnancies. It is a great exercise and is considering safe because water makes you feel weightless and the chances of getting injury is also very rare. But remember, it is advisable to swim only in the disinfected pools which pose no threat of infection to fetus. However, women with low placentas are generally not recommended for swimming because there is not enough uterine wall to protect the fetus.
Be well sure that you will hear a number of myths from friends, relatives and even the strangers. Listen to them but always do what is being advised to you by your doctor because they only know your present health condition. If you hear certain myths that is disturbing, consult your doctor and do accordingly. It is almost impossible to disapprove the myths which have been passed down from many generations. So it is a better idea to ignore it for time being. Have a positive mind set and look forward for the healthy delivery.
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