15 Pregnancy Myths and Facts You Need to Know

Roseous.com - 15 Pregnancy Myths and Facts You Need to Know. Once pregnant you seem to be the center of attention for advice and wild stories from friends, family and even strangers. All this information can be incredible, really scary and many are misleading.

Over time, the topic of pregnancy has accumulated many myths, myths and superstitions that are hard to remove.

Although most of the myths about pregnancy can not be backed up with facts, some of them may be worth considering.

Well, for that DoctorHealth will help you separate the facts and myths about pregnancy.

Here are 15 myths and facts of pregnancy are widely circulated in the community.

1. Myth: Drinking a glass of wine occasionally is fine during pregnancy

Some people believe that drinking a glass of wine is occasionally harmless during pregnancy and can not affect your baby.

Fact: Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. This is because there has been no research on the quantity of alcohol that is considered safe during pregnancy. A mother who has consumed alcohol during pregnancy can put her baby at risk for FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). Babies of mothers who have consumed alcohol also have a higher chance of having congenital defects, brain, and cell damage.

2. Myth: Eat for two people during pregnancy

A popular idea is present in most societies that you will eat for two when you are pregnant.

Fact: A pregnant woman just needs to add an extra portion of calories to support the baby and not having food made for two people. The exact number of calories depends on body weight, height, activity level of women, and pregnancy trimester. On average, women need to consume about 300 extra calories during pregnancy.

3. Myth: Pregnant women should not bathe too often.

Pregnant women are often advised not to bathe regularly.

Fact: This myth has absolutely no foundation. Bathing makes you clean and free of germs that can harm your baby. It is a good hygiene practice and should be followed during pregnancy just as you would follow it on other days.

However, do not take a bath with very hot water because it can raise your body temperature and cause development problems in infants. As a general rule, avoid bathing with water that is hot enough to raise your body temperature above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is considered safe for pregnant women.

4. Myth: Your baby's gender based on the abdominal shape and fetal heart rate

It is believed that if your stomach is lying low then it will have a boy and will have a girl if the stomach lies high. It is also said that a rapid fetal heartbeat shows a baby girl and a slow fetal heart rate indicates a boy.

Fact: Increased stomach depends entirely on the various physiological factors of women. These include muscle, abdominal muscle strength, number of births, body position and uterine muscle structure. As for fetal heart rate, it varies throughout pregnancy based on the health and age of your baby. So, it's just a gender pregnancy myth.

5. Myth: Eating papayas and pineapples cause a miscarriage

Eating papaya and pineapple can cause miscarriage or induce labor, and therefore, women should avoid these fruits during pregnancy.

Fact: Raw papaya contains a latex substance called chymopapain associated with uterine contractions, and the pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain which can cause uterine contractions when consumed in large quantities. However, you need to consume these extraordinary fruits in order to have a negative effect appear. Both fruits, when consumed in moderation have various health benefits for pregnant women.

6. Myth: Eating saffron (spices from Crocus sativus flowers) and oranges during pregnancy makes babies more beautiful.

The common myth in India is that drinking turmeric milk or eating oranges can improve the color of the baby's skin.

Fact: Baby's skin is inherited genetically, and consumption of certain foods has no effect on them.

7. Myth: You do not have to have intimate during pregnancy

It is believed that intimate during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage or even cause labor.

Fact: Intimate does not induce labor. It is perfectly safe to have intimateual intercourse with your partner during pregnancy provided that it is done in a position that does not put much pressure on the abdomen. The baby is in an amniotic sac that makes it well protected. In addition, the cervix also has a mucous blockage to help keep the baby fighting the infection.

However, your doctor may advise you not to do so if you have complications like placenta praevia, enlarged cervix, cervical insufficiency, broken membranes, abnormal fatigue, and if you are at risk of preterm labor.

8. Myth: Eating butter or samin oil can deliver labor

This is another of many pregnancy food myths that believe that samin oil contracts the uterus and makes the cervix soft, resulting in a smoother delivery.

Fact: Normal delivery depends on a variety of factors including fetal size, movement of the baby, and the shape of your pelvis. Eating samin or butter oil has no effect.

9. Myth: Your skin will shine during pregnancy

It is believed that pregnancy makes your skin radiant and gives a real natural light.

Fact: The myth of light of pregnancy has some truth. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood flow in the body, which makes your skin moist and nutritious. This, paired with hormonal spikes can contribute to a healthier and brighter looking skin.

However, not every woman is lucky to experience this. Many women also face acne and other skin problems that can make their skin look and feel worse. Consolation is that most of these conditions cancel after pregnancy.

10. Myth: Pregnant women do not have to exercise

Exercising during pregnancy can harm the baby and cause miscarriage or induce preterm labor.

Fact: Exercise regularly and moderately if it is completely safe during pregnancy. It can also help you prepare for labor. Doctors often advise women to do moderate exercise for the same reason. However, it is important not to be too pushy and consult a doctor before doing any exercise.

11. Myth: You can not make a flight while pregnant

Flying during pregnancy is not safe for babies because of radiation in airport scanners and due to long flight durations.

Fact: It is true that a long flight (more than 5 hours) can cause problems especially if you are prone to blood clots. Therefore, it is best to avoid a long flight. However, if you are healthy and have a normal pregnancy, there is no reason why you should not fly. Most airlines have restrictions on pregnant women during late pregnancy to prevent delivery on the flight route.

12. Myth: Eating spicy foods can induce labor

It is believed that eating hot and spicy foods can cause miscarriages and induce labor.

Fact: There is no evidence to support this myth. The only lack of eating spicy food is stomach ulcers and gas that you may have to endure later. If you put in moderate amounts of spicy food in your diet during pregnancy, it will not harm you. Here is an example of a pregnancy diet plan.

13. Myth: Pregnant women should not keep cats

Pregnant women are asked to stay away from cats to prevent contact with parasites. Fact: Although you do not have to move away from cats, this is partly true. Cat manure contains a virus that can cause toxoplasmosis infection. Therefore, it is best not to clean up your cat feces to avoid exposure to viruses.

Read more: Can Multivitamins Consume After Drinking Coffee?.

14. Myth: If you experience heartburn, the baby will have more hair on the scalp

There is a belief that if you often experience heartburn, your baby will have a lot of hair on the scalp. Fact: This myth has no scientific support at all. The baby's genetic makeup determines how much hair he will have. Heartburn is caused in most pregnant women because the growing fetus pushes the stomach to force acid into the esophagus. This can also be caused by an increase in the hormone progesterone that relaxes the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, making it difficult to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus. 15. Myth: You do not have to raise your arms over your head when you're pregnant

It is believed that lifting arms above the head during pregnancy can cause the umbilical cord to wrap itself around the baby's neck. Fact: There is no evidence to support this myth, and it is safe to stretch your arms over your head without fear throughout your pregnancy. It is very common for many myths and facts about pregnancy once you announce pregnancy. While some of them have little truth in them, others are stories that have no evidence. Therefore, it is also advisable to seek help and advice from doctors against these myths.