Being pregnant is a wonderful experience that brings joy and enthusiasm as well as confusion and a deluge of myths. This is a norm for any woman confined to expectant mothers as they are bombarded with advice from friends, families, sometimes even strangers. Although some of such advice is actually rather sound, a lot of it is still rooted in misconceptions or outdated ideas. Some of these myths may just add discomfort to the pregnancy period; there is therefore need to distinguish between facts and myths regarding pregnancy. In this article, you will find information on typical pregnancy myths to enable you have a healthy pregnancy journey whilst being fully informed.
Myth 1: “Eating for Two”
Perhaps one of the most common pregnancy myths is that you have to double your intake to match what “two people” are consuming. In fact, often a pregnant woman is advised to eat twice the amount of regular food in order to feed not only herself but also her unborn child. But this is not true as it is evident from the following discussion. Thus, nourishing your baby properly, it is not necessary to eat twice as much as before.
In fact, consuming large portions of food may lead to obesity that may expose the woman to risks such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Healthy eating should then be emphasized during pregnancy rather than eating large and non substantive meals. Proper nutrition during the prenatal period include taking fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, lean meats, and healthy fats that will help both the mother and a developing fetus.
During the second and third stages of pregnancy, the calorie intake may also be between 300-500 calories higher than the normal. But even then, you should aim for pregnancy diet facts: instead of eating simply for two, which really means just gobbling everything in sight, eat healthy foods in the right portions to nourish the growth of your baby.
Myth 2: ‘You Can’t Exercise While Pregnant’
Another pregnancy myth that many people are worried about is that exercise should not be done when pregnant. This misconception can make many women quit any form of physical activity believing that could harm their baby. In fact, exercise during pregnancy can be safe and soothing both to the mother and the unborn child.
Quality and quantity of exercise helps in mood swings, increase energy levels, decrease back pain and even improves sleep. It can also help to prevent obesity, which is a factor that as should be avoided when one is pregnant, lest they undergo some complications..
But again, it’s important to decide on what kind of activity is to be done. It’s necessary to avoid impact exercises and heavy lifting, so the best types of exercising include walking, swimming, prenatal yoga and some light strength training. You should always check with your doctor before undertaking any form of physical activity in order to determine if it is safe for you and at which phase of pregnancy you should be exercising. If you were an active person prior getting pregnant, then you can exercise in the same way, but with certain adjustments.
The belief that you can or cannot exercise while pregnant is false. In fact, it is safe to exercise during pregnancy as long as one consults her doctor on the exercise regimen to undertake.
Myth 3: You Can Predict the Baby’s Gender Based on Cravings
Another popular but ridiculous traditional contraception is the belief that the kind of foods a woman crave for during pregnancy determines the sex of the unborn child. It is believed that if a woman have craving for sweet, then she is pregnant with a girl, not so if it is salty or proteins. But this is not actually true. There is no correlation between pregnancy cravings and baby gender in any manner.
These cravings are believed to be due to hormonal changes but it cannot predict whether you will be having a boy or a girl. The most accurate ways of identifying the baby’s gender are through a medical procedures for instance ultrasounds. Gentlemen, do not bite the bullet of this gender prediction myth: cravings are just one way a mother-to-be feels during her pregnancy and actually has no relation to the gender of your baby.
Myth 4: Morning Sickness Only Happens in the Morning
One myth that most women are told when they are pregnant is that morning sickness only occurs in the morning. Despite the fact that the name is as if nausea affects only the first hours of suffering, this is not the case. The symptoms of nausea and vomiting are not only found in the morning but many pregnant mothers complain of vomiting at different times in the day or even night.
This condition occurs due to fluctuating hormone levels in the body and in particular hCG and estrogen levels. Maintaining a healthy pregnancy it is crucial with these hormones but sadly they also cause nausea most often in the first three months of pregnancy. In some women, this may occur throughout the day or may even, in rare cases, continue into the second trimester.
To help you deal with the morning sickness, there are things you can do to try and lessen its effects, whether it is early morning sickness or later on. Perhaps, taking many small portions of food in a day, trying not to eat foods with strong odors, and / or greasy foods, or foods that cause such reactions, and / or, drinking water can be of immense help. Ginger and lemon are also well known headache remedies for people suffering with sickness as well. But when the magnitude of this sickness increases then one is advised to seek the help of a doctor in controlling the sickness.
The information that morning sickness affects only the morning is a perfect example of the pregnancy myth. The fact is, nausea can occur at any time, and the best way to learn to cope with it is important to do so. Having nausea during pregnancy is important for the health of both Mother and child and demystifying the myth that it only happens in the morning could be crucial.
Myth 5: Avoid All Fish During Pregnancy
The second widespread pregnancy myth is the need to abstain from fish of any kind because they contain mercury. Still fish high in mercury such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel should not be consumed in large quantity and all fish are not bad. Actually, most varieties of fish are perfectly acceptable, and provide valuable nutrients that are necessary both for the mum and the baby.
Omega-3 for pregnancy is especially important as it helps with baby’s brain and eye’s development. Products such as salmon fish, sardines, and trout contain good fats and omega-3 fatty acids and they can be sometimes be taken in moderation. Pregnant women should consume between 2-3 serves of low mercurial fish – about 8-12 ounces per serving.
These types of fish contain protein, vitamins, and minerals hence being an essential foods type especially when pregnant. Consequently, instead of eliminating all seafood products from your diet, ensure you select those that are safe for consumption while pregnant, and have more than your share of health boosting foods such as fish.
Laying off fish in general is a mistake since fish is rich in nutrients pregnant women need most. The principle is to know which fish products are safe for consumption and in what quantity. Consuming fish during pregnancy is not only harmless when done properly, but it is also advantageous to the both, mother an fetal child.
The Importance of Consulting a Doctor
Even though such myths are widespread, a healthier pregnancy can be attained by seeking professional advice of obstetrician. Superstitious beliefs connected to pregnancy can be misleading and cause unneeded stress, because of this one should seek father advice. Daily trips to your doctor will assist you in getting the right information, tracking the child’s development, and attend to any issues that you may note.
Getting professional advice from a reliable obstetrician ensures a woman gets advice that meets her specific needs in these special times of pregnancy. Each pregnancy is unique, and having a knowledgeable person with the accounts at your fingertips allows the best and not just rely on myths based on the myths that people share. Regardless of what it is about Nutrients, exercises, or dealing with some effects, your physician will be aware of all the methods to utilize them to your benefit and assist you through the process.
Recap of Myths and Facts
In the previous sections, we discussed that pregnancy is full of a number of myths and misconceptions. These can be folklore about diet and exercise, misconceptions about signs of pregnancy among others. Fact checking is highly important when pregnant especially if the information is sourced from the social media. Let’s recap some of the key pregnancy myths we’ve debunked so far:
Eating for Two: Everyone wants to be healthy and toned today, but doubling your food intake is not healthy.
You Can’t Exercise While Pregnant: Regular forms of exercise when pregnant is safe and moderate exercise is advantageous to the mother and the baby.
Morning Sickness Only Happens in the Morning: They say that nausea is not a couch-lock kind of experience and it can come at any time of the day.
Avoid All Fish: Cocurring with this, one must feed on some pregnancy-safe seafood rich in omega-3 since they are very vital in a fetus’ developement.
You Can Predict the Baby’s Gender Based on Cravings: Cravings are not in any way related to the gender of the baby but are a result of hormonal changes.
Aware of these facts, pregnant women are better placed to take good care of themselves and their babies without unnecessary stress or confusion.
Myths to Avoid Through Prenatal Care
Another way through which pregnant women can help steer clear of myths is by attending antenatal visits. It is critical for every woman to seek prenatal care services because they help equip you with current knowledge about your pregnancy. This consist of offering advice on dieting, necessary exercises, and regarding certain symptoms for example nausea, fatigue. It is overwhelming to look at all the advice and myths online or from family and friends that are given to you, your doctor is the best person to guide you in ensuring the right choices for your health are made.
Visits with an OB-GYN are useful in early diagnosis of any complications and increase the chances of healthy mom and baby throughout pregnancy. It can be used in the care of high risk pregnancies in particular since every woman wants a one on one attention from her obstetrician. With proper advice, expectant women can have an easy and healthy pregnancy denying themselves the stress that is occasioned by such myths.
In the same way, normal OB-GYN appointments during pregnancy are is a good chance to ask questions, discuss the problems. Your doctor is always keen to give you relevant information that concerns your diet, exercise, pregnancy symptoms or any pregnancy myths you might be having.
Myth-Busting: Science is Reliable than Mean Superstitons
In most cultures, special customs and beliefs are associated with pregnancy, and sometimes these beliefs affect the actions of women expecting a baby. Some of these beliefs may not be unhealthy, while others may bring some uncalled for fear or deny women the chance to make a proper choice. That is why relying on the word of mouth, myth, and legends instead of doctors and present scientific discoveries should be avoided.
For example, a large proportion of women to this date still think that they ought not to lift something heavy or sit in a hot tub as these are activities that can endanger their pregnancy. It’s correct that pregnant women are restricted from heavy lifting or exposing themselves to heat but the danger associated is too much lifting or exposure to heat. As such, avoiding certain superstitions that are not really hazardous to health is way smaller than insuring an expectant mum practices good health by managing nausea, undertaking proper dietary habits and engaging in physical activities.
Knowledge enables one to take right decisions as far as his or her health is concerned. That way, you can be sure that there is nothing wrong with you and your baby and concentrate your efforts on preparing for your baby’s arrival.
Myth Bursting to encourage a Healthy Pregnancy
This paper will explain various myths about pregnancy and how eradicating them can help pregnant women to have a healthy pregnancy without too much stress. In the context of the right diet, there is evidence that shows the misinformation approach the program advocates empowers women for healthier choices because it demythologizes knowledge such as exercise is good for you. It is time for pregnant women to forget what they think they know and to put their faith in their doctor and in the science.
Visiting your obstetrician often and strictly following his or her recommendations guarantees that one is on the right side. As pointed out, distinguishing between pregnancy facts and myths could greatly change your experience. The longer you know accurate information the more adequate you will prepare yourself for this exciting period of your life.
Remember, there is no two identical pregnancy, even in a mother’s lifetime. I believe that what may work for one woman may not work for the other therefore getting a quality one on one from your preferred Ob-Gyn. Be it diet during pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy or managing conditions like nausea, it’s reassuring to know the facts to help you through your pregnancy.