Wondering why pregnancy is still a mirage for many, even after so much of technological advancement? If you are pregnant or were pregnant, you might have heard a number of dos and don’ts. While some people make you comfortable during this tough period, some accelerate your anxieties. There is no dearth of myths associated with pregnancy. For a smooth nine months, we busted seven such pregnancy myths for you.
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1.You Should Have Three Healthy Meals A Day
Do you think it is possible to have a nutrient dense meals three times a day when you are pregnant? Your growing belly will not be able to take it. Eat six or seven healthy meals. This will keep your blood sugar in a constant range. And this is the best way to prevent heartburn, which is a major concern for pregnant women.1
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2.A Drink Won’t Do Any Harm
Sorry, this is false. There is no known safe amount of alcohol a pregnant woman can drink. Recent research studies found that alcohol is harmful for your baby. Drinking alcohol can increase your child’s risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other health related problems. 2
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3.No Coffee At All
Here is the good news for coffee lovers. Less than 200mg of caffeine per day appears to be safe during pregnancy.3 So, moderate coffee intake is fine for your baby. But, do not overdo it. Some research studies suggest that too much caffeine may cause miscarriage.
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4.You Should Eat For Two
You might have heard this often. This is false. Being pregnant does not give you the freedom to eat as much as you want. You need 300 calories more a day as an expectant mom. Stick to healthy nutritious foods. Avoid empty calories as found in candies and desserts.
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5.Stay Away From Seafood
As excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, fish and other seafood should be part of your diet. And sushi is also permissible. However, avoid fish with high levels of mercury like swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish.4 Seafood like shrimp, salmon, pollock, tilapia, and cod are low in mercury level and are safe for your pregnancy. Some tests have shown that tuna can have high mercury levels, which may cause poor fetal development. So, limit your tuna intake to 6 ounces a week.
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6.Skip Physical Activities
If you follow this myth, then you will miss an opportunity to take care of your health. Continue regular physical activity throughout pregnancy. This will help you sleep better, control weight gain, and prepare your body for childbirth. It is safe to walk, swim, dance, and cycle. Low-impact aerobics is also allowed. However, talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise schedule.
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7.You Don’t Have Sex
False. If your doctor has not you warned against it, then go ahead. Many couples have concerns about sex during pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, where there are no complications, you can have sex as often as you like.5 Sex neither hurts your baby nor causes miscarriage. If you are comfortable, most sexual positions are fine during pregnancy. But, consult the doctor in case you experience bleeding or abdominal pain, or any other discomfort during sex.
For any mom-to-be, nine months of pregnancy is a roller coaster ride. You can reduce at least a few of your worries by busting these myths. Have a healthy and safe pregnancy!
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