Pregnancy is an incredible chapter in a woman’s life. It feels rewarding to know that by the end of it, you will receive one of the most precious gifts of your life. At the same time, it is a phase riddled with questions and anxieties. You are bombarded with advice from everyone around, some experienced and some who have read it all. It gets confusing in the end because you don’t know which ones to believe and which ones to brush off. You are told something by someone and the complete opposite by the other. Here are some of the top myths about pregnancy you need to stop believing now.
[vs slide=”1″ slide_title=”Myth 1: You Can’t Fly During Your Third Trimester”]
Myth 1: You Can’t Fly During Your Third Trimester
The Fact:
It is completely safe to travel throughout your pregnancy, even when you are into your third trimester. It does not harm you or your little one in any way. Most airlines do not allow women to board flights after 36 weeks of pregnancy as there are chances that they might go into labor while on board. You can use your judgment and not fly a few weeks before your due date to avoid complications.
[vs slide=”2″ slide_title=”Myth 2: Cocoa Butter Prevents Pregnancy Stretch Marks”]
Myth 2: Cocoa Butter Prevents Pregnancy Stretch Marks
The Fact:
Whether you will get stretch marks or not depends on the elasticity of your skin, your genes, and the size of your baby. Cocoa butter can nourish your skin and minimize the chances slightly, but it is not a fail-safe method of preventing stretch marks. In some cases, it makes the skin sensitive and causes allergic reactions. Try a sensitivity test before going for it.
[vs slide=”3″ slide_title=”Myth 3: You Should Not Eat Seafood When Pregnant”]
Myth 3: You Should Not Eat Seafood When Pregnant
The Fact:
Fish is rich in omega-3-fatty acids, which is beneficial for the proper development of your little one’s brain when it is in your womb. Have fresh water fish as they are low in mercury, and limit your intake of tuna to 12 oz per week.
[vs slide=”4″ slide_title=”Myth 4: You Should Not Have Sex When You Are Pregnant”]
Myth 4: You Should Not Have Sex When You Are Pregnant
The Fact:
It is perfectly safe to have sex during the entire course of your pregnancy. Having sex is not going to break the amniotic sac and harm the baby, as believed by many. Just don’t get too creative and go overboard. Make sure you are in a safe position so that there are less chances of falling and getting hurt.
[vs slide=”5″ slide_title=”Myth 5: Drinking Coffee Is Bad For Pregnancy”]
Myth 5: Drinking Coffee Is Bad For Pregnancy
The Fact:
Excessive consumption of caffeine increases your chances of miscarriage and birth defects, but less than 200mg of caffeine a day does not harm your baby. You can enjoy a cup in the morning, but don’t drink it frequently to combat fatigue.
[vs slide=”6″ slide_title=”Myth 6: You Should Eat For Two When Pregnant”]
Myth 6: You Should Eat For Two When Pregnant
The Fact:
You should not eat excess food even if it is nutritious. Eating too much can drastically increase your weight and your chances of developing heart disease, hyperglycemia, and high blood pressure increase. Limit your intake of empty calories and keep yourself well hydrated.
[vs slide=”7″ slide_title=”Myth 7: Walking Brings On Labor”]
Myth 7: Walking Brings On Labor
The Fact:
Walking during pregnancy is good for you. It improves your blood circulation and helps you feel better, but it has no effect on labor. Walking more during the final stages of pregnancy will not bring on labor. You will go into labor when your body is ready to do so.
[vs slide=”8″ slide_title=”Myth 8: A Bigger Baby Is A Healthier Baby”]
Myth 8: A Bigger Baby Is A Healthier Baby
The Fact:
Bigger is not always better. The average weight of a newly born in 7.5 lbs. Babies who are much bigger have higher chances of suffering from obesity and diabetes later in life. You should have regular check ups throughout your pregnancy to ensure that your weight is healthy.
[vs slide=”9″ slide_title=”Myth 9: The Size Of Your Bump Tells The Size Of Your Baby”]
Myth 9: The Size Of Your Bump Tells The Size Of Your Baby
The Fact:
The size of your bump does not actually determine the size of your baby. There are several factors that can affect your bump size, such as the amount of fluid in the amniotic sac, the position of your baby, your height and weight, and previous pregnancies. Each pregnancy is different, and there is no size which is good and none which is bad. Keep in touch with your doctor and regularly monitor the health of your little one.
[vs slide=”10″ slide_title=”Myth 10: You Should Not Exercise During Pregnancy”]
Myth 10: You Should Not Exercise During Pregnancy
The Fact:
Exercise is beneficial during pregnancy. It improves your blood circulation, improves your mood, keeps your weight in check, lowers the risk of diseases, relieves some of the aches and pains, and helps you sleep better through the night. Don’t strain yourself when you exercise. Keep the intensity light or moderate.
Since every pregnancy is different, what works for someone may not work for you. Your obstetrician is the best person to go to if you have any concerns. Consult them regularly and follow their suggestions. If anything sounds false, it probably is. Read up and be well informed. You will know what is good for you and what is not.
