Many of the stories we hear from old pals these days aren’t about folklore or mystical creatures like they were for earlier generations. Our stories contain perplexing things such as pregnancy, which we can see and feel. We have a lot of misconceptions about pregnancy and birth as a society.
Some of those ideas are enjoyable, while others result in confusion and misunderstanding about our anatomy. The following are the most prevalent pregnancy misconceptions and the science behind the truth.
Table of Contents
#1. You’ll need to eat for two people
“Eating for Two” is a well-known phrase that should not be taken literally; an expectant mother does not need to eat twice as much! Adding more calories to your diet can lead to weight gain, which may cause problems later in pregnancy.
A pregnant lady only needs to increase her daily calorie intake by 200. To establish excellent and balanced eating patterns, she should focus on increasing her daily food intake by 200 calories. Your kid requires nutrients to develop and grow, so you’ll want to eat a nutrient-dense diet that contains vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins.
It’s also critical to consult your OB-GYN about supplementing essential vitamins like folic acid and iodine, which are challenging to get in high amounts via diet alone.
#2. You can’t have caffeine while you’re pregnant
Pregnant women were previously advised to avoid caffeine during pregnancy, but recent research suggests that small quantities are safe as long as a few precautionary techniques are followed. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and various experts, a pregnant woman can consume up to 200 milligrams of high amounts of caffeine every day, which is equal to a 12-ounce cup of coffee.
Remember that more than 200ml of high amounts of caffeine daily might cause a miscarriage since it can get through the placenta barrier. Caffeine is also found in several soft drinks and chocolates, so keep your consumption under control.
#3. You’ll have strange cravings
The notion that all pregnant females have strange and pressing desires is a myth, as unfortunate as it may be. Not every pregnant woman, however, has such urges; below’s why: Cravings are usually triggered by hormonal changes in your body, which influence taste and preference. Furthermore, sudden drops and spikes in your blood sugar levels might give you cravings for sweets and comfort meals. On the other hand, these hormone and blood sugar variations are unique to each individual.
In fact, a lack of hunger does not imply that you or the infant are sick. If you don’t want fatty or sweet meals, consider yourself fortunate! During your pregnancy, you’ll be much better equipped to create a variety of healthier meal choices.
Contact your doctor or midwife if you crave inedible things like dirt, clay, or laundry cleaning chemical. Pica is another name for this, and it may also indicate severe anemia that must be treated immediately.
#4. Typical morning sickness is simply a few hours of discomfort in the early morning
While pregnant, nausea or vomiting (and/or throwing up) can happen any day. Changes in your hormonal chemicals can cause nausea or vomiting (and/or throwing up) at any time of the day. It’s more common in the morning for most women but worsens after three months, and it is different for a select few.
#5. Creams and injections might help prevent stretch marks
While some lotions can assist reduce discoloration quicker after it appears, no cream can prevent stretch marks from coming if they are caused by your genetic makeup. Regardless, moisturizing your skin may help keep it relaxed and speed up recovery.
Avoiding pesticides and using a mineral oil-free lotion is the best option for preventing stretch marks. If you’re worried about stretch marks, use moisturizers without toxins three times a day while you’re pregnant. This will keep your skin flexible and smooth and better acclimated to grow longer throughout and after pregnancy.
Shea butter, chocolate butter, and similar lotions can assist in minimizing stretch marks but speak with your physician about skincare options that are best suited for you.
#6. You can not work out when you’re expecting
Most exercises you perform before becoming pregnant are safe but talk to your doctor or midwife. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, aim for a daily 20 to 30-minute workout four to five times a week. Avoid dangerous activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling.
During pregnancy, you could get breathless or experience an increased temperature. As a rule of thumb, light to moderate degree must allow you to carry on a conversation while working out when pregnant. You’re probably exercising at the same intensity if you become winded while chatting.
#7. While you’re expecting, you should avoid coming into contact with cats
This is fantastic news if you’re a cat lover or have cats! According to studies, contact with cats does not increase the risk of toxoplasmosis (an illness that can affect unborn babies). Your baby would be immune-protected if you were infected with toxoplasmosis before becoming pregnant.
However, if you’re pregnant, you should avoid cat litter since the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis lingers in kitty feces. It’s also advisable to stay away from strays, have your litter box cleaned regularly, keep your pet cats inside, and not acquire new pets while expecting.
If you have a backyard, wear gloves when working in top dirt or sand since it might be contaminated with cat feces. Wash your hands thoroughly with clean hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds if you do not wear gloves.
#8. You can tell the baby’s gender during pregnancy
You may have heard of numerous methods to determine whether you’re having a boy or girl, including holding a wedding celebration ring over your stomach and watching in which direction it transforms, as well as observing how active the baby is. None of these approaches work.
Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) is a blood test offered after 10 weeks that may reveal the baby’s gender. Most of the time, an ultrasound examination can also let you determine the sex of your youngster. Although it isn’t completely reliable, you may request the ultrasound expert to inform you what they can see.
You can also ask not to tell you if you want to wait until the birth to discover.
#9. You can drink a glass or more of red wine while pregnant
You should never drink any sort of alcohol while expecting. There’s no safe amount or type of alcohol during pregnancy; even modest amounts can cause long-term problems for your kid. These issues may be less apparent than those caused by heavy drinking, but they can still include coordination, attention, and learning difficulties.
Alcohol-related disabilities, particularly their effect on the developing fetus, are preventable. Your OB-GYN can advise you on avoiding alcohol while pregnant and offer you all the resources you’ll need if you have trouble quitting.
#10. You’ll hurt the baby if you have sex while pregnant
You can make love while pregnant unless your doctor or midwife discourages it. Your companion’s penis can’t permeate past your vaginal area. Meanwhile, your baby is drifting in a pool of liquid bordered by your womb’s thick muscular tissue wall. Your little kiddo is risk-free and won’t know what’s happening during sex.
If your pregnancy is normal without any problems, making love and climaxes will not put any risk to your baby. However, expect that having sex while pregnant can activate light contractions referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are temporary and normal and will eventually pass.
#11. Breastfeeding is usually effortless
Many new moms believe that nursing is a natural response, which isn’t always the case. While children are born with a reflex to look for their mother’s breast, it’s typical for a mother to need coaching and assistance in establishing her baby for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding takes time and technique, and new moms should not get discouraged if it does not fall into place right away. Several resources and lactation consultants are available to guide you through your breastfeeding journey.
#12. Moms are generally ecstatic and happy after giving birth
A mother’s happiness is a myth. While there will undoubtedly be moments of joy in a mother’s trip, the notion that it will all come quickly and naturally is incorrect. Having a baby is an enormous life-changing event, and it’ll take time and dedication to get back into things.
After giving birth, many women experience the “baby blues,” also known as postpartum depression, within 2 3 days. Although some women might get sad, anxious, or concerned at this time, it is not uncommon; it is pretty typical. This can be ascribed to a rapid hormone change that usually gets better over a week or two.
The “fourth trimester” is sometimes used to describe the first three months following childbirth. During this time, you may experience modifications in feelings and physical abilities, as well as your OB-GYN, being accessible to answer any questions you might have.
Postpartum anxiety is a term used to describe the feelings of dread, tension, and worry that a new mother may experience. If you’re experiencing profound despair, extreme stress and worry, and anguish preventing you from accomplishing daily activities after childbirth, you might suffer from postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression is a serious issue; therefore, if you experience any symptoms, it’s critical to talk to your doctor.
Final Thoughts Pregnancy Myths
So, what’s the verdict? Are all mothers happy and ecstatic after giving birth? The answer is a resounding no. Although there are moments of joy in every mother’s journey, it is not always easy it can be pretty challenging. Many myths about pregnancy and childbirth need to be debunked, and we hope this article has helped to do just that.