5 Common Pregnancy Myths

When you are pregnant, you are highly likely to hear so many old wives tales and pregnancy myths, most of which are usually very amusing. You have almost certainly heard this one: Carry low, it is a boy, Carry high, it is a girl. Sure enough, it is silly, but you cannot blame those people who came up with them because back in the days, there were no ultrasound services.

pregnancy myth

Pregnancy myths tend to vary from generation to generation, and while most of them are amusing, some prompts unnecessary concern. Others even pose real health problems for the mother and/or the baby. Here are some of the most common myths surrounding pregnancy.

5 Common Pregnancy Myths

You are eating for two

It is a fact that you are eating for two, but it does not necessarily infer that you should always help yourself to double servings of food ranging from ice cream to potato salad. On average, a woman with normal weight pre-pregnancy only requires approximately 300 extra calories each day to support the growth of her baby. This is according to the ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).

That is approximately the amount of calories available in half a sandwich and a glass of skim milk. A normal weight woman should gain up to 35 pounds during her pregnancy and below 25 pounds if she is overweight. Besides that, women who gain at least 50 pounds when only pregnant with one baby risk a complicated vaginal pregnancy birth or undergoing a caesarean section.

Gender myths

Heartbeat

According to some myths, your heart beat rate during the pregnancy can be used to determine the baby’s gender. For instance, an increase in your heartbeat infers the child is a girl. The fact is a normal fetal rate of heartbeat ranges from 110 to 160 per minute. So far, no studies have conclusively shown the relationship between the heart rate and the gender of the baby. Moreover, the baby’s rate of heartbeat will most likely differ during every prenatal visit depending on your level of activity during the visit and the fetus age.

Heartburn

The myth states that heartburns during pregnancy infer the child will have hair. The fact is heartburns are very common during pregnancy and thus, cannot be used to determine whether the baby will have a lot of hair when born.

Crazy cravings

Pregnant women frequently have cravings of cold pizza, chocolate, and ice cream. According to the popular myth, it is the fetus that causes you to experience what he/she desires to eat. There even those who believe that if you do not satisfy these cravings, the baby will have a birthmark looking like the food you denied it when born.

The truth is food cravings during pregnancy occur on a regular basis and are partly because of the effect of increasing levels of hormones on your taste perception (makes food to have a different taste every day). The majority are harmless, but occasionally you will find yourself craving for paint chips, chalk, or dirt. Ensure that you consult your doctor on search happenings.

No nesting is allowed

The joy that comes with being pregnant and even knowing its gender makes it irresistible to purchase adorable baby clothes. However, if you are very superstitious, there are high chances that you will be piling your layette at your friend’s house until after delivery. Some people believe it is bad luck to bring baby items at home before birth as it will be tempting fate and presupposing that everything will be fine and go according to plan. The truth is there is no scientific fact to back this up.

Caffeine is dangerous for the pregnancy

According to popular myths, women should never take caffeine while pregnant as it might result to low birth weight, preterm birth, or miscarriage. This is totally not true as the relationship between preterm birth and caffeine consumption is yet to be established. In addition, if an expectant woman consumes less than 200 mg of caffeine each day (the same amount as that in a cup of 12-ounce of coffee), there is no substantial proof that she faces the risk of low birth weight or miscarriage. Nevertheless, it is advisable that you observe the recommended limit every day.

Author Bio:

Janet Caine is a prolific blogger, living in UK.  She writes for a leading health magazine and gives Vigrx plus reviews. Making people understand the value of leading a healthy and stress free life is her motto.