During pregnancy, you should give priority to what is best for both yourself and your unborn child. Keeping track of what to do and not to do is very important during pregnancy. What are you permitted to eat? What should you stay away from? Which activities can be performed safely while carrying a baby?
There is an extensive array of credible recommendations supported by scientific evidence about the rules and regulations of pregnancy. On the other hand, there are a lot of pregnancy myths out there. Distinguishing between fact and fiction is of utmost significance in the pursuit of a healthy pregnancy. This blog debunks 13 common pregnancy myths.
What Are Pregnancy Myths?
The term “pregnancy myths” refers to widely held misconceptions or beliefs about pregnancy that lack scientific backing. These myths and beliefs related to pregnancy and birth practices can be based on cultural traditions, old wives’ tales, or misinformation.
It is common for people to unconsciously pass on pregnancy myths (arising in some random grandparent’s heads) from one generation to the next, without question or evidence.
When it comes to pregnancy, it is essential to distinguish between pregnancy myths and facts and turn your head away from opinions that don’t hold water in the face of evidence.
13 Common Pregnancy Myths Busted
Keep yourself informed of any new information that might impact your pregnancy. For all your pregnancy-related concerns, be sure to consult reliable sources. Just going along with what other people say usually does not help and can even make things worse.
One such example is to eat for two or double the food intake during pregnancy. Our panel gynaecologist Dr Ankita Patel Tayal debunks this myth and says that while it is true that pregnant women may need to slightly increase their caloric intake, they should not eat for two. Instead, they should aim for a gradual increase in calories throughout the pregnancy.
In the second trimester, experts say to eat an extra 340 calories each day. In the thirst trimester, they say to eat an extra 450 calories each day.
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Following are 13 common pregnancy myths in India. To learn the truth and debunk the myths, read on.
1. Myths about pregnancy cravings
#1. Fulfilling cravings is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Fact: While it is fine to indulge in cravings sometimes, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet while pregnant. Not all pregnancy cravings are healthy.
One such example is pica during pregnancy1. Satiating every hunger without taking total nutrition and cons into account is not advisable during pregnancy.
#2. If you are not experiencing any pregnancy cravings, it could be a sign that there is a baby problem.
Fact: The lack of cravings during pregnancy should not be interpreted as a sign of any health problems for you or the unborn baby. This simply implies that during your pregnancy, you will have more control over your food choices.
2. Myths about being pregnant with a girl
#1. Sweet cravings indicate being pregnant with a girl
There are many women who want certain foods, like sweets, when they are pregnant. These sweet cravings have nothing to do with the baby’s gender. They might result from changes in hormone levels or just personal preferences.
#2. Carrying a baby high indicates being pregnant with a girl
Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that the height at which a woman carries her child is a reliable indicator of the gender of the child. Some things, like the mother’s body type and muscle tone, as well as the position of the baby at any given time, affect how she holds her baby and where the baby is in the womb.
#3. A round belly shape is associated with having a girl
Fact: Again, this pregnancy myth for gender has no scientific backup. The shape of the pregnant belly is in no way associated with the gender of the unborn child. A woman’s body type, muscle tone, and the position of the baby all have an impact on the size and shape of her pregnant belly.
#4. If a woman’s skin looks dull while she is pregnant, she is having a girl.
Fact: It is said that girls “steal your beauty” while they are still in the womb, so if the mother’s skin changes, like getting acne or looking dull, it might mean she is carrying a girl. There is no scientific evidence for this.
According to the source, hormonal changes, metabolic changes, and vascular changes that take place during pregnancy are what cause pregnancy glow, pregnancy acne, and pregnancy dry skin.
#5. Pregnant women prefer sleeping on their left side during pregnancy if they are carrying a girl.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that the position in which a pregnant woman sleeps is linked to the gender of the baby. During pregnancy, sleeping on one’s side is recommended. For optimal blood flow to the fetus, it’s best to take advantage of the left side3.
Related Reading: Top 10 Food Cravings When Pregnant With A Girl
3. Myths about being pregnant with a boy
#1. A pregnant woman is most likely carrying a boy if she has a craving for salty or savory foods.
Fact: A scientifically established variety of factors can contribute to salt cravings, including the body’s attempt to reabsorb sodium that has been lost as per this source. But there is no proof that it has anything to do with the baby’s gender.
#2. When pregnant with a baby boy, the mother will be calmer and less moody
Fact: Hormonal changes are one of the many factors that can affect mood swings during pregnancy4. Rather than the gender of the infant, other variables influence its severity.
Related Reading: 15 Sure-Shot Signs You Are Pregnant With A Boy
4. Myths about Twin pregnancy
#1. All twin pregnancies result in premature birth
Fact: Although twin pregnancies carry a greater risk of premature birth, not all twins are delivered extremely prematurely. With proper prenatal care and monitoring, a significant percentage of twin pregnancies can advance to an almost complete term.
The duration of a full-term pregnancy is 37 weeks. With proper care, twin pregnancies usually last 35–36 weeks5.
#2. Twin pregnancies are always high-risk.
Fact: While twin pregnancies are considered higher-risk than singleton pregnancies, being pregnant with multiples doesn’t always indicate that your pregnancy will be problematic. However, there needs to be more prenatal visits and better care6.
#3. Twins always skip a generation
Fact: While it is true that twins can run in families, it is not always the case that they skip generations7.
Related Reading: 9 Early Signs Of A Twin Pregnancy
5. Myths about eating spicy foods during pregnancy
#1. Spicy foods can burn the fetus’s eyes, resulting in blindness
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that spicy food can blind a baby in the womb. Genetics and neurological processes play a role in how the vision system develops8. Spicy foods never change the complicated biological process by which a fetus’s eyes develop.
#2. Having spicy food helps induce labor
Fact: There is no strong scientific evidence to support this claim. There may be a touch of science, though.
For example, spicy food can make the gut. Irritated guts can lead to uterine cramps. There is, however, no proof that will send you right to the labor and delivery room.
Related Reading: 6 Spices To Eat And 6 Spices To Avoid During Pregnancy
6. Myths about baths during pregnancy
#1. Bathing causes birth defects
Fact: Taking regular baths with standard hygiene practices is not known to cause birth defects.
#2. Taking a warm bath while pregnant is not recommended
Fact: Even though pregnant women should steer clear of hot showers, tubs, saunas, and baths that are extremely hot, it is generally acceptable to take short, warm baths. It is fine to take a bath as long as the water is not hotter than your body temperature9.
7. Myths about getting a hairy baby
#1. Severe morning sickness is a sign of a hairy baby.
Fact: The baby’s hair growth has nothing to do with how bad the morning sickness is.
#2: Your baby will have a lot of hair if your belly itches while you are pregnant.
Fact: Belly itching is common among expecting moms. Increased hormones during pregnancy are often thought to be the cause. Later in your pregnancy, as your abdomen skin stretches, you may feel itching10. There is zero correlation between an itchy belly and a baby’s hair.
Related Reading: 11 Effective Home Remedies For Itching During Pregnancy
8. Myths about baby’s color
#1. Black foods like black coffee and chocolate darken the baby’s skin during pregnancy
Fact: Genes that control the synthesis of melanin are the root cause of different skin tones. A baby’s genes predetermine their skin tone. Skin tone in infants is a polygenic characteristic. Thus, more than one gene contributes to a baby’s skin tone.
A combination of many genes dictates a baby’s skin tone when they inherit the color trait from both biological parents11.
#2. Saffron consumption during pregnancy helps lighten a baby’s complexion, making them fair.
Fact: There is no evidence to support that saffron consumption during pregnancy leads to a fair-complexioned baby!
9. Myths about morning sickness during pregnancy
#1. Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Fact: While it’s called “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day or night12. It commonly worsens in the early morning, which is why it is called that. It can hit you at any time.
#2. Morning sickness only occurs in the first trimester.
Fact: While morning sickness is most common during the first trimester, approximately 25% of pregnant women have morning sickness until the second trimester, and a regrettable minority suffer from nausea and vomiting throughout their pregnancy.
10. Myths about physical movements
#1. Lifting your arms above your head can cause the umbilical cord to strangle the baby.
Fact: The umbilical cord does not wrap around the infant when you raise your arms over your head. The motions of the umbilical cord are unrelated to those of the mother.
#2. Exercise can lead to a miscarriage.
Fact: Regular, moderate exercise is generally considered safe and may even be beneficial during pregnancy.
#3. Pregnant women should avoid all activities that involve bending or reaching
Fact: It is usually safe to bend and reach while pregnant, so do not worry about it. However, maintaining good posture is important to avoid straining the back.
Related Reading: 9 Problems Lack Of Exercise During Pregnancy Can Cause
11. Myths about C-sections
#1: Women who have C-sections do not bond with their babies as much
Fact: The way a mother gives birth does not affect her ability to bond with her child.
#2. After the first C-section, all future deliveries must also be C-sections.
Fact: Many women can have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC)13 but it depends on their specific health condition and the reason for the previous C-section.
12. Myths about sex during pregnancy
#1. Sex can harm the baby
Fact: As long as the mother is healthy, having sex is usually safe and will not hurt the baby. But if you have certain conditions or complications, your doctor may tell you to stay away from sexual activity.
Related Reading: 11 Foods To Avoid After Cesarean Delivery – Know Them Here
#2. An unborn child can “see” or “know” when their parents are sexually active.
Fact: The amniotic sac provides adequate protection for the developing baby, which means that it cannot detect or understand sexual activity.
13. Myths about traveling during pregnancy
#1. Flying while pregnant can cause a miscarriage
Fact: Pregnant women should not worry about flying during their pregnancies, although those with high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctors first. Check the airline’s policy, as some restrict travel during certain pregnancy stages.
#2. Traveling long distances will harm the baby.
Fact: Long-distance travel by car is safe for babies. Pregnant women must take breaks, remain hydrated, and move around a bit in between to avoid blood clots during long trips.
Conclusion
As we bust myths about things like morning sickness, cesarean sections, having sex while pregnant, and traveling while pregnant, it’s clear that having correct information helps people make better decisions.
Evidence-based knowledge of myths promotes a positive and realistic approach to pregnancy, improving the mother’s and baby’s health and happiness. If you have any questions about pregnancy, you should ask the doctor right away.