Common myths about pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you might be getting a lot of advice from well-meaning people. You might be asking ‘Is it true?’ about some of the things you’ve heard. This article looks at some of the common myths you might hear and provides some answers.
Myths about food
Some people say you should avoid peanuts and dairy products during pregnancy, in case your baby becomes allergic to them. This is untrue. It’s perfectly safe to eat these foods unless you yourself are allergic to them, or if your doctor advises you not to.
There are some foods that it’s best to avoid during pregnancy due to the risks in certain harmful microbes. They include some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, raw or partly cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream.
Can I tell if it’s a boy or a girl?
Some people think you can tell if you’re having a boy or a girl by the position of the baby in your tummy, by holding a wedding ring over your abdomen and watching in which direction it turns, or by how active the baby is. None of these methods works.
In many cases, an ultrasound scan can reveal the sex of your baby. It isn’t 100% reliable, but you can ask the ultrasound technician to tell you what they can see. You can also ask them not to tell you if you want to wait until the birth to find out.
Should I be ‘eating for two’?
There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for two when you’re pregnant. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is what’s important.
Can I continue to have hot baths, dye my hair and exercise?
It’s perfectly safe to have a warm bath when pregnant, but avoid becoming too hot. During pregnancy, hormonal changes might make you feel warmer than normal.
The low level of chemicals found in hair dye is generally thought to be safe. However, many women still prefer to avoid dyeing their hair in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Most exercises that you did before pregnancy will be safe, but check with your doctor or midwife if you’re not sure. You might find you become breathless or feel hot more quickly during pregnancy. Moderate walking or swimming are excellent ways to stay healthy.
Does morning sickness only happen in the morning?
No. Nausea (and/or vomiting) during pregnancy can occur at any time of day, due to changes in your hormones. For most women, it’s more common in the morning and begins to improve after 3 months. But for some women, it’s different.
Learn more about how to deal with morning sickness.
Can I keep my cat?
Yes. There is no need to give away your pets when you become pregnant. A disease called toxoplasmosis can, however, be harmful to your unborn baby – you can become infected by handling cat’s faeces. Ask someone else to change your cat’s litter, or wear gloves to do this – as well as when gardening – while you are pregnant.
Will cream help avoid stretch marks?
There is no evidence that creams or oils can remove or prevent stretch marks.
Does my heartburn mean my baby has lots of hair?
One small research study showed that there might be a connection between having heartburn in pregnancy and the thickness of your baby’s hair. However, heartburn is quite common in pregnancy.
Is hanging washing on the line safe?
Yes, reaching up above your head and hanging washing on the line is safe. It is unlikely that it will affect your baby’s umbilical cord in any way. Your midwife or doctor will advise you if there are any activities that are unsafe for you in pregnancy.
Do I need to prepare my nipples for breastfeeding?
No, there is no evidence to show that any preparation or toughening of your nipples before birth is needed.
If you are pregnant, you might be getting a lot of advice from well-meaning people. You might be asking ‘Is it true?’ about some of the things you’ve heard. This article looks at some of the common myths you might hear and provides some answers.
Myths about food
Some people say you should avoid peanuts and dairy products during pregnancy, in case your baby becomes allergic to them. This is untrue. It’s perfectly safe to eat these foods unless you yourself are allergic to them, or if your doctor advises you not to.
There are some foods that it’s best to avoid during pregnancy due to the risks in certain harmful microbes. They include some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, raw or partly cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream.
Can I tell if it’s a boy or a girl?
Some people think you can tell if you’re having a boy or a girl by the position of the baby in your tummy, by holding a wedding ring over your abdomen and watching in which direction it turns, or by how active the baby is. None of these methods works.
In many cases, an ultrasound scan can reveal the sex of your baby. It isn’t 100% reliable, but you can ask the ultrasound technician to tell you what they can see. You can also ask them not to tell you if you want to wait until the birth to find out.
Should I be ‘eating for two’?
There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for two when you’re pregnant. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is what’s important.
Can I continue to have hot baths, dye my hair and exercise?
It’s perfectly safe to have a warm bath when pregnant, but avoid becoming too hot. During pregnancy, hormonal changes might make you feel warmer than normal.
The low level of chemicals found in hair dye is generally thought to be safe. However, many women still prefer to avoid dyeing their hair in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Most exercises that you did before pregnancy will be safe, but check with your doctor or midwife if you’re not sure. You might find you become breathless or feel hot more quickly during pregnancy. Moderate walking or swimming are excellent ways to stay healthy.
Does morning sickness only happen in the morning?
No. Nausea (and/or vomiting) during pregnancy can occur at any time of day, due to changes in your hormones. For most women, it’s more common in the morning and begins to improve after 3 months. But for some women, it’s different.
Learn more about how to deal with morning sickness.
Can I keep my cat?
Yes. There is no need to give away your pets when you become pregnant. A disease called toxoplasmosis can, however, be harmful to your unborn baby – you can become infected by handling cat’s faeces. Ask someone else to change your cat’s litter, or wear gloves to do this – as well as when gardening – while you are pregnant.
Will cream help avoid stretch marks?
There is no evidence that creams or oils can remove or prevent stretch marks.
Does my heartburn mean my baby has lots of hair?
One small research study showed that there might be a connection between having heartburn in pregnancy and the thickness of your baby’s hair. However, heartburn is quite common in pregnancy.
Is hanging washing on the line safe?
Yes, reaching up above your head and hanging washing on the line is safe. It is unlikely that it will affect your baby’s umbilical cord in any way. Your midwife or doctor will advise you if there are any activities that are unsafe for you in pregnancy.
Do I need to prepare my nipples for breastfeeding?
No, there is no evidence to show that any preparation or toughening of your nipples before birth is needed.
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Garima Singla
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28 Dec 2017