Pregnancy is overwhelming, and so are the suggestions that an expecting mom gets to hear from everyone around her. Logical suggestions are good, but misconceptions are scary. The traditional mindset is all the more difficult to handle. Pieces of information that lack logic make the journey challenging for women during the pregnancy period.
Women undergo various changes in the body after they conceive. Along with physical changes, mood swings also become a prominent phenomenon that most expecting moms have to deal with. When so much is happening inside the body of the woman, dealing with unrealistic advice from outside sources may be extremely exhausting.
In this blog, we will be listing down some common misconceptions that expecting moms should not worry about and make their pregnancy period a happy and joyous one.
Debunking Pregnancy Myths
#1 Myth: Don’t eat dairy products. They may make your baby allergic.
There is no proven connection between the dairy products that a pregnant woman eats during pregnancy and the chances of allergic reactions in the unborn child because of consuming it. There is no harm in eating dairy products unless the expecting mom is allergic to consuming dairy products or the doctor has asked her not to eat specific types of food.
However, it should be kept in mind that the mother must follow a balanced diet to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the yet-to-be-born baby.
#2 Myth: It’s not possible to conceive after a woman crosses the age of 35
There may be some risks associated with pregnancy after the age of 35, but this may not be true for all. Many women may have no difficulty in conceiving and giving birth to a healthy child after nine months of the pregnancy journey. It all depends on a healthy lifestyle. On the contrary, a woman of 35 years will be more mature, have financial stability, and will be able to take care of her child in the best possible way.
However, if a woman is suffering from underlying health issues, like high blood pressure or diabetes, consulting a gynaecologist is a must to eliminate complications related to pregnancy.
#3 Myth: The shape of the belly determines the sex of the child
Some traditional beliefs don’t have any meaning in reality, but they still influence our lives. One such is the determination of the sex of the unborn baby by seeing the shape of the womb, the mother’s face, or the eating habits of the pregnant woman. None of the propositions are true.
A clinical examination of the fetus or an ultrasound can only determine whether it’s a baby or a boy. So, it is essential to get support from healthcare specialists rather than pay heed to myths that may not be helpful in the long run.
#4 Myth: Exercising during pregnancy may cause complications
Proper exercising and staying active may ensure a healthy pregnancy. It also symbolizes that both the mother and the baby are doing well. However, by exercising, we don’t mean heavy exercising or lifting heavy weights in the gym. It is advisable to engage oneself in light exercise sessions to keep the mind and body emotionally and physically fit. However, it is important to be careful while exercising so that no harm will be caused to the development of the fetus.
Also, expecting moms can enroll themselves in yoga or meditation sessions that would help them to remain healthy and stress-free throughout their pregnancy journey. Consult a trained fitness provider and gain awareness regarding the dos and don’ts of exercising during pregnancy.
#5 Myth: An expecting mom should eat for two
A human being is indeed growing inside a womb, but that doesn’t mean that the mother will have to eat food for two people. Overeating is not healthy. Instead, it may harm both the mother and the unborn child. Consuming the right amount of calories is essential for the healthy growth of the fetus. An additional intake of 340 to 450 calories daily is sufficient to provide adequate nourishment to the child.
A balanced diet should be maintained by expecting moms to stay healthy. Also, homemade food that is rich in nutrition is usually recommended by experts during pregnancy.
#6 Myth: Coffee? A big ‘No-N0’ during pregnancy
A limited consumption of coffee doesn’t harm the body. An expecting woman should not cross the limit of consuming a maximum of 200 milligrams of coffee per day. Crossing the limit might not be good for the body. Again, it should be seen that other caffeinated food products like tea or chocolates should be avoided if one cannot stay away from coffee at all.
Consuming alcohol is a big ‘No-No’ during pregnancy, but drinking coffee at a moderate level after consulting a gynaecologist is permitted.
#7 Myth: Don’t dye your hair during pregnancy
Hair dye often contains chemicals that may harm the body. However, there is no direct evidence found between dyeing the hair and miscarriage. Hair dye can be applied occasionally for a shorter duration of time. Also, it should be done by professionals to ensure safety during the procedure.
One can avoid dyeing hair during the initial periods to avoid complications in pregnancy. Ensure that the process is taking place in a well-ventilated room to minimize exposure to the chemicals that are present in hair dye.
#8 Myth: A pregnant woman is a happy woman
A pregnant woman goes through a number of changes, and it is not the same for all. The news of pregnancy indeed brings in a lot of happiness and joy for the couples and their family. However, the reactions and feelings might not be the same for all. Changes in the shape of the body, hormonal changes, and abrupt mood swings can make the journey of pregnancy difficult for some women.
It is okay not to feel overjoyed during pregnancy. Take care of your mental health. Consult a healthcare specialist and make sure to take adequate care of your body and mind effectively.
Summing up
The journey through the nine months of pregnancy and the feeling that you are about to give birth to a child is overwhelming. So, in this respect, the well-being of both the mother and the baby is equally important. Gain knowledge, eradicate misconceptions, and talk to a gynaecologist before listening to advice from your well-wishers. Turn your pregnancy into a special journey by pampering yourself and taking utmost care of yourself in the best possible way.