When you announce that you are expecting, everyone has an opinion and advice usually given with good intentions. However, there are many myths spread around from mom to mom about being pregnant.
Some old wives’ tales do work out for people. But many times it just turns out to be a coincidence. It is important to debunk myths with researched facts to make sure you aren’t misled. Not only does it help slow the spread of myths but it also protects you from potentially harmful ideas and makes sure you are enjoying a healthy pregnancy.
Myth: I Can Tell My Baby’s Gender by the Way I Am Carrying
Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict the baby’s gender just by looking at your belly. Many people swear by the idea that based on certain experiences, the baby will either be a boy or a girl. However, there are some symptoms that have known to be signs you’re having a girl.
There are easy and reliable ways to determine gender though. Most doctors are able to find out at the 20-week anatomy scan. But other doctors can look at an ultrasound earlier to try to see if it’s a girl or boy. If you don’t want to wait that long, there are also reliable blood test options you can choose as early as 8 weeks!
Myth: I Should Be Eating for Two
Not only is the mindset of eating for two a recipe for disaster, but it is also very bad advice. The average person only needs to add about 300 calories a day to their diet when pregnant. The idea that women have to eat double the amount that they normally do when growing a baby can have very serious consequences.
It can be dangerous for a mom to gain too much during all three trimesters. A woman who weighs a healthy amount should not gain more than 25 to 35 pounds during the 9 month period. A woman who is overweight should not gain more than 15 to 25 pounds. And a woman who is underweight shouldn’t gain more than 28 to 40 pounds.
Myth: Morning Sickness Only Occurs in the Morning
Sadly, as many women find out, morning sickness can happen at any point in the day. If you have ever had morning sickness you can attest to this. It usually happens on an empty stomach, which is why so many people experience it first thing in the morning. Many women experience it for hours and some even all day. It is possible that the morning sickness will subside with a light snack before getting out of bed.
Myth: Women Shouldn’t Exercise While Pregnant
Women should continue exercise throughout pregnancy. Exercising will not harm the baby unless you are doing dangerous movements that could cause you to fall on your belly. It is recommended that pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. Doing this can decrease your risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and cesarean delivery. It can also reduce pain and help you maintain health throughout and after pregnancy.
Myth: It Is Okay to Have a Small Amount of Alcohol While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No amount of alcohol is okay with pregnancy or breastfeeding. You may hear different things about this. Many mothers drank during all three trimesters and their child came out just fine. They swear that drinking a glass a day did absolutely no harm to their baby. But the truth is that drinking during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. It can also be damaging to the developing brain in a baby when breastfeeding.
There are many more myths than we can discuss here. If you are wondering whether or not something you heard is true or not, reach out to your doctor!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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