In almost all societies pregnant women are inundated with advice from every other woman. While some of these pregnancy myths can be really good tips and directions based on experience and scientific proof, much of the ‘pearls wisdom’ is just pure ‘nonsense.’ A lot of myths surround a pregnant woman, and most of them are nothing but – myths. There are some very common and innocent myths that create no harm to the mother or child. These are some assumptions which are blurted out as comments or criticisms by the ‘knowledgeable’ aunts or co-workers or even moms and grandmoms. These do not require any action to be taken by the pregnant woman. However, there are some myths that can be dangerous and even fatal for the mother and the baby if strictly followed. Let us check out some of the common myths and the realities behind each one.
When we discuss these myths, some of them are very common and innocent. They are just are some assumptions blurted out as comments or criticisms by the ‘knowledgeable’ aunts or co-workers or sometimes, even moms and grandmoms. They create no harm to the mother or child, and do not require any action to be taken by the pregnant woman. However, there are some myths that can be dangerous and even fatal for the mother or/and the baby, if strictly followed.
Let us check out some of the common Pregnancy Myths and the realities behind each one:
A Boy or a Girl?
Myth – This is probably the most common myth that all women hear at least once during their pregnancy. Why wait for the baby to come out or for scanning to know the baby’s gender, especially when the pregnant woman’s tummy reveals all the secret? If she carries high it is a girl, and if it is low it is a boy.
Reality – Tummies, high or low, show only one thing; that you are pregnant. There is no scientific proof for this myth. A lot of factors can affect the size and shape of a pregnant woman’s belly like her physique, muscle size, position of the baby, fat deposit around the abdomen, etc.
Eat for Two:
Myth – “Now you are not one, but two. You have to eat for two persons.” Every pregnant lady is sure to hear this at least once in her pregnancy.
Reality – Eat wisely. There is no need to eat more than you can take because someone says that your baby will starve if you do not eat more. Eating for two eventually ends up in eating too much; more than what is required leading to heartburns or bloating or nausea or putting on extra pounds (obese mom and overweight baby). Eat the right foods in the right quantities. Eat 5-6 small healthy meals at regular intervals rather than three heavy meals with two portions.
Hair or No Hair:
Myth – If a woman gets heartburns during pregnancy, in all possibility her baby will arrive with a lot of hair.
Reality – If a woman gets heartburns during pregnancy, it only shows that the hormones are doing their bit or she has been on empty stomach for a long time or something she ate is not agreeing with her. It is not a ‘hair-raising’ situation at all.
Like Mother Like Daughter:
Myth – “I had a really easy time carrying and delivering you. It is going to be a breeze for you too.” Mothers are often heard saying this to their pregnant daughters.
Reality – This is not a hereditary thing in the family. Each woman differs biologically, physically, and in lifestyle. It is all these factors and the size and position of the baby that determines whether you will have an easy or difficult pregnancy and delivery.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time to enjoy and cherish. Let not these old wives’ tales misguide you and land you in trouble. Try to find out the truth behind everything you hear and take wise decisions and actions by consulting your doctor.
Wondering what all Pregnancy Advice Women Hear During Their Pregnancy?
Here is a list of Unwanted Advice During Pregnancy
