A myth is a story that is believed to be true but doesn't have any scientific backing.
Most of these myths have been perpetuated for centuries to a point where they are treated as facts.
As a mother in waiting, there's nothing that can upset and irritate you more than a pregnancy myth. For instance, some people think eating eggplant while pregnant will turn your baby purple. This is an outrageous rumor, obviously, and there are endless others that are nowhere close to being true. While they may seem like harmless stories or “old wives’ tales,” they can ruin a woman's experience and create even more discomfort in an already uncomfortable state.
Let's take a look at some of the more common myths and help you separate fact from fiction.
1. Myth: Food Cravings
Fact: This myth will have you believe that ice cream and pickles are a great combination when you're pregnant. It assumes that a pregnant woman’s taste buds will crave funky and often repulsive food combinations. However, your cravings will vary almost every week, with the combinations not always as drastic as popularly suggested. In fact, many women tend to crave healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits.
2. Myth: You Can Eat for Two
Fact: You might seem shocked that you have to watch what you're eating. After all, there’s a whole other person to feed. If you were looking forward to nine months of all your favorite dishes without limits, that's not how it works. Eating for two doesn't give you permission to pack on the extra pounds. Even though you don't have to be on a serious calorie-counting diet, you should still try and eat healthily. Excess weight gain could affect your delivery and create post-pregnancy problems. Consult your doctor to learn more about which foods you should be eating and which foods you should stay away from.
3. Myth: Pregnant Women Can’t Exercise
Fact: Don’t cancel your gym membership! Exercise, which was once seen as dangerous, isn't always so. Most typical exercises are completely safe. Staying physically active will improve your pregnancy health and also increase your chances of a safe delivery. Exercising while pregnant also has no influence on your skin, so if you are worrying about stretch marks, you shouldn't.
4. Myth: Avoid Caffeine
Fact: Many people look at morning coffee as their fuel for the day ahead. This myth is particularly disappointing for pregnant women who start the day with a hot cup of joe. The myth purports that drinking coffee during your pregnancy may lead to miscarriages, underweight babies, and premature births. However, there is no medical data that supports this. As long as your coffee is limited to one cup a day, you and your baby are not in any danger.
5. Myth: Flying is Dangerous
Fact: Almost every pregnant woman has been warned about walking through an airport's x-ray machine. People claim that the radiation that is emitted can be harmful to the unborn baby and could even lead to complications during delivery. While it's true that x-ray machines emit radiation, the amount is so minuscule that it is thought to be harmless. You and your unborn child are safe and free to travel before 36 weeks, unless you’ve experienced previous complications. Make sure to check with your doctor for her recommendations.
How many of these myths did you believe in?
As a mother to be, you are obviously going to make sure you and your baby are completely safe. But, be sure to arm yourself with the right information. Trust only reliable sources, read up as much as possible, and consult your doctor when you have any doubts in order to clarify them as soon as possible.
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