Pregnancy is a life-altering experience. From conception to childbirth, a pregnant woman’s body goes through an array of chemical and physical changes. With these changes come assumptions about the experiences that come along with pregnancy, some of which are far-fetched. Today, we will be debunking the most popular pregnancy myths one at a time.
1. Pregnant women can have a glass of wine
Doctors recommend that pregnant women stay away from alcohol in general. There is no specific time during the pregnancy or any type or amount of alcoholic drink that will be safe for the developing foetus. If you’re pregnant, don’t drink.
2. If someone passes across a pregnant woman’s legs, the baby will look like them
Now, this is one ridiculous pregnancy myth that has no basis in reality. The appearance of the foetus is dictated solely by genetics. If a baby comes out looking like a random person who crossed the mother’s legs while she was pregnant, then the person might not be so random after all.
3. Pregnant women shouldn’t take flights
Taking a flight while pregnant is not harmful. It is the situations surrounding flights that pregnant women need to be wary of. The air is dryer and they will be sitting for a prolonged period of time. This increases the risk of getting a blood clot. If pregnant women keep active, stay hydrated, and wear compressive hose, there is no risk.
4. If a pregnant woman walks in the afternoon sun without putting a pin in her clothes, her baby will be possessed
While we are sure that there is an interesting story behind this myth, there is no way to confirm it. We are pretty sure that if that was all it took to be possessed, a lot more people would be possessed.
5. S*x during pregnancy hurts the baby
During pregnancy, the foetus is protected by a pool of umbilical fluid and wrapped in the uterus, which is a thick muscular sac. It takes more than a p*nis to break through all of that and hurt the baby. The p*nis doesn’t even get anywhere near the baby during s*x.
6. Pregnant women need to eat twice as much
Just because you’re eating for two doesn’t mean you should be eating twice as much. According to Dr Laura Riley, pregnant women only need to eat 200 extra calories a day to provide nutrients for their babies. This is also in relation to the weight of the woman as at the time she got pregnant.
7. Pregnant women should sleep on their left side
In reality, pregnant women should sleep however they are comfortable. However, as the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters, it will become increasingly difficult for pregnant women to sleep on their backs due to the weight of the baby.
8. Your hair and skin look better when you’re pregnant
It’s hard to imagine that the pregnancy glow is actually a myth! Although hair looks better, the glowing skin only applies to some women and is, for the most part, a myth. In reality, the progesterone released to support the pregnancy may result in really bad acne.
9. Exercising and eating spicy food will induce labour
If this was true, women who love spicy stews would have the most seamless pregnancy. The truth is that no matter what you eat or the gymnastics you do, the baby will come out when it is time for it to come out. Exercise can help you relax and be more flexible. But ultimately, if it’s not time, it’s not time.
10. ‘Natural’ childbirth is better
There is nothing noble about forgoing an epidural or pushing a child out of your v*ginal canal. Whether it is painless or painful, through the birth canal or through a Caesarian section, childbirth is childbirth. Nothing you do or don’t do will make you any less of a mother.
You shouldn’t have to bother your pregnant self with terrifying or simply untrue myths and rumours. Have a happy myth-free pregnancy!
What are the most outrageous pregnancy myths you have heard? Comment below.
