Discover 10 myths about pregnancy that you never knew

Once pregnant, women have generally recommended a list of dos and don’ts to everyone. Interestingly, many of these are simply myths about pregnancy.

Here are 10 myths you never knew about and enjoy a happy pregnancy:

Myth 1: Are you really sick? You can have twins

Denied: if you feel sick more than usual, it does NOT indicate the possibility of having twins. Sometimes it can be due to higher levels of the HCG hormone.

Myth 2: Pregnant women shouldn’t eat shellfish.

Disproved – Eating fish in good quantity is very good for pregnant women. Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Having fish with low levels of mercury during pregnancy will produce smarter babies. Studies reveal that mothers who ate at least 12 ounces of shellfish in a week during pregnancy had babies with higher verbal IQs. These babies also showed superior social skills, better motor skills, and communication skills.

Myth 3: The position of the belly determines the sex of the baby:

Denied – The tale of the old women is not true. The sex of the baby has nothing to do with the belly positions. Every woman is different and carries her baby differently. The gender of the baby has nothing to do with it.

Myth 4: You’re grumpier than usual for a reason.

Denied: if you are more moody than usual, it is not because you are pregnant with a girl. This could be due to excess stress or hormones going crazy. Meditate and let your doctor know.

Myth 5: it’s okay to have a drink

Denied – Refraining from alcohol is a personal choice. However, studies claim that drinking during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Therefore, the pregnant woman is advised to completely abstain from alcohol.

Myth 6: Low heartbeat indicates it’s a boy!

Denied – NO! All claims that a baby’s heartbeat less than 140 beats per minute makes him a child are false. The doctor will inform you of the real reason.

Myth 7: You are eating for two!

Disproved: Excessive cravings and trips to the fridge at night aren’t because you need to eat for two. Pregnant women only need an extra 300 calories a day. So make sure you don’t gain more than 25 to 35 pounds.

Myth 8: Heartburn means the baby has MORE hair on the scalp.

Disproved: the growth of a newborn baby’s hair is highly dependent on the genetic makeup of the child, and is in no way related to heartburn suffered by the mother during pregnancy. The increasing weight of the fetus often leads to pushing the digestive tract towards the cardiac sphincter, leading to acid formation. This is the reason for the hyper-acidity and not the baby hair. Suffice it to say that many women with terrible heart burns have given birth to hairless babies, and many women with heartburn have had children with heavy hairs on their heads.

Myth 9: certain types of food affect a baby’s complexion

Denied: this is NOT true. There is no science to back up this unfounded claim. The older, ‘wiser’ women around you will pressure you to drink plenty of coconut water or saffron-soaked milk overnight to have a fair baby. However, only genes play a vital role in determining the baby’s complexion. Some may even warn you not to take iron supplements, as they can darken the baby’s skin. However, food or medicines have no effect on the baby’s complexion.

Myth 10: stress is bad for the fetus

Disproved: The latest research has shown that a moderate level of stress does not harm the baby. In fact, it is really good for the fetus! It will tone the nervous system of function and accelerate its development. Women who have experienced moderate stress during pregnancy have been reported to have 2-week-old babies with their brains working at a faster rate than those whose mothers did not endure any stress. In another study, 2-year-olds born to mothers who suffered moderate stress were found to have higher motor and mental development scores.

Final note – It is very common for future moms to fall victim to these stupid myths. These should not be taken care of. Pregnant women are advised not to give in to the temptation to address pregnancy myths and to consult their physician for proper guidance.