7 Pregnancy Myths

Pregnancy is a big challenge and expecting mothers are willing to do all they can to deliver a healthy baby. The question is how to decide what's best during pregnancy. Pregnancy term is not always easy as you keep receiving advices from relatives, peers and other such sources.

[Read: Pregnancy Facts - Before and After Conception]

Here are the seven common old wives' tales about pregnancy.
 
Myth 1: A pregnant woman should eat for two.

Fact: The condition demands additional caloric consumption by 300 extra calories. So, you should be eating for about one and a fifth during pregnancy. If you continue eating for two, you will end up with a big baby.

Myth 2: During pregnancy, one craves pickles and ice-cream.

Fact: You might crave for pickles and ice-cream but you could have totally unexpected yearnings, too. In one pregnancy, you may crave for fruits and salads while in the other you may crave for starchy foods. Cravings tend to vary even week to week or day to day.

Myth 3: You can’t fly during your first or last trimester.

Fact: You can fly whenever you want. Some airlines do not allow women in their last trimester on the plane because many women have fears that they’ll go into labour.

Myth 4: Pregnant women should sleep on their left side.

Fact: If a woman sleeps on their left side all the time, it is going to be hard on the old left hip. There is no specific side that a pregnant woman should sleep to.

Myth 5: The baby’s position in the womb can tell you it’s sex.

Fact: Positioning of baby in the womb is no clue to whether your baby’s a boy or girl. Moreover, you can’t tell from the outside that it will be a boy or a girl. Every time you try to determine sex of the baby from outside, you’ve 50 percent chance of getting it right.

[Read: Facts on Sex during Pregnancy]

Myth 6: Walking makes labour go faster.

Fact: Walking or engagement in physical activities such as prenatal yoga or pregnancy exercises can only make you feel better but there is no such thing that you can do to make labour go fast.

Myth 7: A pregnant woman should avoid hair dye.

Fact: There is no need to be scared of hair dye, permanents, and relaxers as minimal amount of chemicals get absorbed through the skin. Scientific researchers have turned down any foetal risk from hair dyes and cosmetic hair products. However, pregnant mothers should avoid dyes with ammonia, having strong fumes.

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