With good news coming your way there are a lot of good wives tales that tag along with it. Taking this new responsibility is very quite fretting leaving you with reading tons of books, magazines, blogs and gaining wisdom from your relatives.
But how much of that wisdom is exactly true?
In India, we all believe in the word of mouth! But with the ever-changing society and especially when the field of medicine is witnessing so many new researches; it’s time to change the conventional misunderstanding.
Here are some of the common myths that all would-be mothers should clear out.
The Eating for Two Theories
You must have heard, now that you are you need to increase your diet because you’ll be eating for two. It holds true but we should also keep in mind that you are not carrying a full-grown human inside you. So it’s important to increase your diet accordingly.
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a pregnant woman should only increase 300 calories in her diet; which comprises a glass of milk.
A woman should normally gain 11-13 Kgs of weight. Gaining more than 22 Kgs might lead to the ching being obese and lessees the chances of natural birth.
Ban the Caffeine Intake
A piece of total good news for the coffee person in you! Many say that consuming coffee might cause miscarriages, preterm births or low birth weight. In reality, caffeine has no connection with this. A cup of coffee i.e. 200 mg once a day wouldn’t hurt. But make sure you do not exceed the limit, which can usher health problems.
Stop Exercising!
Not exercising is one of the most bizarre myths ever. Exercising will help you and your baby stay fresh and healthy.
Pregnancy equals weird cravings!
Hormonal changes give rise to cravings. Another reason can be fluctuating blood sugar levels. It has nothing to do with you being pregnant. If you have really intense cravings of ono-edible items like clay, detergents, paper, etc then you must see your doctor.
Pregnancy Brings 24*7 Happiness
It is believed that a pregnant woman is always cheerful, glowing, and happy. On the flip side with all the overwhelming emotions and a new experience you can tend to be worried and exhausted, and moody. Just remember you are not the only one feeling it and talk to your loved ones.
Do Not Go High! Flights Can Raise Complications
It is totally fine to travel or take a flight until your 36th week unless you are at low risk. Remember to carry a letter from your doctor with the same regard and then you are good to go. Some tips while travelling would stay hydrated, wear loose clothes, move every 2-3 hours and stretch often.
Skip Flu Vaccines
Many of to the to be moms fear that the vaccines would alter their health and lead to flu or even worse harm the fetus. But vaccines are actually helpful as it will prevent you from falling sick plus your immune system is already going through alterations, therefore, precaution is always the right option.
Stay Away From Experimenting With Hair Colour
Many of us fear that the chemicals in hair dyes are absorbed through the skin and it is harmful to the fetus. First of all, the amount of chemicals is really less. Although, nausea is common during pregnancy, so try to be at the ventilated place and go on experimenting with your colour.
Run Away From Cats
There’s a fear of getting toxoplasmosis but can only cause if you clean the cat’s faeces. Take the help you clean your pet’s litter by someone else and keep stay in a hygienic environment so that you won’t have to get rid of your pet.
Stop Having Sex
Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac, strong uterine muscles and the cervix is sealed by a thick mucus plug. If you have low-risk pregnancy you can do it just be ready to experience some contractions due to the orgasm. Be aware of sexually transmitted diseases.
Instead of reading different blogs, magazines or talking older people you should always prefer consulting an expert. A doctor can always help you with the misconceptions.
With almost 20 years of experience, she has been guiding young to be moms with their journeys and helping them to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Dr Vaishali Chavan is one of the best gynecologists in Pune and has delivered more than 5000 babies. She is a famous Obstetrician, Laparoscopic Surgeon carrying out around 10000 operations and maintaining a satisfied family of 25000 clients.
She holds her expertise in treating and managing conditions requiring laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, gynecological needs ranging from antenatal care, post-natal care, high-risk pregnancy, painless delivery, infertility treatment, family planning counseling, cervical cancer vaccination, adolescent counseling, menstrual disorders, PCOS and many more.