10 Myths About Pregnancy and What Specialists Have to Say About Them

Pregnancy is a very important and exciting period in a woman’s life. It is no wonder that such a unique event is surrounded by a huge number of different prejudices and stereotypes.

We at Bright Side love reading about babies and scientific explanations regarding the superstitions that parents-to-be usually have. And now we are ready to debunk 10 popular myths about pregnancy that have been passed down from generation to generation.

10. Pregnant women should eat for 2.

Nutritionists from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics claim that if a woman has a healthy weight, she does not need to consume any extra calories during the first trimester. Specialists recommend adding an additional 340 calories a day during the second trimester and about 450 calories a day during the third. These extra calories should come from dairy, nuts, or lean protein.

That is why future moms should focus on eating healthy instead of just eating more.

9. Pregnancy gives women “baby brain.”

Changes in hormone levels usually make women more emotional and sensitive, but during pregnancy, many women discover new talents and pick up new skills. For example, some of them paint amazing pictures like Luo Qianxi, write children’s books, or even start their own businesses.

Many actresses successfully continue to work on films while they are pregnant and amaze us with impressive results.

And at the same time, the phenomenon of “baby brain” really does exist. The woman’s brain tries to undergo a social adaptation and attempts to form an attachment between the child and the future mother. Therefore, it’s harder for some women to do several things at the same time and they can become more forgetful and absent-minded.

8. The ultrasound examination hurts the baby.

Most doctors recommend that women whose babies are experiencing normal fetal development should undergo an ultrasound scan 3 times during their pregnancy, one for each trimester. A check-up should only be done more often if there’s a possible threat to the health of the mother or the baby.

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves and unlike X-ray imaging, there’s no ionizing radiation exposure. Thanks to ultrasound scans, doctors can exclude the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, determine possible pathologies of the fetus, and help both the woman and the child over time.

7. A woman should give birth to her first child before she’s 30 years old.

If a 30±year-old woman takes good care of herself, eats healthy food, gets enough exercise, and regularly undergoes preventive medical check-ups, the risk of complications during pregnancy is not higher than in comparison with a 20-year-old expectant mother. The pathologies of the fetus and problems during the pregnancy are mostly related to the state of the body and not to the biological age of the mother. Modern methods of diagnosis can show deviations in development at the earliest possible stage, so women can plan a pregnancy when they are really ready for it, both physically and psychologically.

Around 17% of mothers in the United States, however, became mothers when they were over 35.

6. All women crave salty foods during pregnancy.

The body of a pregnant woman may try to hint that it needs certain missing nutrients and minerals in a very strange way. For example, through the desire to eat a piece of chalk or a handful of ash. Another reason for the bizarre gastronomic predilections lies in the hormonal changes, and sometimes it is just a desire to treat yourself.

Pregnant women may crave not only salty, but also sweet or sour food, as well. But chocolate is still the number one product on the list of the most desired food.

5. Going to the gym, on a hike, or to the swimming pool? Nope, only peace and quiet for the next 9 months.

If a woman does not experience any health problems during pregnancy, regular physical exercise is essential for a future mother. Sport not only helps to stay in good shape but is also beneficial for the development of the fetus and can facilitate the process of childbirth. Nature makes sure to take care of everything and this is why the muscles and tendons of a woman become more elastic and stronger during pregnancy.

Keep in mind that you should always consult a doctor and an experienced fitness instructor regarding the intensity of your workouts.

4. Pregnant women should not dye their hair or paint their nails.

The secret to looking fabulous during pregnancy is to pay more attention to the composition of cosmetic products. Pregnant women should avoid components like toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate, and wait until the baby is born before they start using them in their beauty routines again.

High-quality modern cosmetic products usually don’t contain dangerous elements so they should be fine to be used during pregnancy. Just remember to read the ingredients.

3. Stress is extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman.

Constant and severe stress is not beneficial for anyone. But we all sometimes find ourselves in stressful situations and this is completely normal. And your attitude toward stress is what really makes a difference.

Constant anxiety and worrying about the baby suffering if you’re stressed out is much worse than a brief emotional outburst. Don’t let a little trouble spoil your mood.

2. Cream for stretch marks is a must.

Stretch mark creams are often considered some kind of a magical tool and an effective way to solve all skin issues related to pregnancy. But it’s worth mentioning that the composition may be dangerous to pregnant women. Also, the use of such a product can make your skin more elastic and smooth, but it can’t remove all of your stretch marks.

You shouldn’t underestimate the genetic factor or your type of skin. Talk to your mom, aunt, or grandmother and find out about their skin condition after pregnancy. Most likely, the same thing awaits you.

1. Water consumption should be reduced during the third trimester.

Scientists have developed an extremely simple test to check and see if you drink enough: just pay attention to your urine. If it’s pale or colorless, and you need to pee many times a day, you’re getting the necessary amount of water.

Do you know any more myths about pregnancy? Share with us in the comments!