Pregnancy is the most crucial period for a woman. Also, it is a considerable span of time. During this period, the thoughts that arose may give rise to various myths. Following are some of the common pregnancy myths.
Most Common Pregnancy Myths
The most common classic myth is that if the pregnant woman is carrying low, the baby will be a boy, while it will be a girl if she is carrying high. There is no scientific evidence for this. If you carrying low, it means that you are closer to delivery. Factors like her posture, position of fetus, structure, her muscle size and the amount of fat deposited around abdomen play a vital role in shape and size of the belly.
- Another common myth is that most women go into labor during full moon phase. This is not true.
- Spicy foods induce labor. Also, there is no scientific logic behind this.
- Most people say that stretch marks are the natural resultant of the pregnancy. It is a fact that some women do not get them at all.
- If a pregnant woman craves for sweet foods, then it is a baby girl. Craving salty foods would indicate a baby boy.
- A pregnant woman craves for many things during pregnancy and there will be no particular cravings, but none of these cravings determines sex of the baby.
- Another classic myth is that swelling of nose. If the nose of a pregnant woman swells, then she is going to have a girl. The appearance of the mother and the gender of the baby are not at all related. Nose swelling can be due to the increase in estrogen level that increases blood flow to mucus membrane resulting in expansion of nose.
- Another popular myth is holding the wedding ring over the pregnant belly for detecting the gender of the baby. If the string moves to and fro, it is a boy, while a baby girl if it moves in circular motion. Again it’s not true.
- If you do not have morning sickness, then a boy is in your way. Nearly 50% of pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness. It is a myth that women carrying a boy are protected from testosterone hormone by male fetus. According to doctors, relaxin is a hormone which is responsible for nausea in women.
- Another myth is the heartbeat of the baby. If the heartbeat of the baby is slow, then it is a boy. A girl child is on your way if the heartbeat is faster. Usually the heartbeat of the fetal is between 110 – 160 beats per minutes (BPM). Some people think if the heartbeat is above 140, then it’s a girl and if it’s slow, a baby boy. But there are no evidences to prove this. Anyways the heartbeat of the baby varies from one prenatal visit to next based on fetus’s age.
- Most people believe that having sex during pregnancy can hurt the baby. The baby is protected by seven skin layers from abdominal wall to amniotic sac. In a pregnant woman, the cervix has hardened and lengthened from anything entering the uterus. In addition, cervix produces mucus for keeping the vagina clean and free from infection. Intercourse can’t touch, reach or harm baby. If there is a complication in pregnancy, the doctor may advise not to have intercourse.
- Heartburn is one of the most common discomforts during pregnancy. People believe that heartburn during pregnancy means the baby will be born with thick hair all over the body. Women with this have given birth to bald children also.
- Backaches are common during pregnancy. Some simple changes can prevent backache. Firstly pay attention to the posture. Do not arch the shoulder back by pulling the shoulders back but not the abdomen. Wear flat heel shoes because they do not put pressure on lower back.
- Most people think that pregnancy and delivery is hereditary. But it is not. The position and size of the baby, lifestyle, attitude and diet play a vital role in determining the difficulty or ease of the pregnancy and delivery.
- Sleeping on the back may hurt the baby. If you lie for a short period, you won’t hurt the baby. If you sleep on your side, both of you will feel better. Doctors suggest sleeping on left side because it increases blood flow to placenta and uterus.
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