Pregnancy myths you should stop believing in!

As there are many pregnancy stories we hear from our mothers, doctors, friends and occasional passengers on the street, it is time to debunk the usual pregnancy myths based small talk and old tales and focus on research.

Myth number 1: Pregnant women should not exercise

As tempting as it can be to be in complete hibernate state, moving throughout pregnancy is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself and your child. Those of you that were physically active before pregnancy can easily continue (with small exceptions) the same program. Those that were not physically active can start slowly to exercise or take pregnancy yoga, Pilates classes for pregnant women. The physical movement helps you with weight management, building up your posture and muscle tonus as well as helping the oxygen flow to your baby much easier.

Myth number 2: Eating for two

This is an oldie but a goodie and easy to fall into this trap. Yes you are eating for two, but not for two adults. You are eating for one adult and another human being that needs 200-300 calories more per day in the third trimester, that is it. It is more important to keep in mind the type of food you are eating. Babies are smart and they take away from us only nutritious elements from the food we give them. If you eat unhealthy, this goes to your body only. Babies are taking only good protein, carbs, fats, minerals and vitamins.

Myth number 3: Pregnant women should not eat sushi

Pregnant or not, eating any raw fish has its risks. Sushi made with cooked fish or vegetables is always safe to eat. But there are some types of fish to avoid completely, like swordfish, mackerel, shark and some tuna, as they contain high levels of mercury.Fish is actually very important in a pregnant woman’s diet because it contains good omega 3’s. Keep eating fish, but avoid the types listed above.

Myth number 4: Don’t drink coffee

As of today there is no evidence that proves that drinking coffee has an impact on higher miscarriage rate, premature births, or low birth weight. The recommended amount of coffee allowed during pregnancy is under 200 milligrams.

Myth number 5: You will have strange cravings

Pickles? Ice cream? Strawberries in December? Yes you might have cravings but you also may not. It is a complete myth that once you get pregnancy all your taste, smell buds change over night. Some women don’t have cravings, some crave a specific food throughout the whole 9 months ( i was addicted to cherry tomatoes from the first month up until i gave birth both times) and some have strange cravings or better yet combination of cravings which includes eating salty and sweet things at the same time. Cravings are partially due to hormonal changes affecting more or less your taste and smell buds or changes in your blood sugar (lows and highs) that can provoke the need to eat only sugary things. As with any situation, try to see what is it that you are craving and talk to your doctor if you think you are eating too much of unhealthy foods. It is important to discuss this because during these 9 months there is no possibility for you to be on a diet, there is no going back, you are moving forward and the best way to control your unhealthy cravings is to try to make substitutes for healthier options. The idea idea here is to think in terms of health: unhealthy foods give you comfort and pleasure but nothing to the baby. Unhealthy foods impact your blood composition, sugar levels that can affect your health and the babies at the end of the day. If you are worried about your weight (which is a minor thing as you will lose it ) again these type of food have impact obviously but most importantly gaining too much weight can cause gestational diabetes and premature labor. As much as you can, try to opt for healthy foods and be mindful about the quantities you are consuming.

Myth number 6: Once you have a C-section you’ll always have C-sect

False! Women who have had a cesarean delivery may still be able to have vaginal delivery for future pregnancies. Of course not all women who have had C-sections can safely give birth vaginally, but for many women it is still an option.

Myth number 7: Spicy food can cause premature labor

If this would be the case, a lot of countries around the world would fear constant premature labor! There is no evidence that proves that eating spicy food can put you into labor but spicy food can increase your body’s temperature and give you a heart burn which can cause you additional discomfort. If you can handle spicy food go ahead but there is a chance of getting gag reflex so you might want to avoid this.

Myth number 8: “Morning” sickness only happens in the morning.

Myth number 9: Sex can hurt the baby!

Nope!There are some exceptions, which your doctor will warn you about. If you have an incompetent (or weakened) cervix, unexplained bleeding, or suffer from a condition called placenta previa, your will be advised not to have sex. In any other scenario, the baby is fully protected and there is no worry of hurting the baby. However, be aware of STD’s and keep in mind that those through mother’s blood can affect the baby.

Myth number 10: Labor starts when the water breaks!

If life would be a movies, then yes and preferable in some inconvenient place! This happens only in 13% of the cases. Normally contractions start and then the water breaks for the majority of the women. Along with contractions, release of blood and mucus plug are signs you are going into labor