As soon as a woman finds out she’s going to be a mother, her whole life changes in a second. The thrill of thinking about bringing a baby into the world is mixed with fears, doubts, and uncertainty. And the easy internet access we all have leads pregnant women to try to answer all the questions by themselves without knowing most of the information could be wrong. To avoid confusion, here’s a clarification on some myths and facts about pregnancy.
An Unsatisfied Food Caving Can Leave “stains” on the Baby
MYTH. It’s not necessary for any husband to go across the city at midnight to get those “churros” his pregnant wife is wanting so bad. But, the belief that unsatisfied cravings will result in the baby having spotted skin is utterly ridiculous. On second thought, dads-to-be, those churros sound kind of good.
Sex Can Be Practiced Throughout Pregnancy
TRUE. Sometimes the idea of having sexual intercourse with your partner creates some insecurity, fearing that the future baby could be in danger. The truth is that, unless your doctor advises you otherwise, sex during these months will allow your pelvic organs to be better irrigated and allow you to reach orgasm more easily, in addition to increasing the amount of oxygen destined for the placenta. Sex during pregnancy actually prepares the body for a healthy vaginal delivery because its muscles are exercised during sexual intercourse, thereby improving muscle tone for birth.
You Can’t Sunbathe While Pregnant
MYTH. Of course, you can sunbathe. However, pregnant or not, be smart about soaking up the sun’s rays. Use a good sunscreen and avoid the sunniest hours in the summer, because you could be under the risk of getting stained due to hormonal increase.
Caffeine Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy
TRUE. During pregnancy, women are advised to substitute herbs for caffeine, such as chamomile or mint.
Heartburn is Related to the Baby’s Hair
MYTH. During pregnancy, hormones help the digestive system muscles relax. That’s why stomach acids rise more easily through the esophagus, particularly if you’re lying down. Heartburn is worse during the second and third trimesters when the uterus begins to press on the stomach and pushes food into the esophagus.
You Have to Eat for Two During Pregnancy
MYTH. Ideally, women should only gain 25 – 35 pounds during pregnancy, which is why it’s recommended to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout your pregnancy.
It’s Forbidden to Dye Your Hair During Pregnancy
MYTH. Long ago, it was recommended for a pregnant woman to not dye their hair because chemicals had ammonia in them, and it was thought that the ammonia would be absorbed through the skin. That doesn’t happen now.
You Can’t Play Sports
MYTH. As long as you’re having a healthy pregnancy and the baby isn’t at risk, and if you were already used to playing sports before becoming pregnant, you can continue your routine.
At 10 Weeks I Can Know the Gender of the Baby Through a Test
TRUE. There are already tests that not only reveal the sex of the baby, but there are also completely non-invasive prenatal tests currently available for women who want to rule things out like chromosomal abnormality in the fetus, without putting the pregnancy at risk.