Debunking Myths about Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the best phase in a woman’s life. She attracts all the attention from family, friends and relatives. There is growing concern from everyone for you and your unborn child. And everyone has something to offer in terms of advice and stories about personal experiences. Each one has a different version about the Do’s and Don’ts during pregnancy. However, though many of these might be true, many are just myths. So, let us find out the true and scientific meaning behind each of these “famous statements.”
Pregnant mothers must eat for two.
Since the requirements of the pregnant woman increase, she is supposed to eat a little extra, about 350 kcals more. What the pregnant woman actually needs, is a well-balanced nutritious diet that consists of all the food groups so that, it fulfils the needs of all the nutrients adequately. Pregnancy is not about eating for two but eating a balanced diet to provide the right nutrients in the right amount to the unborn child.
Drinking coffee adversely affects pregnancy.
Research says that consuming excessive amount of caffeine during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, certain birth defects like cleft palate and increases risk of low birth weight. Though pregnant woman can have up to 200mgs caffeine per day, consuming more than 200 mgs can lead to complications. Refer to the list of the food products that contain caffeine:
| Food item (1 serving approx. 200 ml or 50 g) | Caffeine content |
| Coffee | 90 to 120 mg |
| Tea | 43 mg |
| Green tea | 50 mg |
| Chocolate | 25 – 50 mg |
| Soft drinks and Colas | 40 – 80 mg |
Eating papaya causes abortion.
The truth is that unripe or semi-ripe papaya is rich in a substance called latex. Research has shown that this concentrated form of latex can trigger uterine contractions. And therefore, eating unripe or semi-ripe papaya during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. Also, papaya skin and seeds shouldn’t be eaten. But ripe papaya is considered to be safe. Moreover, ripe papaya is a good source of vitamin A, C, E and folic acid. Also, Papaya helps reduce heartburn and constipation. That’s why doctors recommend pregnant women to eat RIPE papaya in moderate quantities during pregnancy.
Due to this controversy of consuming ripe or raw papayas, most women completely avoid papayas during pregnancy. However, if you do not have history of any pregnancy complications, then you may enjoy papaya in SMALL QUANTITIES occasionally without worrying about its effect on your baby. However, consult your obstetrician regarding regular consumption of papaya.
Pregnant women shouldn’t change cat litter.
Yes, this is true. A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii is present in cat faeces. It can lead to an infection called Toxoplasmosis which can be harmful during pregnancy. In fact, contact with kitty litter is not just limited to changing the cat litter box, the virus can be tracked anywhere from cat walks, including its paws. Therefore, all contact with the cat must be limited and the house must be kept extra clean.
Morning sickness means my baby is probably not getting enough nutrition:
Morning sickness is the most common symptom of pregnancy and it is caused due to hormonal changes in the body. The smell, sight or even thought of food makes the woman uneasy and nauseous. Almost every pregnant woman encounters this in the 1st trimester. Continue with your doctor’s advice and be regular with your supplements.
Look out for warning signs like dehydration, weight loss or severe morning sickness.
During pregnancy, the mother always develops a perfect facial glow.
This is partly true. Most mothers do get a glow and shine on their face due to increased blood flow and influx of hormones. But some women may get hyper pigmentation (darkening of skin), greasy hair and fatigue due to various hormonal changes.
Exercising will harm my baby.
Exercising during pregnancy keeps you fit and increases your stamina which helps during the strenuous process of child birth. In fact, women who do not do any form of exercise are often advised by doctors to start doing some activity during pregnancy. Brisk walk is the safest, as also swimming, breathing exercises, yoga and meditation are helpful for relaxation. But any form of exercise or activity should be started only after consulting your doctor and under trained professionals.
Mobiles, microwaves and even Laptops are harmful.
Computers and laptops have the same radiation as your television and radio and therefore are proven safe. But laptops tend to overheat, so avoid placing them on your tummy as the heat may affect your child. So far use of cell phones during pregnancy have not shown any significant health effects but avoid keeping your phones too close to the womb. As for microwaves, you are at risk of getting radiated only if there is a leakage. To be on the safer side maintain a safe distance while they are on. And avoid using it if there is a damage to the door or it does not close properly.
Avoid hair dye or hair colour during pregnancy.
It is best to avoid chemicals like hair colour and dyes during the first trimester as these get absorbed from the scalp and reach the blood stream. During the latter half of pregnancy, however, it may not be that risky. But still, natural and herbal preparations are preferred over chemical ones.
Flying is not really safe for pregnant women.
This is partially true. It is perfectly safe to fly once in a while if your delivery date is more than six weeks away. If your flight is a long one, just move around a bit and stretch your legs. Passing through the security checks at the airport is safe. However, frequent fliers need to be a bit more cautious.
You can’t get pregnant as long as you are regularly breastfeeding your baby.
Tell this to thousands of women who are now with their second child, while the older one is hardly a year of age, or less! Hence, it is always advisable to use some form of contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Breastfeeding is reliable only up to a certain period, about one-and-a-half months after the delivery. However, a woman can get pregnant even without getting the first menstrual cycle post-delivery, that is in lactational amenorrhea. There are many simple methods available for contraception. Choose the right one for yourself
The bottom-line is, eat well and have a healthy lifestyle but intelligently and there will be absolutely no reason to worry. Know the real reasons and science behind the myths and it can all be taken in good humour. Listen to what the elderly aunt next door must say, but don’t necessarily follow it!
