7 Myths About Pregnancy You Should Know About

Information is out of date

Smoking was not frowned upon when pregnant in the 1950s, which is unimaginable in modern-day America. Throughout history, women have been provided advice on what to do and not do when they get pregnant and share drtuisms that they were told by well-meaning friends and family members. Pregnant women are warned from raising their hands above their heads since doing so could result in the umbilical cord wrapping around the baby's neck. That is untrue. As are other non-scientific statements that you can discover below.

1. There are several ways to identify a male or a female

You may have heard that you can determine if you are expecting a boy or a girl by the location of the baby in your tummy, holding a wedding ring over your abdomen and observing which way it turns, or how active the baby is, but none of these techniques actually work. After ten weeks, a blood test called the Non-invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is available that can determine the gender of the unborn child. In many instances, a pelvic ultrasound scan can also reveal the gender of your unborn child. Although it isn't completely accurate, you can ask the ultrasound technician to describe their observations.

2. Caffeine is not permitted during pregnancy

In the past, pregnant women were advised to avoid caffeine, but current research indicates that, with a few safeguards, moderate quantities are safe. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other specialists, pregnant women can safely consume up to 200 milligrams of caffeine daily, or about one 12-ounce cup of coffee, without experiencing any negative effects.

Remember that since caffeine can pass through the placenta barrier, exceeding your daily limit of 200ml of caffeine can raise your chance of miscarriage. Be especially careful with chocolates and drinks as they often contain caffeine.

3. First-trimester bleeding is always indicative of a miscarriage

Although any bleeding at any point in the pregnancy can be frightful and terrifying, it is not always indicative of a miscarriage. In reality, 20% to 40% of women experience vaginal bleeding throughout the first trimester. If you have any bleeding while pregnant, it's still crucial to consult your OB-GYN to figure out what's happening.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, having sex won't harm you or your unborn child. However, it is risky for the mother. Some positions could be more pleasant for you and your partner than others. Spend some time getting used to your shifting body and try different things to determine what feels most comfortable.

4. The hair

If a woman gets her hair cut when she is expecting, the baby can have eyesight issues. The idea of a natural process underlying the cause and effect suggested by this superstition is difficult to imagine. The question of whether or not pregnant women should color their hair is more debatable. Although specialists advise against using hair dyes during the first trimester, there is no conclusive evidence linking their usage to human birth abnormalities.

5. The plane trips

You and your baby won't suffer any harm from flying. However, before making any reservations, you should discuss any health concerns, problems, or challenges with your midwife or doctor.

The airline may require a letter from your midwife or doctor after week 28 of pregnancy confirming your due date and stating that you are not in danger of difficulties. Before making any reservations, check the airline's website for their policy. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring your medical records with you and confirm that your travel insurance covers you while pregnant.

6. Cats are not allowed

Due to rumors that cats can spread infections, many pregnant women make an effort to avoid contact with cats. Toxoplasmosis, a potentially dangerous disease, can be found in cat feces. Therefore, a pregnant lady should either use gloves when changing the litter or delegate the task to someone else. As long as they take this precaution, women do not need to avoid cats when they are expecting.

7. Hot tubs should be avoided while expecting.

This one has some validity. Avoid using a bath or hot tub if the temperature is over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Several studies indicate a higher incidence of neural tube abnormalities in offspring whose mothers bathed in water that was over 101 degrees. You can keep taking warm baths or enjoying soaking as long as the temperature is cool enough and you remember to stay hydrated.