Pregnancy Old Wives’ Tales: Fact or Fiction?
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and also a lot of uncertainty. With so many changes happening to your body and your life, it’s natural to seek out information and advice from any source you can find. However, not all advice is created equal. Some of the most common pregnancy old wives’ tales have been passed down for generations, but are they actually true?
1. Eating for two
Myth: You need to eat twice as much food when you’re pregnant.
Fact: While it’s true that you need to increase your calorie intake slightly during pregnancy, you don’t need to double it. In fact, eating too much can lead to weight gain, which can increase your risk of pregnancy complications. The recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds for women with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight.
2. Heartburn means your baby will have a lot of hair
Myth: If you have heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will be born with a lot of hair.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Heartburn is a common pregnancy symptom that is caused by the increased levels of progesterone in your body. Progesterone relaxes the muscles in your stomach, which can allow stomach acid to back up into your esophagus.
3. Carrying high means you’re having a boy
Myth: If you’re carrying your baby high, you’re having a boy. If you’re carrying low, you’re having a girl.
Fact: The position of your baby in your uterus has nothing to do with the sex of your baby. The shape of your uterus and the amount of amniotic fluid you have can affect how you carry your baby.
4. Morning sickness means you’re having a girl
Myth: If you have morning sickness, you’re having a girl. If you don’t have morning sickness, you’re having a boy.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom that is caused by the increased levels of hormones in your body. Some women experience morning sickness more severely than others, and it can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.
5. Craving sweets means you’re having a girl
Myth: If you’re craving sweets during pregnancy, you’re having a girl. If you’re craving salty foods, you’re having a boy.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Cravings during pregnancy are common, and they can vary from woman to woman. Some women crave sweets, while others crave salty foods. There is no way to predict the sex of your baby based on your cravings.
6. Your baby’s heartbeat can tell you the sex
Myth: If your baby’s heartbeat is over 140 beats per minute, you’re having a girl. If it’s under 140 beats per minute, you’re having a boy.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The speed of your baby’s heartbeat can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of day, your activity level, and your baby’s position in your uterus.
7. You shouldn’t get a haircut during pregnancy
Myth: Getting a haircut during pregnancy will cause your baby to be born with a weak immune system.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Getting a haircut during pregnancy is perfectly safe. In fact, some women find that getting a haircut helps them to feel more comfortable and confident during pregnancy.
8. You shouldn’t exercise during pregnancy
Myth: Exercising during pregnancy is dangerous and can harm your baby.
Fact: Exercise is actually beneficial for both you and your baby during pregnancy. Regular exercise can help to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It can also help to strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance. Talk to your doctor about which exercises are safe for you during pregnancy.
9. You shouldn’t have sex during pregnancy
Myth: Having sex during pregnancy can harm your baby.
Fact: Having sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe for both you and your baby. In fact, some women find that sex is more enjoyable during pregnancy. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about having sex during pregnancy.
10. You shouldn’t eat sushi during pregnancy
Myth: Eating sushi during pregnancy can cause your baby to be born with a parasitic infection.
Fact: Eating sushi during pregnancy is safe, as long as the sushi is made with fresh, high-quality fish. However, it’s important to avoid eating raw or undercooked fish, as this can increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Pregnancy old wives’ tales are often harmless, but they can also be misleading. It’s important to remember that there is no scientific evidence to support most of these claims. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, talk to your doctor.