There have always been old wives tales about pregnancy and most likely you have heard a few.
Carrying your baby high means you’re having a girl. Carrying low, obviously it must be a boy. Let’s not forget having heartburn, which means your baby will have lots of hair.
These silly predictions are all in good fun, but there are some more serious pregnancy myths. Let’s talk about 7 pregnancy myths, debunked.
Myth: It’s Ok To Have An Occasional Glass Of Wine While Pregnant
No, no, and no. You should never be drinking any type of alcohol when you are pregnant. Alcohol is the leading cause of birth defects.
Drinking alcohol can affect birth weight, development, and cause neurological problems. It is even a good idea to stop drinking if you are thinking about getting pregnant.
Myth: If Your Baby is Born After The Designated Day, It is Dangerous
Who knows where this one came from, but it is entirely false.
Here are the actual facts:
- Less than 4% or pregnant mothers give birth on their exact due date.
- The most common reason for post term delivery is improper dating from the beginning of your pregnancy.
- Normal pregnancy lasts from 37 to 42 weeks.
- First time mothers are more at risk for having a post term delivery, and there are some complications that can occur.
- If you haven’t given birth by week 41, your gynecologist may choose alternatives to induce.
Myth: Stop Drinking Coffee
While you shouldn’t overindulge on your morning joe, it is safe to have below 200 mg of caffeine every day. Stick to one 8 oz cup of coffee which has about 100 to 150 mg of caffeine.
Be sure to also think about your soft drinks and other things which have caffeine to keep your intake under the prescribed amount.
Myth: If You Had A C-Section Before, You Will Need Another With This Baby
Not true!
You can have a vaginal delivery after having a C-Section. Discuss this with your OBGYN and learn about the pros and cons.
Myth: Take It Easy, And Don’t Exercise
The opposite is true. It is healthy and expected for you to get exercise during your pregnancy, and it is actually encouraged in most cases. Exercise can decrease your risk of needing a C-Section, it can help lower your blood sugar if you have gestational diabetes, and it helps reduce back pain and constipation.
Just remember to start slowly. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, dance classes, yoga, Pilates, indoor cycling are all approved types of exercise. 150 minutes per week is recommended by the American Heart Association.
Myth: Eat Up, You’re Eating For Two
Eating for two is bad advice, as you can incur complications if you gain too much weight. Normal weight gain is 25 – 35 pounds, and if you are overweight or obese, your goal should be less. Talk with your OBGYN about your optimal weight gain.
Myth: Stop Breastfeeding A Toddler
You may have heard that breastfeeding your toddler will undernourish your growing baby, but this is not true. You can still breastfeed a toddler if you are healthy, and it won’t harm the fetus, your toddler, or you. Exceptions can be if you are underweight or at risk for preterm labor.
Always trust your OBGYN at Triangle Premier Women’s Health to answer all your questions as you go through this special time in your life and help you to separate the myths from the facts. For more information please contact our office at (919) 934-3015 and schedule an appointment today!