Pregnancy Myths
They're out there, those strangers and sometimes family who insist on giving you advice now that you are pregnant. Before you take anything they say to heart, you'd better be sure that you know the difference between a pregnancy myth and a pregnancy fact. Here's a short list to help you.
Don't lift anything, you'll hurt the baby!
Seems frightening, even if wasn't true it sure makes you not want to lift anything, just in case. Rest assured that lifting things will not hurt your baby. It may do a number on your back though. When you use your arm to lift you are using your upper back muscles, arm muscles and some stomach muscles to stabilize the object. The heavier the object, the more your center of gravity changes so your posture changes to accommodate that change.
You must be having a boy, you're carrying all out front
The way you "carry" is determined by a number of factors, none of which happen to be the baby's sex. The baby's position, size of your torso, shape before you became pregnant, and amount of fat deposited around your abdomen will all have an effect on the way you carry.
Having sex might hurt the baby
Your baby is protected by seven layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac. Your cervix has lengthened and hardened to prevent anything from getting into the uterus. Additionally, your cervix is producing mucus to keep the vagina clean and infection free. Rolling around, sexual play, even intercourse cannot reach, touch or harm the baby. The only exception to this is a woman whose doctor has told her to abstain because of a complication.
Backaches are an unavoidable part of being pregnant
If you have been suffering with backaches, take heart. A few simple changes in your life may help to alleviate most of the pain. First, pay attention to your posture, don't arch your back by pulling your shoulders back but not your abdomen. Don't wear shoes with any heel height, it will force you to arch your back which puts pressure on the lower back. Try pelvic rocking to give your back a break, and squat throughout the day to stretch the muscles of your back.
Pregnancy is a delicate condition
I will be the first to admit that pregnancy can make you tired, so get plenty of rest, but makes you delicate? No way! Pregnancy changes your hormone ratios, your metabolic rate and your center of gravity, so it may make it a little difficult to find the energy to do some things. Just about anything you did before you were pregnant should be ok to do while you are pregnant. Use common sense and give yourself plenty of rest time.
Lifting your arms above your head will put a knot in the cord.
Any suggestion that makes you question the health and well-being of your baby is probably a myth. It is the "danger" aspect of these myths that keep them going, the "what if its true" just like an urban legend. There is no relationship between arm movement in the mother and the baby twisting and turning.
You better eat up, you're eating for two.
Eating for two should refer to quality of the food you eat, not the quantity. That second person you are eating for only needs about 300 calories a day. That's less calories than the average fast food burger.
If you have heartburn during pregnancy, your baby has hair.
Most women have heartburn at some point in pregnancy, and probably about half of babies are born with a good amount of hair on their head. There is no true correlation but it will be right about half the time, either the baby has hair or it doesn't!
There are safe medications to take when pregnant.
Any medication you take is going to reach the baby, and some medications can do damage to mother or baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics has said that there is not safe medication when you are pregnant. But if you need to take a medication to stay healthy, you can work with your physician and your pharmacist to find the one that has the least amount of side effects. Never take an over-the-counter medication without talking to your doctor or midwife.
Being Pregnant Makes You So Crazy
Your hormone levels change when you are pregnant, which may cause you to react more strongly to things. However, you will still be yourself. Pregnancy is not a psychosis where you suddenly become another person. You will still have your likes and dislikes, fears and concerns. What changes is your ability to "hide" who you are. Your high hormone levels encourage you to show your reactions on the outside too.
You May Also Be Interested In:Check out 40 Weeks the weekly Christian guide to pregnancy published by Birthing Naturally. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Choosing your midwife is one of the most important decisions you will make. Nutrition at Birthing Naturally gives you information to ensure you are eating healthy for two. Find the best way for you to keep a Pregnancy Journal. |
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