Pregnancy Can Be Confusing Sometimes
Pregnancy is a period filled with excitement, anticipation, and often, a lot of misinformation. Many expectant parents may encounter a plethora of myths and misguided advice that can lead to greater concerns and confusion. It is hard to tell what to believe and who to listen to, especially if you have a unique situation. So in this article, we will debunk 5 of the myths about pregnancies that are quite popular to shed more light on the truth.
5 Popular Myths About Pregnancies
1. Myth: You Can’t Exercise While Pregnant
It is easy to assume that you can’t exercise while pregnant. But the truth is that there are many prenatal exercises that are healthy and safe for expecting mothers. They are highly beneficial because they help to alleviate common issues that are usually associated with pregnancy. They also help to promote strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. However, activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma should be avoided. We recommend that you consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy. Also, if you have a fitness instructor then he or she should optimize your fitness plan to fit your pregnancy. Feel free to click here to learn more about prenatal workouts for expecting moms.
2. Myth: You Should Eat for Two
There is a popular but false belief that pregnant women should eat twice as much to support the baby. This causes expecting mothers to eat more than they need to and gain excess weight. This also leads to further issues during the pregnancy for both the baby and the mother. Instead, it is more important to aim for a more balanced diet and ensure that you are gaining the right nutrients. Although nutritional needs may increase during pregnancy, it doesn’t mean you should double your calorie intake. According to ucsfhealth.org you just need an additional 300 calories per day from the time you begin your 2nd trimester.
3. Myth: You Can’t Drink Coffee While Pregnant
A lot of people believe you should not drink coffee when pregnant because caffeine can pass into your breast milk and have negative effects on your baby. Although this is true for large amounts of coffee, it won’t hurt to enjoy a cup of coffee in moderation because smaller quantities of caffeine are considered safe for pregnant women. So moderation is the key. In fact, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends limiting caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, equivalent to about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. You should also limit other sources of caffeine such as chocolate and energy drinks. Click here to learn more about foods to avoid when pregnant.
4. Myth: You Should Ditch The Dye
Although there is limited evidence that the chemicals in hair dye can harm a developing baby, many still believe that you can’t dye your hair during pregnancy. But the truth is that only a very tiny amount of hair dye is absorbed through the skin and the chance of it affecting the fetus is very slim. So it is safe to dye your hair during pregnancy. But if you are still suspicious then you can aim for ammonia-free dyes or highlights instead of full dyes.
The same is also true for breastfeeding mothers. According to the American Pregnancy Organization, Although no data is available on women receiving hair treatments while breastfeeding, it is known that little of the chemicals would actually be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore the chance of them entering the milk and posing a risk to an infant would be unlikely. – APA
5. Myth: You Shouldn’t Travel While Pregnant
Last but not least, we have to debunk the myth that you shouldn’t travel while pregnant. The truth is that there is no evidence that traveling is harmful to you or your baby. But you should be cautious if you have certain health issues or complications. In this scenario, we recommend speaking with a midwife or healthcare provider for advice. We also recommend making sure that your pregnancy is covered by your travel insurance.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the facts about pregnancy, you can navigate this complicated period of your life with confidence and certainty. At Breastfeeding Perspectives, we always recommend that you consult with a lactation specialist or healthcare provider for more personalized answers to any questions that may have not been covered in this blog post. So which of these myths are you familiar with? Also, which other myths were not mentioned in this post? Feel free to comment below and let us know. We hope you found this blog post insightful. Please remember to share it with a friend. You may also be interested in a previous post on High Lipase Breastmilk: Is it Safe?
Sources
www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-drink-while-pregnant
www.americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hair-treatments-during-pregnancy/
