Pregnancy is often a time where a mother may be overwhelmed with information and advice from many different parties. Many women have heard a great deal of pregnancy myths and old wives tales. Sometimes it is hard to tell these myths from the actual facts. Below is a list of the top 4 pregnancy myths that are floating around today, with the scientific answer described after the myth.
1. An ultrasound is the only way to determine the sex of your baby - There are a few different pregnancy myths regarding how to determine the sex of your baby. They range from whether you are carrying high or low, performing a home urine test or what cravings you have. None of these myths though have any substance to them. The only way to determine the sex of your new baby is to have an ultrasound performed by your doctor.
2. Eating for two - Some women use the eating for 2 myth to mean that they can eat as much as 2 adults would. In reality, your not eating for 2 adults. Doctors recommend a mother may only need to increase calories by around 300-400 calories per day to accommodate for the growing baby. This means that some women may only gain a little weight, whilst women that are already slightly overweight may either stay the same weight or actually lose some weight whilst pregnant.
3. No level of alcohol when pregnant is safe - Some myths surround the fact that a little bit of alcohol is ok when pregnant. The reality is no alcohol should be consumed whilst pregnant as it can damage your growing baby in many ways. But don't panic if you have had a big night and find you are pregnant a few weeks later, as the majority of damage occurs from regular binge drinking.
4. Danger of household appliances - An old wives tale has surrounded the danger of televisions, microwaves and computers around a pregnant mother. Science has shown however that the radiation produced from these devices is extremely miniscule and highly unlikely to harm your developing baby.
Now you are more educated and can decipher some of the pregnancy myths from reality. If you have any queries or questions regarding your pregnancy, always visit your doctor for professional advice.
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