During your pregnancy, you’ll hear a lot of things from different people. Whether you’re a first-time mom or this isn’t your 1st rodeo, the advice you get from other people should always be fact-checked. Don’t blame them for the unsolicited advice; just make sure you’re doing the best thing for yourself and your baby. Let’s get into the most common advice you’ll get and determine whether they are myths or facts.
Common Pregnancy Advice: Myth or Fact?
Morning sickness only happens in the morning.
- Though morning is in the name of the symptom, it is a little misleading. For some, morning sickness does only happen in the morning. But for many, the feeling of nausea and vomiting happens at any time of the day. There is no way to really prevent it, but you can avoid triggers like strong smells, extreme tiredness, and spicy & sugary foods. If you find yourself with uncontrollable morning sickness, learn about the morning sickness study that is currently enrolling.
No cold-cut meat while you’re pregnant
- One of the most popular things that come with pregnancy is cravings. If you happen to be craving cold-cut meat by itself or in the form of a sandwich, you can definitely have it. It’s always important to ensure that the meat you are eating is clean and that it’s slightly heated before you have it. You do want to be careful because Listeria, a bacteria found in contaminated food, can cause complications. Just make sure you know where the meat is from and that it’s not old.
You’re eating for two. Eat as much as you want.
- This is a FACT. You want to ensure you are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients to support you and the baby. Additionally, make sure that you’re eating healthy, and your doctor will help monitor your weight gain throughout your pregnancy to ensure you’re on track. Eating for two should not be an open invitation to eat unhealthy or large quantities of food. Several women develop Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy.
Avoid hot tubs and steam rooms.
- This advice is actually a FACT. It is advised not to raise your body temperature; this is safer for you and the baby. We know that you may be feeling aches and pains, so it’s better to find an alternative, like taking a warm bath or getting an appropriate massage.
The way your belly is shaped revels the gender of the baby
- Everyone is always anxious to know the gender of the baby. If you decide to keep it a secret, many people might use how your belly sits or is shaped to guess the baby’s gender. There is no evidence for this, and the reality is that they have a 50/50 chance of getting it right. So, let them guess.
Cocoa Butter helps to prevent stretch marks.
- There is nothing that can prevent stretch marks. This is something that is hand in hand with pregnancy. There is no evidence that cocoa butter prevents or helps with stretch marks; this goes with many other creams and serums. Your body is holding another human, and your skin is stretching, hence the name, so the marks will come and maybe go.
You should not be drinking coffee when you’re pregnant.
- This is a long-standing myth, but it’s important to add more. Pregnant women can drink coffee, but this must be in moderation. Excess amounts during your 1st trimester have been associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. So, make sure your caffeine intake is in moderation.
Take Caution and Research the Advice You Get
It’s important to remember that everyone’s pregnancy experience is different, and the journey is different for every child. So, don’t be too hard on yourself; always check in with your doctor and ask the questions you think are necessary or weird. Have fun, and enjoy your pregnancy!
