Pregnancy: Myths & Facts

When you are expecting - family, friends and even complete strangers will give advice and information to you about your pregnancy. Taking advice from everybody can lead to confusion, as it may not always be correct.

To help you, below are some of the most common myths and truths about pregnancy:

Myth ˸ You’re Eating for Two
Truth: “Eating for two” may lead to too much weight gain. Your baby needs only about 350 extra calories1 per day to promote its growth. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy is not good for your health and can be risky for your baby’s health too.

Myth˸ The more weight you gain, the healthier and stronger your baby will be.
Truth˸ Gaining too little or too much weight during your pregnancy may harm your health and the health of your baby. Gaining too much weight increases the risk of a C-section, early delivery, or a bigger baby, which can make for a complicated birth.

Myth˸ Exercising while pregnant is dangerous.
Truth˸ While it is true that strenuous exercise or exercise that may cause an impact on the abdomen area may be dangerous, but moderate and low impact exercise is absolutely healthy and beneficial to you and your baby.

Myth˸ Say no to coffee while you are pregnant.
Truth˸ The consumption of coffee during your pregnancy has been linked with increased rates of miscarriage and low birth weight. This is why it is advisable to avoid coffee during your pregnancy.

Myth˸ You cannot harm your baby by having just one drink of alcohol.
Truth˸ The use of alcohol in pregnancy can lead to mental retardation and is a preventable cause of birth defects.2 Children exposed to alcohol in utero are at risk of developing growth deficiencies, facial deformities, central nervous impairment, behavioural disorders, and impaired intellectual development.

Myth˸ Morning sickness means my baby is probably not getting enough nutrition.
Truth˸ Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, which arises due to hormonal changes. If you notice warning signs such as severe morning sickness, contact your doctor.

Myth˸ The slightest touch over your tummy can harm your baby.
Truth˸ Your baby is well protected in your uterus and is cushioned from minor bumps, stumbles, and falls by the amniotic fluid. A slight touch over your tummy is not likely to harm your baby.

Myth˸ Cell phones, microwaves and even computers are harmful.
Truth˸ With the use of microwaves, you are at risk of being irradiated only if there is a leakage. To be on the safer side, maintain a safe distance while your microwave is on. Cell phones are not known to harm your baby in any way either.

Myth˸ I should not get my hair dyed when I am pregnant
Truth˸ It is best to avoid chemicals like hair colour during the first three months of your pregnancy. During the latter half of pregnancy, however, it may not be that risky. Still, natural, and herbal preparations are preferred. If you are colouring your hair by yourself, you can reduce the risk by wearing gloves, leaving the dye on for a minimum amount of time, and working in a well-ventilated room.