Have you ever been out and about minding your own business when a complete stranger decides they need to approach you to impart all of their glorious pregnancy knowledge (or should I say judgment)?
Maybe you were in line at Starbucks rocking your cute baby bump and got a nasty side-eyed look from the barista when heaven forbid, you didn’t make your drink decaf. Or maybe you showed up to work one day feeling confident and sexy after getting a fresh haircut and color only to sit through 5 minutes of your judgmental coworker scolding you for going to the salon while pregnant.
Always remember, YOU are incredible. No one knows how much you love that little baby of yours, so don’t let those rude (or maybe well-intentioned but uneducated) people get you down. Before we get into the details, be sure to have an open and honest conversation with your trusted provider of choice if you have any questions or concerns about some of these pregnancy myths.
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Let’s take a look at my favorite 10 pregnancy myths and old wives tales:
1. Pregnancy Myth: You should avoid all exercise during pregnancy.
Fact: Flashback to the 40’s when women were treated as if they were handicapped for the duration of their pregnancy. In reality, exercise is generally safe and beneficial for almost all pregnant women, as long as you engage in activities that are appropriate for your fitness level and stage of pregnancy.
Exercise during pregnancy can actually help improve your mood, reduce your risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and make labor and delivery easier – the benefits of exercise during pregnancy are amazing.
[Related post: Best Amazon Maternity Dresses]
2. Pregnancy Myth: Pregnant women should eat for two.
Fact: While it’s true that you need to consume additional calories during the second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy, you don’t actually need to double your calorie intake. In fact, most women only need to consume an extra 300-500 calories per day by their third trimester to support a healthy pregnancy.
Overeating during pregnancy can lead to excessive weight gain, which can increase your risk of complications like gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm birth. Also, the content of your calories is SO important! Fill up on whole foods, fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead of added sugars, oils, fats and processed foods. (If you’re looking for some great sugar free dessert recipes check out this post.)
[*Hey, mama… Have you downloaded our free guide yet? “The Ultimate Guide to Natural Pregnancy Remedies” It’s jam-packed with awesome tips and advice to help you tackle those pesky pregnancy discomforts using natural remedies.*]
3. Pregnancy Myth: You can’t dye your hair during pregnancy.
Fact: While there is some concern about the safety of hair dye during pregnancy, most experts agree that it’s generally safe to color your hair after the first trimester. Generally speaking, you should always be most cautious with what chemicals and products you are exposed to during the first trimester. It’s also important to take precautions like using ammonia-free dye, applying the dye in a well-ventilated area, and avoiding excessive contact with your scalp.
Just let your hair stylist know you’re pregnant (if it’s not yet obvious) so they can take care to apply the product with as little skin contact as possible in a well-ventilated area. (Check out this article for more hair care tips in pregnancy)
4. Pregnancy Myth: You can’t travel during pregnancy.
Fact: It’s true that there are some risks associated with traveling during pregnancy, such as an increased risk of blood clots and preterm labor. However, if you have a healthy pregnancy and are experiencing no complications, you can typically travel up until your 36th week.
Just be sure to do your research in advance as some airlines have restrictions on flying after the 28th week. It’s also important to consult with your healthcare provider before traveling and to take necessary precautions like wearing compression stockings and staying hydrated.
5. Pregnancy Myth: You can’t have sex during pregnancy.
Fact: In most cases, it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy, as long as you don’t have any complications like preterm labor or placenta previa. In fact, sex during pregnancy can be a great way to stay connected with your partner, reduce stress levels, keep you active, and can even help prepare your body for labor. Check out our article on using sex and other natural methods to induce your labor!
6. Pregnancy Myth: You can predict the baby’s gender based on the shape of your belly.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that the shape of your belly can predict your baby’s gender. The size and shape of your belly during pregnancy are influenced by a variety of factors, including your baby’s position, your own body type, and the amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus.
I wish it was that simple… but stick to the genetic blood tests or ultrasounds if you want to know your baby’s gender before they’re born!
7. Pregnancy Myth: You shouldn’t get a flu shot during pregnancy.
Fact: Getting a flu shot during pregnancy is actually recommended by most healthcare providers. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, and getting vaccinated can help protect both you and your baby. However, no vaccine is necessary during your pregnancy. You should always use your B.R.A.I.N. when making important medical decisions.
8. Pregnancy Myth: You can’t drink caffeine during pregnancy.
Fact: It is definitely important to limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy, but you don’t need to avoid it altogether. Most experts recommend that pregnant women consume no more than 200-300 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is roughly the amount in one or two cups of coffee.
Also, consider your plans for feeding your baby once they are born. If you plan to breastfeed and are also not willing to go the next 1-2 years of breastfeeding without caffeine, it is actually best to drink small amounts of caffeine during your pregnancy leading into your breastfeeding journey. Also… there is sneaky caffeine in chocolate. Is that also something you can give up?
9. Pregnancy Myth: You can’t take a hot bath during pregnancy.
Fact: You want to avoid raising your internal body temperature and overheating during pregnancy, but taking a warm bath or shower is generally safe as long as the water temperature is not too hot (under 100F or 38C). However, it’s important to avoid saunas, hot tubs, and other activities that can raise your core body temperature to dangerous levels for the baby.
10. Pregnancy Myth: You should avoid all seafood during pregnancy.
Fact: While it’s true that certain types of seafood can be high in mercury, many types of fish are safe and healthy to eat during pregnancy. Fish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients.
Now that we’ve debunked some common pregnancy myths, let’s shift our focus here and take a look at 10 cool pregnancy facts you should know:
1. The placenta is the only organ that develops and then is expelled from the body. The placenta can weigh up to 1.5 pounds and is around 9 inches in diameter – roughly the size of a paper plate.
2. Stretch marks are a common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting up to 90% of pregnant women. Stretch marks are caused by the rapid stretching and expansion of the skin as the uterus grows to accommodate the growing fetus. They typically appear on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and breasts, and can range in color from red or pink to purple or brown. While stretch marks are typically not harmful, they can be a source of self-consciousness for some women. Learn to embrace your incredible body – you are literally creating life.
3. At around 18-20 weeks, the baby begins to develop a sense of touch and can start to explore its surroundings within the womb by touching its face, umbilical cord, and other parts of its body. Your baby can begin to hear and recognize voices by the second trimester… how cool is that?
3. During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps to relax the ligaments and joints in the pelvis, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal more easily during delivery. Pregnancy hormones can also cause changes in your sense of smell, taste, and vision.
4. Your blood volume increases by up to 50% during pregnancy to support the growing baby. This accounts for pregnancy weight gain of approximately 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) for a woman with a pre-pregnancy weight of 125 pounds (56.7 kilograms). These pounds will all be lost fairly quickly once the baby is born.
5. Morning sickness, which can occur at any time of day, affects up to 80% of pregnant women. While morning sickness can be uncomfortable, it is generally considered to be a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. In fact, studies have shown that women who experience morning sickness may have a lower risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as a reduced risk of birth defects in their babies. But if you are one of the lucky women who missed out on the joys of pregnancy nausea and vomiting, that does not mean you have an unhealthy pregnancy. You might just be lucky!
6. Your baby’s sex is determined at conception. Conception is also when all of the baby’s genetic traits are determined including the baby’s eye color, hair color, and other genetic characteristics.
7. The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein, which provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The remaining stump of the cord dries up and falls off within a few weeks, leaving behind the belly button. Some cultures have different traditions around the cutting of the cord, such as delaying cord clamping to allow for more blood transfer or burying the cut cord in a special place.
8. Pregnancy can cause other changes in the skin such as the darkening of the nipples, and the appearance of a “pregnancy mask” on the face. Some women also experience changes in their skin texture and tone during pregnancy. For example, some women may experience dryness, itching, or acne during pregnancy. While many of these skin changes may be temporary and resolve after pregnancy, some women may continue to experience skin changes even after giving birth. In some cases, women may also develop skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis during pregnancy.
9. The baby can start to experience REM sleep around 23-24 weeks. While in the womb, babies may have sleep cycles that last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. These sleep cycles can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s activity level, the mother’s stress levels, and the baby’s position in the womb. Some research suggests that babies may experience different types of sleep as they get closer to birth, with more time spent in “quiet” sleep in the later stages of pregnancy.
10. The due date is an estimate, and only around 5% of women actually give birth on their due date. Most babies are born within two weeks before or after the estimated due date, and some babies may be born up to four or five weeks early or late (my babe was 15 days “late”!). Due dates can be affected by a variety of factors, including the length of the menstrual cycle, irregular cycles, and variations in ovulation timing. Ultrasound measurements can help provide a more accurate estimate of the due date, particularly in the first trimester. However, even ultrasound measurements are not always 100% accurate in predicting the actual date of birth.
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster… embrace it and remind yourself that everything is only a phase.
Jess
