Debunking Pregnancy Myths: What's True and What's Not

Welcome to the wild world of pregnancy advice, where everyone has an opinion and most of it is pure baloney. Buckle up, because we're about to bust some of the most popular pregnancy myths and replace them with the real deal.

Eating for Two

Ah, "eating for two." The greatest excuse to raid the fridge ever invented. But hold your horses, this isn't an all-you-can-eat buffet. You only need about 300-400 extra calories per day, depending on the phase of your pregnancy. Overeating may bring you an unwanted invite to the gestational diabetes party.

Avoiding Exercise

Some folks believe that the only marathon you should be running while pregnant is a Netflix one. But guess what? Moderate exercise is actually a good thing. It helps manage weight gain, boosts mood, and might make labour and recovery smoother. But before you sign up for underwater basket weaving, check with your doc.

Predicting Baby's Gender

Some people swear that the shape of your belly or your morning sickness can predict your baby's gender. Spoiler alert: they can't. The only accurate methods involve fancy medical equipment or a crystal ball (just kidding, crystal balls aren't medically approved...yet).

Touching Your Belly Causes Harm

Ever heard the one about touching your belly harming the baby? Yeah, that's a big fat myth. Light touching or massaging is not only safe, but it can also be comforting. Just avoid belly-bumping or sumo wrestling.

You Will Be Glowing All The Time

Ah, the pregnancy glow, every woman's dream. Truth bomb: not everyone gets to glow. Hormones are fickle friends, and pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster. If you're feeling blue, it's okay. Get in touch with a healthcare professional to chat about it.

Morning Sickness Only Happens In The Morning

"Morning sickness" is a misnomer. It's more like "any-time-of-the-day-when-you-least-expect-it sickness." Every woman's body is different, and some may experience 'morning' sickness in the afternoon, evening, or even all day long. If you can't keep anything down, it's time to call the doc.

Full Moon Brings Labour

Finally, we have the myth that a full moon can trigger labour. This might be a cool plot for a werewolf movie, but it's not grounded in science. The timing of labor is a complex process that doesn't rely on the lunar calendar.

Summary

To sum it up, there are more myths about pregnancy than stars in the sky. But remember, every pregnancy is unique as a snowflake, and what works for one might not work for another. Always consult with healthcare professionals for advice. And remember, laughter is the best medicine (unless you have morning sickness, then it's probably ginger).