Busting Pregnancy Myths

The journey to motherhood can be emotionally challenging. But the sheer joy of holding your little one for the first time makes it worthwhile!

However, the minute you break the news of your pregnancy, you are bombarded with opinions and advice – some of them are point-blank RIDICULOUS (I say this with a smile, not a scream).

So, let me take you through some of the most bizarre things I heard when I was pregnant. If you are in your first trimester with the hormonal craziness settling in, these might make you laugh a bit!

1. You should not exercise during pregnancy:Now, hearing this made me go a bit crazy because I am a fitness freak! Even if you are not one, you should never fall for this. There is scientific evidence where doctors and specialists have recommended light to moderate aerobic activity for women in their first trimester of pregnancy. I mainly relied on yoga, and trust me, it helped!
2. You should maintain a strict diet while pregnant:Another bummer for me! Thankfully, this is not entirely true. They tend to replace a balanced diet with a strict diet. Please keep in mind moderation is the key here! And please, for Heaven’s sake, do NOT fall for fad diets like this one. You are what you eat, so eat wisely, but don’t starve yourself of your favorites.
3. A mother’s appearance while pregnant gives away the gender of the child: Basically, a fuller face (or belly) means it is a baby girl. You can discard this old wives’ tale as soon as you hear it!
4. Morning sickness is only for mornings: No, it is not. It can happen any time of the day. It is called morning sickness because it is at its worst in the morning; that’s about it. You can check here if you have severe symptoms and consult your doctor.
5. Pregnant women cannot undergo X-rays: Now, I know there are many concerns here. X-rays are radiation, and they pose risks for any human – pregnant or not. But scientific reports suggest they do not pose any risks to the unborn child. Instead, it is always advisable to assess the health of the mother and the child.
6. You should eat enough for two people during pregnancy:Eat well, eat healthy, by all means. But don’t overeat for the sake of it! You can gradually increase your diet as your pregnancy progresses but never overdo it.
7. No sex during pregnancy:You can have sex during an otherwise healthy pregnancy. However, if you are dealing with issues like placental problems, cervical insufficiency, or any other risk factors for preterm labor, consult your gynecologist for advice.
8. Stay away from cats:I am a cat person. Imagine my plight when I heard this! Cat feces may carry a parasite calledToxoplasma gondii(yep, Microbio grad speaking here) that can cause toxoplasmosis. However, this happens only when your food is contaminated with cat feces. So, be cautious enough and wear gloves if you deal with cat poop. That’s all. Cuddles and lullabies are always allowed.

I wish you all a very happy and fulfilling pregnancy. It is a roller coaster worth taking a ride on. And when you welcome your tiny tot, it will be an all-new experience. Trust Hubble to take care of the rest!