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Pregnancy is when you get unsolicited advice from all quarters; many are sane and others are merely surrounding some age-old myths that have lingered on. Let’s have a look at 14 common misconceptions and the research-backed facts:
1) Myth: Prenatal care is only necessary for high-risk pregnancies.
Fact: Prenatal care is essential for all pregnancies, regardless of whether they are considered high-risk or not.
The mother and the infant can both benefit from routine checkups with a healthcare professional, which can help identify and manage any potential health concerns early on. Prenatal care can aid in the detection and management of illnesses like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and specific infections that can develop during pregnancy and, if ignored, can result in major health issues for both the mother and the unborn child. The growth and development of the unborn child can be monitored, and any possible problems can be identified, with regular prenatal care.
Prenatal care can also give prospective moms crucial knowledge on how to maintain a healthy pregnancy, such as advice on stress management, exercise, and healthy eating, which can assist to support a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications.
2) Myth: Prenatal vitamins are not necessary if a woman is eating a healthy diet.
Fact: Prenatal vitamins are an important part of prenatal care as they provide essential nutrients that a woman may not be getting from her diet alone.
Prenatal vitamins assist both the mother’s health and the growth and development of the unborn child. It might be difficult for a woman to receive all the nutrients she needs for a successful pregnancy even if she eats a balanced diet.
Prenatal vitamins are specially designed to give expectant moms essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and iodine that they might not be getting from their diet alone. Additionally, low levels of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are just a few of the essential deficiencies that prenatal vitamins can assist to remedy throughout pregnancy. If left addressed, these deficits can cause major health issues for both the mother and the child.
3) Myth: Prenatal care is only for pregnant women.
Fact: Prenatal care is not only for pregnant women but also for their partners.
In helping his partner and the unborn child during pregnancy, the father is essential in antenatal care. He can support the mother emotionally, assist with daily activities, and be present and aware of her needs. Prenatal care is a period for self-education on the pregnancy and birth process. During this time, one can learn about the various developmental phases, labor symptoms, and what to anticipate during delivery. The expecting mother can benefit from this information by using it to help her during pregnancy. A father can be better prepared for the birth and the obligations of parenthood if he is informed about and participated in the prenatal care process.
4) Myth: Prenatal care is only necessary during the later stages of pregnancy.
Fact: Prenatal care is essential throughout the entire pregnancy.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify and address any potential health concerns early on, which can benefit both the mother and the baby. Starting prenatal care early, in the first trimester, is essential as it can help to detect and manage any potential health concerns which can be troublesome later.
Apart from educating the mother about the nutrition and other nuances involved in a healthy pregnancy, the expecting mother will also have the opportunity to discuss her preferences for labor and delivery, and plan for any necessary interventions, such as a cesarean section, with her healthcare provider.
5) Myth: Ultrasounds are only done to check on the baby’s health.
Fact: Ultrasounds can be done for various reasons during pregnancy, including checking on the baby’s health, determining the due date, and checking for any potential complications.
Throughout the pregnancy, ultrasounds are utilized for a variety of objectives and are an essential part of prenatal care. According to research, ultrasonography is a secure and reliable technology for tracking the fetus’s growth and development. The placenta can have issues that could be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus, such as placenta previa or placental abruption, which can be found by ultrasound. It can also aid in the detection and monitoring of prenatal disorders including gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Additionally, obstetrical procedures including cordocentesis, chorionic villus collection, and amniocentesis can all be performed using ultrasound.
6) Myth: Prenatal care is only necessary for first-time mothers.
Fact: Prenatal care is vital for all pregnancies, regardless of whether they are a first or subsequent pregnancy.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can assist to spot and manage any potential health issues because every pregnancy is different. Prenatal care is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child, according to research. Regular prenatal care can aid in the early detection of any potential issues, enabling prompt interventions and therapies.
Prenatal care can lower the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, which are significant contributors to infant morbidity and mortality, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prenatal care can also aid in the detection and management of pregnancy-related illnesses like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can have detrimental effects if left untreated.
7) Myth: Natural childbirth is always better than a cesarean delivery.
Fact: Both natural childbirth and cesarean delivery have their own set of pros and cons and the best option will depend on the individual mother’s circumstances, such as the health of the mother and the baby.
Pregnant women should be honest and forthright with their healthcare providers about their choices and birthing possibilities. The mother’s and the child’s health and well-being are the most crucial factors. While vaginal birth is often regarded as the standard of care, there are several circumstances in which a cesarean delivery may be safer for the woman or the unborn child.
Though infections, bleeding, and injury to the bladder or bowel are a few risks associated with cesarean birth, in some instances, cesarean delivery has benefits that outweigh its disadvantages, and the majority of specialists think that these risks are modest.
A study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reported that a cesarean section was associated with a lower risk of maternal death than a vaginal birth in certain high-risk pregnancies, such as the baby is in distress, the mother having certain medical conditions that make vaginal birth unsafe, or the baby being in a breech position. Even when a woman is carrying numerous babies, planning a cesarean birth in advance may be necessary.
It is crucial to keep in mind that there are risks associated with vaginal birth as well, such as perineal rips or injury to the pelvic floor muscles. The choice between a vaginal birth and a cesarean delivery should therefore be based on the specifics of the pregnancy and the health of the mother and baby, not on the preconceived notion that one is always better than the other.
8) Myth: Pregnant women should avoid all medications.
Fact: Some medications may be harmful to pregnant women and their babies, but in many cases, they are necessary to manage certain health conditions or complications.
Pregnant women should make a disclosure about any medications that they are taking to their doctor as certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure meds, and antidepressants carry a higher risk of birth abnormalities. However, these risks are minor and your doctor will asses whether the benefits outweigh the risk and whether should you continue to take them.
Some painkillers and antibiotics are deemed absolutely safe during pregnancy and can help give relief from common illnesses like fever, pain, or infections. However, self-medication should be completely avoided and a doctor should be consulted before taking any medication during pregnancy.
9) Myth: Pregnant women should avoid all forms of exercise
Fact: Regular exercise is generally safe and beneficial for pregnant women, as long as it is done in moderation and with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Exercise has numerous benefits in pregnancy it can help you feel better overall, have more energy, and have fewer pregnancy-related issues. Regular exercise during pregnancy has been reported to lower the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other pregnancy-related problems. Additionally, exercise can elevate mood, lessen stress, and support healthy weight maintenance. Regular exercise might also help you prepare physically and mentally for labor and delivery.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that healthy pregnant women engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking or swimming, as well as muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week.
It is important to note that the type and intensity of exercise should be adjusted during pregnancy, as the changing body and growing baby can affect a woman’s balance and energy levels. Some forms of exercise, such as contact sports or high-impact activities, may be riskier during pregnancy and should be avoided.
10) Myth: Pregnant women should avoid certain foods.
Fact: Some foods may be harmful to pregnant women and their babies, such as raw fish, undercooked meats, and certain types of cheese, but most foods are safe to eat during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon and most women can continue to eat a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy. Caution sake, there are some foods that pregnant women should limit or avoid due to the risk of infection or other health concerns, for e.g., raw or undercooked meats, fish with high levels of mercury, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Pregnant women should also limit their intake of caffeine and artificial sweeteners, as well as avoid alcohol altogether, as these substances can have negative effects on the developing baby.
11) Myth: Pregnant women should eat for two.
Fact: Pregnant women only need a marginal increase in calories in their diet and they do not need to eat for two.
It’s a popular fallacy that pregnant women should “eat for two,” and it’s been around for a while. It recommends that in order to assist the fetus’s growth and development, pregnant women should eat twice as much as they normally would. This, however, is untrue and might even be hazardous to both the mother and the child.
The second and third trimesters of pregnancy only require about 300 more calories each day, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This is not a whole supplementary meal, but rather an additional little snack or small meal.
The risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and other pregnancy problems can rise as a result of overeating during pregnancy. After the kid is born, it may also raise the chance of obesity and other health problems. Pregnant women should concentrate on eating a nutritious diet that is well-balanced and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
12) Myth: Pregnant women should not travel during pregnancy.
Fact: Travel during pregnancy is generally safe as long as the mother is in good health and the destination is safe.
Pregnant women should speak with their doctor before making travel plans, especially if they are going somewhere with subpar medical services or where there is a significant risk of contracting an infectious disease. Traveling while pregnant does not increase the chance of miscarriage or other issues for healthy women, according to research.
According to research by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), traveling while pregnant is safe as long as the mother is in good health and has an easy pregnancy. However, pregnant women who have high-risk pregnancies should be extra cautious and should only plan travel if their healthcare provider allows it.
13) Myth: Pregnant women should avoid sex during pregnancy.
Fact: Sex during pregnancy is generally safe as long as the mother has a healthy pregnancy and there are no complications.
Sexual activity during pregnancy is generally considered safe for healthy women with normal pregnancies as intercourse is not harmful to the baby and won’t cause a miscarriage, as long as the woman has no complications. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine supports the fact that sexual activity does not increase the risk of preterm labor, premature birth, or other complications in women with normal pregnancies.
If a pregnant woman has any worries or if the pregnancy is regarded as high-risk, she must speak with her healthcare professional. Certain circumstances, such as placenta previa, in which the placenta covers the cervix or preterm labor risk, may prevent a woman from having intercourse while she is pregnant.
14) Myth: Pregnant women should avoid all forms of stress.
Fact: Stress is a normal part of life and it’s not possible to avoid it completely, but it’s important to manage it in a healthy way.
Women who are expecting should practice stress-relieving exercises like yoga, exercise, or counseling and seek medical advice if they are feeling depressed or under a lot of stress. According to research, little stress during pregnancy has no harmful effects on the mother or the unborn child’s health. A study indicated that mild to moderate stress during pregnancy did not raise the risk of preterm labor or low birth weight. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Chronic stress, however, can have harmful effects on both the mother and the unborn child. Chronic stress must be addressed and managed during pregnancy, and if necessary, professional medical assistance should be sought.