Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful journeys a woman goes through in her life. It is nine months of pure happiness and bliss! Of course, there is a lot of nervousness and apprehension too, maybe a little bit more for the new mothers.
With the advent of newer technologies, we can almost as good as see inside the body and know what's happening in there all the time.
But, where on one side, we have these technologies and studies and researches, on the other side we have our grandmothers, our old aunts and that sweet little elderly neighbour down the street who are incessantly taking care of you, getting you your favourite foods and also reminding you the do's and don'ts with equal enthusiasm. It's an age old debate between science and traditions. What we ignore many a times a silly traditions, actually turn out to have a scientific basis; but many a times they are practices which might have started after some isolated events, but got carried on in the future generations out of habit or fear of the any untoward consequences.
Over the last few years, I have had many friends, family and patients come to me with various queries about what to do and not to do in pregnancy. Sometimes just knowing true and false is not enough, you need to know why. So, here's a compilation of a few of the myths that I have heard and come across till now and the scientific reason of what should and shouldn't be done.
Myth: Pregnant women need to eat for two.
All of us must have, at some point, heard elders say that a pregnant woman must eat for both herself and the baby. Good, healthy food is always encouraged. If not in real life, Bollywood and soap operas must have given you an idea of the amount of emphasis on food that is given to a pregnant lady everyday. Throughout the pregnancy, due the changes in your body physiology and hormonal levels, appetite is not the same as before and it differs from person to person. This, along with the constant reminder to eat more brings these questions in your mind.
How much should I eat?
Am I eating enough for my baby to grow well?
Do I need to take supplements if I am not eating enough?
In truth, only an additional 300 calories above your normal calories requirements, are needed during pregnancy. Eating more than required can lead to Obesity in pregnancy which has its own issues.
Myth: You should not bathe everyday when you are pregnant.
A big No!
Personal hygiene should not be compromised at any cost during pregnancy. The reason this myth had started circulating was because it was seen that some women had miscarriages after taking hot showers. While raising the core body temperature to above 101* F , mainly in the first trimester has been found to be associated foetal defects and miscarriages, there is almost none to an ignorable risk if you are simply enjoying a warm bath. Instead, it relaxes your sore muscles and has a calming effect on your nerves.
Myth : Drinking an occasional glass of red wine while pregnant is okay.
Well, no.
Alcohol consumption in pregnancy poses a big risk to your developing baby, at all stages of pregnancy, even more so than thought previously.
The developing foetus, derives it's nutrition from the mother through the placenta. Alcohol is known to freely cross placenta and circulate in the baby's blood stream reaching levels similar to the mother in 2 hours. This alcohol causes what is known as the Foetal Alcohol Syndrome which is a spectrum of disorders varying from facial and structural deformities to developmental disabilities. Although there are some studies which mention a specific limit of alcohol intake which is safe, the current recommendation by most of the societies for Obstetrics and Gynaecologists is total abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy.
Myth: Eating Papaya and Pineapple can lead to miscarriages or induce labour.
Unripe papaya has an enzyme called chymopapain in it's latex which is linked to uterine contractions. Similarly pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain which might cause contractions when consumed in large quantities. for these effects to take place, they need to be consumed in large quantities. Whereas, when taken in moderation, they are rich sources of many vitamins.
Myth: Eating saffron and oranges during pregnancy can make your baby fairer.
In India, it's a common myth that eating saffron and oranges will make your baby fairer. No. Complexion is something that is genetically inherited. It cannot be changed by different practices during pregnancy.
Myth: Eating Ghee or Butter makes delivery smoother.
The process of labour and delivery depends on many factors like the size of the baby, your pelvis, the force of your contractions. eating ghee or butter has no effect on it.
Myth: You should not have sex during pregnancy.
Sex does not induce labour. It is perfectly safe to engage in sexual intercourse with your partner provided your doctor has not told you not to. There are some cases where one would be advised against having sex; for example in women who are at risk of preterm labour or with placenta praevia (the placenta is implanted on the lower part of the uterus) etc.
Sex in pregnancy is normal. Your baby is safe in the amniotic sac and it does not harm your baby.
Myth: Pregnant women should not exercise.
Moderate exercise actually is proven to be good for a pregnant lady. It keeps your mood elevated and also prepares you for delivery. But yes, every pregnancy is different. Do consult your doctor before you start and never over exert yourselves.
Myth: Pregnant women cannot take flights.
There is no reason why you cannot fly when pregnant. In general, you are advised to avoid long flights to avoid sitting down in the same position for such long hours.
In pregnancy, the uterus presses on the veins getting the blood back from the lower limbs and hence there is a pooling of blood in the lower limb veins. in an individual who is prone to blood clots, this can be in an issue. So, whenever in flights, try to talk a walk to the washroom once in a while or just clenching your calves and moving your ankles.
Women in the third trimester or nearing the dates of delivery are advised not to take flights to avoid going into labour during the flight.
Myth: Pregnant women should not eat spicy food as it induces labour.
Spicy food do not induce labour. The reason why you are asked to avoid spicy food is because it causes a lot of heartburn and gas, leading to discomfort. Already there is a lot of nausea and lack of appetite because of the circulating hormones, you don't want the discomfort of the heartburn to add to it.
The list of do's and don'ts is never ending. Things keep on adding to it with every new pregnancy. What we need to keep in mind is that it's our body and no one knows it better than we do. Every small flutter, every small feeling should be paid attention to and at the same time be brought to the attention of your doctor. Don't shy away from asking questions, however silly they may sound.
You are free to ask me your doubts and queries in the comments. I will be happy to get back to you regarding each!
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