Today, expectant parents across the world to become more informed than ever. In addition to getting advice from healthcare providers and online resources, friends, family members, and co-workers have plenty of ‘helpful tips’ to add to the mix. You’re pregnant… and everyone else is an expert! Have you ever wondered if some of the “facts” you’ve heard about pregnancy are actually true?
Here are 13 common pregnancy myths that may surprise you:
- Morning sickness only happens in the morning, and in the first trimester. False!
Nausea and even vomiting from the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone can happen any time of day and well into your pregnancy, and some women feel it more than others. - You shouldn’t color your hair until after the baby is born. False!
Wait until after the first trimester or use a chemical-free hair dye. The, say goodbye to those dark roots, or hello to a whole new color from the rainbow! - You can’t drink coffee when you’re pregnant. False!
Actually, one cup of typical American caffeinated coffee per day is considered safe during pregnancy. - Pregnant women “glow.” False!
For every woman who feels like Snow White during pregnancy, there’s another who feels more like an old witch. Increased blood flow and hormonal surges can make your skin better or worse. - You are eating for two. False!
It’s tempting to double up, but you really only need about 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy. - An occasional alcoholic beverage is okay. False!
Several studies have linked drinking during pregnancy with an increased risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), and there is no known “safe” amount. - If you get sick, you can’t take medicine. False!
Always consult your doctor before taking anything, and be aware of proper dosage. However, many over-the-counter medications are perfectly safe during pregnancy. - A “normal” pregnancy lasts nine months. False!
Research shows that pregnancy can vary by as much as five weeks, and in fact is typically closer to the ten-month mark. - Once you have a cesarean section, all future deliveries will be done that way. False!
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is slightly riskier than a repeat C-section, but may be possible for many women. - You can tell the sex of the baby by looking at looking at the baby bump. False!
There is no correlation between how the mother appears to be carrying and the baby’s gender. - You’ll lose a lot of weight right away after giving birth. False!
Don’t be surprised if you’re still wearing maternity clothes for days or even weeks after your baby is born. Most women only lose less than 12 pounds during delivery. - Twins always skip a generation. False!
The gene that causes fraternal twins is passed on from parent to child in the same way as other genes. Identical twins occur at random and do not have anything to do with generational lines. - Private cord blood banking is too expensive. False!
New England Cord Blood Bank offers various programs, discounts, promotions, and payment plans to accommodate a wide range of needs.
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