Pregnancy can bring along a lot of questions and doubts, especially for first-time moms-to-be. While they are bombarded with a plethora of suggestions, dos and don’ts by their elders, friends, pregnancy magazines and related blogs, it can be hard to identify the right ones among a sea of myths and misbeliefs. The health experts of HJ Hospitals cleared the air around some common myths around pregnancy so that you can have a safer, healthier pregnancy and childbirth. Read on to find out.

• There are ways that can predict the gender

Certain physical features and signs are believed to indicate the gender of the child. Common examples include the shape of the belly, the mother’s face shape, activeness of the baby, and the fetal heart rate. However, the gender of an unborn child cannot be predicted by any such external features. A non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) must be performed for the purpose, after around 10 weeks of the pregnancy. An ultrasound can also predict the same, however, the results are not 100% reliable.

• Your baby will be born with hair if you experience heartburns during pregnancy

Though there is not much evidence available on this belief, a small study suggested that heartburns during pregnancy and the thickness of the baby’s hair may indeed be connected. However, more research is required on the subject since heartburns are quite common during pregnancy.

• You should not have a cat or other pets at home when pregnant

Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous infection that can affect your unborn baby, however, you may not need to get rid of your cat or other pets altogether to safeguard your child against the infection. While the infection doesn’t spread by petting cats, you should maintain a distance from the litter box. If not possible, wear gloves to clean it and while gardening as well. Also, avoid petting stray cats and adopting a new cat when pregnant. Consult your doctor to understand other precautions if you have more pets.

• You need to double your diet when pregnant

A common misbelief is that a pregnant woman needs to double her diet or ‘eat for 2’ in order to ensure nutrition for her growing baby. However, overeating is as bad for your health as eating less. The right diet for you depends on factors including your overall health, deficiencies (if any), health concerns you may be suffering from (like diabetes and hypertension) and your body mass index. Your doctor analyses all such factors to prescribe you a custom and balanced diet after understanding your calorie and nutrition needs.

The Bottom Line

In addition to the above-mentioned ones, you may come across many other such myths around pregnancy that are hard to distinguish from the facts. Such misbeliefs may also arise a sense of worry or stress which can further affect your mental and emotional well-being. Thus, always confirm with your doctor before following any suggestion or advice during pregnancy. To seek the best mother and childbirth care and services in the Democratic Republic of Congo, visit HJ Hospitals. Remember, your physical and mental health is as important as your child’s health and wellbeing.