You may feel confused between the truth and myths, but when it comes to your health, you must verify the facts before believing or following any claims. If you are pregnant or planning to be, you must differentiate between the scientific facts and myths.
In this article, we will discuss the most common myths about pregnancy and clarify what the research and medical facts say in the face of public opinion.
Milk may cause an allergy
Some foods are thought to cause allergies during pregnancy, and this is completely untrue. A pregnant woman can eat any foods, like milk and nuts, if she isn’t allergic to them, A and it won’t cause allergies in the baby..
But there are some foods pregnant women must avoid, such as uncooked meat, soft cheese, and seafood rich in mercury, because they may harm her health, but do not cause an allergy.
You eat for two persons
Some people advise pregnant woman to eat excessively, thinking she needs to eat for two.
Of course, pregnant woman needs to increase her daily calories to support her fetus and pregnancy, but eating a lot may cause health problems. Also, this increase must be gradual according to the pregnancy stage as follows:
- The first trimester, the pregnant woman doesn’t need to increase her calorie intake.
- In the second trimester, she needs to increase her daily intake by 340 calories.
- In the last trimester, she needs to increase her daily intake by 450 calories.
Also, She should focus on nutrient-rich foods and avoid empty calories.
Exercises may cause abortion
Light to moderate exercise poses no risk during pregnancy. The experts advise pregnant women to exercise two to five times a week in the first trimester.
But if you are a beginner, you must consult your doctor first to choose what fits you.
You can’t have a vaginal delivery after a caesarean
The decision does not depend entirely on the previous birth, but mainly on the development of the current pregnancy, the risk of possible complications and the interval between the current and previous pregnancies. Therefore, a pregnant woman can have a normal delivery after a cesarean if the pregnancy progresses normally.
Eating Chilli induces labor
Some people believe that eating chilli at the end of pregnancy may stimulate and speed up labor, but it is completely untrue.
No studies have confirmed that chili or any other foods can induce labor. However, chilli may cause discomfort, heartburn, or pain similar to the uterine contractions.
Some foods are believed to stimulate contractions, such as:
- Green and blue cohosh: Some people use them to induce labor, but studies have shown they can be dangerous to the fetus and cause stroke and heart failure, or may lead to serious complications for the mother during delivery.
- Pineapple: It’s completely safe and doesn’t cause any harm or stimulate labor, but it may cause heartburn.
- Castor bean oil: It may cause diarrhea, uterine inflammation and contractions, but it has no direct effect on inducing labor.
Saliva During Intercourse Stimulates Pregnancy
Some people believe that using saliva as a lubricant during intercourse may increase the chances of pregnancy, but in fact, it can kill sperm.
Moreover, even regular lubricants can reduce fertility. It is advised to avoid them or use fertility-friendly lubricants that contain hydroxyethylcellulose or canola oil.
Pregnancy can occur for only two days
After the egg is released from the ovary, it remains viable for fertilization for only 12 to 24 hours. But there is a period known as the fertility window, which refers to the days when conception is most likely to occur. It includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. If fertilization does not happen within this time, the egg begins to degenerate and disappear.
On the other hand, sperm can survive inside the female reproductive system for 3 to 5 days. Therefore, the chances of conception are highest when intercourse takes place during the two days before ovulation or on the day of ovulation, the most fertile days for a woman. The chances of pregnancy also increase if sperm is already present in the fallopian tubes.
Ovulation usually occurs around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle, when the cycle is regular (28 days), but this may vary from woman to woman. Common signs of ovulation include:
- A slight rise in body temperature.
- Thin, clear cervical mucus.
Lying on back during intercourse is essential for pregnancy
There are no studies confirming this, and pregnancy can occur in any position. However, lying on your back for a short time after intercourse may help sperm move toward the cervix and uterus with the help of gravity.
Vaginal Wash After Intercourse Delays Pregnancy
This is completely untrue. Sperm moves toward the cervix and uterus right after ejaculation, so vaginal washes cannot reach them. However, it is generally advised not to overuse these washes, as they may harm healthy vaginal bacteria.
Oral contraceptive pills cause infertility
Some myths claim that using oral contraceptive pills for a long time may reduce fertility. This is completely untrue, as fertility typically returns shortly after stopping the pills. In fact, some women may become pregnant immediately after discontinuing them.
Delayed pregnancy increases the likelihood of having a boy
There is no scientific evidence confirming this. However, it is noted that cervical mucus viscosity increases when conception is delayed, which may allow the Y-chromosome sperm (carrying lighter DNA) to swim faster in this viscous environment.
Facts About Conception
Pregnancy is easily detected in the morning sample
The concentration of pregnancy hormones in urine increases when the interval between urinations is longer, which makes it easier for pregnancy tests to show accurate results.
It is also advised to wait a few days after the date of the menstrual cycle so that hormone levels rise and confirm the results.
Morning intercourse may increase conception chances
Sperm count is slightly higher in the morning, which may increase the likelihood of conception.
Wearing tight underwear can reduce male fertility
Tight clothing can put pressure on the testes and raise their temperature, which may lower sperm production. It can take around two months for the sperm count to return to normal.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid anything that increases testicular temperature, such as:
- Tight clothing
- Hot baths
- Placing a laptop on the pelvis for long periods
Finally…
Remember, your health and your baby’s health are not for experimentation. Always rely on scientifically proven facts, and consult your doctor if you are unsure about anything.