Myth Busting: 7 Common Misconceptions About Pregnancy – Facts That Are Actually Fiction

 

There are lots of things you can and can’t do during pregnancy, although some of the advice you come across may be less beneficial than you think.
 
When you’re pregnant, it seems that everyone is ready to share some useful advice with you. How much of that advice is worth listening to though, and how much is just made up of old wives’ tales that have been passed down through the generations? Well, we’ve put together some of the most common pregnancy rules – and it’s surprising how many of them actually aren’t true.

You can’t fly
Many women think that it’s not safe to travel during pregnancy, particularly by plane. Well, there’s not much truth to that. It’s perfectly safe to fly during your pregnancy during the first and second trimesters and it’s even fine to fly in your third, although some airlines may request a doctor’s note. Obviously, for practical reasons, you may not want to stray too far away from home close to your due date – so it might be time to stop jet-setting around then!

You need to eat double portions
The eating for two myth is one that has unfortunately stuck around for so long, people think that it’s true. During your pregnancy, you don’t need to eat double the amount you normally would. You only need to eat around 300 extra calories a day during your final trimester, or slightly more if you are carrying more than one baby. So you don’t need to overeat!

You can’t have sex
Sex isn’t a no-no when you’re expecting, so it’s fine to enjoy an active love life right up until your baby arrives. During pregnancy, a woman’s sex drive can fluctuate due to hormones and her feelings about her changing body, so it’s completely up to her whether she wants to have sex or not, although there’s no reason to think that it will harm your baby – unless you are advised not to have sex by your doctor.

You can’t exercise
Exercise is not harmful during pregnancy, in fact it’s quite the opposite. Keeping fit will help you to cope with those pregnancy aches and pains and will help your body prepare for the stresses of labour. Mums who keep active will also see their baby weight drop off quicker after they’ve given birth, so it’s time to get moving!

You have to cut out caffeine
You may be one of those girls who can’t get going in the morning without a cup of tea or coffee. Well, you can still enjoy caffeine, so there’s no need to worry. Just don’t go overboard with your consumption – one cup a day is a good amount for both you and baby!

You have to sleep on your left
If your left hip is killing you, you’ll be glad to hear that you don’t have to sleep on your left side. Just sleep in whatever way is comfortable for you, keeping weight off of your tummy. It’s said that sleeping on your left helps with circulation, but it’s hard to stay comfortable in one position for very long!

You can’t dye your hair
There’s no need to let your roots get out of control, as it’s actually fine to dye your hair when pregnant. Some women may feel safer using an ammonia-free dye but there’s really nothing to worry about, so you can carry on looking and feeling gorgeous when you’re expecting.

Lots of pregnancy advice should be taken with a pinch of salt
Now that you know that some of those well-meaning bits of advice are actually not true at all, you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy. When someone tells you to do something, it’s always better to listen to your own body and the advice of your doctor. By doing so, you’ll be welcoming a happy and healthy baby into the world in a few months’ time – and you will have enjoyed a smooth and stress-free pregnancy

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