There are many pregnancy myths circulating in society, start dFrom about the shape of the stomach related to gender, the dangers of seeing a lunar eclipse, to the prohibition of having sex. In fact, not all pregnancy myths are supported by scientific facts.
During pregnancy, mothers are advised to understand which information is true and which is just a myth, so as not to be misguided, let alone to cause concern. Not a few myths of pregnant women young to old that many prohibit certain things, even though this is not necessarily true.
Pregnancy Myths vs Facts
To find out the pregnancy myths that are developing a lot as well as to know what are the facts behind them, you can listen to the following information.
1. Baby gender myths based on the shape of the abdomen and fetal heart rate
Pregnant women whose stomachs are widened to the side will have a girl baby, while if it is tapered forward will have a boy baby. It is also said that if the fetal heart rate is above 140 per minute, then the sex is female. Meanwhile, if his heart rate is less than 140 per minute, then he is male.
The fact?
The shape of the belly of a pregnant woman cannot be used as a determinant of the sex of the baby in the womb. In addition, there is no scientific evidence to support the theory of determining the sex of the baby based on the fetal heart rate.
A normal fetal heart rate is between 120 - 160 beats per minute. Fetal heart rate can be different every time a routine pregnancy check-up. This is because the fetal heart rate is influenced by gestational age and fetal activity at the time of examination.
To find out the sex of the baby in the womb, you can undergo a pregnancy ultrasound examination when the gestational age is more than 18 weeks.
2. Myth look lunar eclipse when pregnant
When a pregnant woman sees a lunar eclipse, the baby in her womb will be born with a cleft lip.
The fact?
Cleft lip occurs due to genetic disorders, infection during pregnancy, deficiency of certain nutrients, such as folic acid, or smoking during pregnancy. So, cleft lip in babies has nothing to do with the moon.
3. Myth pregnant women should not bathe too often
That said, pregnant women should not bathe too often, because the dirt in the water will seep into the mother's body and make the baby contaminated.
The fact?
The myth is clearly not true. The baby is protected by the mucous membrane and the amniotic sac that covers the uterus, so that dirt from outside the mother's body will not reach the baby's body.
4. Myth pregnant women eat for two
Many people recommend that pregnant women eat more. He said, pregnant women should eat for the portion of two people.
The fact?
During pregnancy, women only need an additional 300 calories per day to support the baby's growth. These extra calories can be obtained from a glass of skim milk and 60 grams of cheese or 4 servings of vegetables and fruit. So, do not let you add calories to excess. Besides being able to cause obesity which can have a negative impact on pregnancy, you will also find it difficult to waste calories and lose weight after giving birth.
5. The myth of the ban on airplanes when pregnant
Taking a plane will increase the risk of pregnancy complications due to radiation, both from the scanner machines at the airport and because of the altitude.
The fact?
Checking machines that use X-rays at airports and planes flying at certain altitudes do emit radiation. However, the radiation level is very small and not enough to penetrate into the body, so it will not interfere with the baby in the womb.
6. Myth of having sex when pregnant
Having sex while pregnant can harm the pregnancy and the fetus in the womb.
The fact?
Sexual intercourse will not harm the baby in the womb because the baby is protected by the amniotic sac and fluid, strong uterine muscles, and a thick layer of mucus in the cervix. Orgasm also does not cause miscarriage because muscle contractions during orgasm are different from contractions during childbirth.
However, for pregnant women who are at risk of miscarriage or premature delivery, and pregnant women with vaginal bleeding for no apparent reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor first. Chances are your doctor will recommend not having sex for a while.
Actually, things that pregnant women need to watch out for in having sex are sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, chlamydia, warts, or herpes. If a pregnant woman is infected with the disease, it is likely that the baby will be infected as well.
7. Myth heartburn during pregnancy related to fetal hair thickness
That said, if pregnant women experience heartburn alias heartburn During pregnancy, the fetus will be born with thick hair.
The fact?
The answer may be yes. A study shows that when pregnant women experience severe heartburn, the fetus is born tends to have thick hair.
Researchers suspect this has something to do with pregnancy hormones that play a role in fetal hair growth, but also cause heartburn in pregnant women. However, further research is needed to confirm the relationship between the two.
In order to realize a healthy pregnancy, you need to carefully address the existing myths, by discussing them with your obstetrician before believing them.
You also need to watch out for myths that go against your doctor's advice, suggest something your doctor doesn't recommend, or that cause excessive worry.
