Pregnancy isn’t always automatically easy or easy to understand. Most women want to do everything they can to make sure they have a healthy pregnancy. Yet, this can sometimes lead to a belief in certain myths about pregnancy that just aren’t true. Here are a few common myths about pregnancy that are about to be busted.
1. Don’t Eat Sweets
One common myth is that women shouldn’t eat sweets. For many pregnant women with a sweet tooth, this myth is likely a bane of their existence. Luckily, it’s just that– a myth! While women should stay away from refined sugar, they can still enjoy one delicious morsel: chocolate.
When eaten in moderate doses, chocolate was even found to help prevent the development of preeclampsia. Dark chocolate, especially, can help prevent the condition. The next time you’re at the store, feel free to stock up on chocolate bars.
2. Don’t Eat Seafood
Another big no-no for women is seafood. This is largely due to a large amount of mercury found in fish. Understandably, women have been avoiding eating fish, just in case. However, not all seafood needs to be avoided.
Salmon is a great fish to choose if you’re feeling a particular craving for fish. Not only is it low in mercury, but it’s also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Both of these nutrients are essential for a growing baby.
You’ll just want to make sure you avoid tuna fish and swordfish.
3. Read Everything
There are a ton of baby books out there claiming it knows everything a pregnant mother could ever wish to know. There’s a common myth that parents should read every baby book out there. However, this doesn’t help keep the stress and anxiety down for a pregnant woman. Not only will she start to worry that her parenting techniques aren’t going to be right, but she may start to believe that any little symptom she has could spell doom for her baby.
You don’t need to know everything. Rely on what your doctor says, eat healthily, and stay relaxed. Those are the best actions you can take as a pregnant mother. After the baby is born, you can do what every parent does–learn as you go.
4. Classical Music is the Best Thing for Babies to Listen to
Another common myth is that playing classical music for your baby will make them smarter. This isn’t necessarily the case. What’s really important is that you’re enjoying the music. When you listen to music that you love, you release dopamine and other happy hormones into your body. They go directly into the fetus and give your baby a pleasant and comfortable environment to grow in, too.
If listening to classical music makes you happy, then certainly listen to it. However, if you happen to like rock or country more, then turn that music on instead. Your joy is what matters the most.
5. The Baby Needs to be Born on Its Due Date
When you become pregnant, the doctor will give you the due date of the baby. This is the point in time in which the baby should be fully developed and ready to be delivered. However, that isn’t always the case. Circumstances can make a baby develop a little slower, or faster, than expected. Each pregnancy is different and each baby is different.
Sometimes, your baby may need to grow for a few more days, or weeks, before it’s ready to be delivered. Other times, you may end up in the hospital a week early. Instead of thinking your baby is going to be born on a specific date, it’s better to think of it as a due time. The time revolves around two weeks before and after the date.
Source: Shutterstock.com6. You’ll Experience All the Classic Symptoms of Pregnancy
Movies and TV Shows have made certain symptoms of pregnancy expected. Things like food cravings, mood swings, and morning sickness are symptoms that many women do experience, but not every woman will. Some women go through several pregnancies without ever experiencing morning sickness.
Others may end up experiencing every single one. Every pregnancy journey is different. You may discover that your own journey is extremely easy, compared to others you know. Or you may end up hating certain times in your pregnancy.
7. Watch Your Exercise
Some women worry that having a baby will mess with their fitness routine. This isn’t entirely true. While you should speak with your doctor to see what fitness activities are acceptable for your particular pregnancy, you can typically get away with most exercises. You will just want to watch out for contact sports.
Conclusion
There are many commonly believed myths about pregnancy. Knowing these seven truths can set you up for a safer, more enjoyable, and healthier pregnancy.
