Do you have to give up that morning coffee, and should you get rid of the cat? If you're pregnant, learn the truth behind some common pregnancy myths.
A FAST FETAL HEART RATE MEANS YOU'RE HAVING A GIRL; IF IT'S SLOW, YOU'RE HAVING A BOY.
Studies show that fetal heart rate is not an indication of an unborn baby's sex. Neither is how the woman carries, the shape of her face, her complexion, or the color of drano mixed with her urine. As much as people swear by "tried and true" methods of determining a baby's sex, there is no scientific evidence backing up any method. Even ultra sound exams have a margin of error. While it's fun to guess, there really is no way of telling until the baby is born.
IF YOU'RE PREGNANT YOU MUST AVOID CAFFEINE-- ESPECIALLY COFFEE.
While excessive caffeine intake does slightly increase the risk of low birth weight, moderate intake of caffeine in a healthy pregnancy is not likely to be harmful to the fetus. If you're pregnant, you can go ahead and have your morning cup of java. Just try to keep it under three cups per day.
IF YOU SLEEP ON YOUR BACK, ESPECIALLY IN THE SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTER, YOU'LL ENDANGER THE BABY BY DECREASING THE FLOW OF BLOOD AND OXYGEN TO THE UTERUS.
As your pregnancy progresses, you might find it uncomfortable to sleep on your back. The heavy uterus may press on the vena cava, which is a large vein that carries the blood from your legs to your heart. Because of this, in some cases, sleeping on your back may cause discomfort, dizziness, or light-headedness. But this will not harm you, nor your baby.
Typically, when a pregnant woman is sleeping and the blood flow in the vena cava is decreased, her body prompts her to simply turn over. If you find sleeping on your back uncomfortable, try sleeping on your side. However, if you are resting comfortably on your back, don't lose sleep over fears that you may be doing harm to your baby.
WHEN PREGNANT, YOU SHOULD NEVER TAKE ANY OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS.
You should be concerned about what you take into your body when pregnant, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer with allergies, headaches or heartburn. Many over the counter remedies are perfectly safe for a healthy pregnant woman to take when necessary. In fact, if you are suffering from a cold, hay fever or other symptoms, relieving them can reduce stress and discomfort. Just be sure to check with your health care professional first, especially if you are taking prescription medications, and your doctor will tell you what you can keep. Instead of spending days or weeks in misery, give your doctor a call and ask him to recommend a remedy to help you feel better.
HAVING AN X-RAY WHEN PREGNANT CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS OR A MISCARRIAGE.
While radiation can have a harmful effect on a fetus, the amount your baby will be exposed to during a diagnostic x-ray, especially when precautions are taken, are so minimal that it poses an insignificant risk. In fact, the risk of not having an x-ray if there is a health concern for the mother could indeed be much greater. If the need for an x-ray arises, alert your health care specialist and radiologist that you are pregnant so that precautions can be taken, and relax.
WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT, YOU SHOULDN'T COLOR OR PERM YOUR HAIR. YOU ALSO HAVE TO BE CAREFUL AROUND COMPUTERS, MICROWAVES, AND CELL PHONES.
There is absolutely no evidence supporting the notion that you should let your roots grow out or hair frizz just because you are pregnant. Minor exposure to these chemicals are not harmful to the fetus. Professional hair dressers, however, who are exposed to such chemicals on a daily basis are at a minor risk and should consult their health care specialist.
There is also a lack of evidence supporting the notion that surfing the web, nuking your dinner or talking on your cell phone can harm your baby. Studies show that pregnant women can go on using these conveniences as usual without any concerns.
IF YOU'RE PREGNANT, YOU BETTER GET RID OF YOUR CAT! CATS CARRY DISEASES HARMFUL TO UNBORN BABIES.
While it is never an idea to handle a stray cat, you don't have to banish your house pet when you're pregnant. You should, however, try to avoid changing the litter box. Some cat feces carry a parasitic infection known as toxoplasmosis. While it is rare in the US for a fetus to be effected by toxoplasmosis (approximately .02% of babies born each year are infected), it's better to be safe than sorry.
While you're staying away from cat poop, remember that toxoplasmosis can also be found in soil and undercooked meat. Protect yourself further by wearing gloves when gardening, cooking meat well, and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.
HAVING SEX WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT CAN BE HARMFUL TO THE BABY AND INDUCE EARLY LABOR.
There are certain conditions, such as placenta previa, vaginal bleeding, or yeast infections, that may cause a doctor to advise temporary abstinence from intercourse. However, in a healthy pregnancy, the fetus is well protected in the womb. You can always check with your doctor, but if you are not in a high risk pregnancy or suffering from complications, continuing to have sex into the third trimester is not only harmless, but can be rather enjoyable.
As for sex inducing labor, some anxious couples near or past the due date can always give it a try. Doctors say it may not help, but it couldn't hurt.
