Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. It should be a time of joy in expectation of the arrival of the new life. Unfortunately, there are so many myths and misconceptions about pregnancy floating around, that they may not only dilute the joy of the pregnancy experience, but may also cause serious mental and physical stress in the expecting mother. Knowing what these myths are is a major factor in having a safe and enjoyable pregnancy.

10 Myths You Need to Be Aware Of

1. You are not “eating for two”. 

A pregnant woman does not need to eat enough for two people. Excess calorie intake will lead to unwanted weight gain, which may result in issues and complications as the pregnancy progresses. A pregnant woman should consume more food, but it should be healthy and nutritious. An OB/GYN specialist will give the right guidance on the diet.

2. It is not okay to have the occasional alcoholic drink. 

There is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. Even an occasional glass of wine can lead to pregnancy complications and congenital disabilities in the fetus.

3. Going past the due date is a sign that something is wrong. 

Your due date calculation is based on the birth occurring after forty weeks from the start of the pregnancy. However, humans are not machines and several factors may cause a delay in birth. It is not always a cause for worry or stress. Your OB/GYN will monitor the progress and tell you if there is any cause for concern.

4. Bleeding during the first trimester means a miscarriage is certain. 

Bleeding during pregnancy may be alarming but it does not always result in a miscarriage. Over 30% of women experience some amount of bleeding during the first trimester. While it may be nothing, it is important that your OB/GYN be informed of the problem so that an examination may be done to rule out any problems.

5. Woman over 35 will have a high-risk pregnancy.

Becoming pregnant after the age of 35 does result in slightly higher risks for the mother and child, but in most cases, a woman of this age will have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy, normal child. Generally speaking, complications, if any, are the result of other health issues that naturally arise as the body ages. Diagnosing and treating these associated conditions is the key to a healthy pregnancy.

6. Irregular periods are the reason for not becoming pregnant.

Your menstrual cycle is controlled by the hormones your body produces. Sleep disruption, changes in daily routines, changes in a workout routine, and mental and physical stress are among the many factors that may result in irregular periods. Most women go through times when their periods are irregular and this does not normally affect fertility. If you are experiencing irregular periods, it is best to consult an OB/GYN to diagnose the cause and treat it.

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Also Read: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know

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7. Intercourse during your period means you will not become pregnant. 

While it is uncommon for sex during menstrual period to result in pregnancy, it is not unheard of. Sperm can survive in the uterus for up to 5 days, so if the sex occurs towards the end of the period, that sperm may still be viable when the female egg is released during ovulation.

8. Breastfeeding is a natural instinct. 

While babies are born with the natural desire to seek out the mother’s breast, breastfeeding is not an automatic reflex for a woman. It is normal for her to need coaching and support to initiate and continue the process. Breastfeeding may take time and practice and there is nothing abnormal if you are unable to breastfeed comfortably from day 1.

9. Once you have a C-section, all future pregnancies will also require a C-section.

This was generally true in the past, but today medical procedures allow for normal vaginal births to occur after a Cesarean section. Depending on your health history, your OB/GYN may give you the green light to proceed with a vaginal birth after a previous C-section.

10. All new mothers are blissfully happy after the child is born.

Being pregnant and having a baby is a major life-altering event, and post-delivery, both physical and mental adjustments are required. This usually happens as the body returns to the normal state, hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels and the mental stress of delivery abates. Feeling depressed and uncertain for a few days after the birth is normal but these emotions usually fade away in a week or so. However, the intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and despair that some women experience after childbirth is a medical condition known as postpartum depression and it is treatable. If you experience these feelings, inform your OB/GYN who will be able to provide the help you need to return to your normal emotional and mental balance.

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Also Read: Advancements in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

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Pregnancy is not a sickness – it is a natural part of the female experience. However, because of the stress it places on the body (and at times the mind), it is important that a woman receives specialized care and guidance to enable a safe transition through pregnancy to the birth of the child. That means having access to the best available gynecological and obstetrics care. A multispecialty hospital like New Medical Centre is where pregnant women will receive the most advanced and patient-centric obstetrics and gynecology treatment and care. Being a multispecialty hospital, if there should arise a need for examination and treatment of any other medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy, these too will be available at the same place, making the overall patient experience the best that it can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I safely consume alcohol during pregnancy?

No, there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even small amounts can lead to complications and congenital disabilities.

2. Does bleeding during the first trimester always mean a miscarriage?

Not necessarily. Many women experience bleeding in early pregnancy without it leading to a miscarriage. It is important to consult your OB/GYN for an evaluation.

3. Is it true that women over 35 automatically have high-risk pregnancies?

While there are some increased risks, most women over 35 can have a healthy pregnancy with the right medical care. Age-related health conditions are the main factors to monitor.

4. Will having irregular periods affect my ability to get pregnant?

Irregular periods do not necessarily affect fertility. Various factors like stress or changes in lifestyle can cause irregularity, but it’s best to consult your OB/GYN for advice.

5. Is breastfeeding an automatic instinct for all mothers?

Not always. While babies instinctively seek the breast, mothers may need support and practice to successfully breastfeed. It’s normal to need guidance during the early stages.

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