Pregnancy Myths, Busted
Questions during pregnancy are common. Unfortunately, a large amount of misinformation exists. Read on to debunk some common pregnancy myths.
Myth: If I’m pregnant, I need to double the calories I eat.
Fact: Yes, you are supporting yourself and baby, but you only need an additional 340 calories per day—this roughly equates to a glass of milk and half of a sandwich—to support your growing bump. To help satisfy an increase in appetite, focus on meeting your goal of 70–100 grams of protein daily, as protein helps you feel full longer.
Myth: I can predict baby’s sex by fetal heartbeat, carrying low or high, or from spicy or sweet cravings.
Fact: There’s no evidence that supports these claims, though it’s fun to guess and have your family play along with their favorite prediction methods. The only definitive way to determine baby’s sex is through a blood test as early as 10 weeks or by ultrasound around 18–20 weeks’ gestation.
Myth: Heartburn during pregnancy means my baby will have lots of hair.
Fact: Heartburn is a common complaint during pregnancy, though no correlation exists between heartburn and baby’s hair growth. Heartburn is caused by progesterone relaxing the muscle between the stomach and esophagus. Heartburn can also be caused by digestion and a growing uterus.
Myth: I can’t dye my hair while pregnant.
Fact: The dye itself will not harm you or baby, but it is recommended that you dye your hair in a well-ventilated environment. Turn on a fan, open a window, and make sure you have fresh air. Fumes from dye can make you feel dizzy or nauseated.
Myth: I can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Fact: While breastfeeding, you may not have a period or notice bleeding, but you can still ovulate. Exclusive breastfeeding around the clock with no supplementation provides a lower risk of pregnancy than without breastfeeding, but it's not 100%. Please discuss pregnancy prevention options with your provider if you are not comfortable with the idea of back-to-back pregnancies.
Myth: I can’t fly while pregnant.
Fact: While we do recommend planning your travel prior to 36 weeks’ gestation, it’s always best to discuss your unique health and pregnancy with your provider to get the best recommendation. With travel, prepare to get up and move around often—at least every one to two hours to encourage blood circulation. It’s a good idea to note nearby medical facilities that offer pregnancy, labor, and birth services—so you are prepared in case of a concern.
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