Falling pregnant is a life-altering experience. As a small little being begins its uncharted life on this earth, prospective mothers tend to find themselves wading through an ocean of information which at times, can be contradictive. Thus, how does one debunk fact from fiction?
For first time mothers, searching for advice and sifting through reams of information can be an arduous task. Especially when looking at some commonly held beliefs which have no foundation, but are rather theories or worse, old wives tales.
Therefore, in order to clear the air around some of these myths, the Newcastillian – Online News searches for answers to help you pregnant moms find a sense of comfort.
Dr Marlena du Toit, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, addresses three of the most common beliefs, looking at just how true they are.
You’re eating for two.
A pervasive myth, but according to Dr du Toit, this belief has not a shred of truth to it. In fact, the doctor stresses that pregnant mothers should not eat a lot more than usual during pregnancy.
Moreover, she emphasises the importance of following a healthy, balanced eating pattern which includes fresh vegetables and fruit, medium-sized protein portions and low-GI carbs. Dr du Toit also urges expecting women to stay away from sweet things and refined sugar.
In a normal pregnancy, she explains a woman should gain between 12 to 14kg, and one can expect a baby of 3-3.5kg with that weight gain.
She adds that regular exercise, including walking, swimming or Pilates is highly advisable.
Shelley Lewin, a pre-and postnatal corrective exercise specialist, adds mothers who exercise experience fewer pregnancy discomforts and may also experience easier labours. Furthermore, she highlights how babies of exercising mothers are generally fitter and tend to show increased health and intelligence scores.
But it is important to stress; pregnant women should avoid exercises such as jogging, running, planks, pull-ups and push-ups.
Pregnant moms must avoid hair dyes and certain cosmetics.
This is yet another popular belief which almost sounds like a proper old wives tale. And as with the former myth, Dr du Toit affirms this is totally false.
The doctor goes on to explain, if you have a low-risk pregnancy, there is no reason why you cannot keep up your personal grooming. This includes continuing with hair dye and treatments.
However, she does point out, when it comes to cosmetics, it is important to ensure the products do not contain too much Vitamin A. She adds, “Your skin and hair is in fact usually in a very healthy condition during pregnancy due to all the hormonal activity. The placenta is actually used by a famous cosmetic company in the production of its cosmetic range.”
You have strange cravings!
Well, as we could all assume, this one is True! There is no denying the role pregnancy plays in a woman’s unusual cravings. This belief, Dr du Toit says, is not a myth but entirely factual.
She elaborates by explaining that cravings are not a part of a person’s imagination. Instead, oestrogen, insulin and glucose levels fluctuate tremendously during pregnancy, and a change in this typically well-balanced environment leads to crazy cravings—pointing out, that if you have a specific craving, it is imperative to follow it within reason of course.
But to keep the cravings at bay, the doctor encourages women to drink water to try to fill the gap. It is also essential to eat something small every two hours, as this keeps nausea and cravings at bay. And apparently, expecting moms should also keep almonds in their bedside drawer—this is to keep your glucose/insulin ration stable. The doctor advises eating 2-4 almonds to keep your glucose/insulin ration stable.
We hope this helps in putting your mind at ease, as we know that you have so much to think about already.
Share any weird myths you know of below, to help expecting Moms along their journey.
