When it comes to pregnancy, you will find many people sharing some or the other expert advice. Especially India, every second woman seems to be holding an expertise in pregnancy matters. Various opinions and thoughts as prevalent in the society have given way to many myths related to pregnancy.
Eat kesar (saffron) for fair complexion baby, don’t go out during any eclipse are some of the advices which any Indian woman must have come across during pregnancy. Myths can cause severe damage when they tend to mislead. Though there are many myths surrounding pregnancy in India but here we have got for you the highly popular 4 myths. Read on to find out what real fact is.
Myth 1: Pregnant mother should eat for two
Most elderly ladies in the house come up with this advice. However, doctors say that pregnancy does call for healthy eating but it doesn’t mean you need to eat everything on the platter. On average, women require only about 300 extra calories a day when they are pregnant. Rather than focusing on the quantity of diet, your primary focus should be on its quality. Choosing foods rich in high fats and sugars all because of taste and convenience can only harm your health as well as that of your baby’s. Eat moderately but ensure that your per day calorie needs are getting fulfilled.
Myth 2: Raw Papaya can trigger miscarriage
This one’s again a very popular and common myth. Pregnant ladies are strictly advised to stay away from raw papaya as it triggers miscarriage. In fact, some even fear the ripe ones. If go by the scientific facts, unripe papaya has chymopapain which is known to induce abortion or early labour. Ripe papaya however is safe, and is in fact a good source of Vitamin A and C.
Myth 3: Exercise can harm the baby
Many pregnant women stay away from any type of physical exercise following the advice they get about exercise harming the baby. Well, if go by the doctor’s words, exercise does no harm. As a matter of fact, pregnant women should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity all through the week or 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise on all days of the week. However, you must consult your doctor before taking up any exercise.
According to health experts, being fit boosts stamina and prepares body for the tiring process of childbirth. Brisk walk, swimming, light weight training and aerobics and also pelvic floor exercises can be easily undertaken during pregnancy. Contact sports or the exercises which calls for lying on your back must be avoided as it reduces blood flow to brain and uterus.
Myth 4: Woman’s abdomen shape can help determine child’s sex
It’s a fair misconception existing in many Indian homes. It is believed that the shape of a pregnant woman’s tummy can let you know if you’re carrying a boy or a girl. It’s amongst the widespread myths existing in India which has absolutely no base. As a matter of fact, belly shape depends on the mother’s build. If the woman happens to be small and thin, the belly will look different than if she stands to be bigger and tall.
Now that you are aware of the myths, ensure that you fell in any trap of advices that hold no truth at all!