Top 12: Pregnancy MYTHS in India

There are several myths and beliefs attached with pregnancy. They are usually fictitious and have no relevance with the actual facts. These myths vary from determining baby gender to dos and don'ts in pregnancy.

Here is a list of common pregnancy myths:

1. Eat for two -- double your diet

Fact: Carrying a baby actually only requires 300 extra calories a day. So technically you should be eating for about one and a fifth. You must eat nutritious food and increase the intake of vitamins and proteins.

2. No sex

Sex must be avoided as it harms the baby and induces pre-term labour.

Fact: Your baby doesn't get hurt by having sex. Foetus is protected by amniotic sac which further has several skin layers of your abdomen. Your cervix has lengthened and hardened to prevent anything from getting into the uterus.

Having sex during pregnancy is absolutely safe if you are having comfortable postures. The pressure must not be put on the tummy. There is no relation between labour and sex.

Consult your gynaecologist for more information.

Courtesy: WelcomeLittle.com

Welcome Little is a programme specially designed for the expecting parents to prepare them for welcoming their little one

3. Backaches can't be avoided

Pregnancy is accompanied by backaches. There is no way to get rid of it.

Fact: Correct postures and exercise helps in relieving backaches. Keep pillows behind your back, keep the spine straight.

4. First deliveries are late -- first baby is born overtime

Fact: Your delivery is usually driven by your menstrual cycle and physical health conditions. If your cycle is less than 28 days, you tend to deliver early and vice-versa. If your menstrual cycle is of 28 days, you deliver close to your due-date.

5. Heartburn is good for baby hair

Fact: Heartburn is a common problem during pregnancy, it has nothing to do with hairy or bald baby.

6. Full moon phases have more deliveries

Fact: There are no statistics to support this

7. Exercising harms the baby

Fact: Exercising improves blood circulation for mother and baby. It strengthens pelvic floor muscles and prevents backache

8. Watching eclipse leaves birth mark or cleft on lips of baby

Fact: The clefts and marks are genetic and have nothing to do with planets directions

9. Eating lots of white food will make baby fair

Fact: Having dairy products (milk, cheese, curd) is good for your and baby's development, however it has nothing to do with skin colour of baby.

10. Don't put your arms around your neck -- Umbilical cord goes around baby's neck if you do so

Fact: There is no study which confirms this. It is more of a myth

11. Having ghee or butter in last month smoothes the delivery

Fact: The baby is delivered by the muscular contractions of the uterus which is created by labour pains and the maternal hormones, ghee or butter could never help the process of labour!

12. Your delivery method is hereditary -- If you mother had smooth and normal deliver so will you have.

Fact: Your own body conditions -- pelvic bone condition, baby position -- define the way you would deliver. Many ladies undergo C-section even with no family history.