Technology and medicine have transformed the experience of pregnancy for modern women. Yet, despite an increased reliance on diagnostic information, there are plenty of myths about pregnancy.
- Myth1: The shape and size of your belly can indicate your baby's gender. It is believed that a woman carrying a boy has a low belly, while a woman carrying a girl has a high belly.
Fact: The shape of your belly during pregnancy is determined by the original shape of your abdomen, the amount and distribution of the fat, the strength of the abdominal muscles, the number of babies conceived, and the position of the baby. - Myth 2: The glow on your face indicates the sex of your baby - a glow on the face indicates you will deliver a baby girl, while a lack of any glow indicates you will deliver a boy.
Fact: Most pregnant women start sporting a glowing face during the second trimester. This is because the morning sickness ends for most after the first trimester, the mother-to-be eats well, blood circulation improves and there is a general feeling of well being. It has nothing to do with the sex of the baby. - Myth 3: Heartburn indicates that your baby will have lots of hair.
Fact: Heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. It is mainly because of reflux oesophagitis, during which the contents (food particles and acid) of the stomach come back up the food-pipe. Due to the acidic nature of the content, it causes burning, which is commonly known as heartburn. - Myth 4: Sex during pregnancy induces labour.
Fact: Sex during pregnancy is totally safe if not otherwise advised by the doctor. Most women can have sex right until the last month of their pregnancy if they do not feel uncomfortable. It is safe to have intercourse since the baby is protected by a thick mucous plug that seals the cervix and guards against infection. - Myth 5: Methods of delivery are hereditary.
Fact: Mode of delivery has nothing to do with heredity. It depends on the number of babies conceived, presentation or the position of the baby, the mother's pelvic bone structure and conditions, if any, complicating the pregnancy.
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