During pregnancy a woman is vulnerable to all kinds of advice and recommendations which may affect her own or future baby’s health. The advice changes with the times but some seem to remain forever to be passed down from one woman to another. Here are some examples and clarifications.
Old Wives' Tales about Determining the Baby’s Sex During Pregnancy
Hoping to have specifically either a daughter or a son has kept generations of women trying to predetermine the sex of their baby. Information passed from one generation to the next can be misleading. The following maternity folk lore are examples.
- Lore has promised a son if conception occurs with a specific position during intercourse or promises a girl if the baby bump is carried low.
- Cravings determine the sex of the baby. (Neither sweets, pickles or cheese is an indication whether a girl or boy will be born).
- Swing a wedding ring over the pregnant belly. The ring swinging side to side signifies a girl baby while the ring spinning in a circular motion means a boy will be born. (Not true, regardless of string or yarn or direction).
Diet during pregnancy may affect fetal development but the sex chromosomes are determined at the time of conception and the sex of the baby can be seen in ultrasound prior to birth. The sex of the unborn child is not determined by a certain position during intercourse nor how the woman carries her unborn child in the womb.
Other Pregnancy Tall Tales
Pregnancy is a precarious time, with the woman focused on the growing fetus and wanting to do everything possible for healthy baby. Below are three concerns women have had.
- Baths are dangerous once pregnant. (This misconception may partly stem from the view that very hot baths, which may increase a woman's body temperature, are dangerous. Baths, per se, are not dangerous. Bath water does not travel up the birth canal. Bathing in clean water is not harmful).
- Blacks cats walking in front of a pregnant woman will cause her to lose the baby. (Black cats are a much-maligned creature and the only harm they cause, like all pets, is if the woman trips over them).
- Likewise, cats do not steal baby’s breath. This fear came from cats being close to the baby’s mouth because they were lured by the scent of milk. Cradle death could then be explained by blaming the cat. (Do keep the cat away from the sleeping baby.)
Pregnancy Issues of Real Concern
Some old wives' tales are updated through the years. One of these is the idea of eating for two people. An average woman needs to gain 25 to 30 pounds of weight. Obese women may actually not gain weight and still be fine.
Having a drink before seeing a positive pregnancy test isn’t going to harm the fetus. Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy if possible, according to the UC Berkely Wellness Newsletter, but a single drink or two during pregnancy won’t harm the fetus. Regular drinking is contraindicated. Coffee goes in and out of vogue as it relates to pregnancy. A cup of coffee a day isn’t harmful. At the time of this writing, guzzling coffee all day isn’t recommended for anyone’s well being.
Although eating raw sushi during pregnancy isn’t advised by the American Pregnancy Foundation (due to the mercury levels in some fish), evidence based medicine has no widespread ban on either raw fish or raw meat during pregnancy. There are recommendations, however: Shellfish and tuna should be limited. A study from the Canadian Journal of Family Medicine (April 2010) states there is no longer concern with deli meats or sushi being avoided due to listeria fears. Always follow the advice of the OB practitioner since information can vary.
Exercise and walking are a good idea unless specifically told not to be active. Don’t experiment with a new program if the exercise type hasn’t been previously tried (for example, Pilates or running) unless it is a monitored program with pre-natal exercise.
Lastly, once a baby is born, breastfeeding does not prevent pregnancy. There is some protection while solely breastfeeding for the first three months but ovulation occurs before menstruation. This is why it’s possible to get pregnant without first having a period. Once menses resumes, pregnancy is definitely possible whether a woman is breastfeeding or not.
Also on Suite 101:
Beauty Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
7 Normal Skin Changes During Pregnancy.
References:
Advance for Nurse Practitioners, Taylor, K., NP Pregnancy Myths, accessed June 23 2010
Can Fam Physician,Vol. 56, No. 4, April 2010, pp.341 - 343
UC Berkely Wellness Letter, Foundations of Wellness, Filtering the News about Coffee;Should You Drink Alcohol for Your Heart,Feb 18,2010
The Ultimate Cat Behavior Guide, accessed June 22,2010
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
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