Are these pregnancy myths true?

When you find out you're expecting a baby, you're bombarded with advice from everyone around you, right? Stories from your grandparents, things your aunts tell you... Some of these may seem like jokes, but some of them scare us for no reason. And some misconceptions can cause problems for you and your baby. So today, let's talk about some of these popular misconceptions about pregnancy .

Is the flu shot not good during pregnancy?

This is something that many people fear. Some pregnant women think that getting the flu vaccine will make them sick, or that the ingredients in the vaccine will be harmful to the baby. But the truth is, it should be the other way around. Getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is very important .

Consider this: During pregnancy, your body's immune system, heart, and lung function change. This means that if you get a flu-like illness, it's more likely to be severe than the average person. This can even be life-threatening.

The flu vaccine contains a killed virus. So it won't make you sick. Also, there's no scientific evidence that this vaccine is harmful to babies. However, the nasal spray vaccine contains live, weakened viruses, so it's not suitable for this time of year. So always get the shot . If you're concerned about preservatives in the vaccine, talk to your doctor about getting a vaccine that doesn't contain them.

Is the saying 'two people need to eat' true?

This is something we've all heard. When you're hungry, you might want to share an ice cream cone or a potato salad. But wait a minute. Yes, you're eating for two, but that doesn't mean you need a serving size that's good for two grown men.

Typically, a woman who is at a healthy weight before getting pregnant only needs a small amount of extra calories, about 300 calories a day. Simply put, that's about an extra glass of milk or half a sandwich in addition to what you eat each day. For someone of average weight, it's healthy to gain between 25 and 35 pounds (11 and 16 kg) during pregnancy. If you weigh more than that, you need to gain even less.

More importantly, babies who are "too heavy" at birth are more likely to be obese as adults. Therefore, eating a balanced diet is important.

Is hair dye bad for babies?

You don't need to neglect your hair during pregnancy. The chemicals you use to dye your hair and perm it, absorb into your skin in very small amounts. It's not something that's big enough to affect the baby.

But the strong smell of these chemicals can make some pregnant women feel nauseous . So, if you do something like this, do it in a well-ventilated area with a fan on . If you are very afraid, you can wait until the end of the first trimester before doing these things. Also, it is better to avoid dyes that contain ammonia, which has a strong smell.

Aren't coffee and tea that contain caffeine good for you?

Are you someone who can't live without a cup of coffee in the morning? Many pregnant mothers have this habit. But you may have heard that caffeine can cause miscarriage and low birth weight.

But in reality, the evidence against caffeine is not that strong. There is no clear evidence that consuming less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is about the amount found in a large cup of coffee, is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage or low birth weight. So, don't worry. Enjoy your coffee, but stay within the recommended limits .

Is it dangerous to travel by plane?

Airport scanners, X-ray machines, exposure to radiation in the air... When you think about all this, you might think it's better to stay home.

But don't be afraid. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a flight or at an airport is very small. We are naturally exposed to radiation even when we are on Earth. Although it is slightly higher in the air, it does not enter the body to the extent that it affects the baby. Therefore, the chance of any effect on the fetus is very small.

If you have any doubts, you can ask for a pat-down from an officer instead of going through the scanner. It's completely safe.

However, if you are planning to fly in the last trimester of your pregnancy, check with the airline about the rules in advance. Also, if you have any lung or heart conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before flying.

Should you avoid eating fish completely?

This is also a misconception. Eating fish twice a week is very healthy for both you and your baby. In particular, the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish are very important for your baby's brain development and vision.

However, some types of fish are not suitable for eating because they contain a heavy metal called mercury. Therefore, be careful with the types of fish in the table below.

Another important thing is to avoid eating raw fish altogether. Things like sushi or sashimi contain raw fish. Raw fish is more likely to harbor bacteria and parasites than cooked fish. However, eating sushi that contains well-cooked fish is not a problem.

Is it not appropriate to have sex during pregnancy?

Although many people are reluctant to talk about this, it is an important topic to be aware of. If your pregnancy is normal and risk-free, it is perfectly safe to have sex.

The baby is well protected by the strong muscles of the uterus and the amniotic sac. The cervix is ​​also covered by a thick mucus plug, so the baby is not harmed.

However, pregnancy does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you get an infection like herpes or chlamydia, you can pass it on to your baby. So be careful about that.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor to make sure your pregnancy is low-risk . If you have a condition such as a high risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or unexplained vaginal bleeding, your doctor may advise you to avoid sex.