Is It True...?

During pregnancy, a pregnant woman tends to have a host of issues she is curious about, be it her pregnancy, the fetus, common myths, health worries and the like. Here is a run-down of questions frequently quizzed by pregnant women all over, some of which you may be able to relate to.

Q. The more nausea means you are carrying a boy?

A. The theory goes that with a male child more testosterone is released into your body hence more nausea. Similarly acne on mother's skin is pinned on the same hormone. The truth however is those hormones are in the mother's system, not the fetus (fetal quantity is too minimal to impact the mother).

Q. Standing near the microwave is dangerous?

A. Microwave ovens are well regulated by FDA and are therefore considered safe to use by pregnant women since it will not operate if there is excessive leakage. The slight leakage is not high enough to cause harm to the fetus. If you are still nervous, just step aside when operating one.

Q. That chocolate milk provides less calcium?

A. The calcium content in white milk and chocolate milk is the same and is absorbed just as well, though the fat content is higher in non-skim milk.

Q. That decaf coffee and herbal teas are bad?

A. Decaf coffee has 97% of its caffeine removed. The best is to avoid coffee consumption altogether in the first trimester. An occasional cup after that is probably ok. Most herbal teas with funny names are best avoided - safe choices include peppermint and chamomile. Always check the labels of commercially sold brand name herbal teas to be on the safe side.

Q. That eating for two literally means I have to double up?

A. This refers to the nutrients and not the portions. The average pregnant woman requires just 150-200 calories per day in the first trimester, an extra 250-300 thereafter. Calcium, zinc, iron and folate rich foods should be consumed in larger quantities in comparison.

Q. My feet are going to increase in size?

A. Most women do notice some expansion in feet before the 9 months are up because of the loosened ligaments. About 50% find the growth of up to one whole shoe size permanent.

Q. If I just do not look good I am expecting a baby girl?

A. An old wives tale that suggest that bad skin and dull pallor indicate a girl baby is on the way. Pregnancy like any other time can cause a woman to have her share of bad face days!

Q. That sex can hurt the baby?

A. No. The fetus is well protected in the sac so deep penetration is not going to hurt the baby.

Q. That stress can cause miscarriage?

A. Work stress such as deadlines, crazy clients, commuting to work will not cause you to miscarry. Chronic stress on the other hand, such as a death in the family or divorce can cause preterm delivery and lower birthweight babies to occur. This is because hormones which start up labor starts to soar and blood flow to the placenta reduces, and this thereby decreases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

Q. That I shouldn't lift anything heavier than a newborn?

A. Mothers with older children tend to worry about this. If you have a normal pregnancy you can lift away as usual until the final months. Make sure you use the correct posture: kneel before you lift so that the strain is borne by your legs and not your back.

Q. That worrying can cause birthmarks?

A. Rest assured that what is going on in your head won't affect the going-ons in your uterus. Birthmarks are caused by irregular pigmentation.

Q. That craving for pickles means my body lacks in salt?

A. The cause of cravings isn't known. Instead it is logical to assume that we prefer certain foods over others because of changes in our taste buds and sense of smell. Sometimes due to mood swings you may yearn for comfort foods. No one really knows why some develop sudden new tastes and while some crave old favorites. The bottom line: if it is good for you, indulge. If it is not, indulge less.

Q. That I should avoid sugar?

A. It is important to reduce sugar but not remove it totally. Sugar is glucose and glucose is what your baby needs for fuel. Make healthful choices.

Q. That boys are more active in the womb?

A. Avoid stereotyping your baby before its birth. Both boys and girls kick with equal vigor - you cannot predict baby's gender this way.

Q. That it is a girl if you carry low, if you gain weight in the face? Or a boy if your pallor darkens, if a ring on a string that's held over your stomach moves in circles? Etc, etc.

A. Taking tests such as an amnio or a CVS to check the chromosomes or an ultrasound for the genitals are the only ways of being certain about the baby's gender before birth and not some old wives tales, which are at best a good time-pass.

Q. That first babies are usually late?

A. Every baby follows his or her own schedule. But if your first baby was especially early you can generally expect the same for subsequent births.

Q. That I am a candidate for C-section if I am narrow hipped?

A. Many petite women have delivered big babies vaginally. It's the size and position of baby relative to your pelvis size that act as determinants.

Q. That eating spicy foods close to due date can trigger labor?

A. Spicy foods can trigger heartburn especially in the final trimester but not labor.

Q. That vigorous exercise can cause labor to commence early?

A. There is no proven theory that you can initiate labor on your own.

Q. That scratching your belly can cause stretch marks?

A. The red marks caused by scratching will fade in a day but a stretch mark goes deeper and lasts throughout the pregnancy and diminishes only afterwards. It is good to avoid the impulse to itch since scratching can worsen the itching.

Q. That vitamin E oil or cocoa butter can prevent stretch marks?

A. There is no known way to avoid these marks though lotions act as skin lubricants.

Q. That sex can trigger labor?

A. Again no. stimulation of the breasts releases oxytocin which can produce contractions near term but contractions don't necessarily mean labor.

Q. That an episiotomy can interfere with sexual pleasure later?

A. Sometimes. Generally a stretched vagina can alter the sensations of intercourse rather than the cut or tear. A slackened vagina can improve with time and exercise. Pain from stitches can put you off sex for months.

Q. That boys weigh more than girls at birth?

A. That is true but only on average - there are exceptions. For boys the range varies from 6-9 lbs in weight and 17 to 22 inches in length.

Q. That nursing will make my breasts sag?

A. Actually it is pregnancy more than lactation that tend to alter the firmness and shape of breasts. Heredity, age and weight gain are other factors.

Q. That some babies need solid food earlier than others?

A. Solids are not necessary until 4-6 months of age. Introduction to solids too soon can cause baby to become overly fat instead. It is simply not beneficial or necessary and has not been proven to improve sleep. Babies go through growth spurts and it may seem that baby is hungrier; indulge your baby with breast or formula milk, not with solids.

Q. That I should wear a bra while nursing?

A. A nursing bra provides comfortable support for milk heavy breasts; it allows for the use of pads more easily. A wireless model is the best during the breastfeeding phase. For large breasted females look for bas with wide support bands at the shoulders and beneath the cups.

Q. That I should also give my baby water?

A. There is no need to give newborns water regularly as breast milk is about 90% water. Frequent nursing will prevent dehydration. Baby can lose interest in breast milk by filling up on water which contains no nutrients. This could also hamper your milk supply. Formula fed babies can be offered water between feedings in warmer weather although you may want to confirm with your doctor first.

Q. That I should warm up milk or formula before giving it to my baby?

A. Breast milk is naturally warm so baby may get accustomed and prefer temperate formula or expressed breast milk. If you can get your baby used to slightly cold milk you save yourself the time and hassle of preheating bottles especially when your baby is very hungry.

Q. That I should quit breastfeeding once my periods return?

A. Menstruation does not alter taste of breast milk as was once assumed. Secondly women do not grow weaker because of the monthly flow - continue to nourish your newborn.

Q. That I still need a prenatal vitamin?

A. It is a good idea that you continue with your prenatal vitamin until your postpartum checkup since your body needs iron to combat the stressful first weeks with baby. Check with your doctor on what is suitable during your checkup. Many breastfeeding women and vegetarians are encouraged to continue with the supplements so that they benefit from the essential minerals and vitamins.

Q. That if I drink milk my baby will be colicky?

A. Few babies do react to dairy products and can fuss and cry when exposed to them through breast milk. The fussiness occurs right after a feed and if this is the case, you could try a test by eliminating dairy products from your diet for about a week. If this seems true, discuss with your doctor on the next plan of action. It is important to note that newborns have colic for unknown reasons and will cry regardless of what you consume. Your dairy intake cannot cause such an allergy - nursing mothers need to drink milk and other dairy products to bolster calcium intake. There is no correlation between dairy and a colicky baby.

Q. That I should avoid spicy foods if I am nursing?

A. It all depends on whether you have been eating spicy food all this while; if so your baby will not feel the effects. Strong taste such as garlic and cabbage can alter milk taste. Basically you do not need to remove any food from your diet and consult your doctor unless baby reacts strongly by falling sick or being fussy or develops a rash.

Q. That breastfeeding is a good way to lose weight?

A. Nursing does burn calories. On the other hand you need to consume 300-500 extra calories per day to properly produce milk. So for some women breastfeeding does speed up weight loss while others find they lose the kilos only after they stop breastfeeding.

Q. That I should avoid using the stairs?

A. If you had a C-section or a severe episiotomy or tear, minimizing all movements for the first week is a smart move.

Q. That exercise inhibits milk supply?

A. Women who participate in postpartum exercise have higher milk volume compared to their sedentary counterparts. Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your workout.

Q. That I cannot get pregnant if I am still nursing?

A. Breastfeeding is not a reliable form of birth control. There is no way to know when ovulation will resume although it is true that ovulation tends to restart later in nursing mothers (on average 17 weeks compared with 10 weeks for non-lactating mothers). Some women who breastfeed exclusively get their periods within 2 months of delivery while others remain period free long after their babies have begun solid foods.

Q. That I should wait to have intercourse until my bleeding stops?

A. It is generally safe to have intercourse around 3 weeks after a normal, problem-free delivery. Waiting until lochia discharge totally stops (about 4-6 weeks) is considered a better option as this assures you that the uterus is properly healed. The risk of intercourse too soon is that if the site where the placenta was attached isn't totally healed, bacteria may be introduced which can lead to uterine infection.

Q. That a fat baby will be a fat child?

A. Birthweight is a good indicator of future weight. Genetics and diet too play a part in determining baby's weight later in life but not until age 2 do you need to worry about obesity i.e. 20-30% over ideal bodyweight.

Q. That if my baby has acne, he will have acne as a teenager?

A. There is no relationship. Pimples in infancy erupt between 3-5 weeks of life and clear up on their own when baby is about 3 months old. Called milia these tiny whiteheads are caused by clogged pores which are common to immature skin and may be aggravated further by maternal hormones.

Q. That colic stops exactly at 3 months?

A. You cannot predict much where babies are concerned, colic phase included. In some cases it persists into the fourth or even sixth month but for a large number of cases they do indeed vanish around the 3-month mark.

Q. That switching to soy-based formula will cure colic?

A. Some doctors do suggest soy milk instead of cow milk formula if the baby is terribly fussy just to see if milk allergy is the cause. However there is no link between colic and what a baby consumes. Treatments in the form of drops will not make a difference to a colicky baby but may relieve a gassy baby.

Q. That binding a coin to a baby's belly will ensure a firm navel?

A. This tradition causes discomfort and nothing more to the baby (same goes when using a belly bend). Sometimes after the stump falls off, the surrounding abdominal muscles fail to come together tightly causing a slight bulge or swelling called an umbilical hernia. This is not dangerous, requires no treatment and often disappears in a few years.