Myth Busting

There are so many myths around pregnancy from how you can exercise to what you can eat, we take a look at the most common myths and tell you the facts. #1 Avoid Exercise The guidance used to be, slow down and limit exercise when pregnant but the latest advice states you can exercise as before, although don’t over do it. If you attend exercise classes, then do let your instructor know you are pregnant and they may adjust the exercise regime accordingly, but the general rule of thumb is carry on as before. The experts also say that doing exercise can help prepare your body for labour and may help your body return to normal quicker after birth. #2 Pregnancy Glow The aged old myth that you are glowing when pregnant due to happiness is not necessarily true and although I’m sure you are happy at some stages during your pregnancy, this will not be the case all the time. You may however experience a ‘glow’ but this is more likely due to hormones, increased blood flow or increased oil to your skin. #3 You Can’t Dye your Hair Although hair dye contains chemicals, the levels needed to cause any harm to your baby are a lot higher than what you would find in hair dye and so it is deemed safe. #4 Gender Prediction You may find friends, family and sometimes even strangers having their opinion on whether you are having a boy or girl by how high or low your bump is, with folklore stating if your bump is low then you are having a boy. What is more likely is whether this is your first baby and also the strength of your abdominal muscles – best to stick to the scan if you want to know for (almost) certain. #5 If you have heartburn your baby will be hairy Ok, so there may be some truth in this one, but the study was very small, so do let us know if you suffer with heartburn whether your baby has a lot of hair when born as we would love to know. Other references:

https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/early-pregnancy/10-pregnancy-myths