Pregnancy is a wonderful experience, but it can be full of numerous questions and overwhelming emotions. Unfortunately, these concerns can cause you to seek out advice from friends, family, and the online searches that may not actually be true. If you are currently pregnant, use this guide to learn the truth behind a few common myths associated with pregnancy.
You're Eating for Two
One of the first and most common myths you may hear is that you should be more hungry because you are eating for two. While your body does require essential vitamins and minerals for you and your unborn baby, eating excessively can be dangerous.
The total amount of weight you should gain will depend on a few factors including your pre-pregnancy weight and your total BMI. If your pre-pregnancy BMI is high, gaining an excessive amount of weight throughout the pregnancy will increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and pre-term delivery of your baby.
If your pre-pregnancy BMI and weight is within a healthy range, you should gain 1 to 5 pounds only during the first trimester. After the first trimester, you will gain about 1 pound a week until you deliver.
To ensure you do not gain too much weight, avoid extra portions, drink plenty of water, and focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, protein, and whole grains as opposed to starchy, sugary foods.
You Can't Dye Your Hair
Many women believe they should not use products to color their hair while they are pregnant because of the chemicals found in these products. Again, this is a myth that should be addressed so you can continue covering the gray, adding highlights, or just enhancing the look of your hair during the pregnancy.
It is important to note that the chemicals in hair dye products do have strong odors, which can make many pregnant women feel nauseous, but that does not mean they are posing any danger. Avoid using dyes that contain ammonia, which can increase feelings of nausea.
If you are planning to color your hair, make sure you are in a well-ventilated space, as well. When visiting a professional salon, make sure they know you are pregnant. This will ensure they use the correct products and apply them in the safest manner possible.
Even though you will face many concerns, pregnancy is a true blessing. This guide and your obstetrician's help will debunk a few common myths that may confuse you about your pregnancy. Contact a clinic, like Desert Rose OBGYN PC, for more help.
When my husband and I struggled to conceive our second child, I knew something wasn't right, but I wasn't sure what. I went through several appointments with my OBGYN before finding out that I had an autoimmune disease that affected my thyroid, which in turn affected my fertility. The process was overwhelming, and the feelings I faced afterward were challenging. I knew that there had to be others going through the same thing, and I didn't want them to feel alone. I created this site to share what I've learned about fertility and gynecology in the hopes of reaching people like me and helping them understand, too.