Pregnancy can be described without hesitation as the most beautiful time in a woman's life – but as soon as she announces that she is pregnant, she hears good advice from all sides. From eating habits to gender determination methods, almost everything is on the agenda of pregnancy myths. Of course, acquaintances, friends, and family only mean well for the expectant mother, but not everything has to be true, and above all, one does not have to believe everything that is suggested. Here, the 10 most bizarre pregnancy myths are uncovered.
1. Nausea in early pregnancy supposedly means you can expect a girl.
However, various studies and research have shown that this wisdom does not necessarily have to be true. Women who frequently vomit in the morning during early pregnancy or struggle with severe nausea do not give birth to more girls than boys. The only thing responsible is the increased HCG level in the expectant mother's blood, which is important for the pregnancy.
2. A girl steals the mother's beauty.
This myth has existed for centuries. Allegedly, mothers of girls become ugly and unsightly during pregnancy, which manifests itself in dull hair and impure skin. The fact is, however, that this is caused by hormones, and this very hormone content varies from pregnancy to pregnancy.
3. Pregnant women have to eat for two.
A well-meant piece of advice, yet this thesis is not correct. The expectant mother does not necessarily have to shovel more into herself than is necessary. It is much more important that she consumes more vitamins, minerals, and fiber, i.e., pays more attention to her diet and the quality of the food. If a mother gains too much weight during pregnancy, this can become unhealthy and even dangerous for mother and child.
4. Cravings and desires during pregnancy reveal the gender.
If you eat more sour things, it will be a boy; if the mother is more in the mood for sweets, it will be a boy. Whether sour or sweet, whether unusual combinations or special cravings: here too, the secret is based on hormones. Depending on the sweetness of their saliva, expectant mothers subconsciously try to compensate for the taste with pickles or rollmops. For all other types of cravings, the HCG content is once again responsible.
5. The first three months are a limbo phase and the "all-or-nothing principle" applies.
So far, these things are true. Nevertheless, the pregnancy myth persists that one should not say anything about an existing pregnancy in the first three months, as this would otherwise bring bad luck. However, whether someone wants to share their joy with acquaintances and family or not has nothing to do with superstition, but is entirely at the woman's discretion.
6. Every pregnant woman definitely gets stretch marks.
This cannot be generalized either. Whether a pregnant woman gets stretch marks or not has to do with the stretching stress on the skin and the hormonal loosening of the tissue. The fact is, however, that existing torn skin areas cannot be repaired. Therefore, moisturizing the affected skin areas during pregnancy is very important.
7. A birth must be painful.
This is a principle that no expectant mother probably wants to hear. It is clear that a birth is no walk in the park, yet the pain factor also depends on the woman's perception. Furthermore, nowadays there is still the possibility of resorting to painkillers in case of severe pain, which are administered by doctors and midwives during birth.
8. Sex during pregnancy is prohibited.
Allegedly, this is supposed to trigger premature labor or "deform" the baby. However, this myth is only partially correct. Basically, sexual intercourse does not harm the pregnant woman or the unborn child as long as it is not a high-risk pregnancy. Otherwise, these things should be discussed with a gynecologist. However, the baby is doing well in the womb and is well protected in the amniotic fluid. Otherwise, whatever is fun is allowed.
9. Every pregnancy costs a tooth.
This old wisdom has been known for several centuries, but the only truth in this myth is that the mother has a higher calcium requirement during pregnancy. If she does not meet this, the body taps into the mother's reserves, and this can damage the teeth.
10. The shape of the belly reveals the gender.
This fairy tale is probably known to everyone: if the belly is pointed, it will be a boy; a round belly contains a girl. It is true, however, that the belly depends on the mother's initial figure. If she is built quite slim, she will probably get a more pointed belly; if she is well-built, the belly will also become rounder. This is clearly related to the anatomy of the expectant mother.
Read also: Signs of pregnancy – How to tell if you are pregnant
