5 pregnancy myths debunked

There are a lot of old wives’ tales and misconceptions about pregnancy. While these aren’t backed by science, they still cause confusion, worry, and anxiety especially among first-time moms. That’s why it’s best to consult with experts before believing them.

Here are 5 common pregnancy myths busted by Dr. Margaret Joyce Cristi-Limson and Maoui David-Chua during a discussion facilitated by Huggies Philippines and Mommy Mundo.

#1 Morning sickness only happens in the morning.

Unfortunately, morning sickness can strike anytime during the day, and not just in the morning. It can happen beyond the first trimester, and some moms have it until labor and delivery. Some mothers experience it with every pregnancy, others experience it only once. Every pregnancy is different. So having a terrible morning sickness in your first pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have it every time.

#2 Eating peanuts and dairy can make the baby allergic to them.

Allergies are more often inherited than developed in the womb, says Dr. Cristi-Limson. The chance of the baby having an allergy will be better determined if there are family members with allergies; in this case, if there are peanut and dairy allergies in the family.

#3 I should be eating for two while pregnant.

You shouldn’t. Women who eat for two may gain too much weight, leading to issues during delivery. This can also make it difficult for the new moms to go back to their pre-pregnancy weight. Women only need an additional 300 calories a day throughout the entire pregnancy.

#4 I shouldn’t dye my hair when pregnant.

It is true that hair dye can be toxic. If the body absorbs the toxins, there is a chance that it will reach the placenta. However, if minimal dye is used and as long as it doesn’t touch your skin, dyeing your hair shouldn’t be an issue. There is a risk, but not a big one. Dr. Cristi-Limson, however, recommends not doing it during the first trimester, when the baby’s organs are formed.

#5 I will likely have twin babies if I eat twin fruits.

While this is a fun little myth, the likelihood of having twins is completely genetic. The chances of having twins is entirely influenced by the mom’s genes, not the dad’s. The only exception to this would be if a couple undergoes in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because several fertilized eggs are often implanted in the woman’s uterus, the probability of having twins increases.

For a complete rundown of the myths covered during the discussion, watch the full video on Mommy Mundo’s Facebook LIVE!