If you are pregnant, you might be getting a lot of advice from people around you. You may be even asking whether what they are saying or advising to do is true or not. Dr. Salmi Daraup, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri looks at some of the common myths you might hear and has some answers for you.
Myth: Eating peanuts and dairy can make your baby allergic to them
Truth: It’s perfectly safe to eat these foods unless you yourself are allergic to them, or if your doctor advises you not to. There are some foods that are best to avoid during pregnancy due to the risks in certain harmful microbes. They include some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, raw or partly cooked eggs, and soft-serve ice cream.
Myth: There are ways you can tell if it’s a boy or a girl
Truth: The position of the baby in your tummy, how active the baby is are all ways you may have heard if you are having a boy or a girl, but none of these methods works. In most cases, an ultrasound scan can reveal the sex of your baby. However, it isn’t 100% reliable, but you can ask your medical consultant to tell you what they see. You can also ask them not to tell you if you want to wait until the birth to find out.
Myth: I should be ‘eating for two’ while I’m pregnant
Truth: There is no evidence to show that you need to eat for two when you’re pregnant. Overeating is bad for both you and your baby. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is what’s important.
Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Truth: Nausea (and/or vomiting) during pregnancy can occur at any time of the day, due to changes in your hormones. For most women, it’s more common in the morning and begins to improve after 3 months. But for some women, it’s different.
Myth: I can’t have a cat in the house when I’m pregnant
Truth: There is no need to give away your pets when you become pregnant. Although a disease called toxoplasmosis can be harmful to your unborn baby — as you can become infected by handling cat’s faeces. Ask someone else to change your cat’s litter, or wear gloves to do this as well as when gardening while you are pregnant.
Myth: Cream can help avoid stretch marks
Truth: There is no evidence that creams or oils can remove or prevent stretch marks, which often fade in time.
Myth: I should come to hospital whenever I want to deliver
Truth: You should have at least monthly follow up to assess your health and your baby’s health.
What is essential is to take care of your health throughout your pregnancy, example such as to eat healthy food, be careful about food hygiene, take supplement but refer to your doctor first, do light exercise regularly, cut back on caffeine, stop smoking and remember to consult your doctor to check on your health and progress.
If you’d like to seek more advice, kindly book an appointment with Dr Salmi Daraup, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology of Columbia Asia Hospital – Iskandar Puteri at 07-233 9938.
