You’ve probably heard of it a hundred times. There are numerous practices about pregnancy and birth. But are there facts that support these pregnancy and birth practices?
The Facts About Pregnancy and Birth Claims
- Pregnant women should not use the computer for long periods of time. This is partially true but there are no scientific evidence yet that support this claim. These machines do emit low-frequency radiation but their effect to pregnancy and birth is still unknown. Being in front of the computer can cause carpal tunnel syndrome to pregnant women.
- Pregnant women should stay out of the heat, saunas and hot tubs. This pregnancy and birth practice is true. The temperature of the fetus is 1 degree Celsius above than the mother. So heat from the sun, saunas, and hot tubs may be comfortable for moms, but not for the baby. There are scientific evidences stating that when a mother’s temperature goes up, the pregnancy and birth are affected. It may cause birth defects and miscarriage.
- Women should not do long exercise. This is related to the above pregnancy and birth claim. Long periods of exercise can increase a mother’s temperature. It is therefore recommended to drink one glass of water or juice every 20 minutes to keep hydrated. Another good tip during pregnancy and birth is to do exercise in the shade.
- The fetal heart rate can be predictive of its gender. This pregnancy and birth claim is not true. A scientific study performed in the University of Arkansas showed no correlation between gender and fetal heart rate. It only showed the age of the fetus.
- Pregnant women should not stand for long period of time. This is true. Studies about pregnancy and birth showed that standing for more than five hours can cause dizziness, clots and fatigue. Pregnancy and birth is compromised since blood flow is directed to the extremities, and not to the uterus. This compromises the much needed nutrition of the fetus that is transported via the blood.
- A pregnant woman should not do strenuous exercise nor carry heavy objects. This pregnancy and birth claim is true in cases where there has been a history of a miscarriage or premature birth. However, for other pregnant women, the claim has no basis whether it would affect pregnancy and birth. The activities however may cause accidents and these might injure the pregnant women.
- Pregnant women should avoid X-rays. This pregnancy and birth claim is true. Multiple X-rays should be avoided but if it is a single X-ray check up, it’s okay according to the American College of Radiology.
- Do not travel by plane if you are on your first trimester. This is false. There are no studies supporting the pregnancy and birth claim saying that the radiation from the high altitude could hurt your baby. The only thing you have to worry is if you have an abnormal pregnancy from the start and there’s a possibility that you might bleed on the plane.
- Stress during the early pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. This pregnancy and birth claim is true. During any stage, stress could trigger miscarriage and therefore should be avoided.
Do yourself a favor and avoid the pregnancy and birth claims that could hurt your baby.