Our expert: Nancy Chescheir, MD, professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina
When pregnant, can I dye and cut my hair? Get vaccinated? Have sex? Every pregnant woman is subject to many prohibitions that can panic anyone. Some myths can upset the expectant mother, so we will dispel some of the most common myths.
Myth 1. No vaccinations
This depends on the vaccination. It is not recommended to vaccinate against measles, rubella, mumps, chickenpox, and human papillomavirus during pregnancy.
On the other hand, vaccinations for meningococcus, pneumococcus, DPT, tetanus, and diphtheria are safe.
It is especially important to get a flu shot! Pregnancy affects the immune system, heart, and respiratory organs of a woman, making them more vulnerable. Vaccination can protect both mother and baby from possible complications, the risk of which increases in women in delicate situations.
Myth 2. Food for two
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the average normal-weight woman only needs about 300 extra calories a day for her baby to develop. There are about the same calories in a glass of milk and a sandwich. On the other hand, overeating and being overweight can complicate pregnancy and childbirth.
Myth 3. No makeup or hair coloring
Chemicals from hair dye are absorbed through the skin in minimal amounts, so they are not harmful at all. Likewise, trimming hair in no way affects the health of either the mother or the child. However, keep in mind that in hairdressing salons strong-smelling products are often used, and smells can cause nausea or dizziness in a pregnant woman. However, this reaction depends on the woman.
Myth 4. No coffee
Many pregnant women cut off caffeine because it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight. However, the arguments against caffeine are not convincing. Scientists have not found any link between caffeine consumption and preterm labor. The only risk is increased blood pressure, so doctors recommend limiting yourself to one cup of coffee a day.
Myth 5. No flights
Airport body scanners, security X-rays, and radiation from high-altitude flights are a common fear. But don’t worry — research conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University found no negative effects of flights on either the mother or the child. However, you should consult your doctor before any trip.
Myth 6. No fish
This is not true — two servings of fish a week is good for the mother and baby. Fish, in particular, is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which enhance your baby’s brain and eyesight. You should only give up raw fish, which helps to avoid the risk of infection with parasites.
Myth 7. Sex is forbidden
Sex does not physically harm the baby, which is completely protected by the amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles. A thick mucus plug also closes the cervix. But you still need to watch out for sexually transmitted infections. Some women wonder if an orgasm can cause a miscarriage.
If you have a normal, low-risk pregnancy, don’t worry: orgasmic contractions are completely different from those associated with childbirth. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid sexual activity if there is any threat of miscarriage or premature birth.
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