Pregnancy Myths We're Still Hearing

We have all heard the 'old wives tales' about various aspects of pregnancy.
'If you're carrying high, it's a girl'.  Or, 'if you are craving ice-cream, it's a boy'.

These types of myths are pretty harmless but there are some that continue to be repeated and can actually do harm.  One that we continue to hear is - baby slows down towards the end of pregnancy because they are running out of room. THIS IS WRONG!!  Baby's movements should remain consistent no matter how close you are to giving birth and if you think they've slowed down, you need to contact your LMC or make your way to the hospital to be checked out.  (And check out the Baby's Movements Matter page for more info)

Still Aware reminds us that there are many common pregnancy myths that are simply not true, and in a world where anyone can publish information online, it is crucial that expectant parents are provided the right tools and information to have an informed and empowered pregnancy. Here are some the common myths:

Common Pregnancy Myths:

Myth 1: "If your baby's movements slow down a good solution to get them moving again is to drink cold ice-water or something fizzy."
False! This is 100% not true. If you ever present a change in your baby's movements and are told to go home and drink cold water, disregard this advice immediately and DO NOT leave your clinic until you are checked properly.

Myth 2: "If your placenta is at the front you won't be able to feel your baby's movements."
False. You will be able to feel your baby's movements regardless of where your placenta lies. Get to know your baby's individual pattern and do not compare your pregnancy to others.

Myth 3: "My baby will 'slow down' before being born" as it will 'run out of room to move'.
This is a giant myth and 100% not true. Babies do not run out of room to move before being born. In fact, your baby's movements will continue to steadily grow stronger up until your due date. 

Myth 4: "I should aim to count 10 kicks a day, right?"
Whilst counting kicks is a good way to keep track of movements, there is no set number of movements to look out for. Some babies may move 10 times in one day, and others may move 10 times in ten minutes! Baby's can move anywhere between 4 and 400 times in a single hour! It's important to know what is normal for you and your baby, and report any changes on that. 

Myth 5: "When my baby is 'going crazy' this is good, because any increase in movements is good!"
This is not true. Whilst a steady increase in movements throughout pregnancy generally implies a healthy and growing bub, a sudden rapid increase in movements from your baby's normal pattern can be a warning sign that your baby is in distress. If you feel yourself thinking "my baby is really going crazy today", go and get checked immediately, and do not wait. If you aren't quite sure what to do, trust your instincts and always sit on the side of caution.

Myth 6: Women should avoid sex during pregnancy.
This is false. Sex has no effect on an otherwise healthy pregnancy and will not 'hurt' your baby! In some circumstances, your health care provider may recommend abstaining from sex if you have a high-risk pregnancy, however for most women sex is okay. If you aren't sure, always speak to your care provider with any questions that are on your mind.