10 Pregnancy Myths

1. Pregnant women are not attractive.

FALSE! As a pregnant woman you may feel less attractive but you definitely shouldn't! Although your body will keep changing, the pregnancy will give you that famous “glow''. Your skin will become brighter, breasts bigger, nails longer and your hair thicker. 

2. You can eat for two.

FALSE! Unfortunately, that's not true. Eating too many calories will have a bad impact on you and your growing baby. According to Julie Redfern, a dietitian at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, you will need only about 300 calories more when you're pregnant.  If you put on too much weight, you increase your risk of diabetes, backaches and high blood pressure. 

3. You'll definitely lose your shape during the pregnancy. 

Although you may put a bit on weight during the pregnancy, you are also likely to lose it after the delivery. Your weight will depend on your diet and whether you exercise or not. 

4. You can satisfy all your cravings.

Again, FALSE! Although you may feel like you HAVE TO eat this whole piece of cake, you should bear in mind that sweets are bad for you and your baby.  In fact, eating a lot of sugar during the pregnancy lowers your baby's immunity. 

5. You shouldn't have sex during the pregnancy. 

FALSE! There is absolutely no harm in making love whilst you're pregnant. Your baby is perfectly safe. Later on in pregnancy, an orgasm may cause contractions but don't worry, it's perfectly normal. 

6. You shouldn't die your hair.

FALSE! You can colour your hair during the pregnancy however, try to avoid products that contain ammonia and other chemicals. 

7. You can have an occasional alcoholic drink. 

Hmm, that's a controversial one. Some women have a spontaneous glass of red wine or champagne however the truth is, alcohol is unhealthy, whether you're pregnant or not. Moreover, according to the NHS, “drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink the greater the risk”. 

8. Tea and coffee?

Again, caffeine isn't healthy either. Although one cup time to time shouldn't harm your baby, it has been found that high caffeine intake can have negative impact on baby's weight and even cause a miscarriage. 

9. You shouldn't eat red meat. 

FALSE! You can eat it all you want; however make sure it's cooked throughout properly. Why? Rare or uncooked meat may have a parasite that can cause Toxoplasmosis, an infection that can harm your baby.  

10. You can tell the baby sex by looking at the position of the bump. 

FALSE. Sorry, but this not the case. Sex of the baby has nothing to do with its position of the baby bump. Be patient.