Indian culture is rich with traditions and beliefs, including various myths and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy. These myths often reflect cultural norms and values, passed down through generations. While some may have a basis in cultural practices, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Understanding and debunking these pregnancy myths can help expectant mothers make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
In this article, we will explore some common pregnancy myths prevalent in Indian culture and shed light on the truth behind them. By dispelling these myths, we aim to provide clarity and promote evidence-based knowledge, empowering pregnant women to navigate their journey with confidence and awareness.
Top 15 Indian Myths On Pregnancy
During pregnancy, numerous myths and misconceptions circulate, causing confusion and unnecessary worry for expectant mothers. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction to ensure a healthy and informed pregnancy journey. Here are 15 common Indian pregnancy myths debunked:
Myth No: 1- The Shape Of The Stomach and Fetal Heart Rate Indicate The Gender Of The Baby
One of the most famous beliefs is that the elevation and the shape of the mother-to-be’s stomach can indicate the gender of the newborn. According to the conventional belief, if the stomach of the pregnant mother carrying the newborn is ‘low’, then it must be a boy and if her stomach is carrying the newborn elevated ‘high’, it must be a baby girl. There is also some myth about the fetal heart rate, which states if the baby’s heart rate is fast, it would be a girl child and a slow heart rate is suggestive of a baby boy.
Fact: However, there is no scientific explanation for these widely popular notions. According to doctors the elevation of the stomach is largely determined by a woman’s muscle tone, the strength of muscles of the abdomen, the number of childbirths, uterine musculature, and the position of the baby. The heart rate of the fetus varies throughout the pregnancy and is dependent upon the health and age of the growing fetus in the mother’s womb
Myth No: 2- Eat For Two
You should eat for two. Thus, double your calorie intake during pregnancy.
Fact: A pregnant woman needs 300 extra calories per day so it implies that you should eat about one and a fifth. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy only increases the chances of complications. Increase vitamin and protein intake and eat a healthy nutritious diet to get all the vital nutrients
Myth No: 3- An Occasional Glass Of Wine Does Not Hurt
Some people are of the opinion that an occasional glass of wine or alcohol does not necessarily harm the baby in any way and is safe.
Fact: Alcohol or wine is never recommended by the doctor – as there have been no studies proving the “safe limits” of wine or alcohol. In fact, if you do consume alcohol, you are putting your baby at an increased risk of SIDS and ADHD problems.
Myth No: 4-Not To Put Arms Around Your Head
Some women are told to avoid putting arms across their heads as it can cause strangulation of the baby’s umbilical cord.
Fact: This is absolutely wrong notion and has no scientific study to support it. Many babies get their umbilical cord wrapped around their necks, but this is due to the baby’s movements. A majority of these babies develop normally and are successfully delivered
Myth No: 5- Keep It A Secret For At least 3 Months
Another very common myth is that the pregnant mother should strictly keep the news of her conception a top secret from everyone for the initial few months.
Fact: This is sheerly unreasonable and absolutely absurd. Obviously, there is no scientific reason for it. Hello?? Why cannot a pregnant woman share her happiness with the people she loves?
Myth No: 6- Limit Your Activities- Refrain From Exercises
Some people may advise you to restrict your daily activities as it might affect your health. Some old wives’ tales recommend pregnant women to take rest and sleep and cut themselves off from daily activities.
Fact: Well, this is again a false belief as your doctor will ask you to have a light walk, some exercise, and indulge in light household work. You should not sit idle all day long.
Myth No: 7- Eating Some Foods Will Lead To Abortion
Another common belief is that consuming some food articles such as papaya, pineapples, and eggs can induce abortion.
Fact: As long as ripe fruits are consumed there is no risk of unexpected abortion, however, doctors do believe that eating unripe papaya can lead to uterine contraction and consequent miscarriage. Eggs are a rich source of proteins and can be included in your diet after seeking advice from your obstetrician. Green apple is also known to cause some problems
Myth No: 8-Not To Take Bath
You might have heard women advising pregnant ladies not to take regular baths.
Fact: This is ridiculous. Bathing helps in keeping the body clean and germ-free. It is essential for maintaining proper hygiene and everyone should take a bath. Pregnant women are no exception for this vital daily activity – unless there is bleeding or the water breaks. Too hot water should be avoided
Myth No: 9- For Fair Complexion Of Babies, Eat Saffron Or Oranges
Some elders recommend drinking saffron milk or consumption of oranges during pregnancy as they believe that these food items are useful in imparting a fair complexion to the baby.
Fact: This has no significance as skin complexion is largely dependent upon your genetic inheritance. Food articles do not have any influence on a baby’s skin complexion
Myth No: 10- If You Have a Heart Burn Your Baby Will Have Lots Of Hair
This is another myth prevalent among people. Heartburn is a common pregnancy symptom and is due to acid reflux. Eating spicy food can often cause heartburn.
Fact: It sounds weird and simply funny. There is no relationship between heartburn and getting more hair on a baby’s scalp. Scientifically heartburn has nothing to do with your baby’s hair
Myth No: 11- Watching A Lunar Eclipse Can Cause Cleft Lip In Your Baby
This is probably the most popular of all myths and its prevalence can be traced to the ancient times of Aztecs. The Aztecs had firm faith that the eclipse was actually a bite on the face of the ‘luna’ or moon. If the expectant mother watches the lunar eclipse, then her baby will also have a cleft lip.
Fact: This is baseless and has no scientific validity. Eclipse is a natural geographic phenomenon and has got nothing to do with having cleft lip
Myth No: 12- Pregnancy Is For 9 Months
The duration of a typical human pregnancy is approximately nine months. The baby will come soon after that. Passing a nine-month means unhealthy pregnancy.
Fact: A pregnancy that lasts for 40 weeks is generally considered a healthy pregnancy. Babies born after 39 weeks of gestation are often found to be healthier than those born in the 37th or 38th week.
Myth No: 13-. No Sex During Pregnancy
This is another popular belief during pregnancy. Sex is considered to be harmful as it can induce miscarriage or pre-term labor.
Fact: Well, you can have sex during pregnancy provided it is done in comfortable postures and without putting pressure on your tummy. The fetus is well protected in the amniotic bag and is further covered by abdominal layers. Moreover, your cervix is quite hard and long to avoid anything from ascending up to the uterus. Sex is therefore safe during pregnancy as long as your doctor does not advise you against the same and there is no connection between sex and labor
Myth No: 14- Having Ghee or Butter In The Last Month Smoothens The Delivery
It is believed that ghee, and butter help in contracting the uterus and soften the cervix thus easing delivery.
Fact: Having a normal delivery depends on many factors such as the shape of mother’s pelvis, the size of the fetus and the presentation of the fetus. Though ghee forms an integral part of the Indian traditional diet, there is no harm in having ghee or butter, but the key is moderation
Myth No: 15- You Cannot Avoid Backache
Backache is a frequent complaint during pregnancy and it is thought that there is no cure for it.4
Fact: Well, scientifically speaking backaches can be minimized by having correct postures and by doing gentle back exercises. Try to keep your spine straight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indian pregnancy myths are deeply ingrained in the cultural beliefs and traditions of the country. While some of these myths may be based on historical practices or anecdotal experiences, it is important to approach them with a critical mindset and consider the scientific evidence behind them. Many of these myths lack scientific validation and can sometimes be harmful or misleading. It is crucial for expectant mothers and their families to consult with healthcare professionals and rely on evidence-based information for a healthy pregnancy. Medical advancements and research have provided us with a wealth of knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care, which should be prioritized over traditional beliefs that may not have a scientific basis. By dispelling myths and promoting accurate information, we can help ensure the well-being and safety of both the mother and the unborn child.
