Pregnancy Myths: Can You Separate Fact From Fiction?

Would you rather place your faith in a piece of sophisticated medical equipment or on a ring tied to the end of a string? Through medical imaging, we can accurately determine the gender of your child, yet many old wives tales, such as using the ring on the end of a string, still persist. Often, these are passed down from grandmothers or proclaimed through social media.

“Unfortunately, there are many myths circulating online that many people believe,” said Dr. Joshua Hardison. “This is one reason we encourage our patients to ask us any questions. We are here to serve you. Our staff of physicians and midwives has the information you need.  We have also compiled a useful resource library that provides information from reliable sources.”

We’re breaking down some of these common myths to demonstrate the truth.

Common Pregnancy Myths

You have to get rid of your cat while you’re pregnant.

You do not have to avoid cats entirely, nor do you need to rehome your feline friend, but you do need to be aware that there is a disease called toxoplasmosis that is caused by parasites. You can get it from contact with animal feces, and the risk is higher if you have a cat that goes outdoors and uses an indoor litterbox.

This disease can be passed to your baby, and it can cause several serious birth defects. If you have a cat, let someone else clean the litter box. If you have to handle this chore, be sure to wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands.  (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

A very small amount of alcohol is okay if you’re pregnant

To be clear: There is NO amount of alcohol that is safe while you’re pregnant. Study after study have consistently confirmed this fact and have indicated that even one alcoholic drink a day can lead to developmental disabilities. (American Academy of Pediatrics.) 

Believing this myth is particularly dangerous. Surveys indicate that 8 percent of women continue to consume alcohol when they are pregnant.  Alcohol exposure during pregnancy dramatically affects the developments of the fetus, causing problems including:

• Functional deficiencies in the brain
• Structural defects in vital organs, such as the kidneys and heart
• Contributes to specific learning disabilities, such as difficulty mastering mathematics and language
• Impaired impulse control
• A higher rate of AD/HD
• Vision and hearing problems
• Poor memory

If you’re carrying your baby “low,” then are you having a boy?

There are dozens of pregnancy myths and old wives tales for how to determine the gender of your child. From holding a ring on a string over your belly to sweet versus salty cravings, we’ve heard them all. The bottom line is the only way to discover the gender of your child accurately is to have an ultrasound performed by one of our professionals.

CHOBGYN has information you can trust from our excellent physicians, midwives and health care professionals

Chapel Hill OBGYN wants to provide you with outstanding care before, during and after your pregnancy.

We serve women at all stages of their lives, whether they’re of child-bearing age or entering menopause. If you’re considering getting pregnant, we’d love to meet with you to help you plan to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible. Schedule an appointment to experience our personalized care and see why generations of women have trusted Chapel Hill OBGYN.

For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics. “AAP Says No Amount of Alcohol Should be Considered Safe During Pregnancy .” Online. 

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Reducing the Risk of Birth Defects.” Online.

Sadler, Emily. “9 Old Wives Tales for Predicting Gender.” Today’s Parent. Online.