15.04.2024

Pregnancy myths: truth or lie?

Giving birth is one of life's most astounding experiences. However, as with every little miracle, there are numerous rumours and old wives' tales about pregnancy. Some pregnancy myths make us smile, whilst others worry us. We get to the bottom of the most popular claims.

Please note that the following information does not replace a medical consultation. Please consult your doctor if you have specific questions (especially regarding symptoms and your diet).

1. Eating for two during pregnancy

"After all, I'm eating for two", pregnant women often say jokingly when they hit the dinner table. Many people actually believe that pregnant women should eat for two in order to fulfil their baby's needs. The reason why pregnant women are craving more food is sometimes because their bodies are working at peak performance during this phase and therefore want to build up a reserve.

However, the additional calorie requirement of a pregnant woman is actually only 200 to 300 calories more than the daily requirement of a non-pregnant woman. For example, 300 calories correspond to a yoghurt with berries or a small bag of crisps. These extra calories are only needed after the first three months of pregnancy. Individual factors such as age, pre-pregnancy weight, activity level and state of health naturally influence the calorie intake required.

Obstetrics

For many women, the birth of their own child is one of the most important moments in their lives. That’s why, in addition to careful preparation, the best possible medical care must also be guaranteed. When it comes to their pregnancy and childbirth, women generally deeply appreciate empathetic and competent treatment of their feelings and (physical) needs.

2. Once a C-section - always a C-section

For a long time, the myth persisted that a vaginal delivery is not possible if previous births were preceded by a caesarean section. This claim is now outdated from a medical point of view.

3. The feet grow during pregnancy

Pregnant women's feet can actually swell due to water retention or the increased amount of blood. These symptoms usually disappear again after the pregnancy. However, the shape of the feet may change slightly due to weight gain during pregnancy.

4. If one feels increasingly nauseous during pregnancy, it will be a girl

Various studies actually suggest a connection between extreme nausea and the birth of a girl, which is due to hormone levels. Conversely, however, this does not mean that the level of nausea clearly predicts the sex of the child.

5. Cinnamon triggers premature labour

Cinnamon can have a labour-stimulating effect, but this would require larger amounts to consume. In small amounts, as is usually found in food, cinnamon is safe during pregnancy.

6. Sex during pregnancy can hurt the baby

Sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe in most cases and has no effect on the baby as long as there are no medical problems that prohibit sex.

7. All pregnant women have strange cravings

Every pregnant woman is probably familiar with various and sometimes strange cravings. The cause is thought to be hormonal changes, which can affect the sense of smell and taste.

8. Watching horror films harms the unborn child

There are rumours that pregnant women should avoid too many thrills, as the stress hormones released could have a negative effect on the baby. Stress hormones do indeed have a negative effect, but they have to be released over a longer period of time. You can therefore watch a horror film without hesitation. However, if you are suffering from persistent stress or anxiety, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor.

9. One can influence the sex of the baby

Regardless of whether you adjust the time of conception to the phases of the moon or sleep on your left side during pregnancy, the sex of your child cannot be influenced. So take it easy and look forward to your offspring.

Desire to have children

Nowadays, most couples who wish to have a baby assume that their desire for pregnancy can become a reality quickly and easily. Unfortunately, however, it is often not that easy and an increasing number of couples fail to conceive at first – despite their desire to have children.

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Top searches

Pregnancy myths: truth or lie?

1. Eating for two during pregnancy

Obstetrics

2. Once a C-section - always a C-section

3. The feet grow during pregnancy

4. If one feels increasingly nauseous during pregnancy, it will be a girl

5. Cinnamon triggers premature labour

6. Sex during pregnancy can hurt the baby

7. All pregnant women have strange cravings

8. Watching horror films harms the unborn child

9. One can influence the sex of the baby

Desire to have children

Our centres and clinics for gynaecology and obstetrics near you

Top searches

Pregnancy myths: truth or lie?

1. Eating for two during pregnancy

Obstetrics

2. Once a C-section - always a C-section

3. The feet grow during pregnancy

4. If one feels increasingly nauseous during pregnancy, it will be a girl

5. Cinnamon triggers premature labour

6. Sex during pregnancy can hurt the baby

7. All pregnant women have strange cravings

8. Watching horror films harms the unborn child

9. One can influence the sex of the baby

Desire to have children

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Our centres and clinics for gynaecology and obstetrics near you