April 11 is observed as 'National Safe Motherhood Day', a significant occasion dedicated to raising awareness about maternal health and safety during pregnancy and childbirth. On this day, Dr. Sreeja Rani V R, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Kinder Hospital delves into crucial myths and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and maternal well-being, debunking common misunderstandings with expert insights.
Myth No. 1-You Shouldn’t Exercise While Pregnant."The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labor. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Exercise is not dangerous for your baby. There is evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour", said Dr Sreeja.
Myth-There are ways you can tell if it's a boy or a girl
Dr Sreeja says, "The position of the baby in your tummy, holding a wedding ring over your abdomen and watching in which direction it turns, or how active the baby is, are all ways you may have heard to tell if you are having a boy or a girl, but none of these methods works."
Myth: Should not eat meat during pregnancy
Dr Sreeja says, "Pregnant women can consume meats such as chicken, pork, and beef, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked without any pinkness or blood. However, caution is advised with regards to poultry, pork, sausages, and burgers, as well as cold, pre-packaged meats like ham and corned beef. It's important to avoid raw or undercooked meat, liver and liver products, all forms of pâté including vegetarian options, and game meats such as goose, partridge, or pheasant. The rationale behind these recommendations is the potential risk of contracting toxoplasmosis from raw or undercooked meat, which can lead to miscarriage. Cured meats, being uncooked, may harbour parasites that also cause toxoplasmosis. Additionally, liver and liver products contain high levels of vitamin A, which can be harmful to the developing fetus. Game meats may also pose a risk due to potential lead shot contamination."
Myth: Air travel is not safe in pregnancy
"Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your doctor before you fly. The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this. After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. Long-distance travel (longer than four hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)). If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling", Dr Sreeja said.
Myth: Feeling tired in pregnancy is abnormal
"It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks. Hormonal changes at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous, and emotional. The only answer is to rest as much as possible. Make time to sit with your feet up during the day, and accept any offers of help from colleagues and family. Being tired and run-down can make you feel low. Try to look after your physical health – make sure you eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and sleep. Later in pregnancy, you may feel tired because of the extra weight you're carrying. Make sure you get plenty of rest", Dr Sreeja added.
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