But now is the time when every woman that has ever been pregnant will be more than willing to give you advice. Some of this advice will be good ? a lot more will be a little doubtful. Can you believe those old wives tales that are being bandied about?
Can You Really Predict Your Baby's Sex?
There are several opinions about where and how the baby is lying. If you have a bulge that goes all the way round, you are definitely having a boy. And if the bulge is all at the front ? it's going to be a girl.
If you are carrying the baby high in the womb it's obviously going to be a boy. The opposite means it's a girl
How about using a pendulum over your tummy; if it goes round clockwise it's a boy and anti clockwise it's a girl.
Whatever you believe you're going to be at the worst fifty percent right.
Do You Really Need To Eat for Two?
You will put on weight while you are pregnant; an average of thirty five pounds in all. Some old wives tales encourage you to eat more because you are eating for two, this is not necessary. Instead of worrying about how much you are eating, better to take note of what you are eating. And if you should be left with a few extra pounds once the baby is born ? you will lose it again.
Is It Okay To Drink Alcohol While You Are Pregnant?
Some people believe that a little bit of wine can do no harm while you are pregnant, but you should bear in mind that when you drink alcohol it reaches the baby through your bloodstream. and as it is not known if your drinking alcohol affects the unborn child it may be better not to drink while carrying it.
If You Have Heartburn Are You Having A Monkey?
Some people do actually believe that if you have heartburn during pregnancy the baby will be born with a lot of hair. The majority of women have some heartburn during their pregnancy. But if the baby is born with a lot of hair it's not because mum had heartburn.
Can Walking Make You Go Into Labour?
No walking cannot make you go into labour, but walking about during labour may make you feel more comfortable.
Should You Exercise While Pregnant?
If you are already in the habit of exercising, as long as it's nothing too strenuous, check with your doctor if you can safely carry on while pregnant.
Drinking Lots of Milk While Being Pregnant Means You Will Produce Lots of Milk
Drinking lots of milk while pregnant is good for you and the unborn baby. It's the Calcium in the milk that is great for the baby's bones and teeth. But drinking lots of milk has nothing to do with how much milk you will produce once the baby has been born.
If You Crave Ice Cream Does It Mean You Need More Calcium?
Cravings for certain foods during pregnancy is normal but it's not the body saying it needs something. Some women start eating coal, what does that mean? She's hot stuff maybe.
Can Doing A Headstand After Lovemaking Help You To Conceive?
If you are having problems becoming pregnant, some people believe that doing a handstand after lovemaking will help you become pregnant, there is no truth in this. If you smoke - stop and improve your diet ? this may improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
No Need to Stop All Medication While Pregnant
As long as you know if the medication you are taking is safe for the baby, (your doctor can advise you) there is no need to stop taking them. Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements are good for you and the unborn baby.
In other words most Old Wives Tales can be quite safely ignored. If in doubt ? find out.
Copyright (c) 2007 Eva Moffat
You are pregnant so clearly you want to do everything you can to make sure the baby is not harmed by what you eat or drink.
There are so many Old Wives Tales; do this, do that. What should you believe?
Are you a coffee drinker?
In moderation it is not a problem. But studies have shown that drinking Java can lead to babies being born with Attention Deficit Disorder. Also large quantities of Caffeine can lead to babies being born with a low birth weight.
Surely Cheese Is Good For You?
Cheese is full of Calcium isn't it? Yes indeed it is. But mild Flu like symptoms can be caused by eating unpasteurised cheeses. And because the symptoms of Listeriosis are so mild, they may not be noticed. This can lead to miscarriage or premature delivery.
What Cheeses Are Safe?
Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese or Cheddar is fine. Enjoy.
How About Colas or Diet Sodas?
It's the use of artificial sweeteners that do the damage. But like most things taken in moderation should be harmless enough. One glass of Diet Soda a day or an artificially sweetened yogurt shouldn't do you or the baby any harm.
Will Eating Fish Do Any Damage To You Or The Baby?
We've all heard how fish is brain food, so who wouldn't want a clever baby? But certain fish eg tuna, can contain high levels of Mercury and this is extremely harmful to the baby. Also eating raw fish is not a good idea, even if you have cravings for it.
The FDA and EPA in March 2004 gave out advice to pregnant and breast feeding mothers; to be sure of not doing any harm to yourself or your baby, don't eat more than two servings of fish a week.
Recommended fish are:
? Shrimp ? Pollock ? Salmon ? Catfish
NOT Recommended fish are:
? Mackerel ? Shark ? Swordfish
Fish Fingers and fast food sandwiches are usually low in Mercury, so they have the okay.
Not All Herbal Teas Are Good For You.
There are some Herbal Teas that are good for you and the baby; so enjoy.
However, some Herbal Teas like Peppermint and Raspberry Leaf if taken in large amounts may cause contractions.
So much for drinking Peppermint Tea to stop heartburn.
If you stick to drinking Herbal Teas containing Orange Extract, you will cause no injury to your unborn child.
Spinach Is Good For You And The Baby.
Spinach contains Folic Acid and that is definitely good for the developing baby.
Another essential Mineral is Iron and yes Spinach has that too.
Go ahead, eat as much as you want, after all it did Popeye no harm.
Smoking and Drinking
Smoking is a definite no no.
But the occasional glass of wine should be all right. Although it is advisable not to drink any alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy, because this is when the baby's Nervous System is forming.
Now You Are Pregnant Shouldn't You Be Eating For Two?
As the baby is so small at first and even when at full term, all you need do is eat an extra 300 Calories a day throughout your pregnancy.
Are All Old Wives Tales A Load of Rubbish?
Some Old Wives Tales have some truths in them. But a lot more haven't. So to be sure you do no damage to your unborn baby or yourself ? follow the advice of your GP and also reread this article again every so often.
The main thing is to enjoy your pregnancy and take the Old Wives Tales with a large pinch of salt.
Eva Moffat has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Dental Practice and Lose Weight. Eva Moffat a 68 year old disabled lady living in Manchester UK. Has been writing articles for three years, mainly on Weight Loss and Nutrition. She has been awarded ?Expert Author Status? for her articles because they are factual and full of good old comm. Eva Moffat's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.