Cravings, caffeine, exercise: Baby bump myths debunked

Pregnancy can be a scary time for mothers, especially those going through it for the first time. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • One should add about 10 to 15 kilogrammes in the course of pregnancy.
  • Those who add more than 20 kilogrammes are candidates for Caesarean Sections or difficult vaginal births.

Pregnancy can be a scary time for mothers, especially those going through it for the first time. Many myths exist on the dos and don’ts of this testy period, many of which range between just plain ridiculous and probable, though not confirmed, to pure fibs. But, while some myths are just false at face value, others are still under investigation and where one’s belief falls should be tempered with caution. Many pregnant women, for instance, use the bump as an excuse — and are also sometimes encouraged — to eat as much as they can as they are ‘eating for two’. That, however, does not mean that one should eat two adult-sized portions of food just because the aunt says so. On the contrary, if your weight was normal before conception, you only need to eat an extra 300 calories to meet the demands of your growing baby, which is about a glass of milk and half a sandwich. One should add about 10 to 15 kilogrammes in the course of pregnancy. Those who add more than 20 kilogrammes are candidates for Caesarean Sections or difficult vaginal births.

Here, the myths debunked... or confirmed.

ARE NON-FOOD CRAVINGS NORMAL?

Some women when pregnant develop a craving for non-food substances such as clay. Such cravings are considered normal and some companies have even decided to cash in on them by packaging clay stones and selling them in supermarkets to make it easier for mothers to access them. However, this craving is a disease called pica.  According to the Journal of American Dietetic Association, pica may be as a result of the body trying to obtain minerals and vitamins such as iron that the person is lacking from their diet. It is dangerous to consume non-food substances as these may cause even more harm to the baby and mother. If you experience any of these cravings, talk to your doctor to find out what the problem is and get the appropriate supplements.

COLOURING AND RELAXING HAIR

It is believed that pregnant women should avoid colouring or putting chemicals in the hair as the chemicals will get into their bodies through the skin on the scalp and affect the baby. Studies, however, show that only a very small amount of chemicals enter the mother’s system, and these can do no harm to the growing baby. However, mothers who feel uncomfortable about dying their hair can choose a vegetable extract such as henna, which would pose a smaller risk. They should also wait for the second trimester when the baby’s organs are formed.

WALKING THROUGH SECURITY CHECKS

The myth claims that metal detectors emit radiation that can harm the unborn baby. There are two types of scanners, those that use radio frequencies, and those that use x-rays. Radio frequency scanners, which are the most common, are found at the entrances of buildings and often come as hand-held devices. These emit no radiation at all and pose no risk to developing babies. Also, full-body x-ray scanners, such as those found at airports, emit a very small amount of radiation compared to the ones used for medical purposes. The scanners do not even penetrate the skin as they only take images of the outline of the torso, and hence do not pose any risk to your baby.

YES, NO ALCOHOL. PLEASE

Some pregnant women believe that occasionally taking alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer in small amounts is safe for their developing baby. But, according to the American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol can harm a developing baby before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Women who are pregnant, or who might be pregnant, should therefore keep in mind that any form of alcohol use could harm their baby. All types are harmful, including wine and beer. The baby’s brain, body, and organs are developing throughout pregnancy and can be affected by alcohol at any time. Drinking while pregnant can also increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

THE CAFFEINE IN TEA AND COFFEE

Tea and coffee contain a stimulant called caffeine, which is found in higher doses in hard drugs such as khat (miraa). It is believed that the caffeine found in these popular beverages can cross over from the mother’s system into that of her baby and cause a miscarriage, developmental problems, or pre-term birth. But, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, several studies have been conducted on the subject and no conclusive evidence has shown a link between caffeine consumption and pregnancy loss.

SHOULD YOU EXERCISE?

Some people say that pregnant women should not exercise at all because the exertion would harm both mother and baby and could lead to a miscarriage. Though very heavy lifting and certain exercises such as jogging should be avoided during pregnancy, it is recommended that expectant women should engage in some light form of exercise in order to keep fit. Mild exercises such as swimming and aerobics are good for preventing excessive weight gain that could lead to obesity in pregnancy — which could result in a number of health problems, such as gestational diabetes. Exercise also helps keep the muscles strong and pliable, which, some studies say, makes the birthing process a lot easier for the mother.

SEX AND THE BABY BUMP

Pregnant women are advised to avoid getting intimate with their partners to avoid harming the baby. It is also believed that contractions brought on during orgasm could lead to premature labour. Studies show that sex is not only normal, but also strengthens the bond between lovers before the baby disrupts their lives. However, if a woman is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, sex may pose a risk. Women with conditions such as vaginal bleeding should avoid sex as it may make the problem worse. Pssst! It is advisable to get the consent of your doctor in order to ensure that all is well.