The secrecy surrounding pregnancy is part of its mystique.  There are many unanswered questions and just as many false stories trying to answer them.  Once a pregnancy is announced people seem to come out of the woodwork with sayings, old wives’ tales and secret remedies for morning sickness.

While some of these stories began with a measure of truth, many have no factual basis and can actually be misleading.  These pregnancy myths can be fun, but it’s not wise to take them too seriously.  Every pregnancy is different.  Your physician has information tailored specifically for that one patient’s medical situation.  For any type of medical advice, never rely on neighbors, friends or family regardless of how well-meaning.

There are several pregnancy myths that have survived through the years.  It may be surprising to find out what we’ve held as truth may not actually be.

• You can guess your baby’s gender by the way you carry it.
Other than ultrasound and amniocentesis, there is no way to determine the gender of the baby.  The reason some women carry differently than others is due to the baby’s position, weight, age, the mothers’ weight, how she’s built, and if this is her first baby or her fifth. Most mothers will tell you they carry each of their babies differently.  Fetal heartbeats are no indication of the baby’s gender, either.  As the baby’s heart develops, the heart rate may fall a little.  Some say that a fast heart rate is a girl, but in reality, all babies’ heart rates are fast in the early months of development.

• Sleeping on your back will harm the baby.
This myth originated from valid research originally performed in the 1960s and 1970s which demonstrated that blood flow can be compromised when a mother is forced to labor lying flat on her back.  Compression of the vena cava, a major vessel underlying the uterus, may occur in this position when the mother is in labor. This is why women are encouraged to lie on their sides, sit up or walk around during labor.  As far as sleeping on the back, if blood flow were compromised, the mother-to-be would feel dizzy and very uncomfortable and she would shift to her side naturally.  Sleep in a position you find comfortable.  If you wake up on your back, roll over and go back to sleep.  It’s more important to get enough rest than lie awake worrying about how to sleep.

• Don’t exercise while pregnant.
In the past, women were treated in a fragile manner once they found out they were expecting.  They were sent to bed during their pregnancies to avoid any harm to their baby.  The grain of truth behind this rationale is that a woman’s ligaments and muscles do become more flexible during pregnancy, ironically, to protect her from injury.  In today’s world, we realize women can continue their typical routines without any worries.  But because labor and delivery are strenuous, being in good shape physically is important.  Walking is one of the safest and easiest exercises to do.  Get your doctor’s okay and then get out and go.  Begin with a slower pace, and then increase just a little for 20 – 30 minutes, then slow it down again, and end with gentle stretching. Exercise during pregnancy reduces many of the common complaints women have, such as swollen ankles, back pain and trouble sleeping.

• Using a computer.
According to recent studies, there’s no reason to log off.   No increase was detected in pre-term deliveries or low birth weight in those born to women who used computers throughout the workday.  The only concern may be that sitting for an extended period of time may cause swollen ankles.  Taking a break every hour to walk around and stretch usually relieves any uncomfortable feelings.

• Carrying grocery bags and lifting children.
On TV, some gallant man usually rushes to take a bag from a pregnant woman.  In real life, those gallant men are hard to find.  Most women will have to lug around a few packages during their pregnancy, especially if they have a young child already. Avoid lifting anything that causes you to strain, but generally a small child or a bag of groceries won’t do any harm.  Using proper lifting form will protect your back.  Bend your knees, letting your legs sustain the weight, and hold the bundle close to your body.

• Drinking caffeine.
During the first trimester, many women lose their taste for most foods.  However, as appetites return, it’s okay to indulge in a cup of coffee.  A reduction in the baby’s birth weight has been shown in women who drank more than three cups of coffee a day.  A cola has about half the amount of caffeine in one cup of coffee.

Being pregnant brings many good wishes and plenty of well-intentioned advice.  Use common sense when someone advises you to change your routine.  If it sounds far-fetched, it probably isn’t worth worrying about.  Follow the general guidelines of eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and water and taking time to rest during the day.  These myths have caused unnecessary panic and fear.  Relax, enjoy your pregnancy, and be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns.