REPORT #1734
"One serious note to all this is that some of my patients have stopped doing things or taking medications that are very important for the health or their pregnancy or their baby because someone in their family believed one of these myths that really aren’t true."
Ashley Hill, M.D.
Lock Haven OB/GYN Group at Florida Hospital
THE TRUTH REVEALED
FACT OR FICTION? Pregnancy is an exciting, yet sometimes confusing time. Health care professionals can be a critical source of information for the mothers wanting the best for their children, but what about the things others tell you or you read about when you're not at the doctor's office? Here are some common pregnancy beliefs and the truth behind them:
· If you experience a lot of heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will have a head of hair: A lot of pregnant women experience heartburn because, as the baby grows inside them and expands the uterus, it pushes on the stomach, which facilitates acid movement into the lower esophagus. Interestingly, a recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers did show a link between heartburn and the hairiness of a newborn. They looked at 64 women and found of the 28 who reported moderate to severe heartburn during pregnancy, 82 percent had babies with above average hair thickness, while 83 percent of the 12 women who reported no symptoms, had babies with very little or no hair.
· Sex and exercise should be avoided during pregnancy: Some believe sex can harm a baby or result in deformity, but those are false. Experts say whether or not to engage in sex should be determined by an individual's health, preference, comfort level and doctor’s advice, but. Sex will not harm a baby because it is protected by the uterus, but avoiding sex may be recommended when a bleeding complication, pre-term labor or other problems are present. Otherwise, a woman can enjoy sex until the day she gives birth. There is no overall exercise restriction for expecting women. Moderate exercise is often recommended for expecting mothers, but experts say avoid exercising in hot weather, as body heat may be harmful to a developing child.
· Pregnant women must eat for two: While this may sound appealing, experts say an additional 300 calories a day is all it takes to grow a healthy baby.
SMART WOMAN CONTACT:
Jacqueline Lorenzetti
Media Relations Manager
Florida Hospital
(407) 303-8213
JACQUELINE.LORENZETTI@FLHosp.org
