Pregnancy Fears – Truths and Lies

Pregnancy is a special period in the life of every woman, when her body works for two. During this period, many questions and concerns arise regarding the health of the unborn child. In this article we will try to figure out which of these fears actually have a scientific basis, and which are just folk signs.

One of the common myths is that you should not knit during pregnancy, as the umbilical cord can get wrapped around the baby's neck. In fact, this has no scientific basis. Many women knitted during pregnancy and successfully gave birth to healthy children. So don't be afraid to do your favorite activities unless your doctor tells you not to.

Another common myth is that you should not reach up while standing on your tiptoes, as this can cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby's neck. In the early stages of pregnancy, such movements can lead to miscarriage, so be careful and avoid sudden movements.

There is an opinion that computers and televisions can harm the health of a child during pregnancy due to radiation. Although the exact harm these devices cause to the body has not been proven, it is best to avoid prolonged sitting in front of a computer or television during pregnancy.

Some people believe that ultrasound examinations (ultrasounds) can be dangerous to the baby's health and that the number of examinations should be limited to three. However, modern ultrasound machines are almost completely safe for the baby, and it is necessary to perform an ultrasound if necessary to diagnose the child’s condition.

Another common myth is that you should not fly while pregnant. Air travel can be dangerous after 7 months of pregnancy due to pressure changes in the air and on the ground. Therefore, if you need to travel by plane while pregnant, make sure you get permission from your doctor.

There are other folk signs, for example, a ban on pregnant women visiting a cemetery or a ban on showing a newborn up to 40 days. In fact, visiting a cemetery has no scientific basis, but exposing a newborn to strangers during the first weeks of life is not recommended, since the child has an incompletely formed immune system and may be vulnerable to infections. However, this does not mean that the child needs to be hidden from everyone for up to 40 days. It is important to keep the hands and clothes of people who will come into contact with the child clean and avoid visiting crowded places.

It is important to remember that many fears of pregnant women are just folk signs and have no scientific basis. If you have any concerns or questions, it is best to contact your doctor, who can give you specific recommendations based on scientific evidence and your individual condition.