Myth: Pregnant women always have severe toxicosis

Almost all pregnant women experience mild forms of toxicosis: appetite worsens, taste preferences change, and nausea appears. However, some women do not even notice these symptoms.

Severe toxicosis can cause complications. In this case, it is important to consult your gynecologist. In general, a moderate form of toxicosis is a normal reaction of the body to the changes that occur during pregnancy.

Myth: Sex during pregnancy is harmful to the baby

Sometimes doctors recommend abstaining from sexual activity just for their own peace of mind. In fact, if there are no medical contraindications, sex can be beneficial. And after 37 weeks, regular sexual intercourse helps prepare a woman’s birth canal for childbirth. Men shouldn’t have to worry about hurting their baby during sex – it’s simply not possible.

Myth: A pregnant woman needs to “eat for two”

During pregnancy, it is important for a woman to especially monitor her diet, since everything she consumes affects her baby. It is wise to increase your protein intake and meals by eating small, frequent meals. However, the total number of calories consumed should remain approximately the same or increase slightly. Otherwise, you may gain excess weight, which will be difficult to lose after childbirth.

Myth: Childbirth is always associated with enormous pain

Of course, childbirth is accompanied by pain, but the obstetrician-gynecologist has at his disposal various methods of relieving pain symptoms. There are different types of anesthesia, and the psychological state greatly influences the sensation of pain.

Myth: To avoid pain, it is better to have a caesarean section

Cesarean section can be life-saving, but surgery without medical indication is a more harmful alternative to natural childbirth. After all, this is an abdominal operation, which can cause various complications and requires a period of rehabilitation for the mother. We have already discussed this myth earlier.

Myth: Women during pregnancy experience a strong desire for intimacy

In fact, the desire for intimacy may be different for every woman. For some, physical contact may be unpleasant or uncomfortable, while for other women the desire for intimacy may increase. It is also worth noting that men may experience more intense sexual sensations during a joint relationship with their pregnant partner than usual. This is due to changes in the vaginal mucous tissues that occur during this period.

Myth: Pregnant women become “stupid”

From the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman’s natural protective mechanism begins to operate. The body consciously separates everything “unnecessary” in order to maintain pregnancy. A woman is in a kind of “cocoon” that protects her from stress and emotions. She may seem a little slow and lose interest in some things that used to be important to her, but her intellectual experience remains intact.
She’s not getting any stupider. She never loses the desire to read, be interested in the world, and develop. There’s just a shift in priorities in her life for a while.

Myth: Breasts “sag” after childbirth

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, breasts really stretch. However, like all fabrics, it has elasticity and returns to its previous state over time. If a woman is young, actively involved in sports and in good health, then her breasts, as a rule, quickly regain their previous shape. If a woman already has three or four children and has large breasts, then there is a possibility that the shape of the breast will actually change. Muscle tone, skin condition and the period of breastfeeding also play an important role. You can use supportive underwear to help your breasts maintain their shape.

Myth: It’s better to take herbs instead of medications during pregnancy

There is a common misconception that it is better to take herbs instead of medications during pregnancy.

However, if you really need to take any medicine, it is better to choose it. Unlike herbs, medicines have been fully tested and we know what diseases they treat and what side effects they may cause.

It should be noted that herbs also have their side effects and some of them are strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Therefore, self-medication in this case is extremely undesirable. It is important to consult with your physician, who can provide you with accurate information and recommendations regarding the safety and effectiveness of various remedies in your situation.