10 taboos that are not based on science but pregnant mothers "believe in them"
Pregnant women can still dye their hair, but should wait until the second trimester and only dye it 3-4 times during pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a time of many emotions for every woman. It is the time when women are most concerned about their health and taboos. Therefore, there are many mistakes or rumors related to this stage.
For example, many people believe that a pregnant woman should eat for two, but this is completely false. You only need 300 calories a day for your baby to grow healthily; eating more can be counterproductive, leading to health problems and weight gain.
According toBright SideBelow are 10 common pregnancy taboos that mothers pass on to each other but are not based on science.
1. Pregnant women should not dye their hair.
Research by the Canadian College of Family Physicians says that women can dye their hair during pregnancy. The amount of chemicals in hair products that our skin absorbs is very limited, and it will not cause any harm to the fetus. However, pregnant mothers still need to note:
- Wait until the second trimester to dye your hair.
- Make sure the hair dyeing room is well ventilated
- Do not leave the dye on your hair for too long.
- Always wear gloves if you dye your hair yourself.
- Limit hair dyeing to 3-4 times during pregnancy
2. Pregnant women should not fly.
Studies have shown that air travel does not pose any negative effects to pregnant women and their fetuses. The amount of radiation a person receives during a round-trip flight is well below the upper limit of safe levels.
The only risk is if your pregnancy is unstable, it is best not to be above 9,000 km above the ground, so check with your doctor if you want to fly.
In addition, you should also avoid flying in the following cases:
- At 36 weeks of pregnancy or more
- Have respiratory problems, heart disease
3. Pregnant women should not take hot baths.
A recent study by the University of Exeter suggests that pregnant women can relax by taking a hot bath. However, pregnant women need to take some notes. First, you should not take a bath for more than 20 minutes because long periods can increase the risk of infection. Second, the water temperature should not exceed 36.6 degrees Celsius to avoid reducing blood flow to the baby - this makes the baby stressed.
4. Pregnant women should not eat instant meat.
The main concern with consuming these foods is bacteria and the risk of infection is higher for pregnant women. That is why pregnant women often avoid cold cuts, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, etc. However, that does not mean you cannot eat hot dogs or sandwiches. You just need to make sure that the food is heated to a temperature above 70 degrees Celsius.
5. Pregnant women should not sleep on their backs.
There is no clear scientific evidence that sleeping on your back causes health problems or has a negative effect on your baby. However, some studies advise against it in the late stages of pregnancy because it may carry some risks. During the first and second trimesters, sleeping on your back is safe unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
6. Pregnant women should not drink alcohol
A study from the University of Bristol has shown that there is little or no harm in drinking one or two glasses of wine a week for pregnant women. However, you should not drink too much, just sip a little when socializing or to control morning sickness.
7. Pregnant women should not drink coffee
Coffee itself is not dangerous for pregnant women, but caffeine - which is also found in tea, cola, chocolate... can negatively affect the fetus. Studies have not found any evidence that drinking tea or coffee (as long as it does not exceed 300 mg of caffeine per day) causes health problems for mother or baby.
So, in case you "crave" coffee, you can have one cup at a time, but stick to decaf coffee (which has at least 97% of its caffeine removed).
8. Pregnant women should not exercise
This has been a popular belief for a long time, but it is completely untrue unless you have serious pregnancy health problems. Studies have even shown that exercising during pregnancy has positive effects on both mother and baby.
Safe forms of exercise for pregnant women include aerobics, stretching exercises, yoga... Professional athletes can continue their training regimen during pregnancy but should reduce the intensity.
9. Pregnant women should not eat sweets
Eating too much sugar isn't good for anyone, but it's especially bad for pregnant women. The best choice is a balanced diet that limits sugar (especially processed sugar). That doesn't mean you have to say "no" to cookies or a few pieces of cake if you really crave them, though.
10. Pregnant women should not eat seafood
Eating fish during pregnancy is safe. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. The main rule is to avoid shark, swordfish, and fish high in mercury. You should also limit certain types of fish, such as tuna, salmon, herring, and sardines.
Please note that this article is for reference only and it is best to consult your medical professional.