10 New Mother Myths, Debunked

Let’s discover some common mother myths you have heard before:

‘Thinking about heading out in your highest heels for a night on the town? Don’t do it; you’ll risk your baby being born cross-eyed.‘

‘Stop eating those strawberries! They cause strawberry skin blemishes on your newborn.‘

‘Baby born with a flock of hair? It’s because you experienced so much heartburn and indigestion while pregnant.‘

‘And don’t look at that mouse scurrying behind the fridge, or your baby will be born with a furry birthmark!‘

Thankfully, we’re all a little wiser than we once were, and it’s easier today to spot some of the outlandish tales our forefathers and mothers held with conviction.

However, there are modern-day versions of these too. Take a look at some of these and let’s call out the Fun Police who are unnecessarily having a party at our expense!

Myth 1: Swimming When Pregnant Will Drown Your Baby

Nonsense! Your baby is already enjoying their own little spa experience in the amniotic fluid, soaking up oxygen through the placenta. So go ahead, take a dip and enjoy the benefits of swimming during pregnancy without worrying about drowning your baby.

Swimming is fantastic for both you and your baby. It’s a low-impact exercise that strengthens your body and prepares you for childbirth. Plus, your baby enjoys the soothing sensation of being in the water while you feel great and energized.

Myth 2: Sex Will Cause Miscarriage

Please! No one benefits from this myth. Let’s not make life miserable for no good reason. If you have a normal, low-risk pregnancy, sex will not trigger labour prematurely or cause miscarriage.

While orgasm may cause mild uterine contractions (as can nipple stimulation and prostaglandins in semen), any contractions experienced will generally be harmless and temporary.

You may need to organize yourselves a little creatively as that bump grows, but I think you’ll manage just fine 🙂

This is one of the mother myths I am pleased to bust!

Myth 3: No Baths Or You’ll Damage The Baby

This suggestion is almost as miserable as abstaining from sex.

Baths can be super-therapeutic during pregnancy; the warmth of a bath can help relax muscles, relieve swelling and reduce stress levels. Win!

Just ensure that the bath water temperature is NOT hot. If you find yourself inching slowly down into the water, you probably need to turn that tap on cold! Be smart and enjoy that lovely warm, well-deserved soak.

Myth 4: Drinking Milk Increases Your Milk Supply

Uh, negatory… cute thought though.

‘Certainly, a lot of what the mother ingests goes into her breast milk, but milk, over any other type of liquid, doesn’t make a difference in the amount she produces’, says G. Edelstein, MD and Paediatrician.

Myth 5: Caffeine Will Harm Your Baby

Non andarci! (don’t go there!) Do they know your survival’s at stake? If caffeine’s your vice, ladies, lean in.

If you load up on lattes, it’s true, your baby may feel a buzz, as caffeine does cross the placenta.

Australian guidelines recommend limiting your intake to less than 200mg/day. That’s about 2 instant joys (I mean, coffee) and 2-3 cups of tea. You just need to work out the quantity of caffeine that’s in your preferred drink. Check out The Bump Caffeine Chart for Pregnant Women.

Because, if you’re like me, Every.Drop.Counts.

Myth 6: No Cheese, Please!

You might be craving it right now and the good news is you only have to avoid SOME of it. It’s the soft, mould-ripened and unpasteurised cheeses like brie, feta and goat’s cheese that can carry food-borne illnesses.

Haloumi, parmesan, pecorino, cheddar, tasty and fromage frais? Load those crackers up ladies, they’re laden with calcium and are the perfect pregnancy snack!

Myth 7: You Need To Eat For Two

Myth 8: Seafood Harms The Baby

You can feel your fun being stripped away, can’t you?

Seafood is super good for you when you’re pregnant! Packed with Omega 3 fatty acids and protein, seafood has big benefits for the baby.

Seafood is high in mercury and has been proven to impair a baby’s brain growth and nervous system. Swordfish, bigeye tuna, shark, and marlin to name a few… are ones to AVOID.

Raw fish can carry bacteria and parasites too, so, sorry mums, best stick with the cooked variety. However, I hear that Tempura is calling you…

Myth 9: You Must Suffer!

Some mums believe they need to shut up and put up with the effects of sickness during pregnancy – draconian and untrue!

Always consult your doctor first, however typical over-the-counter remedies that are generally considered safe include Tylenol for fever and headache, Robitussin for cold symptoms and Mylanta for heartburn/indigestion.

Many prescription medications are also safe to take during pregnancy, but it’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice.

Very little research has been done on the effects of herbal supplements on unborn babies, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.

Being a martyr is pointless at this stage. No one will question that what you’re doing is hard work and a marathon at best. Get what you need to help you do it in style while keeping your humour intact.

Myth 10: Ditch The Manicure

This idea is often promoted by jealous mums who can’t stand the thought of your getting any more gorgeous with your pregnancy glow.

You most definitely don’t need to forego your mani! Dr. Stuart Fischbien, MD OB/GYN says, you would need to have long-term exposure to these manicure products for there to be a problem.

Well-ventilated spas are the best option to avoid breathing in fumes. However, the greater risk would likely be from infection due to unsterilized tools.

If you’re still with me, you may have noticed a pattern here: most of these myths seem centred around robbing you of joy and relief during your pregnancy!

I’m sure you’re careful and considerate with your choices, but both you and your baby also need to make it through this challenging journey, which, of course, includes labour at the end!

I want you to thrive and make it to the big BIRTHday with a sense of humour and your sanity intact. You go, girl!

LUCY HERCUS
Mum of six fabulous kids and foster mum to numerous others. Event manager, doula, childbirth educator, lactation counsellor, owner of Sydney Birth Support, Mamaway Advocate, and encourager of all mums out there giving it their best crack!