8 Forbidden things during pregnancy that are no longer true
8 forbidden things during pregnancy that are no longer true
Learning that you are pregnant is a source of joy for most women at first. Then come the fears of hurting or that complications suddenly appear.
As a rule, mothers, who want only the best for their child, inform themselves very early on what to pay attention to at the time of pregnancy. Often, however, it is confusing, as there are countless tips on the internet or from those around them who want them to believe that they are putting their baby in danger.
The good news for all pregnant women: many of the things prohibited during pregnancy are outdated and simply no longer relevant, as recent studies show.
We can forget the following 8 prohibitions during pregnancy because they are completely outdated:
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Strict rules on weight gain
You have to document your weight throughout pregnancy to monitor any problems that may arise, but today, it is no longer an obsession. Weight gain depends on each woman and you no longer have to follow the rule of 1 kg maximum per month. This rule which made many mothers complex and which, of course, does not make too much sense is outdated.
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Wait to buy baby stuff
It was said that buying clothes or furnishing the room of the unborn baby at the very beginning of pregnancy brought bad luck and was therefore practically forbidden. Fortunately, this belief is outdated. Of course, the bedroom doesn’t have to be ready in the first three months, but if you fall in love with a cute onesie, you can buy it. However, you should start the preparations no later than the middle of the pregnancy. The pram should also be purchased fairly quickly, as some suppliers have very long delivery times.
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Do not eat fish
Before, pregnant women were forbidden to eat fish and seafood so that the baby would not suffer from allergies. However, this statement, fortunately, turned out to be false and it is now known that two fish meals a week are healthy, even during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should be careful about the types of fish they eat, as some have a higher pollutant load.
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Coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola are to be avoided
For a long time, there has been a strict warning against the consumption of coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola during pregnancy, as caffeine increases the baby’s heart rate and prevents normal growth. This only applies to really high consumption, but not to women who drink a glass of Coca-Cola or a cup or two of coffee or tea a day. However, pregnant women should avoid sweeteners as they can stimulate contractions.
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Frequent visits to the doctor
Pregnancy is not a disease, but a few years ago it was common for pregnant women to be closely monitored medically. Most gynecologists even performed ultrasounds every 4 weeks and ordered many (unnecessary) exams. Fortunately, that has changed again and a new serenity applies to pregnant women. Doctors and midwives even share preventive care equally. And even pure midwifery care is covered by most health insurance companies, always on the condition that it is not a high-risk pregnancy.
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Distance yourself from pets
Before, when a woman became pregnant and had a cat, she was advised to give the animal away, because it could transmit toxoplasmosis to her. No need to be so heartless and radical, just avoid cleaning the cat litter box (which should make some people happy). This also applies to rodent cages. And they should also wear gloves when gardening to avoid coming into contact with animal droppings.
If there is a risk of allergies in the family, before, experts often advised abandoning the pet to protect the baby. However, studies have shown that children who come into contact with animals and their allergens early in life are less likely to have allergic reactions as they grow up.
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A strict meal plan
The good news first: pregnant women don’t have to change their entire diet. However, some foods should be avoided. If you are not immune to toxoplasmosis, raw meat, raw fish, and raw milk cheese are prohibited. Single-food diets, such as rice, or low-salt diets are not advised. As a general rule, pregnant women should have a regular and balanced diet.
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8 forbidden things during pregnancy that are no longer true
For a long time, pregnant women were prevented from consuming potential allergens such as nuts, eggs, strawberries, or milk so that the baby would not develop allergies. However, it has been proven that this strategy is ineffective and that on the contrary, it is even unhealthy to avoid important foods such as milk, which provides calcium, a very important mineral for the body, especially during pregnancy.
Even if there are certainly some restrictions during pregnancy, there is no point in panicking excessively and depriving yourself of everything. Stay vigilant, but above all enjoy this special moment. Always seek professional advice and do not rely on myths and beliefs.