Pregnancy myths and must-dos all you need to know

JUST DISCOVERED YOU’RE PREGNANT HOWEVER CONFUSED BY CONFLICTING ADVICE? YOU’RE NOT ALONE! FROM ATTENTION TO HOLIDAYS, WE TEND TO COLLECT ALL THE KNOWLEDGE YOU WISH TO ASSIST  PLAY IT SAFE

navigating maternity will be difficult and leave you curious if even the only laptop (that’s pre-conception) activity carries a possible risk to your unhatched kid. give ostensibly dynamic official pointers, and well-meaning, however usually contradictory recommendation from family and friends, and it’s not shocking several mums-to-be are confused. And that’s before the baby is even born! Separating reality from fiction isn't invariably simple, particularly once you’re tired, noisome or simply downright anxious regarding close at hand parentage. For everyday peace of mind whereas you’re expecting, scan our latest answers to those shrewish queries you may be troubled to urge a straight answer to…

1 Is it safe to stay coloring my hair?

The fear 

Rumors usually abound that chemicals utilized in dye are coupled to a sort of childhood cancer, malignant tumor.

The Fact

In theory, some of the chemical compounds found in dye have the potential to cause birth defects however not within the terribly low doses won't to color hair – either reception or by a skilled during a salon. The NHS formally agrees and states on its web site that ‘permanent and semi-permanent dye isn't extremely toxic’. Fran Dixon, the inventive color adviser at leading London salon Hari’s (harissalon. com), agrees, however, understands why some ladies could also be, albeit unnecessarily, worried. ‘Most of my purchasers wait till once the initial twelve weeks of maternity when the potential risk of chemical substances harming the baby is way lower,’ she says. ‘And to be further cautious they'll invariably build a modification from all-over color to highlights or balayage, that involves hand-painting the ends and mid-lengths solely so no dye comes into contact with their scalp or blood offer.’

Need to understand

Bear in mind that your hair will usually modification throughout pregnancy; turning into stronger and additional proof against dye or more porous and absorbent. Either way, there's invariably the potential for a surprise thus you may need to contemplate a strand take a look at before booking a full head of highlights!

2 Should I avoid intake nuts?

The fear

Eating round the bend, specifically peanuts, throughout maternity will increase your child’s chance of developing an associated allergic reaction (not simply to nuts) later in life.

The facts

It is true that before 2009 the govt suggested pregnant ladies with a case history of allergies, including asthma attack, eczema, and pollinosis, to chop peanuts out of their diet. However, growing proof has shown that intake round the bend whereas expecting not solely doesn’t increase a child’s allergic reaction risk however will, in fact, really lower their sensitivity to those foods. analysis from the capital of Massachusetts Children’s Hospital within the USA confirms this and suggests that girls UN agency eat almonds, peanuts and just about any reasonable nut throughout maternity are around thirty % less doubtless to own babies with a peanut or tree-nut allergy, then those ladies UN agency seldom Greek deity round the bend the least bit. consistent with Adam Fox, an adviser medicine MD, ‘Although much more analysis is required, the anecdotal evidence proof shows that kids from cultures wherever they eat peanuts from an early age appear to be naturally protected against associated allergies.’

Need to understand

In a shell (yes, pun intended), solely avoid intake peanuts or any round the bend in maternity if you yourself have a diagnosed nut allergic reaction.

You could invite a gloss treatment or vegetable color, or higher still, be whole specific and check whether or not your salon offers the ammonia-free vary

3 When should I stop taking flights?

The fear

Flying whereas pregnant poses a risk to the baby and will cause miscarriage.

The facts

First things 1st, consistent with the Royal faculty of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, flying isn't
harmful throughout healthy, low-risk maternity. (Find their flying-in maternity the guide at rcog.org.uk.) though it's true that everybody UN agency flies are exposed to a small increase in radiation, there's no proof to counsel that this, or the other facet of travel, will induce early labor or is coupled to a bigger probability of miscarriage. However, pregnant ladies are additional doubtless to suffer the common side-effects of a flight, together with swollen ankles, nose, and ear issues caused by the modification in cabin pressure, and travel the illness that may build maternity nausea worse. It’s conjointly price bearing in mind that long-haul flights of 4 hours or additional carry the next risk of deep vein occlusion (when a blood forms within the pelvis or legs) throughout maternity. thus make certain to take a position in DVT socks or stockings.

Need to understand

Most airlines can enable pregnant ladies with none complications to fly up to thirty-six weeks, or thirty-two weeks if you’re expecting twins. (This was recently attenuated from thirty-four weeks to tie in with the International transportation Association’s international recommendation.) However, you'll need to gift a letter from your doctor passing you as ‘fit to fly’ once twenty-eight weeks and will even need to fill in some of the airline’s own pre-flight work.

Policies dissent thus invariably check before you book and if you discover out you’re pregnant once creating travel plans, bear in mind, not each nondepository financial institution can refund the price of your trip.

4 Is the odd glass of wine or a g&t is ok?

The fear

Having even a little quantity of alcohol in maternity will cause birth defects, labor or low birth weight.

The facts

Drinking within the 1st twelve weeks of maternity has been coupled to each miscarriage and, in extreme cases, fetal alcohol syndrome, that causes physical deformities and learning difficulties. ‘Because we tend to can’t be sure what the safe lower threshold is, we tend to advise that it's best to avoid alcohol fully,’ explains Dr. patron saint O’Brien, a voice for the Royal faculty of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Despite this, in 2016, researchers at Dundee University found that of the forty % of UK ladies UN agency continued to drink whereas expecting, several same they were tuned in to the new recommendations, however, felt it had been still safe to plunge maternity.

Need to understand

The latest government recommendation is to not drink any alcohol throughout all 3 trimesters as there merely isn’t enough analysis into the results of sunshine drinking. What studies have verified is that alcohol incorporates a ‘dose effect’ in maternity, which suggests that the additional you drink, the bigger the injury to a baby development within the female internal reproductive organ.

5 What do I completely need to avoid intake

The fear

Getting sick and doing yourself or your baby damage or transferral on early labor.

The facts

The risk to the baby comes from the infection furthermore because the fever or dehydration related to the gastrointestinal disorder. thus a straightforward rule is to avoid something that carries a risk of food poisonings, like rare, undercooked or cured meats, change integrity cheese, raw fish and shellfish, and unwashed dish or veg. Eggs wont to carry a risk of enterics however the Food Standards Agency currently deems all Red Lion sealed eggs bacteria-free and safe to eat – even once still fluid. grilled or salmon is safe however dish may be a no-no as raw fish can carry parasitic worms that may cause an infection. The liver has high levels of vitamin A that have an effect on cell turnover, thus it’s whole off the menu.

Need to understand

‘Just use caution to scrub and cook things well’ 

6 What do I want to understand regarding essential oils and seasoner teas?

The fear

Assuming that natural suggests that ‘safe in pregnancy’ and accidentally exploitation one thing too potent that would damage the baby or achieve early labor.

The facts

Let’s not forget that the raw ingredients utilized in some seasoner teas, and particularly the extremely targeted compounds found in essential oils aren't invariably as mild as we tend to assume. Both oils and teas will have a major result, particularly on you're a sensitive pregnant body, thus if you’re in any doubt, err on the aspect of caution and go while not – particularly within the trimester. If you’re trying to find skin treatment, ‘Consider employing a carrier oil on its own, like herbaceous plant oil or apricot kernel,’ suggests Christina Salceda, international director of education for Aromatherapy Associates. ‘They are safe and super-nourishing, however, contain no active ingredients – ideal in maternity.’ If you are doing choose essential oils, follow the subsequent pregnancy-safe versions: lavender, neroli, Anthemis nobilis, and angiospermous tree. Also, solely ever apply oils topically; ne'er ingest them.                 
                 As another to old style builder’s: ‘Herbal teas will facilitate hydrate the body once you’re displeased plain water,’ explains USA-based therapist and acupuncturist, congenital defect Hirota. She suggests caffeine-free Aspalathus linearis, ginger, mint, Anthemis nobilis and nettle leaf (never root) because the best prenatal brews, and recommends shopping for brands wherever you recognize what you’re drinking and avoiding unregulated made-to-order blends.

Need to understand

Herbal teas contain solely zero.4mg of caffeine per cup compared to the 40-50mg found in the regular tea leaf. There are not any conclusive studies however most consultants agree that caution is best, thus if you can’t fully forgo your Rosy Lee, dial it all the way down to no quite 2 cups on a daily basis – around 200mg – or switch to decaffeinated coffee.

7 Is it dangerous to own a massage whereas pregnant?

The fear

Some types of massage are too over-stimulating and will cause contractions or maybe induce labor.

The facts

Ask any doctor or MD and that they can possibly suggest that you just avoid any sort of shiatsu or massage within the trimester, whereas the maternity is at its most vulnerable. Worryingly there's no restrictive body for a remedial massage within the UK thus there is not any set ‘rules’ for maternity massage. Our advice? hunt down an honored expert and invariably check to create certain they're registered with a corporation like the final Council of Massage Therapies (gcmt.org.uk). follow leading spa brands like Aromatherapy Associates (aromatherapyassociates.com), that makes it a policy to treat pregnant ladies solely once their fourteenth week. associate practised the expert can tailor the treatment to your stage of maternity, providing the correct level of support for your growing bump, furthermore as exploitation them associate an applicable quantity of pressure and avoiding no-go pressure points, like your ankles and therefore the webbing between your thumb and foreigner, that may kick-start labor.

Need to understand

Take it simple once your message. rise up slowly and don’t be shocked if you're feeling a touch dizzy.
The boost to your circulation from all that (however gentle) manipulation usually affects ladies additional dramatically throughout maternity.

8 Do I modify however I exercise?

The fear

Working out during a pre-conception means is just too intense and will damage you or your baby.

The facts

‘I can’t stress enough however vital it's to pay attention to your dynamical body and train consequently,’ says a private trainer mountain Poole. whereas every trimester brings its own challenges, ciao as there's no underlying medical reason to prevent workout, you'll on paper see up till you move into labor. ‘I invariably stress that general daily activity is what my purchasers ought to concentrate on once they are pregnant,’ says Ben. ‘Gentle, low-impact exercise like walking and swimming will do one additional sensible in each the short and future and can be much better for you and therefore the baby then periods of inactivity then pushing yourself at the athletic facility.’

Need to understand

Don’t be too proud to switch your moves or sink to sixty % of your pre-pregnancy toil. The injury currently can solely build it more durable to come back to coaching once birth.