Myths and more about pregnancy

1. Pregnancy is not an illness ! I don't like to be treated with kid gloves, if I appear moody or sex-greedy, it is just the hormonal changes, it is n o t like the flu. The flu is not enjoyable, being pregnant is something I enjoy endlessly. (There are different opinions on that, I know)

2. I can still carry things. If it is too heavy for me, I'll tell you. I am not going to risk anything, but I can definitely do the shopping. Later on, when I am the walrus, I'll surely appreciate more help than now, because currently I absolutely want to do things myself.

3. Exercise is dangerous? No, I want to do my exercises. Instead of jogging through the woods too long, I'll just go swimming more often. If you don't overdo it, it is healthy for mom and baby.  Those women who have been doing some exercises have repeatedly stated that this was maybe one reason why giving birth was easier for them. Ask your gynaecologist what you can do without risk. Mine said moderate exercising is good for baby and me. Emphasis is on 'moderate'.

What you maybe should not do too much is riding your bike, martial arts, riding horses, any form of exercise with an increased chance of falling or getting hit on your belly. Bad idea.

4. Sex can be dangerous? Lol. I should put this as number 1, because currently sex is more important for me than I have ever experienced before. We don't put pressure on my belly area and hubby doesn't want to push too deeply, but our doctor says it is safe and we should enjoy it (as long as it lasts). And we do. I am a garden with my personal gardener. :)

5. Pregnant women have this glow around them. Actually I love that one. I don't know, though hubby says it's true. My hair is nice and my skin too, but then again I am currently living very healthy. And I also glow because I am constantly aroused. Maybe it is that? I don't know.  Oh, and I sleep a lot more at the moment, too. Therefore, I have to glow like a fresh morning :) ... but still feel tired most times.

6. This is your all-you-can-eat time, because you eat for two. Hm, I know I do eat more, and sometimes unusual things, too, but I for one would freak out, if I really ate like two times my normal lunch. We have a table with calories here, because we were told around 300 cal more is all it takes. And I don't believe that overeating can be healthy under any circumstances. Eat healthy and stop in time. If it is a little bit more, that's probably normal, because gaining weight during pregnancy is also normal. But not too much. Mind, this is what I say in week 12 and have already failed miserably several times. Oh, look, this chocolate bar on the shelf has become more attractive to me than before. It had some candy bar friends, but they all disappeared. And I have had meals where I had more than those 300 cal extra. And then there were these jellybabies. And the additional piece of cake. Uh oh, here comes the walrus.

7. Go to the sauna and relax? Relax yes, but my doctor said that going to the sauna is forbidden for me. Just like hot baths. She says it has to do with rising body temperature, which could endanger baby. I think that's also one of the reasons why doing too much workout is bad during pregnancy, because you heat your body up a lot then.

8. Sleep on your left during pregnancy. That's cool, I do that sometimes, but only because I have a side sleeper pillow on my left. During the night I struggle with it and also end up on the right. There's no harm caused by that. The only position that I don't like to sleep in, is on my belly. If I ended up there, I'd feel as if I slept on my baby. But it's too sensitive anyway, so baby is safe.

9. No alcohol, no cigarettes, no coffee. Well, sounds sensible to me. Coffee is interesting for me, and the doctor said caffein has always been discussed and I could have a cup of coffee in the morning. But I refrain from that, just to make sure. Alcohol and cigarettes are definitely no-nos for me. Although I have read that a little sip of wine once a week could not do harm. I don't know, I think it is easier if I do without for the next months.

10. My mom and sister have talked repeatedly about heartburn and severe morning sickness. Well, I am not there yet. My older sister said that morning sickness became worse from one to the next pregnancy and it was awful for her in her third one. She described it like an ongoing hangover. :(

11. Freeze all your favourite meals for the time when baby is there. I got this advice more often than any other, because all moms have made this experience that they are too tired and too busy once they leave the clinic.

I cannot really give advice, because every pregnancy is different but I can help create a little awareness of what (not) to do and maybe make you smile about the silly ideas that exist, too.

I think we are actually very careful (overcautious?) with everything we do, to ensure that baby is always safe.  If you are not sure what you could do during pregnancy, I'd recommend always go and ask your gynaecologist first.

But if you have made experiences that you would like to share, or have good advice for us, I am all ears and willing to try a lot.