Yea I post a lot about pregnancy these days. It is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. And while there is certainly a lot of talk about the process when I'm with family and friends, sometimes it's good to just vent a little or express true feelings here on my blog. It has been very therapeutic for me to just write out how I feel, think, etc.
Today, I'm going to talk about some of the myths about pregnancy that I have encountered. Now please note, all of these myths I have talked about extensively with my medical provider. I would recommend you do the same before diving in.
1) You Can't Workout During Pregnancy
This is a myth I have heard a LOTT of. Now, sometimes working out during pregnancy IS NOT recommended, but this is a case by case basis usually. Now, as previously stated I talked a lot to my provider about my working out. Light exercise is a good idea during pregnancy, as it helps with overall health, nausea, and birth. I have been working out steadily since high school, so roughly 11 years. I have worked cardio and weight training and have a fairly good base level. However, if you have never been a big gym person, pregnancy isn't the time to start. Light exercise is perfectly fine according to most doctors, but taking up Crossfit is probably not a good idea during pregnancy.
2) You Can't Eat Fish During Pregnancy
This is another myth I've heard a lot of. Now, there are certain types of fish you should avoid! Large fish like shark, tuna, etc. are not recommended since they contain large deposits of mercury. However, fish such as salmon can be very good for pregnant mommas. As my doctor put it, the no fish myth is rather unfortunate since fish often contains nutrients that pregnant mommas need. Once again, make sure you as your doctor!
3) Your Body Won't Bounce Back
Yea no this is a lie. I've had this told to me OVER and OVER and OVERRRR. I'm sick of it. It's simply not true. Now every body is different, but with good diet, exercise, and body positivity, your body springs back quicker than you think. Don't let that negative talk make you feel hopeless or disheartened. Please don't fall into the rhetoric that having a baby will ruin your body or in any way make you unattractive. Also don't fall into the rhetoric that if you do decide you want to exercise or whatever you are a bad mom. Your body is made to do this, you can do this! You are strong, capable, and you got this!
4) Your Friends Will Disappear
Again this largely depends on your friend group. I've got an amazing group of friends that haven't at all disappeared now that I'm pregnant. Now, I may be a little too tired to hang out every weekend, but we have still been enjoying hangouts. It's important to make sure you reach out to your friends and try to keep steady contact. Remember, they have lives too and ill get busy with their own things, just like you do. I also ascribe to the belief that a mom needs both mom friends and non-mom friends!
5) You Won't Get Morning Sickness After 12 Weeks
Yea no....I'm 18 weeks and I still have morning sickness off and on. Now, while it is better than during the first 6 weeks, it is still there. Many women experience morning sickness up until time of birth and sometimes after. It's all about those hormones and how your body responds to the pregnancy. There are a wide array of things you can try to alleviate the nausea. I personally am a fan of sea-bands, ginger candy, and lemon water. You can also ask your doctor about medications should you feel the need to use them. I've used Zofran due to my extreme nausea.
There are a TON of pregnancy myths, and some have a grain of truth to them! If you want to hear some more myths debunked, watch the video below!
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