7 False myths surrounding pregnancy & bull; hello healthy

Many myths about pregnancy that develop in Indonesia, most pregnant women also believe and follow them. Starting from myths about foods that pregnant women should avoid, to myths related to the gender of the baby to be born. Yes, a myth is an assumption that has been passed down from generation to generation, developed in society, and even some people believe in this myth. If the one below is a myth or not, huh?

1. "Pregnant women do not eat fish, the baby will be fishy"

Well, what we know is that fish is a good source of protein for the body. Of course this myth is not true. Fish contains protein, iron and zinc which are essential for the growth and development of babies. In addition, fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, including docohexanoic acid (DHA) which is good for the development of the baby's brain.

However, there are types of fish that are prohibited for consumption by pregnant women. Types of fish that are prohibited from consumption are predatory fish that contain high mercury, such as sharks, swordfish, king mackerel , and tilefish . This type of fish is rarely found in Indonesia. How about tuna, sardines and salmon? Tuna, sardines, and salmon also contain mercury but in low levels, so pregnant women are still allowed to eat them as long as they are not too frequent. If you eat fish that contain high levels of mercury too often, mercury can build up in the blood and can damage the development of the baby's brain and nervous system.

2. "Pregnant women should drink coconut water frequently"

Many people say that drinking coconut water during pregnancy can facilitate childbirth and make the baby's skin pure white. This is a myth. Coconut water has nothing to do with labor and the color of the baby's skin. The birth process is influenced by many factors, while the baby's skin color is determined by genetics passed down from their parents.

However, drinking coconut water during pregnancy has many benefits because it contains many nutrients. Coconut water contains high levels of electrolytes, chloride, potassium and magnesium, and contains very little sugar, sodium and protein. Coconut water is also a source of fiber, manganese, calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin C.

Drinking coconut water during pregnancy can prevent pregnant women from becoming dehydrated, reduce fatigue, help boost immunity, improve kidney function, prevent urinary tract infections, and reduce high blood pressure.

3. "Pregnant women are prohibited from having sex"

This is not true. Pregnant women can still have intercourse if their pregnancy conditions are healthy and normal. Having sex during pregnancy will not harm the baby because the amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles will protect the baby, and the thick mucus that covers the cervix will protect the baby from infection. Maybe you will feel the baby moving after you reach orgasm, don't worry, this is the baby's reaction to your increased heart rate after orgasm. The baby doesn't know what's going on. In addition, having sex during pregnancy will not trigger premature delivery. In fact, having sex regularly during pregnancy can reduce your risk of having a premature birth.

4. "Craving is not obedient, later the child will lose his mind"

Eits.. wait a minute, actually cravings are the request of the baby or mother? Nobody knows what cravings actually mean, but some theories say that cravings can mean that the mother's body is deficient in certain nutrients that can be obtained from the food that the mother craves. There are also those who associate cravings with changes in the mother's hormones during pregnancy, thus changing the taste on the tongue and the smell that the mother smells. The point is that cravings will have no effect on the baby. So, it can be said that cravings will not cause children to "fall ill" and this is actually just a myth.

5. "Changes in the mother's skin indicate the sex of the baby"

Some say that pregnant women whose skin is darker during pregnancy indicates that they will give birth to a boy, while pregnant women who have lighter skin during pregnancy will give birth to a baby girl. This is a myth. The mother's skin will change during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Some mothers may experience changes in their skin to be darker or lighter and this change has nothing to do with the gender of the baby who will be born later.

6. "Eating more when pregnant indicates that the baby is a boy"

This too is a myth. Eating more food during pregnancy is recommended to meet the needs of the mother, as well as for the growth and development of the baby in the womb. However, this has nothing to do with the sex of the baby to be born by the mother. Gender cannot be determined by how much food or the type of food we eat, or whatever it is.

7. "Pineapple and durian can cause miscarriage"

The myth that develops like that, so that pregnant women are prohibited from consuming pineapples and durians. However, this myth is not true. Pineapple or durian fruit will not cause miscarriage in pregnant women and this is safe as long as it is consumed in moderation.

Durian contains organo-sulfur and tryptophan which are beneficial for pregnant women. However, excessive durian consumption is not good because durian contains high sugar and carbohydrates. Pregnant women who have gestational diabetes should avoid consuming durian.

Pineapple contains vitamin C which is also beneficial for pregnant women. However, consuming too much pineapple can also cause problems because it can increase the bromelain in the body. Bromelain can break down protein and increase the risk of miscarriage. All types of food when consumed in excess are certainly not good.