Pregnancy: Separating Fact from Fiction (Part 3)
While there’s a slew of information out there about what you should and shouldn’t do while you’re pregnant, a lot of it can be confusing. That’s all made worse by well-meaning people that want to share old wives’ tales or outdated information. You should always consult your doctor for specific health- and pregnancy-related questions, but we’re here to address a few more common myths and provide some facts to set the record straight:
Air Travel
“Flying on a plane while pregnant can cause a miscarriage.”
Not true. Airplane travel is safe if you’re expecting it, but you should keep a few things in mind. Being seated for long periods of time can increase your risk of blood clots, so it’s important to stand up and walk the aisle every couple of hours. You can also wear compression stockings to help maintain blood flow.
Bathing
“It’s not safe to take a bath while pregnant.”
Go ahead and light those candles and break out the bath bombs because this myth is definitely busted. There’s very little risk of harm to the baby if you’re simply relaxing in a warm bath. However, don’t make your bath too hot, since raising your core body temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester) can lead to birth defects. So warm baths are okay but stay out of hot tubs and jacuzzies.
Sex
“Having sex while pregnant can hurt the baby.”
If you’re having a complication-free pregnancy, there’s no reason you should abstain from sex while you’re pregnant. Sex is not associated with any increased risk of pregnancy complications or preterm birth. However, you should talk to your doctor about when to start abstaining (as your delivery day gets closer).
At LivingWell Pregnancy Centers, we’re here to support you and your growing baby. If you have questions, need advice, or want a free ultrasound, please reach out today by emailing hope@living-well.org or calling 714-633-4673 today!