Pregnancy can be a very exciting time. You're busy getting your family and your home ready to welcome a tiny new addition. But if you are a first-time mother, you may be uneasy and even lose some sleep about some of the things you've heard that can cause harm to you and your baby during this time. If you're feeling a little nervous about getting through your first three months, you should know some of the myths about the first trimester of pregnancy that are floating around out there in the mommysphere.
Keeping your pregnancy a secret, avoiding massages, and staying off airplanes are just a few of the myths about the first trimester of pregnancy that have kept so many expectant moms living in fear of putting themselves and their babies in danger. But as science and research advance, lots of these myths have been debunked. In fact, if done the right way, a vacation or a nice massage can help relieve some of the stress you may have about your new baby.
So read this list of first trimester myths and breathe a sigh of relief. You should always be cautious and follow your doctor's advice throughout your pregnancy. But there's no need to spend nine months living in fear.
Myth #1: Announcing Your Pregnancy Is Bad Luck
Yes, it is true that there are more risks of miscarriage in the first trimester of your pregnancy. But this is exactly why you may want to let your employer and close family members know as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed by your doctor. If your job is physically dangerous or you experience extreme nausea, you want your boss to know that you aren't just goofing off.
Myth #2: Massages Are A No No
You have heard that prenatal massage is dangerous during the first trimester. But as long as you are in the hands of a Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist, a massage during your first trimester is OK, according to the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing. In fact a nice rub down may help some expectant moms ease some of the anxiety of the early months of pregnancy.
Myth #3: Nausea Only Happens Before Noon
It's a fairly well-known fact that the term "morning sickness" is something of a misnomer. According to Belly Belly, the nausea and vomiting can take place at any time of day, as it is the result of an increase in hormones which know no time limit.
Myth #4: Nausea Ends With The First Trimester
And while you're on the subject of vomiting, it isn't always true that the pregnancy sickness ends with the first trimester. According to Parenting, the pregnancy sickness can last well into the second trimester for some moms.
Myth #5: You Can't Fly
You may have heard that the radiation from the high altitude can be harmful to your baby during the first trimester, but there's no need to let your frequent flier miles go to waste. According to Today Parents, there is no risk in flying during your first trimester.
Myth #6: You Can't Exercise
According to Fit Pregnancy, there's nothing wrong with starting or maintaining an exercise regimen in your first trimester. Depending on your energy and your fitness level, walking, yoga, or swimming can be great ways to relieve stress and maintain your mood. Be sure to check with your doctor to determine an exercise plan that's right for you.
