Common Pregnancy Myths and Facts
When you announce you are expecting, you will likely be inundated with advice, from old wives tales to outright misinformation. Los Angeles OB/GYN Dr. David Ghozland encourages his patients to weed through the wealth of well-meaning anecdotes and always speak with your doctor to separate fact from fiction. Here is a partial list of some common “myths” that are sometimes presented as “facts.”
Myth: When you are pregnant, you should avoid all sweets.
While overindulging in sugary food is not good for your weight or your health, recent studies suggest that pregnant women who consume chocolate on a daily basis have babies who are more outgoing and less fearful by 6 months of age. Another study noted moms-to-be who eat several servings of chocolate weekly during the third trimester have a significantly lower risk of developing preeclampsia, a dangerous form of high blood pressure. Chocoholics have reason to celebrate!
Myth: Exercise should be avoided while pregnant.
In truth, research has proven that physically active pregnant women deliver babies with good cardiovascular health, lower birthrates and larger brains. So get moving!
Myth: Seafood is dangerous during pregnancy.
The truth is, many types of seafood are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Ghozland advises his pregnant Los Angeles OB/GYN patients to consume at least 12 ounces of high quality seafood weekly. Benefits could include a baby with higher verbal IQ levels and advanced motor skill development.
Myth: You can have a perfect pregnancy if you follow all the “rules.”
The truth is, pregnancy is a highly individual experience with many variables, including genetics, your health history, age and lifestyle. There is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to a healthy pregnancy.
Myth: The baby is protected from external influences within the womb.
Dr. Ghozland says everything from your daily diet to the chemicals you encounter from pesticides, cleaning products and household items can impact your unborn child. When expecting, it is wise to avoid drinking alcohol, limit your contact with cigarette smoke, and choose BPA-free plastic products whenever possible.
Myth: Chronic conditions like obesity are developed later in life.
Sadly, research shows that a mother’s lifestyle greatly influences her child’s future health. For example, women who put on excessive weight while pregnant are four times more likely to have children who struggle with obesity. Likewise, children born to normal-weight mothers are less likely to become overweight and seem to have healthier metabolisms as well.
There is a lot of information available today to help women achieve a healthy pregnancy. In his Los Angeles OB/GYN practice, Dr. Ghozland helps his patients separate fact from fiction so that they can relax and enjoy the months leading up to their delivery.