Common misconceptions about pregnancy

“NOT everything yuh hear yuh fi tek as gospel” is a popular Jamaican saying. Unfortunately, when it comes to pregnancy, many women don’t take heed and are quite receptive to much of the ‘gospel’ being preached by elders and friends. Though some of the advice may have some truth, the majority are in fact myths. Let me help dispel some of these absurd misconceptions.

1. You can’t have sex

Sexual intercourse is the utmost physical and emotional connection a couple can share; in fact, it results in the primary reason we’re here discussing these misconceptions — a pregnancy! One of the very few reasons not to have sex during pregnancy is a low placenta (placenta previa) which can potentially cause heavy vaginal bleeding, leading to problems with the mother and the baby. However, in most pregnancies, sexual intercourse can occur problem-free. No. While entering the vagina the penis will not damage, poke or hurt the baby. The baby may even be grateful for the extra exercise! In fact, sperm contains chemicals called prostaglandins which at term, can actually induce labour. So couples can inadvertently induce labour naturally at term while at home. Due to the growing abdomen, hormonal changes, and the continuous feeling of being uncomfortable, the actual physical act of sexual intercourse may prove to be challenging. To keep the connection between the couple, other forms of intimacy such as cuddling, fondling, mutual masturbation and oral sex should be encouraged.

2. You can’t exercise

Pregnancy is an important part of a woman’s reproductive career. And with all aspects of this career, exercise is important. Some women worry that exercise will affect the baby, but this is not true. Women are advised to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day at least three times per week to get the heart pumping. This can involve aerobics, walking, swimming and cycling. As the pregnancy progresses, exercise may physically become more difficult, so try to exercise as often as possible in the early stages of pregnancy.

3. You can’t pet your cat

A parasite called toxoplasmosis is present within cat faeces, and this parasite can lead to miscarriages, growth restriction, and physical and mental abnormalities of the baby if it enters the maternal bloodstream and crosses the placenta. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid changing cat litter, but it is safe for them to pet cats.

4. You cannot fly while pregnant

There are two main complications that can occur whilst flying — labour, and the development of a deep vein thrombus (blood clot). It is recommended that the safest time to fly for a women with a normal singleton pregnancy is before 37 weeks of gestation. Usually, labour spontaneously occurs after 37 weeks and it’s best that this happens on the ground rather than in the air. Most airlines do not allow women to travel beyond this point. The safest time to fly for a woman with twin pregnancy is before 32 weeks as most twins tend to deliver prematurely (before 37 weeks but after 32 weeks). Long flights (longer than four hours) can lead to the development of blood clots in the legs which can potentially be lethal to the mother. It is recommended that women wear loose clothing, comfortable shoes, and also have an aisle seat to walk about. In-seat exercises every 30 minutes are beneficial. Some women may require compression stockings. It is also important to ensure that you have regular servings of water during the flight. Other conditions in pregnancy such as anaemia and elevated blood pressure can pose problems while travelling.

5. You can’t go into the hot tub

This has some truth to it. In the first trimester, elevated body temperatures (greater than 102 degrees celsius) are associated with miscarriages and spinal cord abnormalities in the baby. It is not recommended that you use the sauna or Jacuzzi during the first trimester. However, there are no adverse associations with limited use during the second and third trimesters.

6. You can’t paint your nails or relax your hair

These two are the most common misconceptions I hear in my practice. There are no associated adverse outcomes to pregnancy to either of the above. However, the smell of the chemicals may lead the woman to feel nauseous and giddy. As a result, it is recommended to conduct the above measures in well-ventilated areas.

7. You can’t contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while pregnant

All STIs are still transferable during pregnancy. In fact, certain STIs such as chlamydia and genital herpes can have detrimental effects on the baby’s neurological system. A pregnancy does not mean either partner is bulletproof to STIs, and if one partner is promiscuous, barrier protection in the form of a condom is recommended. It is highly advised to consult your obstetrician if an STI is suspected.

8. You should not drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy

In my practice, I encourage all women not to drink alcohol or smoke (tobacco or marijuana) at any time during pregnancy. However, recent literature from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists suggests that two drinks during pregnancy may not do any harm. Smoking tobacco has been associated with growth restriction, low birth weight babies, and sudden infant death syndrome. Ironically, no distinct link has been made with marijuana and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but as health physicians it is still recommended that pregnant women avoid it as further studies emerge.

9. You can’t eat sushi

Sushi is permissible except for mackerel, shark, tilefish and swordfish. It is recommended not to have too much tuna — no more than 12 ounces per week (two rolls). Too much mercury in fish can affect the pregnancy.

10. You can only sleep on your side

Sleep how you feel comfortable. If you sleep on your abdomen, you will not hurt the baby. Most women find sleeping on their side or back most comfortable, especially during late pregnancy.

Dr Daryl Daley is a medical officer in obstetrics and gynaecology at May Pen Hospital, and consultant OBGYN at Gynae Associates, 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10, and Shops 46-50, Portmore Town Centre, St Catherine. Telephone him at 929-5038/9 and 939-2859 or e-mail drdaryldaley@gmail.com.