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Being a would-be mother, there are many curiosities that might be rising in you, and you might have read many maternity books, searched on many different internet sites, or received many advices from your elders about your pregnancy. Pregnancy is a very beautiful and crucial journey of womanhood, and birth defects are also an unwanted part of this journey. However, birth defect myths cannot be avoided, but the risks can be reduced by a little bit of education and awareness. In this blog, we will discuss common pregnancy and birth defect myths and related facts so that the differentiation becomes easy for you.
Birth Defects
Before learning about the myths and facts, understanding birth defects is necessary. Birth defects are the medical conditions that develop in a foetus and can be a hindrance to the foetal growth, or they can also be seen during childbirth and control the development of a child. There are many different types of birth defects, and the reasons behind them also differ from one another, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Common Pregnancy Myths
Myth #1: Birth Defects Are Rare; My Child Can Never Develop A Birth Defect.
Fact: Most of us are unaware of the fact that birth defects are common. According to research, it has been found that millions of infants are diagnosed with birth defects during the time of birth, and some of them don’t even make it alive.
Myth #2: Genetics Is The Only Factor Responsible For Birth Defects.
Fact: Genetics is one of the key factors in birth defects. If you have a family history of a certain birth defect, there are higher chances that your infant will develop it during birth or later in life. However, there are many other factors, such as smoking, drinking, substance abuse, eating unhealthy food, or living in an unhealthy environment, can be a great reasons for birth defects.
Myth #3: A Mother Cannot Do Anything To Reduce The Risk Of Birth Defects.
Fact: Being a mother, it is not impossible for you to avoid the risk of these defects. Making some lifestyle changes and taking a little bit of care can reduce this risk.
Myth #4: If The Defect Is Not Diagnosed During Birth, It Won’t Affect Your Child Later.
Fact: Some defects are physical and can be seen during childbirth, but some birth defects are internal and take time to be diagnosed. An infant needs regular check-ups and constant monitoring to detect the symptoms of birth defects, if there are any.
Myth #5: All Medications Are Safe To Take During Pregnancy.
Fact: While many expecting mothers think that all pregnancy or fertility support medications are safe to consume, this is not true for everyone. Some medications can be harmful for the Foetus and can be a risk factor leading to birth defects. Ayurvedic fertility capsules, on the other hand, can be safer than other medications, but remember to consult your gynaecologist before taking any medications.
Myth #6: Exercise Can Be Risky During Pregnancy.
Fact: In contrast with the popular belief, regular exercise can actually help in Foetus development. But remember to refrain yourself from heavy exercise or lifting heavy weights.
Myth #7: Only Older Women Should Be Worried About Birth Defects.
Fact: Women above the age of 35 are usually at a higher risk of chromosomal syndromes such as Dawn syndrome, but birth defects are not age-restricted. In fact, most of the babies born with birth defects are born to women under the age of 35.
Myth #8: You Should Double Your Calories During Pregnancy.
Fact: You must have had your elders ask you to double your food intake during your pregnancy, as you are eating for two, but you should only increase a modest amount of food during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Eat more nutrient-rich food and consult your dietician for a perfect diet chart
Conclusion
While summing up, we have come to the conclusion that, though we are living in the 21st century and constantly progressing, there are still many myths circulating about pregnancy for centuries. Debunking pregnancy myths is necessary for pregnancy health education and can be helpful to reduce the risk of birth defects in the new-born. It can also be very helpful in the healthy development of the foetus and the infant.