When my elder sister was expecting a child, it was a time of great joy and anticipation, but unfortunately, this was also a time when everyone around could not wait to give away their free and most valuable advice. If it is your first pregnancy, you are more likely to be listening to all kinds of guidance from your family, friends, colleagues and even strangers. By all means, gather as much valuable information as you can, but beware of potentially unsafe advice.

Here are some of the common pregnancy myths which are religiously followed by us:

1. 'Eat as much as you like beta, your food is supporting two people now'- This is the most common advice that you will hear from your surroundings. Everyone around will try to feed you with something or the other! In reality, it is not true.
   
   You should eat as much as you feel like and whatever you feel like. Eating for two will only make you gain weight, make you sick and do nothing for the well being of the baby.
   
   It is more important to eat the right food at the right time than over-eating. The pregnancy is a natural phenomenon and your body will automatically adjust to it. The important thing is to keep your self away from stress and eat till your stomach allows you to eat!


2. 'Don't exercise, it will adversely affect your baby'- One more very common myth. But by not exercising, you make your body inactive, which in turn results in unnecessary weight gain, stiffness, swelling, aches and pains and to top it all off, a more difficult delivery.
   
   Saying this, we do not mean that you can do any exercise. You should pick a light exercise like walking, easy resistance training exercises, stretching or yoga.
   
   And obviously, you should strictly stay away from heavy physical activity like boxing, weight training etc.


3. 'Eating ghee will help the baby slip out easily during delivery!'- I could not stop laughing when I heard this from sister's mother-in-law.
   
   I don't think there is any connection between the digestion canal and the delivery canal.
   
   On the contrary, Ghee is only going to make you gain weight and increase your cholesterol levels. The birth canal has natural lubricants to make the baby slip out.


4. 'Stretchmarks can be prevented by using creams and oils'- I know that all mothers want to avoid Stretchmarks but it is also true that there is nothing much you can do about it.
   
   It simply depends on the elasticity of your skin & there's nothing you can do.
   
   They are caused because of the sudden increase in weight and bulging of the skin of your lower stomach. Using creams and oils to massage your skin is a good idea and will definitely help your skin moisturize well. But there are no proofs that can say that creams and oils can get rid of them!


5. 'Don't take any medicine'- That is true to an extent -- don't take any medicine without your doctor's permission.
   
   Some medicines are harmful if you're pregnant, but there are mild ones that are absolutely safe to take as long as you check with your gynaecologist first.


6. 'Eating white colored things early morning will make your baby fair' - This one is really funny and is followed very religiously!! But the fact is that doing all this, does not make any difference.
   
   The complexion of the baby is primarily based on the parent's genes. If the myth was true, every dark complexion parent (not to offend anyone, just meant for an example) would try to do it and have the fair baby.
   
   Just eat what you like as it will keep your mood, mind and tongue happy leading to a stress free pregnancy time!!

I hope, after reading this, you will definitely give it a thought and try to come out of these inhibitions and I wish you have a healthy baby.
Also, let us know your thoughts of the above misconceptions. Comments are most welcome!