Experts have dispelled persistent myths about pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most natural conditions in a woman's life, but it is accompanied by a record number of myths, prohibitions and warnings. On November 23, experts from the Naked Hearts Foundation told Izvestia about which beliefs should be left in the past and what is really important for the health of the expectant mother.

One of the most common fears — the "entanglement" of the umbilical cord — has nothing to do with the behavior of a woman. Pediatric neurologist Svyatoslav Dovbnya notes that about 40% of children are born with entanglement, and this is due to individual developmental characteristics, rather than raised arms, sports or household activities. The umbilical cord is mobile and flexible, so in most cases the entanglement does not pose a threat.

In addition, experts have refuted myths about ways to "guess" the sex of a child by the shape of the abdomen or skin condition.

"Guessing the sex of a child is always a statistical 50%, like flipping a coin. No shape of the abdomen, sharp or round, makes it possible to predict gender," said clinical psychologist Tatiana Morozova.

In addition, bans on wearing heels, haircuts, or hair coloring are not supported by medical evidence. High-heeled shoes only affect the stability of the expectant mother and do not affect the development of the child, and modern dyes are considered safe if the composition is chosen correctly and the doctor's recommendations are followed, especially in the first trimester. Cosmetic procedures require reasonable care, but they are not completely excluded. Comfort and general well-being of a woman remain the main guideline.

Experts drew attention to the existence of fears related to sex life during pregnancy.

"If there are no complications and no risk of injury, sex is generally safe. But it is important for a woman to discuss this with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Situations are different, and recommendations can be individual," Dovbnya explained, stating that visits to the sauna and flights, in the absence of complications and with the permission of a doctor, are also considered safe.

Experts call the opinion about the permissibility of "a glass of red wine" during pregnancy one of the most harmful myths. The pediatric neurologist emphasized that there is no safe dose of alcohol. Only drinks with trace alcohol concentrations are allowed, such as kefir or non—alcoholic beer.

The Foundation's experts concluded that most myths arise from a desire to protect a woman, but lead to the opposite — to anxiety and guilt. Pregnancy does not require many restrictions. The main thing is to follow the doctor's recommendations, avoid chronic stress, choose reasonable loads and be attentive to your well—being. It is calmness and a conscious approach that create the conditions for the well-being of mother and child.

On October 24, at the first meeting of the Council for the Implementation of State Demographic and Family Policy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it was necessary to think about improving maternity capital. The Head of State added that, first of all, it is necessary to protect the interests of children and women.

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