Pregnancy Period and the Danger of Misinformation

The pregnancy period is one of the most critical and sensitive times in a woman's life. During this process, expectant mothers should take a series of precautions to protect both their own health and the health of their developing babies. However, one of the biggest challenges that pregnant women face during this time is being exposed to misinformation or old wives' tales. In this article, I will discuss the dangers of misinformation during pregnancy and the importance of obtaining accurate information.

First, let's look at some of the most commonly heard pieces of misinformation during pregnancy.

Most Common Pieces of Misinformation During Pregnancy:

Misinformation during pregnancy often stems from myths circulating within society, false beliefs, and misinformation based on personal experiences. Here are some commonly heard pieces of misinformation during this period:

• The Shape of the Belly Determines the Baby's Gender: Beliefs like "If your belly is round, it's a girl, if it's flat, it's a boy" are prevalent among pregnant women. However, the shape of the belly does not determine the baby's gender.
• Heart Rate Indicates Gender: Beliefs such as "If the baby's heart rate is fast, it's a girl, if it's slow, it's a boy" also fall into the category of misinformation. The baby's heart rate does not determine gender.
• Lunar Eclipses Affect Pregnancy: In some cultures, there is a belief that lunar eclipses can influence baby development or birth. However, this is an ancient belief without a scientific basis.
• Specific Foods Affect the Baby: Some believe that certain foods can positively or negatively affect the baby. Misbeliefs include ideas like certain foods making the baby smarter or having adverse effects on the baby.
• Exercise is Harmful During Pregnancy: Properly performed mild exercises are generally beneficial during pregnancy. However, the misconception that "exercising during pregnancy is harmful" can lead expectant mothers to unnecessary worries.
• Sexual Intercourse is Harmful During Pregnancy: In a healthy pregnancy, sexual intercourse is generally safe when recommended by a doctor. Misbeliefs like "sexual intercourse during pregnancy affects the baby" can cause unnecessary concerns for couples.
• Conceiving on Specific Days Determines Gender: Beliefs such as "Conceiving on specific days results in a girl, while on other days results in a boy" are also misinformation. The baby's gender is not determined by the timing of conception.

These types of misinformation can lead expectant mothers to experience stress and unnecessary worries. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to consult reliable healthcare professionals to obtain accurate information on any pregnancy-related issue.

Myths Without Scientific Basis:

During the pregnancy process, the various physical and emotional changes women experience often prompt discussions among people. However, most of these discussions involve generalizations based on personal experiences or myths without a scientific basis. For example, statements like "If you're expecting a boy, your belly will be high" are just one example of the misinformation circulating among pregnant women.

The Major Dangers of Misinformation:

The greatest danger associated with misinformation lies in its lack of realism and absence of a foundation in accurate medical knowledge. Equipping expectant mothers with correct information is critical for their own health and the health of their babies, helping them avoid unnecessary worries and make informed decisions. Furthermore, the unnecessary stress and anxiety caused by misinformation can adversely affect the pregnancy process.

Obtaining Accurate Information During Pregnancy:

To access accurate information during pregnancy, consulting reliable sources is essential. Obstetricians and gynecologists are specialists in pregnancy-related matters and have experience in evaluating individual situations. Regular consultations with healthcare providers are an effective way to acquire up-to-date and accurate information about pregnancy.

While internet sources can also be used to obtain information during pregnancy, it is crucial for these sources to be reliable and based on scientific principles. Official websites of healthcare institutions, articles written by experts, and publications from science and health journals provide trustworthy information for expectant mothers.

In Conclusion:

The danger of misinformation during pregnancy lies in its potential to misguide decision-making and induce unnecessary concerns for expectant mothers. Consulting obstetricians and reliable sources is always the best approach to ensuring a healthy pregnancy process. It is important to remember that each pregnancy is unique, and being equipped with accurate information, taking into account one's individual health situation, is always the most appropriate approach.

Op. Dr. Özge PİRİ MANTAR

Obstetrician and Gynecologist