There are many popular beliefs surrounding pregnancy that vary from one culture to another. Some of these beliefs are proven to be true while others are just myths that people continue to believe while they don’t have any measure of truth in them.

In this article we will discuss some common beliefs surrounding pregnancy in our Arab culture, and explain which of them is true and which isn’t:

1- Pregnancy lasts 9 month:

From the time of conception until the time of delivery pregnancy actually lasts an average of 266 days (which is about 9 month). However, doctors usually start counting pregnancy starting from the first day of the last period which adds about 14 days, making the length of pregnancy around 280 days +/- 14 days which is on average 9 month and 2 weeks.

2- Timing of intercourse determines gender:

  Dads have two types of sperms: boy sperms and a girl sperms. Some suggest that the mother’s body becomes more hospitable for a boy or a girl sperm depending on the time of the cycle. This isn’t totally false, since some studies have shown that having intercourse before ovulation is associated more with having a baby girl while intercourse after ovulation is associated more with having a baby boy. However, these studies are done on a small scale and the correlation found is also small.

3- Belly and face shape can predict the gender:

Some say that a pointy baby bum means a boy while if the abdomen is spread to the sides, the baby is  more likely to be a girl. Some believe that if the face looks rounder the chances are that the women is carrying a girl. Those myths are not true and were never proven in research.

There is no evidence that indicates that having a vaginal exam compromises pregnancy.

4- Twins skip a generation:

Fraternal twins (Non- identical twins) can run in families, and the genes carrying this trait behave like other genes, and they don’t skip a generation. Identical twins on the other hand don’t run in families and are a random occurrence.

5- Body shape is changed forever:

  This is absolutely not true and all studies have shown that a woman’s body returns to its pre-pregnancy state during the 6 month after delivery. However, smoking, multiple pregnancies and simply getting older affects the shape of the body.

6- Creams can prevent stretch marks:

This is not true. No cream can prevent stretch marks, and there’s no evidence that they do. Stretch marks depend on your body type. Some women form more stretch marks than others.

The amount of radiation associated with normal X-rays and body scanners is minimal and doesn't hurt the baby.

7- You can't fly during pregnancy:

You can fly whenever you want. Some airlines won't let you on the plane during the last month of your pregnancy because they fear you might go into labor while on board.

8- You should avoid cats while pregnant:

This is also not true. You just need to avoid the cats’ litter box to avoid the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.

9- You shouldn’t eat Sushi:

Sushi is allowed except for mackerel, shark, tilefish, swordfish, and too much tuna, due to their high content of mercury, in addition to salmon, since these types of fish might affect the neurological development of the baby. Therefore eating raw sushi is fine as long as you avoid the aforementioned types of fish.

10- Walking induces labor:

Not true, there is no activity that would make you go into labor fast. However, walking will make you feel good and helps in preventing clots.

11- Pregnancy food cravings:

Craving is an intense desire to consume a specific type of food. This is very common during pregnancy, and more than 50% of women report craving for sweet, salty and even spicy food. The reason for this craving is thought to be related to the hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy which has an impact on taste and smell. Craving is in some cases can be related to body requirement for a specific nutrition like iron. Women with iron deficiency would crave ice and even sand. Having said that, there are no data that support the belief that ignoring typical food cravings is harmful.

12- Vaginal exam can induce abortion:

This is absolutely wrong. There is no evidence that indicates that having a vaginal exam compromises pregnancy. On the contrary, it is very useful and provides more accurate informations during the very first phase of pregnancy

This is not true. No cream can prevent stretch marks, and there’s no evidence that they do.

13- Airport scanners and x rays may hurt the baby:

This is not true. The amount of radiation associated with normal X-rays and body scanners is minimal and doesn't hurt the baby. 1000 X-rays or a pelvic CT scan is needed to cause any damage to the baby

14- Coffee isn't good for pregnant women:

There is some truth in this sentence. Consuming large amount of caffeine is associated with increased risk of miscarriage and early delivery as well as increased risk of low birth weight. However, you would need to consume large amounts of caffeine before any adverse affects are shown.

If you are pregnant, the next time you want to fly or you want to get an X-ray, or even you want to go out to have sushi with friends you can keep this information in mind. Good luck mama!