Weight Gain from First Month

For the first 16 weeks, your baby is still forming, and barely weighs anything. So the actual weight gain starts only some time during your fifth month of pregnancy.

Also, your weight gain will be gradual – i.e. you may gain around half a kilo every week till the 36th week of your pregnancy.

Overall, you should gain around 7-11 kilos throughout your pregnancy. If you gain more weight, it is a result of overeating.

Eat Whatever You Want, As Much As You Like

You may be eating for two, but you still need to control your diet. Overeating, especially bingeing on ghee, oily and spicy food will harm more than help.

Eating bouts can be misleading – if your diet is balanced and you have a healthy appetite, eating bouts could be just food temptation.

Also, this may lead to you being overweight, which could lead to pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.

Iron Supplements Make Baby Darker

The colour of your baby’s skin is determined genetically, and not by the type of food you eat. In fact, you should take iron supplements as prescribed by your gynaecologist – they help in the formation of the placenta as well as your baby’s growth.

Similarly, consuming saffron in your food will not make your baby fairer.

Exercise While Pregnant Is Dangerous

While heavy exercises and jogging are definitely not advisable, certain Yoga Aasanas, regular walking and Kegel exercises are very beneficial. This will keep your muscles supple and flexible, and will ease your trouble during delivery.

Abstain from Sex

Unless you have had a history of a miscarriage or premature labour, it is perfectly safe to have sex while you are pregnancy. In fact, many women find sex even more fulfilling during pregnancy because the genitals are engorged and all senses are heightened. However, every case is unique and it is always advisable to consult your gynaecologist first.

OTC Ayurvedic and Homeopathic Medicines Are Safe

Although Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medications usually don’t have side effects, it is necessary to consult an expert before self-medicating during pregnancy. Some Ayurvedic medicines have metallic contents and certain homeopathic pills contain steroids that could be harmful for your baby’s development.

Large Tummy? Boy!

Apart from an ultrasound, nothing can detect the gender of your baby. Also remember, whether it is a boy or a girl, it’s your bundle of joy and speculations may just spoil the fun by setting your expectations on certain gender.

Now that you have your facts straight, you can eat and do what is right for you and your baby, and enjoy your pregnancy while you are at it.

(With inputs from: Dr. Ranjana V. Dhanu, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai)