WE have all heard the old wives' tales that are thrown about during pregnancy.
While these are often fun, the truth is most of them are false and have been passed down from generation to generation. So let's take a closer look at some and get to the truth:
Don't have hot baths
Many people enjoy soaking in a warm bath. The relaxing effect is widely recognised and there is nothing to suggest that this is unsafe in pregnancy. In fact, water can be very therapeutic during labour supporting the body's coping mechanism and maximising your birth potential.
Carry high it's a boy; low it's a girl
Everyone is different, and women will often carry very differently with each pregnancy even though the sex of their baby is the same. In reality you have a 50 per cent chance of getting a boy or a girl.
If you have heartburn, it's likely to be a hairy baby
This is a myth – although many mothers will swear by it, as will some midwives. There is no reliable evidence to support this.
Heartburn is a strong, burning pain in the chest that is caused by stomach acid passing from your stomach into your oesophagus (the tube that leads from your mouth to your stomach). You can help ease the discomfort of indigestion and heartburn by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. There are treatments that are safe to take in pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, GP or pharmacist.
If the dad-to-be puts on sympathy weight, it's likely to be girl
It has been reported that Couvade syndrome exists and is described as a condition where the father-to-be experiences pregnancy symptoms like weight gain, nausea, insomnia and mood swings.
As for the suggestion that this leads to a girl – this is a myth as journals often quote that at least one of the symptoms of Couvade syndrome is experienced by up to 90 per cent of dads-to-be.
You need to avoid nuts
If you would like to eat peanuts or food containing peanuts (such as peanut butter) during pregnancy, you can choose to do so as part of a healthy balanced diet, unless you are allergic to them or your midwife advises you not to.
Whatever you think of these and other wives tales, it is important to always seek advice from your midwife if you are concerned about any aspect relating to your pregnancy and wellbeing.