Pregnancy Tales: Hit or Myth

Hair Dye

The jury is still out on the safety of hair coloring during pregnancy, but the recommendation is for women to wait at least until the end of the first trimester before using any product that might be absorbed through the scalp. While even "all-natural" products sold in health food stores contain chemicals that can possibly harm a developing fetus, most experts agree that for those who can't stand the sight of their half-colored or graying hair during pregnancy, vegetable-based pure hennas are safe anytime. Just be prepared for a decidedly unnatural brassiness, in most cases, and know that the results of mixing henna and hair color from the salon could harm the hair.

Cell Phones

There are no studies showing that using cell phones or microwaves cause any danger to a normal pregnancy.

Preggo Brain Drain

As any woman who's been pregnant knows, the demands of creating and carrying a whole other person inside your belly can make a person sort of scatterbrained. It doesn't seem to matter how intellectually sharp a woman is; when the progesterone levels begin to rise, even the experts agree that there seems to be a loosening of wits. Otherwise responsible individuals tend to lose car keys, forget plans, and experience mood swings, fatigue, headaches, and general fogginess, which impairs their ability to function at 100 percent daily. While this is one pregnancy myth that seems to be based in fact, there are ways to counter raging hormones, including getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and eating a balanced diet.

Morning Sickness and Gender

An old wives' tale says the sicker you are during your pregnancy, the more likely it is that you'll be having a girl. As an "old wife" nearing the end of my first trimester, I'm very interested in discovering whether this is myth or fact! I suspect fluctuating hormone levels and changes in saliva patterns have more to do with the morning sickness, though.