Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
MYTHS AND FACTS REGARDING PREGNANCY
Myth: A pregnant woman should eat a lot of food, to cover her needs and the baby’s
needs.
Fact: A pregnant woman needs to eat nutritious food for the healthy growth of the baby.
The quality of food is important, not the quantity.
Myth: A pregnant woman may continue performing heavy physical labor.
Fact: Too much heavy work (working in the fields or lifting and carrying heavy loads)
can cause problems such as miscarriage, premature delivery or underweight babies.
Therefore, pregnant women should avoid heavy physical labor.
Myth: A pregnant woman should avoid doing any work.
Fact: A pregnant woman should do normal housework, unless advised not to by the
doctor, as it is a form of daily exercise that will keep her healthy and her muscles toned.
Myth: A pregnant woman does not need to go for antenatal check-up if she does not have
any complaint or health problem
Fact: Even if she has no complaint, it is very important for her to go for antenatal check
ups so the doctor can monitor the progress of her pregnancy, identify and treat any
problems, and counsel her regarding her health needs during pregnancy.
Myth: A pregnant woman should remain in the house as much as possible.
Fact: Pregnancy is not an illness. Like other people, a pregnant woman can also go out.
In fact, remaining indoors may deprive her from getting fresh air, exercise, recreation,
essential antenatal check-ups, etc. However, she should avoid jerks and heavy strain if
traveling by a vehicle. Walking for some distance is a good exercise for her.
Myth: A man and his family members can do nothing to help a pregnant woman.
Fact: They can give her a lot of emotional support and ensure essential care for her by
providing her with nutritious food, sharing her workload, taking her for regular health
check-ups, etc.
Myth: A pregnant woman should abstain from having sex.
Fact: The sexual desire during pregnancy varies: some women do not want much sex
when they are pregnant, others want more sex than usual; both feelings are normal.
Having sex, and not having sex, are okay for the woman and her baby. Sexual intercourse
in pregnancy is not known to be associated with any adverse effects, although some
specialists recommend avoiding vaginal intercourse during the last trimester of
pregnancy.
Note to trainer: Before each workshop prepare copies of this material and cut slips of
paper containing only the myths.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy