What’s true and what’s an old wives’ tale?

When you announce you’re pregnant, the unsolicited advice and information pours in. It can get confusing and overwhelming. You can even be misled to do the wrong thing. We can be worried about what we shouldn’t be bothered with. We know more about medicine and health these days, but myths still abound. We sort out what’s fact and what’s fiction.

Pregnant women should eat for two. The old belief is that women should gain at least 25 pounds when we’re get pregnant. That is false. A woman just has to eat properly during pregnancy. All that’s required is to eat a good balance of food — protein, good carbs, fiber and vitamins with not too much fat and sugars. Pregnancy is not an excuse to eat whatever we want  – and as much as we want — because we are “eating for two.”

There is no set formula for how much pregnant women must gain. Generally, in the last trimester, the baby gains half a pound a week. If during this time, a pregnant woman is not gaining more than that, her doctor may be concerned and her diet should be re-evaluated.

Pregnant women shouldn’t eat fish. This is false. When we’re pregnant, certain fish must be avoided due to high mercury levels and possible food poisoning when eaten raw. However, pregnant women should not stop eating fish. Fish oil contains Omega 3 fats, which enhance the development of the baby’s brain, improve the baby’s IQ, make the baby a better sleeper after birth, prevent premature contractions and premature labor, prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy, and act as an anti-inflammatory that prevent infection. Just avoid those types of fish that are known to have high levels of mercury. We have a list of safe fish in a previous post.

Pregnant women shouldn’t take baths. Again, false. What you should avoid when pregnant is taking hot baths over 98 degrees. That level of heat is not ideal for the baby. Besides, you’ll notice you tend to be sensitive to heat or get hot easily when you’re pregnant. Warm baths are fine and safe. They can even help you relax, decrease swelling in the arms, legs and feet as well as help increase amniotic fluid. So dip in!

Pregnant women always have morning sickness. False! The nausea, lethargy and vomiting typical in the first trimester happens because of overactive hormones. But pregnancy hormone levels vary from woman to woman. Some women may also be more sensitive to hormonal changes, some not so much. Morning sickness is typical, but it doesn’t strike every pregnant woman. In the same vein, the symptoms can run from mild to severe depending on the woman.

Pregnant women shouldn’t carry heavy stuff. Yes, true especially anything weighing more than 25 pounds. The pregnant body is already carrying extra weight which throws off a woman’s balance and makes her more likely to fall. This and other things that cause a diminished sense of balance should be avoided. A hard fall after the first trimester may be dangerous to the pregnancy and always requires immediate medical attention.

Pregnant women shouldn’t drink alcohol. This one’s true. Alcohol is considered feto-toxic. The term “fetal alcohol spectrum disorder” (FASD) describes the range of alcohol effects on a child. It can damage and affect the growth of the baby’s cells. Brain and spinal cord cells are most vulnerable. Too much alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause a child to have physical or mental problems that may last all of his life. If you had a little to drink before you found it you were pregnant, you shouldn’t worry. But soon as the test turns positive, hold off on the alcohol.

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