There are a lot of do’s and don’ts while pregnant, causing some mothers to follow every old wives tale out there to be safe.
However, the misconceptions around pregnancy can interfere with your daily life, adding undue stress.
Know which tales are told for good reason and which should be left in the past with expert examination of pregnancy warnings we all were told.
Here are five myths you can cross off your worry list as a mother preparing for the arrival of her bundle of joy.
1. Stay away from seafood
While you should stay away from raw seafood while pregnant, cooked options are on the table.
Some varieties of fish have been known to contain unsafe levels of mercury, but trusted sources are available.
Salmon and catfish are recommended by Healthline for their healthy fat content, which aids in brain development for the growing baby.
2. Don’t exercise
For most healthy pregnancies, it is safe to continue most exercises after you get the anticipated double lines on your home test, reports the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
There are some common sense guidelines you should follow, like no rugby or horseback riding, but maintaining a reasonable cardio and weigh-lifting routine is optimal.
As Mommy Underground has previously reported, exercise during pregnancy not only helps you but the baby as well.
3. Take warm baths
You are certainly not prohibited from taking an uncomfortable lukewarm bath, like sitting in a baby pool, you are not limited to it either.
Taking a hot bath is acceptable during pregnancy, according to Healthline, as long as your body temperature doesn’t go above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
So take some nights to pamper yourself with a nice bubble bath and book, because after the baby arrives there are only 5 minute showers to be had.
4. Put down the coffee
At a time when your life is making some major transitions, nixing the beloved morning coffee can seem like cruel and unusual punishment.
Well, the experts are on your side with this one!
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 200 mg of caffeine a day (preferably in the morning so it doesn’t interfere with sleep) is safe for you and your baby.
No need to swap in your latte for a cup of warm milk, because with all the planning you are doing you may need that extra pep in your step.
5. You are eating for two
At a big dinner with the parents you announce that you are with child, and the joy couldn’t be more contagious.
But when the waiter arrives you are fervently urged to trade in your salad order for a five course meal.
It is a common mantra that you are “eating for two” when pregnant, but that is simply not true.
Let’s not forget your number two is the size of a common fruit during most of pregnancy, and the portion of your meal they get is trivial.
As your baby bump grows, a slight increase in calories is needed, but even more attention should be made toward your micronutrients; making sure your baby is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy development.
If you are hungry, go ahead an eat a healthy meal or snack, but don’t force feed yourself two plates of dinner on account of your baby.
Myths surrounding pregnancy have been told for hundreds of years and will probably be told for hundreds more.
Just be sure to check with your doctor before following any protocol you heard about from your neighbor, grocery cashier, or great-aunt.