Understanding Pregnancy Myths vs Facts

August 24th, 2024 | Pregnancy

Some things you believe about pregnancy are myths

Pregnancy is both an exciting and transformative time for expecting mothers and their families. However, it can also be an overwhelming period, especially given the sheer amount of information and advice circulating. Unfortunately, not all of it is entirely true, and being able to distinguish myth versus fact is important to navigating pregnancy with both confidence and clarity. Let’s review some common pregnancy myths you should know.

Myth 1: You can’t exercise during pregnancy

Many expecting mothers may be afraid to exercise during pregnancy, and others may think that they can’t exercise at all. That’s not true – exercise is not only allowed during pregnancy but encouraged!

Exercise, when done safely, is not dangerous during pregnancy. In fact, it can be helpful in supporting you and your body as your body changes. Additionally, it’s been proven that active women tend to have fewer complications in later pregnancy and during delivery.

However, you should always make sure to run any exercise you do by your healthcare provider, ensuring that you are engaging in safe physical activity. Not all types of exercise are allowed. For example, you shouldn’t participate in contact sports (1).

Myth 2: You’re eating for two

A common misconception about pregnancy is that when you are carrying your baby, you’re “eating for two”. Some women may think they need to double their food intake to maintain the needs of their growing baby, which is why as many as 47 percent of expecting mothers in the US gain too much weight during pregnancy.

The reality is, healthcare providers typically recommend eating only an extra 200 to 400 calories daily during the second trimester and 500 extra calories during the third trimester. In fact, breastfeeding actually requires you to intake more calories than you do throughout pregnancy, with the recommendation being 450 to 500 extra calories a day (2).

Myth 3: Morning sickness only happens in the morning

Morning sickness is one of the hallmark signs of pregnancy, but it is also a misnomer. Though feeling nauseous in the morning during pregnancy is incredibly common, it doesn’t necessarily always happen in the morning. Nausea can actually occur during any time of the day or night. Even if it starts in the morning, it could potentially persist all day.

The good news is that nausea typically improves by weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy. Additionally, nausea doesn’t usually affect your baby unless it is very serious in cases of dehydration or malnutrition (3). Consider our Preggie Drops if you experience morning sickness.

References

1. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise/
2. https://unmhealth.org/stories/2021/01/eating-for-two.html
3. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/