My Trips to the Hospital

If you are pregnant, there may be some misconceptions that you have been exposed to. Here are three of them.

Myth 1: "You need to eat for two"

While you may think that you should just give into cravings and fill up on food because, after all, you are growing a baby, you may be mistaken. According to one site, more than half of the women in the U.S. gain more weight during pregnancy than is needed. On this same site, a Dr. Vesco says that you only really need to add about 200 to 300 calories a day to your current intake. You may want to look for an app so you can keep track of your food intake and nutrients. While some apps are geared towards athletes and those trying to get in shape, there are many free apps geared towards pregnant women.

If you have the opposite problem and can't seem to keep anything down, talk with your obstetrician about getting the right nutrients. However, don't stress too much about an occasional day where you can't keep food down. The NCBI says that while many studies have shown mixed attitudes towards fasting, one study showed that while healthy birth mothers that fasted (for religious reasons) were at risk for lower birth-weights, their fetuses didn't have congenital anomalies otherwise. In short, talk with your doctor to see what is "normal" for you. If you are starving and can't keep anything down, then you should make sure to see your doctor or midwife to make sure that it is just morning sickness.

Myth 2: "You shouldn't exercise during pregnancy"

Unless you have a family history of difficult labors and/or pre-existing medical conditions, there's probably a lot you can still do while you are pregnant. Believe it or not, American Pregnancy has a whole list of exercises that may be suitable, such as swimming, jogging, aerobics, etc. What you should definitely avoid are high-risk sports, like skiing, and sports where you could accidentally jolt the fetus or fall, like horseback riding. While weights may seem like a safe bet, you should definitely avoid them during your third trimester since your bones and joints are more limber in preparation for birth, thus making it easier to strain them. Again, as long as you follow your physician's orders and what your body tells you, exercise is very safe. Staying active is vital as it can help you regulate some of your hormones, help you sleep better and have energy during the day, and help your labor and recovery.

Myth 3: "You don't need prenatal vitamins if you eat well"

Investing in some prenatal vitamins is a must. Even if you eat healthily, there may invariably be some gaps in your diet—especially if you are sensitive to certain foods. Baby Center says that if you have a chronic illness, are having twins, or have a specific diet (e.g. vegan), you'll definitely need these supplements. You'll want to get vitamins like folic acid, which can fight against spina bifida and undeveloped brains. Calcium helps bones to grow and iron helps deliver adequate oxygen to the baby. Since some vitamins can give women upset stomachs, try taking them with food. You can find tons of over-the-counter prenatal vitamins that are adequate, but your overseeing physician may recommend a particular brand.