3 common pregnancy myths and the realities

While every pregnancy is different, there are some common myths surrounding things a woman should and shouldn’t do. There is nothing more natural than pregnancy, but it can often be an overwhelming experience. Here’s a round-up of some common pregnancy myths, along with the realities.

Pregnant women shouldn’t exercise

While being pregnant can be a strenuous experience and something that you shouldn’t take unnecessary risks with, it is actually beneficial for both you and the baby if you stay active during pregnancy. Keeping fit can also make labour slightly easier, as you’ll have already built up some stamina. If you weren’t into exercising before pregnancy, it might be a good idea to start with some gentle walks.

Stress is bad for the foetus

Being pregnant can often seem like a stressful experience, but research has shown that a normal level of stress can even be good for your foetus. It can accelerate development and tone the nervous system. Don’t worry, we know pregnancy isn’t going to leave you feeling happy all the time. It can be a pretty overwhelming experience, but if your worries are beginning to affect your own day to day life, don’t hesitate to speak to someone.

You need to eat and drink for two

A woman’s body provides a baby with oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord, but this doesn’t mean you have to eat double the amount of food. In fact, most women only require an extra 200 calories, and that is often only in the third trimester. The most important thing is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Maybe try to cut down on sugar, replacing this with protein, healthy fats and plenty of fruit and vegetables where possible. Dieting or calorie counting while pregnant isn’t usually recommended, nor is drinking alcohol. You could replace this with plenty of water instead, as it’s important to stay hydrated.

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