December 7, 2021

You’ve probably heard them all – “pregnant women need to eat twice as much” and “having sex while pregnant can hurt the baby.” You may be wondering if any of the advice you’ve heard is true. We’ve compiled a list of common pregnancy myths that doctors have debunked.

Myth 1: Pregnant women need to eat twice as much.

Reality: Generally, moms-to-be only need 200 calories a day more than what’s required for a traditional healthy diet. The actual extra number of calories you need will depend on your normal weight and height, and activity level. The additional calories needed can easily be added with a healthy snack or two.

Myth 2: Pregnant women shouldn’t drink coffee.

Reality: You can drink coffee, but like everything else, while you’re pregnant, moderation is the key. Studies have proven that consuming more than two cups a day when pregnant could increase your chance of miscarriage.¹

Myth 3: Pregnant women can have a glass of wine.

Reality: Consuming alcohol at any time during pregnancy isn’t safe. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking alcohol in the first three months of pregnancy can cause a baby to have abnormal facial features.²

Myth 4: Cocoa butter prevents stretch marks.

Reality: There is no product – cocoa butter or otherwise – that can prevent stretch marks.

Stretch marks can be caused by both genetics and weight gain during pregnancy and may fade over time. It’s not recommended to spend money on products that promise to get rid of stretch marks.

Myth 5: Sex during pregnancy hurts the baby.

Reality: Sex does not have any effect on your growing baby. That little bundle of joy is protected by the tough muscles of the uterus and amniotic fluid. And the mucous plug blocks the opening of the cervix, protecting baby from any germs.³

Myth 6: How you carry your baby reveals the baby’s gender.

Reality: It’s a nice idea, but there is no proof that the shape of your belly can predict your baby’s gender. Whether you are carrying your baby low or high, it has no scientific bearing on gender.

 

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.