Food Related Pregnancy Myths:
Myth: During pregnancy I must eat for two.
Fact: It is true that your nutrient needs increase, but energy requirements only increase about 300 calories per day for the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
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Myth: Gaining less weight during pregnancy will make delivery easier.
Fact: Mothers who do not gain enough weight during pregnancy place their babies at risk for severe complications such as premature birth, which can cause lung and heart problems. Women with a normal weight should gain about 25-35 lb in pregnancy. If you are underweight you should gain a little more and if you are overweight a little less.
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Myth: If you gain the right amount of weight during pregnancy, none of it will be fat gain.
Fact: A healthy pregnancy includes fat storage. Fat is one of the body’s most efficient means of calorie burning. Your body uses this excess fat as energy during labor and breastfeeding.
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Myth: Pregnant women only crave the foods their body needs.
Fact: Pregnant women can crave foods of any type. Cravings should not be a sole indicator of nutritional needs.
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Myth: A pregnant woman who is healthy will not experience discomforts.
Fact: Nausea, heartburn, and constipation are not biased. They will afflict women regardless of healthy living. However, women who regularly eat healthy, wholesome foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and avoid excess sugar and fat may significantly reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.