9 myths to dispel about food during pregnancy

There are many myths about what you can or can’t eat during pregnancy and the consequences that certain foods can have on the mother or baby. Handed down stories that have no evidence but that perhaps hide a grain of truth.

When you get pregnant you worry not only about the health of the baby, but also about everything you do. If it hurts to eat certain foods, if physical exercise is appropriate… You are afraid of gaining weight or you are already worried about how to get back in shape after pregnancy. She fears she is not a good mother, not being able to become one, being too apprehensive, etc etc. Have you asked yourself the same questions? Don’t worry, everything is normal!

It happens because everything is new and the new is always an unknown factor, albeit a pleasant one. For the first time we come across a flood of information that we would like to assimilate in one breath, resulting in it being dazed.

Even with regard to food, apart from the flood of (useful) information about it, there are a lot of myths and legends to dispel.

Like for cravings for example. There are rare cases in which a pregnant woman develops a particular desire for one type of food, to the point of eating irregularly. Most women, on the other hand, have cravings that arise from following popular rumors, such as the one that says that by eating sardines dark-haired children will be born :).

You shouldn’t eat for two

The belief that you should eat for two during pregnancy is also false. It is not necessary but at the same time it is important to gain weight during pregnancy if you start from a situation of normal weight. In fact, if you are not obese, weight gain is important to help your child develop properly. Pregnancy is not exactly the right time to go on a diet!

Obviously there are stakes, we can’t put on pounds to the bitter end but we have to stay within a certain range because excessive weight gain can be harmful.

Since we are a little immunosuppressed during pregnancy, it would be good to catch the stork when we live in an optimal health phase, in this way we promote a healthy pregnancy.

The lifestyle  before pregnancy should never be underestimated to feel good even in the following 9 months.

Myths to dispel

1. Sweets are bad : the question is always related to quantity and this is true both in pregnancy and in normal conditions. You have to be moderate with desserts. Excess sugars can cause insulin resistance which can lead to excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. There are desserts that can be good for you like dark chocolate, but always in moderation.
2. Fish is dangerous . It’s not true at least not all fish are. Fish, thanks to its Omega 3 content present in some species in high quantities, is very important for the mother’s immune system and for the development of the child. However, fish with a high mercury content such as swordfish, shark, tuna and mackerel should be avoided. Sushi should also be avoided, not because of the sushi itself, but because there is a higher risk of contamination in raw foods. These can be contaminated with Eschericha coli, Salmonella, etc. The same goes for raw meat or undercooked meat. Avoid unwashed vegetables and fruit. The intake of fish should therefore be limited to twice a week.
3. So much appetite is because she is expecting a boy. False, don’t blame the child 🙂 if you have a big appetite… it’s up to you!
4. Soft cheese should be avoided : it’s not true. Just make sure the cheese is pasteurized. Only unpasteurized soft cheeses are risky because they could present Listeriosis or bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.
5. If you eat peanuts, your child will become allergic : false, you can eat them safely if you feel like it (always in moderation so as not to exceed the calories)
6. Carbonated drinks should be avoided due to caffeine . False. It’s not so much a problem with caffeine as with their artificial sweetener content which is bad for the mother’s reflux, teeth, and heartburn.
7. By eating little, the baby will absorb the mother’s fat : even if it is not completely false, it is extremely dangerous behavior. If the child draws energy reserves from the mother, it means that the woman is not eating enough and can put her and the child’s health at risk.
8. Eat a lot because you are eating for two. False. During pregnancy it is normal to gain weight but it is not good m overeating. There is another human being who relies on us to feed and feel good. And to do this it is important to eat in the most correct, healthy and balanced way possible. We are responsible for the health of our child even before conception of him.
9. dark beer promotes milk production after childbirth , False, there is no scientific evidence in its favor. On the contrary, alcohol must be eliminated during pregnancy.