Life
9 Internet Myths No Pregnant Woman Should Ever Believe
If you listened to every warning some random person felt like giving you when you were pregnant, you'd probably never leave your house. You'd, probably, also subsist on nothing but bread and water. Since that's obviously not realistic (read: safe), it's important to figure out how to separate the good advice from the bad. In other words, there are some internet myths no pregnant woman should ever believe. Like, ever. And even if you don't believe them, knowing what they are can make your 40 (give or take) weeks much more enjoyable.
While eating a healthy, balanced diet is important during pregnancy, you don't have to deprive yourself of all the things you loved before you found out you had a bun in the oven. Even though they may garner you some dirty looks, that cup of coffee or plate of sushi can be perfectly fine for pregnant women.
It's important to note, however, that most of the items on this list are only OK assuming that you're having a healthy pregnancy with no complications. And of course, the best source for what's safe for you, especially when you're pregnant, is always going to be your doctor.
With that in mind, here are nine things that are much safer for pregnant women than most people (read: internet) would have you believe.
1Deli Meat
Lots of women avoid deli meats during pregnancy due to fears of listeria contamination, according to Everyday Family. But that risk is so low that if you've got a craving, you don't have to feel guilty about indulging it. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), listeria has also popped up in everything from hummus to nuts, and no one's swearing off those products for good — so deli meat really shouldn't be any different.
2Sushi
Many moms-to-be are told that eating sushi during pregnancy is a no go, but women all over Japan would beg to differ, according to BabyMed. As long as whatever sushi you're eating is well prepared, and low in mercury, you should be fine. And if you're too nervous to chow down on raw sushi, don't forget that there are plenty of cooked and/or fried options.
3Sleeping On Your Stomach
People might try to tell you that sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy is going to somehow squish your baby, but you can feel free to ignore, them according to Baby Center. If you can manage to get comfy in that position, sweet dreams to you.
4Caffeine
According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), you absolutely do not have to give up caffeine during pregnancy, even if a few people at your local Starbucks look at you like you're drinking a giant cup of poison. Moderate amounts of caffeine are perfectly OK — anywhere from 150 to 300 milligrams per day. A cup of coffee, or a can of soda, fall well within those limits.
5Dying Your Hair
The APA also noted that it's OK to dye your hair during pregnancy. Most hair dying products are non-toxic, and very little of it is absorbed by your skin anyway.
6Going To Concerts
You don't have to worry that going to a concert when you're pregnant is going to ruin your unborn baby's hearing, according to Fit Pregnancy. Your womb is pretty well insulated from any and all sound, so loud music is not likely to hurt your little one's ears.
7Traveling By Plane
You don't have to stay close to home just because you're pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic, most women can fly up to the 36 weeks pregnant — so go ahead and book that babymoon while you still can.
8Getting A Flu Shot
You might have heard that getting a flu shot when you're pregnant is unsafe, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disagrees. The CDC recommends pregnant women get the flu shot to protect themselves, and their babies, from the flu.
9Having Sex
Don't be afraid to do the deed just because you're pregnant. According to Baby Center, sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe, as long as you're not suffering from any pregnancy complications.
