Separating Pregnancy Myths and Facts

Overwhelmed by conflicting information on keeping your unborn baby healthy? Experts set the record straight.

By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

If you're hoping to do everything right for your baby's health but confused by what seems like a growing list of pregnancy myths, you're not alone. Most mothers-to-be share similar concerns -- and equal amounts of confusion.

"Some of that confusion is the result of new information that is continually coming to the forefront, but a lot of it is due to pregnancy myths that were popularized by certain books cautioning mothers to expect the worst, and that frightened a lot of women unnecessarily," says nurse midwife Jo Anne P. Davis, PhD, CNM, an instructor at NYU's College of Nursing in New York City.

But there are a few areas where we can help your pregnant body to do its job better, more efficiently, maybe more healthfully. And that is where separating the pregnancy myths from the facts can make a huge difference.

Pregnancy Myth vs. Fact: Diet

Among the most popular -- and for some, the most daunting -- of all pregnancy myths are those related to daily diet. While it's vital to maintain a healthy diet, that's not always easy, particularly when we're unsure of exactly which foods we can and cannot have.

The good news: Whatever foods are healthy for mom are healthy for baby, says Peter Bernstein, MD, an obstetrician at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

"Virtually all fruits and vegetables, whole grains, some diary, and most protein sources are good choices for mom and good choices for baby. There are really very few foods you need to avoid," says Bernstein.

Fish is among the foods that cause concern because of mercury, a metal that can be toxic to babies, children, and even adults.

The FDA suggests pregnant women not eat more than 12 ounces (two average-size servings) of fish per week. Allowable fish include canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollack, or catfish. For albacore tuna (also known as "white" tuna), which has higher mercury content than canned light tuna, consumption should be limited to 6 ounces per week.

Fish to avoid include swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish, which contain high levels of mercury.

A report in the journal Science showed that that when compared to wild salmon, farmed salmon contained significantly higher levels of contaminants linked to birth defects and developmental problems, including PCBs.

Though the report set off a panic alarm for many pregnant women, the PCB levels found in the farmed salmon were still lower than levels the FDA considers acceptable. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends following the FDA guidelines.

"The bottom line is that there does not appear to be enough evidence to suggest that there is any more risk to eating farmed compared to wild salmon. And the benefits to eating at least some fish on a regular basis probably outweigh any risk," says Bernstein.