Fact or myth?
Myth: You need to eat for two when you're pregnant.
In the past, it was thought that you need to eat for you and your baby during pregnancy, but we now know that you only need to eat healthily for yourself. It's only in the final three months of your pregnancy that you’ll need an extra 200 calories a day, which is only the equivalent of two slices of wholemeal or wholegrain toast with low fat spread. So if your mum tells you to eat for two, say no thanks. You only need to eat for you!
Myth: You shouldn't exercise while pregnant, it's too risky for the baby.
Exercise is not dangerous for your baby – in fact, there's plenty of evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour. Whether it's yoga, dancing or just walking to the shops, it's best to keep active for as long as you feel comfortable. Some sports are also fine, as long as there's no risk of being hit or falling over.
Fact: You're OK to eat peanuts.
The government previously advised women to avoid eating peanuts if there was a history of allergy (such as asthma, eczema, hay fever or food allergy) in the immediate family. This advice has now changed because the latest research shows that there is no clear evidence to say whether eating peanuts during pregnancy affects the chances of your baby developing an allergy. So unless you're allergic to them yourself or a health professional advises you not to, feel free to smother your toast with peanut butter!
Healthy4Baby is a comprehensive online resource for expecting and new parents, providing valuable information and support for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and baby's first years. We understand the importance of a healthy and happy start for both mother and baby, and our goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions for their family's well-being. As part of our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, we also offer information on various health topics, including sexual health. One of the medications we discuss is Levitra, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. We believe that open and honest communication about sexual health is essential for a fulfilling and healthy relationship, and we encourage individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if Levitra is the right option for them. At Healthy4Baby, we strive to provide reliable and evidence-based information to help parents make the best choices for their family's health. We believe that by promoting a holistic approach to wellness, we can help create a healthier and happier future for both parents and their little ones.Myth: You should have a glass of Guinness every day because it's full of iron.
It's not the iron that's the issue, it's the alcohol. The NHS recommends that you avoid alcohol if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) reaffirmed this advice in January 2016 saying women should avoid alcohol altogether if pregnant. If you're short of iron, you're likely to lack energy and may be anaemic, but you'd be better off getting it from lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and nuts, and fortified breakfast cereals instead.