False myths, more or less truthful ideas and rumors about the period of pregnancy often circulate on TV, in newspapers and on the web. Let's make things clear!
False myths and truths about pregnancy and nutrition
> During pregnancy it is necessary to eat for two .
False : the diet must be healthy and balanced, neither too poor nor excessively caloric. An incorrect and too rich diet can harm the health of the mother and child, so you should not eat for two, but twice better.
> You cannot drink coffee during pregnancy .
False : of course, you shouldn't overdo it, but a cup of coffee a day is allowed.
> You cannot drink wine during pregnancy .
True : alcohol can seriously harm the development and health of the fetus ; alcohol consumption during pregnancy should ideally be zero; in any case, an exception to the rule, if we limit ourselves to a few sips of wine, is permitted.
> In pregnancy you should not eat raw ham .
True : all types of raw meat, not just ham, should be avoided especially by women who have not had toxoplasmosis.
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False myths and truths about pregnancy and lifestyle
> Do not dye your hair during pregnancy .
True and false . True in the sense that it would be better to avoid dyes with ammonia especially in the first trimester, false because it is allowed to use natural colors and without ammonia, especially after the first three months and, of course, in moderation.
> You can't have sex during pregnancy .
False : sex can be contraindicated only in particular risk conditions that the doctor will identify and communicate; in all other cases let yourself go without fear.
> You must not smoke during pregnancy .
True, indeed very true: smoking can seriously harm the health of mothers and children; passive smoking is also harmful, so not even fathers and all people who are in the presence of a pregnant woman should smoke.
> In pregnancy you must sleep on your left side .
True and false . False in the sense that every pregnant woman is free to sleep as she wants, but sleeping on her side favors placental exchanges between mother and fetus, so resting in this position is not obligatory but it is not even a bad idea.
> You cannot take a plane during pregnancy .
True and false . Generally, airlines do not allow women over the thirty-sixth week of gestation to get on board to avoid the risk of labor during the journey. Before then, in theory, air travel can be dealt with serenely; in practice it is advisable to consult your doctor because a lot depends on the health conditions of the pregnant woman also in relation to the length of the journey you want to take.
> During pregnancy you should not do physical activity .
False : moderate physical activity is allowed; for example, walking, gentle exercise, swimming, provided that the doctor has not prescribed that he is at rest for particular conditions of the single pregnant woman.
> Do not take hot baths during pregnancy .
True : if a hot shower or a fast bath are allowed, it is better to avoid staying in the bathtub for too long with hot water. Saunas and whirlpools are also contraindicated.
Obviously, in case of doubts about the possibility of doing this or this action, the reference person must be the doctor, every pregnancy is different and it is to the advice of your caregiver that you must rely.
