Everyone has his or her own advice for a woman who’s pregnant. “Do this!” “Don’t do that!” It can quickly become overwhelming and confusing about what is true or not. Remember, every pregnancy is different, so consulting with your doctor before making decisions is the best thing to do before anything else. Let’s bust a few of the pregnancy do’s and don’ts myths:
Decaf Please?
Small amounts of coffee are perfectly fine. Studies done around the world on this topic tend to contradict each other, making it a controversial topic. However, moderate caffeine is not likely to harm your baby. This includes sodas with a little caffeine boost.
See You Later Seafood?
Chances are that if your favorite reputable sushi restaurant has never made you sick pre-pregnancy, you are not at risk when pregnant. The concerns with seafood and sushi are the greater risk of ingesting bad bacteria from raw food and the amounts of mercury. Like all questionable foods, the key is having it in moderation. Enjoying your favorite sushi roll weekly as opposed to daily is generally ok.
Pour a Glass of Wine?
Abstaining from alcohol completely or having a sip every now and then is ultimately a personal choice. However, there are numerous studies that have linked drinking alcohol during pregnancy to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Most healthcare professionals agree with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that pregnant women should completely avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
