5 Common Pregnancy Diet And Exercise ‘Myths’
Eating for two is just one of many questionable bits of ‘advice’ mums-to-be often hear... A nutritionist gives Lisa Salmon her take
18 February 2019
All Credits: PA
1. Eating For Two
Pregnancy is the perfect excuse to eat as much as possible of whatever you like, right? Wrong. You don’t actually need to have more than your usual calorie intake during the first trimester – only increasing calories towards the middle half of the second and then into the third trimesters. Harju-Westman explains: “The logic here is simple – while you’re technically eating for two, only one of the two is a grown human; a baby doesn’t need as many calories as an adult!”
It is true, however, that there are some foods that are best avoided during pregnancy due to the associated risks from harmful microbes. These include some soft cheeses, patés, raw meat or fish, and raw or partly cooked eggs.
2. No coffee
Still need a little caffeine kick? (Thinkstock/PA)
When it comes to pregnancy and coffee, the lines are a little blurred, says Harju-Westman. Some say you shouldn’t have coffee at all, while others say your usual amount is fine (within reason!). According to a 2015 study by the European Food Authority, pregnant women can have 200mg of caffeine per day, which is the equivalent of two mugs of instant coffee (the NHS give this advice too).
“The choice is really up to you,” says Harju-Westman. “If you feel you can’t make it through the day without a cup of coffee, you’re safe and can enjoy your morning caffeine. If you’d prefer to avoid caffeine, stick to tea, which has a lot less caffeine than coffee.”
Studies suggest that oily fish provides a host of health benefits – but it’s sensible to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. The NHS suggests no more than two portions a week.
And Harju-Westman warns that pregnant women shouldn’t eat sushi. “It’s advisable to avoid raw fish, as it can sometimes contain small worms known as anisakis, which can make you sick.”
4. Eliminate Exercise
Harju-Westman points out that for many years, women were told they should stop all exercise as soon as they find out they’re pregnant, and just relax. “This is definitely a myth,” she says, “as exercise not only helps us stay fit and healthy, but it also makes us happier and makes it easier to get back in shape after birth.”
Exercise doesn’t have to be off (Thinkstock/PA)
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) all recommend moderate exercise – to help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease and excess gestational weight gain.
Of course, it’s still important to be sensible – and nobody’s suggesting you embark on a brand-new intensive fitness regime for the first time ever when you’re pregnant. Most exercise you did before pregnancy though will be safe, but check with your doctor or midwife. People who weren’t very active pre-pregnancy can keep their fitness up with walking and perhaps some gentle swims.
You might find you become breathless or feel hot more quickly during pregnancy: As a general rule, a light to moderate level should allow you to hold a conversation as you work out. If you become breathless as you talk, you may be exercising too strenuously.
5. Drop The Salt
A common myth around pregnancy is that salt contributes to swelling, says Harju-Westman. “First of all, some swelling during pregnancy is absolutely normal, but if you’re concerned, you should really look at your overall diet to make sure you’re getting enough protein and water, as well as rest.”
She says sodium is an important electrolyte which helps the body regulate fluids, and as a woman’s sodium metabolism can be affected by hormones, she should try to have the general recommended amount – that’s no more than 6g of salt a day (2.4g sodium), or around one teaspoon. Remember salt is often ‘hidden’ in many foods, so check the labels if you’re unsure.
