Pregnant women often receive unsolicited advice, much of which can be based on myths. Take a look at this article where we debunk several common prenatal misconceptions.

During the nine months of pregnancy, mothers-to-be embark on a beautiful roller coaster ride filled with excitement, new experiences, and some discomfort. However, amidst this journey, friends, relatives, and even the internet may bombard you with various dos and don’ts, many of which are myths. These myths often revolve around topics such as food, exercise, and travel. To debunk some of these common misconceptions, the OnlyMyHealth team engaged in a conversation with Dr. Pooja C Thukral, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Faridabad.
Myth 1: Pregnant women should eat for two
Fact: No, it’s not true. A pregnant woman doesn’t need to eat for two. Dr. Thukral clarified, “While it’s true that pregnant women require additional nutrients to support the growth and development of their baby, they do not need to double their caloric intake. Instead, they should focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. In general, pregnant women only need to consume an additional 300-500 calories per day during the second and third trimesters.”
Dr. Thukral also highlighted foods that pregnant women should avoid:
– Raw eggs, raw meat, and Chinese food containing Ajinomoto.
– Complete avoidance of smoking and alcohol intake.
– Always use pasteurized milk.
– In seafood, fish containing mercury should be avoided because these food items are not conducive to the growth of the fetus.
Myth 2: Pregnant women should avoid exercise
Fact: Pregnant women are actually recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week during pregnancy. According to Dr. Thukral, special exercises such as squatting or pelvic tilts can be beneficial in the third trimester as they help prepare the body for labor and delivery. These exercises also reduce the risk of conditions like obesity, gestational diabetes, or hypertension.
Dr. Thukral emphasized, “Pregnancy is a normal physiological process, not a disease, so women should continue to be as physically active as they were before pregnancy. Basic household and office work can be continued. Only if there are complications, the doctor may restrict physical movement or activity during pregnancy.” Exercise can help alleviate back pain and insomnia among pregnant women. Generally, exercise is safe and beneficial for most pregnant women, but they should avoid high-impact activities and activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma.
Myth 3: Expectant mothers should steer clear of all nuts and peanuts to prevent allergic reactions in their newborn
Fact: According to Dr. Thukral, there is no evidence supporting the notion that abstaining from nuts or peanuts during pregnancy decreases the likelihood of allergies in infants. On the contrary, certain studies indicate that consuming nuts while pregnant might lower the risk of peanut allergy in offspring. Dr. Thukral emphasized, “Unless one has a confirmed allergy to nuts or peanuts, they can be incorporated into a balanced diet during pregnancy, offering vital nutrients like protein, fiber, and beneficial fats.”
Misconception 4: Consuming ghee aids in facilitating a natural childbirth
Addressing the prevalent misconception surrounding the consumption of ghee to promote a natural delivery, Dr. Thukral emphasized, “Ghee alone does not ensure the smooth passage of the baby through the birth canal. Physical exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle are crucial factors. Additionally, successful delivery is influenced by both the size of the baby and the pelvis of the mother.”
Misconception 5: Vaginal delivery is not feasible following a cesarean section
In actuality, it may be possible for her to undergo vaginal delivery. Dr. Thukral explains that this possibility hinges on the progression of the current pregnancy, the woman’s labor, and the likelihood of any associated risks. “There exists a favorable 50-60% chance of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Favorable factors for VBAC include spontaneous labor, an average-sized baby with normal fetal weight, a spacious pelvis, and access to tertiary-level care during delivery,” Dr. Thukral elaborated.
Conclusion
Do not rely solely on hearsay and opinions from those around you; instead, trust the guidance of your healthcare provider regarding what to do and what to avoid during pregnancy. These months are invaluable, so embrace them fully without being burdened by unreliable myths.