Eating for two and other myths

MYTH
^ You're eating for two

False. It's time to put down that bag of potato chips because you're not eating for two. Even though you may feel hungry enough for two, carrying a baby only requires that you consume an extra 300 calories per day, which is the equivalent of half a bagel with cream cheese. Of course you should never deprive yourself of food when you're pregnant, just make sure that your food is healthy. Snack on fruits, vegetables or nuts.

MYTH
^You can’t fly during your first or last trimester

Not true. You can fly whenever you want. The only reason you wouldn't be able to fly is if the airline won't let you -- which is common in the third trimester. But this has more to do with fears that you'll go into labor at 35,000 feet and force the plane to land.

MYTH^You shouldn't drink coffee

False. Don't go crazy, but a cup a day is absolutely fine.

mYTH^ Drinking beer helps the milk come in

Also not true. It might help you relax, though, which does help with milk letdown (but it has nothing to do with the barley in the beer as this old wives tale would lead you to believe).

MYTH^ You can't eat sushi

False. Many OB/GYNs, including Drs. Yvonne Bohn, Allison Hill and Alane Park, the authors of The Mommy Docs Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth will tell you that sushi is permissible except for mackerel, shark, tilefish and swordfish because of their high levels of mercury.

MYTH^ Cocoa butter prevents stretch marks

Not true. In fact, you could even have an allergic reaction to it. Bottom line: Stretch marks happen for 90 percent of pregnant mamas. You'll either get 'em or you won't.

MYTH^ You'll only have morning sickness in the first trimester

And for that matter, only in the morning. Sorry, ladies, but morning sickness for some expectant moms can last until the day they give birth. And in case you hadn't already heard, morning sickness can happen anytime of the day or night.

Remember that it's important to talk to your OB/GYN about anything pertaining to the health and well being of you or your unborn baby.

More about your pregnancy

First trimester ultrasound: What to expect
Morning sickness until midnight
I'm pregnant! Creative ways to share the news