Why are these myths still around?
Myths have been around as long as humanity.
They are used to explain phenomena that, at one point, couldn’t be presented logically or scientifically.
Some of the most commons myths that have been debunked but are still around are things like:
- Microwaving food is terrible for you because it kills nutrients
- The earth is flat
- Chocolate causes acne
For many reasons due from blissful ignorance to just not wanting to be wrong or even truly having convictions because where you learned these things is a source of trust for you, it’s always good to question the things you believe that have been debunked and ask yourself why you still think it.
“But myths are more than mere stories and they serve a more profound purpose in ancient and modern cultures. Myths are sacred tales that explain the world and man’s experience. Myths are as relevant to us today as they were to the ancients. Myths answer timeless questions and serve as a compass to each generation” (source)
Today, we’ll look at some myths as it pertains to pregnancy and nutrition and the truths so you are ready to take on pregnancy with a bit more confidence with your nutrition.
Myth 1 – You Need More Calories During Pregnancy
The truth: you do not need to “eat for two”.
This has been a myth that has enabled expectant mothers to eat whatever, whenever because “I’m eating for 2”.
Weight gain is an obvious outcome of pregnancy. A pregnant mother can expect to gain 2-4 pounds in the first trimester then an average of 1 pound per week until the end of pregnancy. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure to put everything in context.
During the first trimester, you can pretty much eat the same amount of food as you would pre-pregnancy. During the second semester, your calorie intake only needs to increase by around 350 calories. In the third semester, the calorie intake only needs to increase to around +500 of pre-pregnancy intake.

This will also depend on your activity level pre and during pregnancy. If you’ve been exercising and continue through your pregnancy, these numbers may be increased.
If you have never counted calories or find it to be a headache, there are still ways to manage your intake without doubling your overall calories and eating more than you need.
The ways to do this are:
- Instead of “eating for two”, consider “doubling” the healthier food. You’ll want to eat more nutrient-dense, whole foods and fewer high-calorie, processed foods.
- Listen to hunger cues. When you’re hungry, monitor if it’s “boredom” hunger or “real” hunger. Eat when you are really hungry and try to limit snacking. When you are eating your meals, stop eating just before being “full”.
- Journal. Write down your feelings. Write down why. Is there any correlation between your feelings and coping with food? This can help you be objective and come up with better behaviours around yourself, your body, and food. This will help promote a positive relationship with food without demonizing it.
Myth 2 – Caffeine is Bad to Have During Pregnancy
The truth: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has stated that up to 200mg of caffeine is safe to consume during pregnancy. Another fact is pregnant women tend to metabolize caffeine slower than non-pregnant women. The myth itself isn’t all the way wrong. There have been meta-analyses studies that show that too much caffeine can increase chances for low birth weight of infants, stillbirths, and miscarriages. The problem with caffeine intake is the excess amount during pregnancy, or as the old adage goes – “the poison is in the dose”. Now you have to remember, caffeine is found in many products such as:
- tea
- coffee
- dark chocolate
- soda
- energy drinks
It would be incredibly unwise and unhealthy to have all of this in one day but in moderate amounts, it’s safe and healthy for consumption.
When you put it like this, 200mg of caffeine is the equivalent of 2 cups of 8oz coffee.
Also, it’s important to remember that if you have a history of high blood pressure, it may be worth talking to your doctor about your caffeine intake during pregnancy.
If you are not ready to give up caffeine then rejoice! You can still have it in healthy, moderate amounts.
If you still are apprehensive or just don’t want to have it for personal reasons, consider having decaffeinated versions of these things, water, juice, and if you really want an energy boost, consider some form of exercise.
Myth 3 – Consuming Fish is Harmful During Pregnancy
The truth: There is some truth to this but we need the full picture.
Mercury is found in almost all species of fish.
It is also true – high levels of mercury content can be dangerous for the baby as it is developing.
If you don’t like fish or don’t want to take any chances, you have that right. The following bit of information will; however, show that it’s possible to still eat fish, have it in healthy amounts, and in fact, show that it can be healthy for the baby.
The first thing you should remember is fatty fish (ie: salmon) is high in Omega-3 fatty acids; a very healthy fat. Adding to that, fish is a very great source for protein, vitamin D, and minerals such as iodine, zinc, copper, and iron – minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy.
As mentioned above, the adage is the same here – “the poison is in the dose”
Here is how you can be safe:
- Cook it! Do not eat raw/uncooked fish.
- Choose fish (and some shellfish) lower in mercury content levels and stay away from fish with high mercury content levels.
- Stick to 8-12 ounces (230-340g) per week and try not to have any more

It Will Be Ok
Pregnancy is tough and there is already so much to think about from before you conceive to the days ahead during pregnancy, and all those after that. The feelings are unlimited and unique to every desiring mother-to-be, pregnant woman, and in motherhood.
With all that to think about, there are still myths surrounding pregnancy that make that thinking and feeling that much tougher.
You don’t need to “eat for two”, you can still enjoy caffeine in moderation, and you can still enjoy your fish as long as it’s cooked and low in mercury.
Hopefully with these common myths being brought to light and with the truth in your hands, one can hope your journey can be made just a little bit easier.
You’ve got this.
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