According to WebMD, a common myth about pregnancy is that a pregnant woman eats for two. The average pregnant woman only needs 300 extra calories per day throughout her pregnancy to promote the growth of a baby. She needs to gain between 25 and 35 pounds throughout the pregnancy.Continue Reading
Other myths about pregnancy include avoiding the flu shot, hair dyes and caffeine. Pregnant women can feel safe getting a flu shot, dying their hair and indulging in a cup of coffee in the morning without causing harm to the fetus, notes WebMD. The myth that pregnant women cannot fly in an airplane is not true as well. The radiation from the X-ray machine does not deliver enough radiation to cause harm, nor does flying increase the risk of preterm labor.
WebMD explains that avoiding fish during pregnancy is also a myth. Pregnant women can enjoy two servings of fish per week but should avoid fish such as shark, swordfish, tilefish and mackerel that are known to have high levels of mercury. Pregnant women should also avoid raw fish that may contain harmful bacteria. Abstaining from sexual intercourse during pregnancy is another myth. Sex does not harm the baby, nor does it cause early labor.Learn more about Pregnancy