Pregnancy TRUE and FALSE

1. Pregnant women crave pickles and ice cream.

False. Not all women crave pickles and ice cream, but food cravings such as these are based in fact. In general, food cravings can be very helpful in telling you what your body needs.

2. Pregnant women who carry low = boy, or pregnancy acne = girl.

False. How a woman carries depends on her body type and whether she has been pregnant before, but does not reflect gender. Pregnancy acne is unrelated to gender.

Pregnant women must eat for two; they must gain 25 pounds.

False. North Americans already eat for two prior to pregnancy

As long as a pregnant woman eats properly — and as long as her doctor is not concerned — there is no set formula for how much she must gain.

Pregnant women shouldn't eat fish.

False. Although women are told not to eat fish due to mercury levels and fears of food poisoning, (a) women can choose fresh fish with low mercury levels and (b) fish oil has many benefits to the baby.


Pregnant women shouldn't change cat litter.

True. Due to a virus in cat feces called Toxoplasmosis. This virus can be very harmful to the pregnancy. This is your excuse to stay away from Snowball's business :P

Pregnant women shouldn't dye their hair.

False. Sort of. Pregnant women should avoid anything chemicalized — from food to hair dye. Just like with the foods they eat, pregnant women should try to expose their bodies to as few artificial products as possible. Hair dyes are no exception. Of course, that means redheads can use natural hennas.


Pregnant women should not carry heavy items.

True. Nothing more than 25 pounds. The pregnant body is already burdened by additional weight, which throws off a woman's balance and makes her more likely to fall. (Take it Easy:D)


All pregnant women have morning sickness.

False. Women and their pregnancy hormone levels are individual. The feeling of morning sickness is often caused by a rise in the female hormone estrogen during pregnancy. If the pregnant woman's body already produced a high level of estrogen prior to her pregnancy, additional estrogen may cause morning sickness in the first trimester — or not. It really depends on the individual.

Pregnant women shouldn't drink alcohol.

True. Alcohol is 'feto-toxic,' which means it is poisonous to the growing baby. Just one drink a day can create a noticeable problem in the pregnancy. Sorry ladies but you'll have to opt for some juice instead.