Talk about your doubts with professionals and enjoy a happy pregnancy.

A lot of rumours have arisen around pregnancy. Some pieces of advice are sound and will not affect your well being or that of your baby, but others are false and it’s best not to take any notice of them.

Do you want to learn how to tell them apart?  Pay attention

• You must eat for two.

Not true. Your diet should be varied and complete, so that there are no missing nutrients. It is advisable to eat little and often, to avoid anxiety and poor digestion.

• Unsatisfied cravings appear as spots on the baby.

It is true that cravings in pregnancy do exist. They are caused by sugar fluctuations and hormonal changes, but be assured that it has nothing to do with “flat angiomas” or spots which sometimes appear on the baby’s skin and which usually disappear before 24 months.

• Every pregnancy costs a tooth.

Another common saying which is not true. You should take more care with oral hygiene and it is recommended that you visit the dentist at the start of the pregnancy for a review and/or cleaning. What happens is that the ph of the saliva becomes more acid, increasing the risk of decay, but this doesn’t mean that the problem will happen. You just have to give your mouth a bit more attention.

• You cannot travel by air.

Unless you have specific advice from your doctor about this, air travel is not forbidden. From week 28 it is recommended that the doctor should authorise this type of travel and from week 36 it is advisable not to undertake long journeys, so close to the birth. In itself, air travel can be more comfortable than bus or train, as you can get up and walk around and so avoid swelling of the legs.

• Playing sport is forbidden.

It’s just the opposite. Physical exercise (obviously moderate) is beneficial for the baby’s development and the health of the mother, reducing discomfort in the first trimester, and improving preparation for the birth and subsequent recovery. Adapt activity to your weight and mobility and ask the professionals what’s best for you, but don’t just stand there for nine months.

• You can’t take any medication.

Naturally you must consult the doctor before taking anything, but there are drugs which don’t cross the placental barrier and are perfectly safe. What you must not do is self-medicate.

You shouldn't take notice of everything that you hear, and above all, if anything worries you, ask your doctor or midwife. So you won't have any doubts.