‘Eating for Two’ and Other Top Myths About Pregnancy: An OB/GYN Clarifies

There are numerous nutrition--related myths about pregnancy. There’s the reasonable one: Do I have to eat for two? And then there’s the very odd one: Does heartburn during pregnancy indicate I will have a very hairy baby?

To clarify, heartburn is common at any point during pregnancy, although it's more likely to occur in the second or third trimester. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus grows larger and puts more pressure on the stomach, which can increase the chances of heartburn, or acid reflux, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Heartburn episodes may also become more frequent and painful as the pregnancy progresses.

Natalia Echeverri Botero, M.D., obstetrician gynecologist at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital.

 

However, the notion that there’s a link between heartburn and a hairier-than-normal baby is only a myth handed down from generations, explains Natalia Echeverri Botero, M.D., obstetrician gynecologist at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital. 

 “This is a huge myth from our parent’s generation and our grandparent’s generation,” said Dr. Echeverri. “Yes, the baby might have hair,  but that is not the cause of your heartburn.”

The much more common and understandable myth or misconception is that you have to eat for two.

“We don't want you eating double what you usually eat,” said Dr. Echeverri. “You only need to increase your consumption by about 200 calories a day, which is actually maybe like a fruit or two or an actual serving of protein. We want you to gain approximately 25 to 35 pounds in pregnancy If you are a normal BMI (Body Mass Index) when you first get pregnant, which is a BMI approximately of 18 to 24. So, don't eat for two and increase exercise.”

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or MyPlate website, offers a section for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Consult with your doctor if you have any questions about nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy.

A previous study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that only about 1 in 3 women gained the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. About 1 in 5 women gained below pregnancy weight gain recommendations, and 1 in 2 gained above recommendations, the CDC states.

“The amount of weight you gain during pregnancy is important for your pregnancy health,” the CDC states. “It is also important for the long-term health of you and your baby.”

Another common myth is that you can’t consume caffeine during pregnancy.

“ ‘My mom says I can't drink caffeine in pregnancy.’ Totally, not true,” said Dr. Echeverri. “If you took caffeine away from me, when I was pregnant, I would not have survived. You could actually have up to 200 milligrams a day.”  

The ACOG explains that moderate caffeine consumption of no more than 200 milligrams per day) does not cause miscarriage or preterm birth. An average 8–ounce (oz) cup of coffee contains about 80–100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine.