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28 alaska parent winter 2025/26 AlaskaParent.comMyth #1: You%u2019re eating for two.It%u2019s true that your body is now supporting the nutritional needs of you and your growing baby. But that doesn%u2019t mean you need to %u2013 or should %u2013 double up on calories. The reality is that pregnant women need only about 300 extra calories a day to support their baby. Most importantly, those calories should be nutrient-dense and chock full of vitamins and minerals instead of sugars, processed ingredients, and unhealthy fats. People who had a normal or average weight before pregnancy are typically advised to gain between 25 and 35 pounds, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Myth #2: You can%u2019t drink coffee.Yes, you can have that morning cup of coffee. While excessive caffeine intake can be harmful during pregnancy, moderate consumption is generally considered safe. The ACOG advises limiting caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day, equivalent to about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. But keep in mind: Caffeine is also found in other sources, such as tea, chocolate and soft drinks.Myth #3: Avoid all seafood during pregnancy.Don%u2019t rule it out. Seafood can be a good source of zinc, protein and iron that is beneficial for the growth and development of a healthy baby. According to FDA guidelines, pregnant and nursing women may eat up to 12 ounces a week of a variety of seafood low in mercury, such as canned light tuna, salmon, shrimp, pollock and cod. Consumption of white (albacore) tuna should not exceed six ounces per week. Avoid large predatory type fish, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, which contain higher levels of mercury that can negatively impact baby%u2019s development. It is also recommended that pregnant women stay away from undercooked and raw fish, often found in sushi. Myth #4: You need to suffer through sickness %u2013 no Tylenol or other meds allowed.You don%u2019t need to suffer. Certain medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol and similar products), are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Leading health organizations, including the ACOG, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), all affirm that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is safe when taken as directed. Untreated fever or severe pain poses greater risks to both the mother and the baby than judicious use of acetaminophen. Other medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen, may carry some risk; your OB-GYN can provide you with a list of what%u2019s safe based on your specific health and pregnancy stage. Myth #5: Flying will increase your risk of complications.Don%u2019t scrap plans for that babymoon with your sweetie. Flying is generally safe during a healthy pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, When you%u2019re pregnant, it may feel like everyone is suddenly an expert, giving you advice, suggestions and warnings. It can be difficult to know which %u201cfacts%u201d about pregnancy are actually true. Do you really need to cut out all caffeine, skip the tuna fish sandwich and ditch the workouts? Here, with the help of experts, we break down some of the most common pregnancy myths to find out what%u2019s fact and what%u2019s fiction. (Of course, every pregnancy is different, so follow your provider%u2019s orders above anything else.)11 common pregnancy myths %u2013debunked!