• Now you are pregnant you have to eat for two - MYTH

• It is not safe to exercise when you are pregnant - MYTH

• You shouldn't drink any coffee during pregnancy - MYTH

• Morning sickness starves your baby - MYTH

Now your pregnant you have to eat for two........This is a MYTH

The average woman does not need any extra calories for the first six months of pregnancy and only about 200 extra calories per day for the last three months. Your body becomes more efficient when you're expecting a baby and makes even better use of the energy you obtain from the food you eat. Two hundred calories is equivalent to two slices of wholemeal toast and margarine/butter; a jacket potato with an ounce of cheese; or one slice of cheese on toast.

It is not safe to exercise when you are pregnant........This is a MYTH.

If you are in good health and exercised before you became pregnant there is no reason why you should not be exercising. However some women should take extra care when exercising and should consult their GP if;

• You have high blood pressure
• You have had a previous miscarriage
• You are expecting more than one baby
• You have had problems with your lower back and hip joints
• You have a pre-existing medical condition

You shouldn't drink any coffee during pregnancy........This is a MYTH.

It is advisable to limit the amount of caffiene you consume each day, but you do not have to totally cut it out. The recommended upper limit is 200mg of caffiene per day during pregnancy, which is only 2 mugs of instant coffee or 4 cups of tea.

Morning sickness starves your baby........This is a MYTH.

Mild to moderate nausea will not threaten your babies health. If you do not gain any weight in the first trimester of your pregnancy, it is important that you stay well hydrated and eat as well as possible. If you feel that your nausea is preventing you from eating a balanced diet take a suitable multi-vitamin for pregnancy. Your Pharmacist, GP or Midwife can advise you on this.