Healthier Me: Busting Pregnancy Myths - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Healthier Me: Busting Pregnancy Myths

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Pregnancy myths: you need to kick your caffeine habit, you can't fly and forget about getting your gray hair colored!? We talked with a Sanford Health obstetrician to figure out what is true and what is not.  Pregnancy comes with a lot of uncertainties, but doctors say some of the most common concerns are unfounded.

Dr. James Kappenman says pregnant women often think they need to cut out things that they enjoy when they are not pregnant. He says the top three myths are: (1) You can't exercise when you are pregnant. He says that is not true. As long as you maintain pre-pregnancy workouts that is ok. You just don't want to go up or increase the intensity of workouts. (2) You have to quit caffeine. He says studies show it is safe for mom and baby to have some caffeine. A cup or two of coffee a day is ok. (3) You have to quit coloring your hair. Dr. Kappenman says hair dye is safe -- as long as you don't have any open sores on your head.  

Dr. Kappenman says another pregnancy myth is that you can't fly during pregnancy. He says it is almost always fine. The airline most likely won't want you to fly in your last few weeks, because they don't want you to go into labor during a flight.

More Questions/Myths:

Do you have to avoid fish? Dr. Kappenman says it's best to eat cooked fish, but this is something you should discuss with your doctor.

Should pregnant women sit in a hot tub? Dr. Kappenman says it's best to avoid hot tubs. He says it is not real clear what a dramatic increase in your core temperature could do to your unborn baby.

Are flu shots safe during pregnancy? Yes. Dr. Kappenman recommends his pregnant patients get a flu shot.
Remember it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns whether minor or not. There will be cases where different things are not recommended, but for the most part doctors want women to enjoy their nine months as much as possible.

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