The big problem with being pregnant is the slew of conflicting advice that comes flying in from every direction. How is a poor girl supposed to know what is true and what is not? One doctor says you’re not gaining enough weight while another says you’re gaining too much. One book says you’re not supposed to eat lunch meat and another says it’s okay if you cook it first. Some people say caffeine is okay and some people say it increases your risk for miscarriage. What is true and what is not?
Whenever there is conflict about something, someone has to be wrong. The first source I would check is with your own doctor, but if your doctor’s advice doesn’t sound right to you, get a second opinion from another doctor. If you read something in a book, check several other sources and look for the most popular opinion.
Don’t discount your common sense and gut instinct. Sometimes there is a lot of hype about something that should be very basic. When it comes to diet, don’t stress about the details. Eat a healthy balanced diet and take your prenatal vitamins. Avoid medication whenever possible. Don’t eat or drink anything you wouldn’t feed an infant or toddler and everything should be fine. Don’t worry about your weight gain, either. If you are eating well, it will take care of itself.
Avoid forums when you’re looking for a serious answer. While there are many moms out there who can provide valuable advice, when the answer is really important, it’s better to look to a reliable source.
On the other hand, avoid reading too many pregnancy books. Because there are so many different conflicting points of view, it’s probably better to find a good, current book, and just read that. Otherwise you’ll get so stressed out and confused.