Part One

You are pregnant so clearly you want to do everything you can to make sure the baby is not harmed by what you eat or drink.

There are so many Old Wives Tales; do this, do that. What should you believe?

Are you a coffee drinker?

In moderation it is not a problem. But studies have shown that drinking Java can lead to babies being born with Attention Deficit Disorder. Also large quantities of Caffeine can lead to babies being born with a low birth weight.

Surely Cheese Is Good For You?

Cheese is full of Calcium isn't it? Yes indeed it is. But mild Flu like symptoms can be caused by eating unpasteurised cheeses. And because the symptoms of Listeriosis are so mild, they may not be noticed. This can lead to miscarriage or premature delivery.

What Cheeses Are Safe?

Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese or Cheddar is fine. Enjoy.

How About Colas or Diet Sodas?

It's the use of artificial sweeteners that do the damage. But like most things taken in moderation should be harmless enough. One glass of Diet Soda a day or an artificially sweetened yogurt shouldn't do you or the baby any harm.

Will Eating Fish Do Any Damage To You Or The Baby?

We've all heard how fish is brain food, so who wouldn't want a clever baby? But certain fish eg tuna, can contain high levels of Mercury and this is extremely harmful to the baby. Also eating raw fish is not a good idea, even if you have cravings for it.

The FDA and EPA in March 2004 gave out advice to pregnant and breast feeding mothers; to be sure of not doing any harm to yourself or your baby, don't eat more than two servings of fish a week.

Recommended fish are:

• Shrimp
• Pollock
• Salmon
• Catfish

NOT Recommended fish are:

• Mackerel
• Shark
• Swordfish

Fish Fingers and fast food sandwiches are usually low in Mercury, so they have the okay.

Not All Herbal Teas Are Good For You.

There are some Herbal Teas that are good for you and the baby; so enjoy.

However, some Herbal Teas like Peppermint and Raspberry Leaf if taken in large amounts may cause contractions.

So much for drinking Peppermint Tea to stop heartburn.

If you stick to drinking Herbal Teas containing Orange Extract, you will cause no injury to your unborn child.

Spinach Is Good For You And The Baby.

Spinach contains Folic Acid and that is definitely good for the developing baby.

Another essential Mineral is Iron and yes Spinach has that too.

Go ahead, eat as much as you want, after all it did Popeye no harm.

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking is a definite no no.

But the occasional glass of wine should be all right. Although it is advisable not to drink any alcohol during the first three months of pregnancy, because this is when the baby's Nervous System is forming.

Now You Are Pregnant Shouldn't You Be Eating For Two?

As the baby is so small at first and even when at full term, all you need do is eat an extra 300 Calories a day throughout your pregnancy.

Are All Old Wives Tales A Load of Rubbish?

Some Old Wives Tales have some truths in them. But a lot more haven't. So to be sure you do no damage to your unborn baby or yourself - follow the advice of your GP and also reread this article again every so often.

The main thing is to enjoy your pregnancy and take the Old Wives Tales with a large pinch of salt.