Becoming pregnant can be pretty scary for a first time mom. It’s really the first time you become responsible for someone other then yourself. The idea that you could unintentionally harm your unborn baby could drive you mad. This subject is hard for me because if you look back in time we as a species have been having babies since the dawn of time. I don’t think that hunter/gatherer women were worried about eating to much salmon. But then again in those days we probably didn't have to worry about pollutants. I'm also afraid I’ll give some wrong advice and someone will take me seriously. I mean the bottom line is pretty logical. Talk to your doctor and follow their advice. Most likely they will be the best source to end your confusion.

Where can I find the best advice?

There are hundreds if not thousands of resources to find advice about what to do and what not to do online, in books and at the magazine stand. But the one consistent fact is that your obstetrician is probably the most reliable source you have. You should make an appointment with them and write down all of your concerns so that at appointment time you are prepared to ask.

Don't panic

The truth is that even if you manage somehow to consume the wrong thing or do something that a doctor would advise against as long as you keep it at a minimum or in moderation then you probably haven’t done anything that will cause irreparable damage to your unborn child. Again if you have concerns talk to your doctor.

The Myths

Caffeine is ok, yes you can fly while pregnant, fish is actually good for you and hair dye will not harm your baby BUT there is more to it. The root of most pregnancy do and don’t myths is that the explanation is more complicated then a simple yes or no. For instance using some of the examples I just stated. Drinking a lot of caffeine is not healthy for anyone, but drinking it in moderation is ok. The same rule applies while pregnant. There is nothing unsafe about flying while pregnant however the airline may get a little weary of having someone who could give birth while en route on board so flying in your 3rd trimester is probably inadvisable.

There also my be some complications that are specific to you and your pregnancy that might prevent you from doing things. That is where having good open communications with your doctor will help keep your head straight and get you through the confusions of the pregnancy do's and don'ts.