Refuting some common myths about pregnancy

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Dr. Jennifer Kossoris

Updated: March 24, 2012 8:03AM

The minute you deliver the exciting news that you are pregnant, it seems everyone is an expert. They all have advice to share, a story to tell you about what you should and should not be doing. It can be hard to differentiate truth from fiction at times, as there are some myths that have been around for decades. Dr. Jennifer Kossoris, an obstetrician/gynecologist on staff at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, addresses a few of the most common myths out there.

1. Pregnant women should not drink coffee.

False. “Studies vary, but generally one to two small (8 oz) cups of coffee per day are felt to be safe. The concern is for increased risk of first trimester miscarriage,” notes Kossoris. Bottom line: moderation is key. If you need one cup of coffee, go for it — pregnancy is tiring.

2. Pregnant women should not eat lunch meat.

False, though it should be heated to be safe. “The concern here is for listeria infection. Deli meat heated to steaming (about 160 degrees) is fine. A woman’s risk is greatest in the third trimester, as listeria infection can lead to fetal death, fetal infections, or preterm birth,” says Kossoris. Listeria can also be found in unpasteurized soft cheeses (and other unpasteurized dairy products). The key here is pasteurization — this process kills the listeria. All cheeses made in the U.S. must be made from pasteurized milk, so they are safe. However, imported soft cheeses are potentially problematic including Brie, Camembert, feta, goat, Montrachet, Neufchatel, and queso fresco.

3. Pregnant women should sleep on their left side.

True, after about 24 weeks. The goal, according to Kossoris, is to keep the ever-growing/heavy uterus off major blood vessels (which run straight down your back) and thereby prevent compromising blood flow to the uterus and lower extremities. However, women do not need to be fully on their side, they can simply wedge a pillow under their hip. And, she notes, there’s no need to panic if a pregnant woman wakes up on her back, just flip to your side and go back to sleep.

4. Pregnant women shouldn’t change cat litter boxes.

True, pregnant women should not clean a litter box. “The risk here is a virus in cat feces called toxoplasmosis which can be very harmful during pregnancy. The risk of fetal infection increases with each trimester, however, earlier infections (although rarer) may result in more serious fetal effects,” notes Kossoris. Also, since toxoplasma can also be found in soil, raw/undercooked meat, and unwashed produce, pregnant women should pay particular attention to cooking food thoroughly, washing produce thoroughly, and wearing gloves when gardening.

5. Pregnant women shouldn’t dye their hair.

False. There have been no studies that have shown harm from occasional exposure to hair dyes. This myth originated many, many years ago when dyes were made differently and were more toxic. “Make yourself beautiful, ladies,” says Kossoris.

Kossoris encourages pregnant women to discuss the myths above and all other myths out there with their physician. “There is so much misinformation out in the world and on the internet, coupled with the fact that pregnancy comes with a lot of new experiences, feelings, symptoms — so it can be a really confusing time rather than the exciting time that it should be.”

Chris Doucet wrote this column for Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare