15 Things You Wrongly Think About Pregnancy

11. You're Eating For Two, So Eat As Much As You'd Like

We've all heard this saying before: "You're eating for two now" followed by a recommendation that the pregnant woman in question promptly stuff her face relentlessly. But what does that phrase really mean? Should you just start gorging on Taco Bell and Rocky Road Ice Cream until you fall asleep everyday? While there may be days when you feel so hungry you could eat a horse, the idea that you should "eat for two" is, alas, false. You certainly should be increasing the amount of certain nutrients. But eating too many calories is bad for both you and your growing baby. Also, if you put on too much weight during pregnancy, you increase your risk of gestational diabetes, backaches, high blood pressure, and needing a cesarean birth. On the other hand, gaining too little weight during pregnancy is a concern as well. It can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, and, later, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and chronic health problems in your baby. So, at the end of the day it's about finding the right balance and not simply behaving like you're at an bottomless buffet.