by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 19, 2009

Pregnancy can be an extremely overwhelming time for a woman, particularly if she is carrying her first child. Although there is an overwhelming amount of literature on pregnancy, many women often succumb to the common myths that they are exposed to by friends and family members. While these individuals may be well intentioned in their "advice" it is important that pregnant women are able to separate myth from fact when it comes to their bodies and their babies. So, here are some of the most common myths about pregnant women.

Morning Sickness

One of the most common myths about pregnancy is that all women are susceptible to morning sickness. Many individuals will frequently look out for morning sickness as an early warning sign for pregnancy. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all pregnant women will suffer from morning sickness. Morning sickness is typically the result of an increase in the levels of estrogen in a woman's body. Because each woman is unique, and different bodies produce different amounts of this hormone, not all women will experience morning sickness.

Cravings

Another common myth concerning pregnancy is that pregnant women will generally have a number of food cravings and that often these cravings are for "odd" combinations of food. Not all women experience food cravings during their pregnancies, but women who do have cravings should be aware that the desire for certain foods is simply the body's way of signaling that something is deficient. For example, a woman may crave red meat if she is experiencing an iron deficiency. Similarly, women who crave salty foods may have lower levels of sodium. Indulging in these foods then allows women to rectify the deficiency and ensure that their bodies are balanced once again. When it comes to pregnant women's cravings for junk food, it may simply be that the sugar found in certain foods (like chocolate or pizza) produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that causes individuals to good, happy, and an overall sense of well-being.

The "No Fish" Rule

Pregnant women are often advised not to consume any fish during their pregnancies. Although there is a slight risk when consuming fish that has high levels of mercury, it is not dangerous for women to eat fresh fish that are known to have lower levels of mercury. In fact, consuming fish throughout pregnancy could actually be beneficial for the baby. Fish contains fish oil, which has a number of extremely advantageous nutrients, including Omega 3 fats. Omega

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