By Dr. Theodore Peck
Author of "Empowered Pregnancy"

Much of what women are told about pregnancy care is untrue and leads to unnecessary anxiety and suffering. Here are a few examples:

HOT TUBS, SAUNAS, AND WHIRLPOOLS
What you are told: Don't use them at all during pregnancy.
THE TRUTH: Before the 11th week of pregnancy, there is a small, perhaps only theoretical, chance that an increase in your body temperature (over 102F) may result in the development of a spinal defect in your baby. This is a very serious condition. After these weeks have gone by, heat has no further effect on the baby's development or general health. Therefore, you should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and whirlpools in the first three months of pregnancy, but you can relax and enjoy them any time thereafter.

LYING ON YOUR BACK
What you are told: Do not sleep on your back or something bad will happen to your baby.
THE TRUTH: Some pregnant women have a problem lying on their back for more than a few minutes. They feel nauseated, weak, and hot. This is due to a marked, temporary decrease in blood pressure caused by the pregnant uterus compressing the large vein that carries most of the blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. We see this commonly in the ultrasound room. Simply turning to one side or the other completely resolves the problem within seconds. This temporary lightheadedness is of no importance to the developing baby. If you are lying on your back at home and begin to feel uncomfortable, you will naturally turn to your side and feel better. This occurs spontaneously, even when you are sleeping. Therefore, you can sleep in whatever position feels most comfortable, even lying on your back!

CAFFEINE
What you are told: Do not drink anything with caffeine in it or something bad will happen to your baby.
THE TRUTH: Caffeine is a drug. It is found in varying amounts in coffee, non-herbal teas, soft drinks, some pain medications, and even a variety of foods. Heavy daily intake of caffeine (approximately five cups of caffeinated coffee, ten soft drinks, or ten cups of tea) is associated with an increased risk of a variety of pregnancy-related problems, especially miscarriages, infertility, and withdrawal symptoms for newborn babies.

A moderate daily intake of caffeine (about two to three cups of coffee, or four to five soft drinks or cups of tea) is not associated with fetal abnormalities, miscarriages, preterm delivery, or poor fetal growth. Because caffeine content in various drinks varies significantly, it is difficult, if not impossible, to be more exact.

Therefore, you may drink moderate amounts of caffeinated beverages in pregnancy without worry. You should also be aware that high daily doses of caffeine taken while breastfeeding may result in irritable babies.