Dietitians from the Department of Dietetics at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth​ group, shares 4 pregnancy food myths and facts.

Myth: “Cooling” food like oranges, watermelons and peas should be avoided because women’s bodies “lose heat” after delivery.

Fact: New mothers should not avoid food that can provide much-needed vitamin C.

Myth: Mothers must drink milk to produce milk.

Fact: To produce sufficient breast milk, mothers should eat balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, milk and fruit juices. A healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins can provide women with all the nutrients needed to produce milk. Calcium can also be obtained from a variety of non-dairy food, like dark green vegetables, nuts and fish such as sardines whose bones are eaten.

Myth: Breastfeeding mothers have to eat more to produce enough milk.

Fact: This is not true as even women on very low-calorie diets can usually produce enough milk. Mothers should eat a balanced diet.

Myth: Pregnant mums who eat more tofu and soya bean products will have fairer babies.

Fact: Skin colour is genetic, and no food can change a child’s genetic makeup.

Ref: O17​