There’s lots of advice about there about what expectant mothers should avoid. But how much is myth and how much is reality? Let’s examine some conventional wisdom about pregnancy:

Eat a lot. It turns out that pregnant women only need about 300 additional calories a day.

Don’t eat cheese. Cheese made in the US is fine! However, you do have to watch out for soft foreign cheeses made with unpasteurized milk.

Don’t eat fish. You can still eat fish, but you need to be careful not to expose the baby to too much mercury. Choose seafood like canned light tuna, salmon or shrimp, and don’t have fish more than twice a week.

Don’t drink diet soda. While artificial sweeteners aren’t likely to be good for your baby, there’s no evidence they’re bad, at least in moderation.

Don’t drink coffee. While lots of caffeine can be bad for your baby, moderate amounts don’t seem to be a problem.

Don’t exercise. Oh, please! Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, exercise is fine – it’s even good for you and the baby. Just don’t overdo it.

Don’t dye your hair. Again, though there’s no way hair dye is good for your baby, there’s no real evidence it’s harmful. If you’re concerned, try to keep the dye off your scalp.

Don’t use the computer. There’s no data to support this. Plus, reading up on parenting tips online can really help out first-time mothers.

But there are some no-no’s you should be careful to avoid! Reduce alcohol intake, or eliminate it altogether. No smoking, of course. No hot tubs. No changing the kitty litter (and make sure someone else changes it frequently). Finally, it’s always a good idea to avoid exposure to chemicals.