Flying, Coffee, Dyeing Your Hair, and More: OBGYN Busts Myths About Pregnancy

You've found out you are pregnant... NOW WHAT!?!? Can you drink coffee, eat deli meat, or exercise? In this episode, The Doctors Bjorkman debunk some common myths about pregnancy that you should know to help have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
**Weekly pregnancy updates on Wednesdays! We will be covering everything from TTC, infertility, prenatal care, labor and delivery, best baby gear, your baby's week by week development, postpartum concerns, and other pregnancy tips and tricks!
Affiliate links to all products mentioned in videos here: www.amazon.com/shop/thedoctor...
Also check out our original: "I'm Pregnant Now What?!?" Episode:
0:00 - Intro
1:13 - Eating for Two
2:04 - Preventing Stretch Marks
4:23 - Knowing Baby's Sex
5:10 - Flying on an Airplane
7:56 - What You Eat Affects Baby's Taste Preference
8:39 - Drinking Coffee and Other Caffeine
10:33 - Eating Hot Dogs and Deli Meat
11:27 - You Shouldn't Eat Fish
12:04 - Petting Cats and Changing the Litter Box
14:03 - Running, Lifting, and Heavy Exercise
14:38 - Sleeping on Your Back
15:49 - Sex During Pregnancy
17:02 - Dyeing Your Hair
17:28 - Inducing Labor with Spicy Food
18:00 - Natural Birth is Better for Baby
Intro Music: A WAY FOR ME - Nicolai Heidlas by Chem Ocampo

[@jaynasimon1284]

I’m currently 19 weeks pregnant, thankfully my husband was not in the room for the cat litter debunking! I’m gunna let him continue with litter box duties throughout my pregnancy 😉

[@bernadistrito7501]

omg that's so funny! i was thinking the same thing. Will definitely not show him video

[@alyssamarie1091]

I just stopped the video and will watch later thanks to you lol

[@newp848]

In the Netflix show Midnight Mass, the pregnant character explains that's a myth. I was peering over at my husband hoping he wasn't paying attention (he was not) lol

[@kaitfogg3960]

Omg sameeeee girl! we are OFF 👏🏻THE 👏🏻 HOOK 👏🏻 for the year 😂

[@vaniafarmar5281]

SAME

[@loganmomable]

I am a RN with a masters in high risk perinatal nursing now retired from a 35 year career in the field including back in the day childbirth education classes. I have just recently found your channel. You two are wonderful educators - very engaging evidence based transparent and thoughtful. Just wanted to say well done and thank you! As well as extending best wishes to you and the growing family!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@ebonewashington]

How Encouraging, GOD BLESS!!!

[@Jennifer.villezcas]

I live in Mexico, if spicy food induced labor we would be in great trouble lol

[@Daymickey]

😂 I love this comment. So true!

[@sabrinarojas4796]

I'm so happy I found you guys! I'm 43 years old and pregnant for the first time. I'm 9 weeks and feel amazing, I had doubts about dying my hair, exercising, having sex, etc. Thanks for all the info!

[@anniekayfitness]

I love your calm approach! Thank you for being so reassuring, always 💛

[@marianel1987]

Omg!! Congratulations on your 2nd baby. I’m going through my first pregnancy and watching videos from your first pregnancy gave me so much piece of mind and are helping me feel prepared. You guys are amazing ❤

[@chelseamoon6978]

Congrats on baby #2! 😊 Your videos have been getting me through my first trimester and easing my mind. Thank you both for sharing this information in such a comforting and down to earth manner.

[@nayacmaynor]

I’m currently almost 6 weeks and this really helped me. I love you guys, the chemistry you two have is beautiful. I’m new to the channel and I’ll stick around for more tips. Thank you ❤️

[@tatsianatati8375]

Congratulations on a baby number 2! ❤❤❤ I’m 24 weeks pregnant 🤰🏻 with my first child, just recently discovered your channel and enjoying very much! Thank you very much guys! 💗

[@lockedupfitness6099]

30 weeks with my first baby and have recently Found your videos. Binging them all before baby girls birth ❤

[@lindsyc.4680]

Thank God I saw this! I am 24 weeks and I have been a hardcore back sleeper for a few years and I've had the hardest time trying to sleep on my side every night and always worry until I feel her move when I have woken up on my back!

[@viankavaldez4391]

Thank you for this. I come from a Hispanic family and a lot of them like to say all these myths and I understand where the mom is coming from but I don’t want to limit myself when my moms are not doctors and every pregnant women can be different. It’s my first baby and I don’t want to feel like a disabled women and not do any workouts or have some caffeine or eat some things. But I really appreciate this video !!

[@justwhistlinpixie]

I have been exercising throughout my pregnancy in large part due to your video that you put out on the subject. I don't always feel like doing it, but I feel like it helps SO much! As my body changes, working out helps my muscles adjust and makes everyday tasks less challenging and uncomfortable. I really like Pregnancy and Postpartum TV for workout routines.

[@rita2506]

I just found Pregnancy and Postpartum TV! I also am starting to follow Nourish Move Love on KZbin as well! 😊

[@phonethipsongkham7375]

It’s my first pregnancy and I want to thank you for creating this channel!!! All of your videos are so great and informative ❤ I was clueless but now feel more knowledgeable about this amazing journey 🤰🏻

[@mercedesontanon5337]

All was so great ❤and useful during my first weeks! Now halfway through! 😘😘😘

[@Rocketcarla2589]

thank you for this. im 20 weeks pregnant and i believed most of these before i saw this video!

[@GML560]

I am 12 weeks pregnant and have been trying to sleep on my Left side as “recommended” I have not slept well at all because of this. I was never a left side sleeper and my body manages to turn on my back in the middle of the night or at least I can do the right side. Thank you for discussing this myth! This is good to know.

[@SpicynSpooky]

I COULD HAVE DYED MY HAIR THIS WHOLE TIIIIIMEEEE I’m gonna cry in a corner for a little bit

[@CaseyNguyenDiaries]

This is a great video! Thank you both! Soo helpful. I wish you’re my OB!!

[@kiki-90]

I'm 7 weeks pregnant, and I was watching all your old videos back in 2020. I had no idea you're pregnant with baby#2 congratulations!!! This is my first pregnancy, needless to say I'm nervous and terrified. Your videos are the reason I haven't lost my sanity 😌 Thank you both, for all your great information, time and effort you put in these videos ♥️ Edit: I just wanted to thank all mamas in the comment section who shed positivity and gave me hope, when I was terrified... My baby boy is 4 months old now, and the amount of love I have for him is just undescribable. Thank u mamas❤

[@chantechristie9785]

Congrats hun. It's a long journey but you'll be fine. You'll even be surprised how fast the time goes. I'm 29 weeks with my first.

[@alyssadouglas4627]

Congratulations!! As far as the labor and 4th trimester (recovery) go, it is only temporary. You will get through it! Wishing you the very best. 💗😁

[@melissamorales9084]

Me too! Currently 7 weeks first time mama and binge watching all of their videos too lol we can do this!!

[@kiki-90]

@@chantechristie9785 Thank you so much for sending positive vibes :) I'm 16 weeks pregnant now, still nervous but getting used to it :) Good luck to you hun wishing u a safe delivery and a happy Healthy baby ❤️

[@kiki-90]

@@alyssadouglas4627 Thank you so much for positive vibes 💖

[@tressa4747]

Thank you for talking about the medicated vs non-medicated births. I ended up having a medicated birth with my baby and there is a lot of guilt and misinformation out there on the subject.

[@cassiecandle5950]

Can you make a video on medications, skin and haircare ingredients that are safe in pregnancy and which ones are not?

[@KelseyTown]

Any chance we can get a video on RSV soon (or cover on a Sunday Q&A)? I have a 5 month old and have been hearing a lot about RSV being on the rise and would love to know what we can do to keep our little one safe with the holidays and traveling. Thanks!

[@madamefantome870]

What are your thoughts on raspberry leaf tea and primrose oil?

[@rmmr1168]

Congratulations on baby #2!!!!

[@saragerken7910]

I am almost 34 weeks pregnant with twins, and I remember being so worried about drinking coffee or having caffeine. My OB and MFM doctors said I could have 1 cup of coffee, which I have been doing. Both of my babies are measuring in the 91st percentile. I would like to see more data and information in the future about caffeine consumption and growth. Very interesting!

[@janinedear-barlow]

I'm a twin, we were two weeks late. I weighed 5lb 6 and a half and my sister weighed 4lb 13 and a half.

[@entirelybonkers8832]

I’ve seen everywhere that I should only sleep on my left side and it’s been terrifying since I can’t stay on my left side without extremely bad back pain 90% of the time thank you so much for easing that fear

[@sarar4901]

Fun fact: that 300ish extra calories for a third trimester baby is comparable to the daily caloric needs of a cat! Which makes sense, because they're similar in size. 🤣

[@asmrblizzz]

Hi! Thank you for your videos. What about manicures? Specifically gel manicures? Is is okay to do?😊

[@Ashley-gh4we]

Thanks for the video! Could you please cover whether sunless tanning (lotions, mouses, oils) are safe during pregnancy? I couldn’t pull up enough research on this. What are your thoughts?

[@kellilyn9730]

Great video! I learned a lot. I am probably thinking too far into it, but you said it is completely safe to dye your hair. But is it safe to bleach your hair during pregnancy? Thank you.

[@KristinaF123]

Thank you for your videos! I have a question about sacral dimples. Should parents worry about underlying spinal issues as baby grows. What should parents be looking out for as time goes on?

[@Greekfilaki106]

Thanks for the info! In regards to side vs back sleeping, what if you have very low blood pressure? My BP is typically around 85/55 and drops significantly while supine. I often wake up with numb extremities. Would I be at higher risk laying on my back while I still can?

[@lauradowsett662]

Thanks for such great content! In my 12th week and your videos have been so helpful❤ the myth I’m curious about - eating 4 dates a day starting 4 weeks before the due date can lead to a shorter labor.

[@janinedear-barlow]

There are studies on that

[@fitnessnutrition877]

So shocked about the topical retinol I've been using it here and there, I hope I Havnt done any damage 😮

[@user-db3tq1qw5b]

Hi - love watching your videos. Question - any issues with drinking some chamomile tea during pregnancy?

[@alisalaska1786]

I had someone shame me for dyeing my hair. They clearly hadn’t even looked it up because when pushed back on all they said was “better safe than sorry”. As if that’s a good reason to accuse a pregnant woman of endangering her child.

[@ameldoukhi598]

I dyed my hair in the 2nd month is it ok?

[@komalkusum4281]

​@@ameldoukhi598How are you dear? Is your baby doing fine?

[@komalkusum4281]

@alisalaska1786 I dyed at 7 week ..I am much worried..will there be any issues?

[@pilvikaarina919]

On US websites I always read that you should completely avoid going to sauna while pregnant. But here in Finland 80-90% of pregnant women go to sauna (myself included, great way to relax aching muscles and get endorphins). This has been done decades and we don't have problem with having perfectly fine children despite that.😄 but maybe this is a bit different here because we use it so much and are very capable of knowing when is time to cool down. It is interesting how there are different recommendations in different countries. I've read in Japan it is common to eat raw sushi while pregnant etc. but I don't know if there is negative impact or not. I would assume they are precise with handling fish.

[@callmebrownielover4832]

Would love to know if self tanner/ tanning lotion and prescription strength antidepressants are safe during pregnancy? Don’t feel the cutest being bloated and breaking out from all the hormones in the first trimester and having a nice glow helps boots my confidence. I also tend to sweat a bit under the arms so the clinical strength works best. 😅 Thanks!

[@tatoue2799]

Awesome! Thank you so much!❤

[@annap3753]

Congrats on your pregnancy....since I did an embryotransfer yesterday, I would like some advice on what to do in the next days till the pregnancy test...There are a lot of paraliteratur that says stay in your bed and don't do anything but go to the bathroom and eat...is that true? Also I would like some info on using makeup and what ingredients in cosmetics are safe during pregnancy...clean cosmetics etc?

[@moraakiage823]

Doctor Sarah Bjorkman Adress the uncomfortable things you can experience during pregnancy like yeast infections and etc

[@glitterbunny3918]

Another great video! With regards to the ‘spicy foods inducing labour’ myth, does that also mean there’s no science behind things like raspberry leaf tea, dates and evening primrose oil? I see a lot of anecdotal things floating round online, especially in the ‘freebirth’ community, claiming that eating/drinking these foods in the lead-up to labour can help soften the cervix, tone the uterus and shorten delivery time. Not pregnant but curious! Love your channel ❤

[@janinedear-barlow]

There are studies on raspberry leaf and dates.

[@kmalyszko]

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10754818 Raspberry leaf results in shorter labor and results in fewer medical interventions, including c-section; "An unexpected finding in this study seems to indicate that women who ingest raspberry leaf might be less likely to receive an artificial rupture of their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth than the women in the control group."

[@angeliquecarteryoga2554]

Thanks a lot! so helpful! do you have any info on soy milk or soy products please?

[@carissagillespie229]

Could you please do a video about having a baby in NICU? I just found out my baby has transposition of the great arteries, and I’m trying to prepare myself to be separated from my baby, an extended nicu stay, and for baby to have open heart surgery.

[@alih3553]

Not currently pregnant but this is on my mind: I would be concerned about prescription medications during pregnancy. Specifically, adderall. What are your thoughts on taking adderall during a pregnancy? My psych MD shared with me that it is likely things would be just fine. However I have been told the opposite for many years.

[@samanthaestrada4373]

Hello Dr's! I love your videos. I've been following since the beginning of my pregnancy and currently coming up on week 37! Would you guys do a video with myths that have some truth to them? I watch another Dr youtuber that says there's some truth to having heartburn and how much hair a baby has. Also, whether you should avoid sashimi during pregnancy

[@larissacats390]

They mentioned no raw meat/fish. Sashimi is raw. So no sashimi.

[@bridgetspaeth9751]

I don't drink alot of coffee because it works as a natural laxative for me. So I use it if I'm backed up from the 1st trimester.

[@AskAChristian]

Fun! My own OB told me the heart rate indicated a certain sex.

[@chloep5677]

Hey i have a question I can’t seem to find the answer for. When can you switch your baby to whole milk? In France they have this thing called growth infant formula which is fortified with vitamins and they recommend using that till your child is 3 but it’s mega expensive and so I wanted to know if it’s ok to switch to whole milk at age 1 if your baba is on solids and eating a well balanced and varied diet? Thanks

[@DianaGorgy]

Hello Doctors! How long did you keep baby girl in bassinet before transferring to nursery?

[@mariyahupalo8500]

I wonder if Shellac manicure is safe during pregnancy. Is there any possibility that the ingredients of the UV gel penetrate through the nail as well as safety of the UV lamp.

[@dariashatilo6994]

Awesome video 🎉 what about painting your nails myth?

[@emilydionne1241]

Thank you for talking about the deli meat! I crave turkey and cheese sandwiches with this pregnancy lol

[@fldhkybnva]

We are awaiting FET and my husband is dreading scooping the litter boxes. I’ll be sure to not share this video with him 😂 Love the myth busting about exercise. I’m currently using MegSquats Plus+1 program TTC weeks and can’t wait to switch over to the pregnancy portion when the time comes. Love that Dr. Bjorkman partnered with her team. I’m a physician and it made me feel so much more confident in continuing lifting during pregnancy.

[@laceyjohnson8210]

I'm using that program too (I'm in 2nd trimester)! Loving it, and you will too!

[@fldhkybnva]

@@laceyjohnson8210 Congratulations! Thanks, it's nice to hear from others who have or are using the program. The TTC portion has been great.

[@serenakhai1111]

I know you talked about dyeing your hair but does anyone know if bleaching is okay? I read some said after first trimester while others say it's safe and others say it's best not. So I keep seeing conflicting things.

[@melissamorales9084]

Since it is safe to dye hair during pregnancy, does the same go for nail salons?

[@randlynch9582]

I cooked my deli meats in the small oven because I only like my sandwiches hot or warm. I’ve done such my whole life. So I never stopped eating those. I also drank coffee in moderation. Baby is almost 16 months and happy and healthy. I had a terrific pregnancy.

[@ym2396]

Hi tthere! Really need video of myths about breastfeeding please!

[@TheDoctorsBjorkman]

Love this idea! Hopefully some of our breastfeeding videos can be helpful for you too.

[@MichelleAntico1]

Can you dye (highlight your ends) in your first trimester? Almost at the end of it!

[@theshadyapple1749]

as an emt we were taught about Supine Hypotensive disorder in the 3rd trimester. So nothing to be concerned about? Also is dyeing your hair in the first trimester ok? i have read mixed reviews on this

[@alleighawagenaar7606]

Hi! I have a question, I will be 26 weeks when taking a 8 hour flight to France. This flight is an overnight flight with the purpose of sleep - how detrimental can it be if I am sleeping for a few hour stretches at a time? Should I just set an alarm to wake up every hour?

[@rachelnagtegaal1790]

Do you think silicone patches can help with stretch marks?

[@soph4002]

I always hear this about 300 calories extra etc but if this is true why do I wake up at 5am starving and go to bed hungry after a regular dinner with protein. I'm an average weight and in my second trimester and I definitely need more than 300 extra, not talking binges or junk food but I literally have hunger pangs. I probably eat 500-600 calories extra (an extra hearty breakfast meal)

[@Katyus14]

Maybe Cocoa butter doesn't prevent stretch mark but it's really good for the skin! It hydrates skin very deeply and super trustful! If you can eat it it's safe to use on your skin 😅 I do a cocoa butter session once a week and I'm at 16 week of ny pregnancy and I find this helps a lot as my skin is not as itchy. And another thing that helps a lot is collagen supplementation and occasional massage when under the shower.

[@snookiekat11530]

How about sleeping on your right side? Is that safe? I really like to switch from side to side throughout the night

[@soyouwanttolearnhowtocook411]

This was one of the questions I just asked my OB about bleaching my hair from the root he did say there was no data that was bad but also that wasn't so iam like ?????! So my question is it just regular hair dye okay or bleaching too ?

[@blazeycakes93]

I need clarification on sesame seeds/oil

[@chantellsenekal2641]

I am 21weeks now. Since 6weeks I cant stand the smell of coffee. So caffeine free for me until it smells better again.

[@kathypierre2933]

Currently 4 weeks pregnant praying for a safe pregnancy.

[@adrianagarcia7175]

Same here!!

[@rafatkalam1467]

Me too

[@rashadidani]

Your comment is 8 months old how did the pregnancy go? Did you deliver safely?

[@kathypierre2933]

Yes, thank God I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

[@CsomArt]

14:38 Wait, this whole time I could've been sleeping comfortably instead of worrying about making sure I was sleeping on my side?? I'm a back sleeper and it's been horrible trying to sleep only on my side.

[@eunicer4353]

Is it safe to professionally dye my hair at 8 weeks pregnant?

[@lucia1415]

Thank you! it's not a myth, but I would like to know if laser treatment, like IPL for hair or little veins is safe during pregnancy

[@aashimaprabhakar5687]

By dyeing you meant we can go for root touch ups and global hair colouring too? Please say yes.....

[@KINGRAD22]

Are fumes from paint and stain material harmful for babys? I want to remodel the kitchen and was curious if that was a bad idea?

[@rochellemoore8366]

What types of teas are allowed? There’s so many conflicting info out there. I don’t drink coffee, but keep hearing coffee is okay in moderation.

[@EmiPellegrinoMusic]

Thank GOD I can clean the litter box . Hubby doesn’t do it good enough 😂🤣

[@Naiyaskitchen]

Is decaf tea ok to consume during pregnancy?

[@AnimeWorlds101]

2 concerns myself: 1: before being pregnant I always put a small amount of chaga into my coffee. Works well for my adhd. Is chaga still safe while pregnant? 2: Olipops. They are an herbal probiotic soda that has herbs in it. Are the ingredients in them safe for the baby? Mainly thinking about Kava and calendula.

[@tasmiakabir811]

Konsa month se ye excercise start korna hain? Plz let me know

[@tamar2450]

Here in the UK the NHS recommends to only dye your hair after week 12, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower

[@Blue-kz3vf]

Im 7 weeks pregnant, I would like to know if its safe to use cleaning chemicals while cleaning the house (ex: windex, surface cleaners without bleach, etc.), thank you

[@kyliecheong1991]

Is't safe to do eyebrow embroidery while pregnant in either trimester? How about at 3rd trimester?

[@maddiefranken8896]

I'm thinking about haveing a baby and I had a ? Is there a limit on lifting when pregnant

[@tamknatphysiorehab8933]

can I do 9 hours standing job with 1 hour break during pregnancy please reply. specially in first trimester

[@jesswheeler2958]

Hi, is it a myth that I can't get laser hair removal on my bikini line during pregnancy? I really don't want to stop my treatment if I don't have to 🤞

[@user-vf9wh6uu1g]

Hi, I'm 7 weeks pregnant and recently bought a body scrub with 'fragrance' (perfume) as one of the ingredients. I recently read that this is one of the ingredients pg women should avoid. How true is this?

[@citygirlinsuburbia8821]

What about laser hair removal

[@starrysloth8018]

hi Sarah, could you please do a video on placenta previa, any way for us to make the placenta go higher? 😰

[@Daymickey]

Yes! I have complete placenta previa. I was hoping it would move but it didn’t. Having a 37 week c section in 11 days. I’m wondering if it has anything to do with my adenomyosis or IVF conception.

[@spirititi2303]

This is only anecdotal evidence, ofcourse, but my mom told me she drank tons of coffee back in the days while she was pregnant with me, yet I am a 5'9 tall woman(taller than both my parents). So the caffeine thing is not always true.

[@catoe06]

I am obese and working on my weight while trying to get pregnant. Is it safe for me to continue to lose weight in the first trimester or overall?

[@user-zk6vx5cc6q]

I want to ask about root touching in 1 and 2 week of pregnancy? Is it ok ?

[@BarnettCL]

Is retinol okay while trying to conceive?

[@RamanDeep-gz9jd]

Juvexin in shampoo safe to use in pregnancy

[@maryskrzypczynski2225]

My father in law says that his mom was told to drink extra coffee/smoke while she was pregnant with him (in the 60s). And now they that's why all of their family is short

[@lovethjoseph3042]

Can pregnant women use rosemary for hair growth

[@bailygarin2494]

I hadn’t heard anything about the retinol until this video! So no skincare with retinols/retinoids?

[@annsmith7196]

Absolutely zero retinols/retinoids. It also hasn’t been deemed safe or unsafe during breastfeeding.

[@shlomtsimazuz154]

WHAT ABOUT BATHS? IS IT REALLY THAT RISKY TO TAKE HOT SHOWER OR LONG BATH?

[@kijani6882]

For stretch marks and skin care in general I have started using organic tallow. Not as nice and pleasing for the nose, but the most natural thing I was able to find (looking at most labels there are always some chemicals in there and who knows what those are doing to us long term).

[@KSWIRPS602]

Is it safe to go to a concert at all stages of pregnancy or will this truly cause a possible hearing loss for baby?