Ever had your mother-in-law nag at you not to bathe or not to eat spicy food while you're pregnant?

No matter how old the old wives' tales get, we still follow every word they say, ridiculous as it may sound.

But how many of them are true?

Mind Your Body speaks to Dr Tan Thiam Chye, associate consultant in the department of general obstetrics and gynaecology at KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The co-author of a new book entitled The New Art And Science Of Pregnancy And Childbirth, which includes a chapter on pregnancy and confinement myths, tells us what he thinks of these old wives' tales.

» Can pregnant women wear high heels?

FACT: Although celebrities like Nicole Ritchie and Christina Aguilera have been seen wearing five-inch heels as late as six months into pregnancy, it is not for ordinary mortals.

The feet of pregnant women increase in size during pregnancy due to water retention in the legs, Dr Tan says.

Also, pregnant women are prone to falling and tripping due to changes in centre of gravity and dynamics, which affects balance. Wearing high heels can also worsen the backache commonly experienced by the mother-to-be.

He recommends sticking to flat and low-heeled shoes.

» Pregnant women must avoid spicy food and caffeine

FACT: There is some evidence that larger daily amounts of caffeine during pregnancy may increase risks of miscarriage, preterm delivery and low birth weight, but these studies are inconclusive, Dr Tan says.

He advises caffeine addicts to limit their intake to a maximum of two cups per day.

As for spicy food, which is said to induce early labour, Dr Tan affirms that there is no scientific proof to confirm this.

» Pregnant women cannot take baths

FACT: Actress Zoe Tay may have claimed that she did not bathe during her confinement month, but Dr Tan is not for this. 'Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial at all times even in pregnancy.'

» No sex or exercise during pregnancy

FACT: Pregnancy does not diminish the desire for intimacy between couples and having sex will not cause any harm to the woman or baby. Exercise is highly recommended as long as it is done in moderation throughout your entire pregnancy, or if your doctor instructs otherwise.

There are also endless benefits to exercise, says Dr Tan. It prepares you for the physical demands of labour and motherhood. It also helps to improve your posture and reduces backache, constipation and swelling in legs.
'You will feel less tired and sleep better. You will also gain less body fat. To your delight, you will find that you return faster to your pre-pregnancy fitness and a healthy weight after your delivery,' he adds.

» Pregnant women should not use sharp objects or sew on the bed

FACT: Old wives' tales claim that it will cause your baby to be deformed.

But Dr Tan confirms that this is just a old myth and said: 'Definitely, a myth to be debunked with no medical basis. Most malformations do not have any identifiable causes.'

» Pregnant women have to eat for two

FACT: It is not about how much you eat. It is more important to eat healthily throughout your pregnancy.

'Good nutrition optimises the growth and development of your baby and at the same time safeguards your own health,' says Dr Tan.

The New Art And Science Of Pregnancy and Childbirth is on sale at major bookstores and the KKH Pharmacy at $38 (paperback) and $86 (hardcover), excluding GST.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Mar 12, 2008.