Navigating Contradictory 'Do’s and Don’ts': Making Evidence-Driven Choices Amid Information Overload

Heidi Oster once kept a sticky note by her desk labeled 'Questionable Advice.' Early in her first pregnancy, she’d hear conflicting tips everywhere—from Facebook moms’ groups to coworkers who swore by their own routines. The sticky note filled up quickly: 'OK to have one glass of wine?' 'Eat sushi or avoid altogether?' 'Only sleep on your left side?' Even a neighbor, well-meaning, insisted that any raw vegetables would surely 'cause colic.'

Instead of reacting to each piece, Heidi created a ritual: she would jot down confusing advice, then dig into official guidance later that day. Anything that was a true gray area (like herbal teas or supplements) made its way into her doctor’s question list. Over time, this habit not only shrunk her list, it made her own research skills and self-assurance grow. She noticed she slept better and worried less—not because she knew all the answers instantly, but because she trusted her filter more than any single anecdote.

Heidi’s experience reflects what cognitive psychologists call 'information triage'—the practice of separating reliable information from noise. The best guides aren’t those with all the answers, but those who teach us to ask the right questions and seek trustworthy sources.

Any time a new rule or old wives' tale crosses your path, write it down and let it sit—you don’t need to react right away. Later, check authoritative resources and save only what consistently lines up with science, not social media trends. Bring your sticking points to your provider openly; don’t let uncertainty pile up. Over time, this approach will sharpen your confidence and help you replace stress with knowledge—building habits that serve you well beyond pregnancy.