10 Common Myths about Pregnancy You Shouldn’t Believe
Pregnancy is a big change in life. It is normal to look for advice to keep mother and baby safe. The truth is, there is a lot of information out there. You get stories from family and things you read online. But you might feel lost trying to tell what is true and what is not. A lot of what people say about pregnancy comes from old ideas or things that are not proven. This can make you feel worried, and some of these ideas are not good for your health. There are just a lot of myths about pregnancy that are circulating that are just wrong, and here we aim to adress that.
Some people think that because you are pregnant, you have to eat for two. This may make you feel like you need to eat much more than usual. But most women only need to add a small amount to their caloric intake during pregnancy. There is another idea that says you should not exercise at all when you are pregnant. But doctors often say that doing some physical activity is good for you unless there is a medical reason not to.
It’s good to know that every pregnancy is different. It helps to talk with expert doctors who understand your personal situation. They can provide you with clear advice tailored to your specific needs. But first, let us take a closer look at the 10 common myths about pregnancy you shouldn’t believe.
10 Common Myths about Pregnancy You Shouldn’t Believe
Many people still believe some common myths about pregnancy. A lot of these are about things like diet and exercise. You might hear them from family or friends because these ideas get passed down over time. Most of the time, they are not true and there is no real science that backs them up. Believing these common pregnancy myths can make you feel stressed during what should be a happy time.
For people going through their first pregnancy, it can be tough to know what is true and what is not. Women’s health can feel confusing during this time. Let’s make things a bit easier by talking about ten pregnancy myths that many still believe.
1. “You should eat for two during pregnancy”
One thing many people say is that you are “eating for two,” but that does not mean you can or should eat twice as much food. This is one of the most common myths about pregnancy. Your caloric intake should go up, but only by a small amount. In fact, you do not need any extra calories in the first trimester.
Experts say you should have about 300 to 340 extra calories each day in your second trimester. In your third trimester, as you near your due date, aim to consume approximately 450 extra calories daily. This is like having a small snack, such as an apple with peanut butter. It does not mean you need to eat a full meal on top of your regular food. What matters most is getting foods with a lot of good nutrients, not just more calories.
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can make health problems more likely. Some of these problems are gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and sometimes you may need a C-section. The best thing to do is not to feel like you must eat for two. You should try to make healthy choices every day. This will help your health and be good for your baby’s development. Weight gain is normal, but it should be in a healthy range.
2. “Heartburn means your baby will have lots of hair”
Have you heard people say that getting heartburn means your baby will have lots of hair? This idea has been shared for a long time. It is one of those old wives’ tales that many people know about. While it may feel fun to think about, the truth is that there is not much science behind it. The link between heartburn and how much hair your baby will have comes mostly from stories people tell, not from real proof.
A small study done in 2006 showed there might be a weak link. The study suggests that the pregnancy hormones causing heartburn may also affect how much hair the baby has. But experts, including certified nurse midwife Pamela Hetrick, say this story is not true.
Heartburn is something many people feel in the last weeks of pregnancy. This happens because your body goes through changes in hormones that make the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus relax. That, plus the pressure from your growing uterus, makes heartburn more likely. Some say if the baby has a lot of hair, you will feel heartburn. But this is not true, and the amount of heartburn does not show how much hair your baby will have.
3. “Carrying low or high predicts the baby’s gender”
Many people enjoy guessing the sex of their baby by observing the way they carry. If you carry low, some say it means you will have a boy. If you carry high, they say it could be a girl. Others watch what you eat and talk about your food cravings. Some people even think the baby’s heart rate tells them what they will get. But the truth is, carrying low or high does not tell you the sex of your baby. This is just one of the myths about Pregnancy.
These ways do not have any real science behind them. They do not truly tell you the sex of the baby. The way a woman carries her baby is about her body type, how strong her muscles are, and where the baby is. It is not about the sex of the baby.
If you want to know the sex of your baby before your due date, only medical tests give clear answers. An ultrasound usually shows if it is a boy or girl at about 19 or 20 weeks. There are some blood tests that can tell you the sex of your baby at 10 weeks. If you do not do these tests, you will get the answer on the day your baby comes.
4. “Pregnant women should avoid all seafood”
The advice on what seafood to eat during pregnancy can be confusing. Many pregnant women may feel unsure and avoid eating fish. But you do not have to stop eating all types of fish or seafood. Many kinds are actually good for both you and your baby. Seafood is rich in protein and fatty acids. These nutrients help you stay healthy when you are pregnant.
The primary concern is fish that contain a high concentration of mercury. The FDA advises against eating fish such as swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and bigeye tuna. You also need to stay away from raw or uncooked seafood, which includes some sushi. This is because there is a risk of listeria and other harmful bacteria in these foods.
Instead, it is better to choose foods that are low in mercury. The FDA says people should eat two to three servings each week of good choices like these:
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Sardines
- Tilapia
5. “Morning sickness only happens in the morning”
The term “morning sickness” can be misleading. It happens in the first trimester of pregnancy and way before your due date, but the sickness may not just be in the morning. If you feel sick or you throw up, it can happen any time in the day or at night. Many women go through this during those first months, and the feeling is tough to deal with.
Many pregnant women start to feel this way around the fourth week of pregnancy. It often goes away by the time they reach week 16. Studies say that less than 2% feel these symptoms only in the morning. If you have an empty stomach, it may exacerbate the symptoms. That’s why it helps to eat small meals more frequently throughout the day.
Some people say that morning sickness shows a healthy pregnancy. However, morning sickness is a common symptom that results from hormonal changes. Having it or not having it does not tell you how healthy your pregnancy will be. If you feel very sick with morning sickness, consult your healthcare provider.
6. “Exercise is unsafe during pregnancy”
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy? Yes, for most people, it is. A lot of people believe that the risk of miscarriage goes up if you exercise, but that is just not true. Keeping yourself active can help you feel better in your body and also in your mind. It is a good way to take care of your mental health while you are pregnant.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you were active before being pregnant, it is likely you can keep doing your routine with a few small changes. If you are new to working out, talk to your doctor before you start. Most experts say to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
While exercise can be good for women, there are some things that should not be done. These things are not safe, and to keep women healthy, it’s better to avoid them. Stay away from:
- Contact sports like soccer or basketball can be risky.
- Activities where you may fall, like skiing, are best avoided.
- Exercises that ask you to lie flat on your back for a long time, especially as pregnancy goes on, are not good for you.
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7. “You must avoid flying while pregnant”
Many soon-to-be parents feel concerned about air travel during pregnancy. For most, it is safe to fly if the pregnancy is healthy and has no problems. There is no higher risk of miscarriage or early labor from flying for people with a healthy pregnancy. Still, you should think about a few things as the pregnancy moves along.
Most airlines do not let pregnant women fly during the last part of pregnancy. The reason is not that flying is unsafe. Airlines just don’t want someone to give birth during a flight. You should check with your airline first. You should also talk to your doctor before you buy a ticket. Johns Hopkins Medicine says this is a common rule.
| Travel Type | General Restriction Timeline |
| Domestic | After 36 weeks of pregnancy |
| International | Between 28 and 35 weeks |
When you fly, it is good to drink enough water. You should also get up from your seat and walk a bit to help with blood flow. Be sure that you wear your seatbelt below your belly for comfort and safety. Taking these simple steps will help make your trip feel better and keep you safe.
8. “Stretch marks mean something is wrong with the pregnancy”
Seeing stretch marks on your belly, hips, or thighs can feel strange. You might worry about what they mean. The truth is, stretch marks are very normal in pregnancy. The marks do not show that anything is wrong with you or your baby which is one of the most common myths about pregnancy.
These lines show up when your skin needs to stretch fast because of weight gain in pregnancy or as your baby grows. The way your skin reacts can also be because of your genes and hormones. These lines do not mean there is anything wrong with your baby. They do not point to any problems during pregnancy.
Think of them as a sign to show the amazing work your body is doing. Many creams and oils claim to stop them, but these products do not work very well. The best thing you can do is accept the way your body is changing during this special time.
9. “Cravings always mean you’re missing nutrients”
Are these strong food cravings a sign that your body is telling you it’s missing some nutrients? A lot of people like this idea, but it is not really true. Most of the time, there is not much science behind it. A craving for pickles does not always mean you need more salt. Wanting ice cream does not mean you are missing out on calcium. Food cravings are not clear signs of what your body needs.
Pregnancy food cravings often happen because of the changes in hormones during this time. These changes can affect how you taste and smell things. Food cravings can also bring comfort and help you deal with the ups and downs in your mind while you are pregnant. This can be good for your mental health. It is fine to give in to these cravings sometimes, but try to maintain a balance.
Rather than trying to figure out what every craving means, it is better to focus on eating a balanced diet. To keep your caloric intake in check and still feel happy about what you eat, you can:
- Eat small, regular meals so you don’t feel hungry.
- Keep some healthy snacks with you.
- Listen to your body and needs, but try to pick good foods most of the time.
10. “You can’t dye your hair or have beauty treatments when pregnant”
Many pregnant women feel worried that they need to stop doing things they like, such as getting their hair dyed or having a manicure. The good thing is most of these beauty routines are safe for you. If you want to use hair dye, you do not need to feel scared. The chemicals from hair dye do not get into your scalp very much.
Many experts and groups, like the American Pregnancy Association, say it’s best to wait until after the first trimester to color your hair. That’s because the baby’s main organs are made after this time. If you want to color your hair, go to a salon that has good airflow. You can also try things like highlights, since this does not touch your scalp as much. Ammonia-free products are also a good option.
Getting a manicure is okay. Just make sure the place cleans its tools the right way. You can keep your women’s health safe if you go to a salon that has fresh air. This helps you avoid breathing bad smells. Doing things like this is a simple way that can help you feel good while you are pregnant.
Sex During Pregnancy – Myths and Safety
When it comes to intimacy during pregnancy, many myths circulate that can leave couples feeling confused or anxious. One common myth is that sex can harm the baby, but the truth is that for most healthy pregnancies, having sex is completely safe. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and the strong muscles of the uterus, which provide a safe environment. Even as pregnancy progresses, couples can maintain intimacy, though they may need to explore new positions or methods that are comfortable for both partners.
It’s essential to communicate openly about any concerns, desires, or changes in comfort levels. If there are specific medical conditions, such as a history of preterm labor or complications, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide clarity and peace of mind. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy, intimate connection can positively impact emotional well-being for both partners during this transformative time.
Final Words
Navigating pregnancy means there can be a lot you read or hear. A lot of what people say are just myths about pregnancy and not facts. The best thing to do is to put your physical and mental health first, always. Being sure about your choices is part of being well during this time. A healthy pregnancy starts with advice from those you trust most.
At Carefultrip, our team focuses on care based on what works best and gives you support that fits your needs during the whole pregnancy journey. Your healthcare provider is there with you on this journey, so ask them any questions at any time and feel free to talk about your worries. They will give you answers you need that are based on real science, which helps you feel safe and happy through the nine months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by plane during pregnancy?
Yes, flying is safe for most pregnant women if they have a healthy pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage does not go up when you travel by plane. Airlines often do not let you fly if you are past 36 weeks of pregnancy on trips within the country. For trips to other countries, the rules are tighter and start at even fewer weeks of pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor and check with the airline before you book your flight.
Do pregnancy cravings really signal a deficiency?
Food cravings can feel strong, but they often come from changes in hormones that affect the way you taste or smell things. It’s ok to give in once in a while, but it’s essential to eat foods that provide you with what you need. A balanced diet helps you control your caloric intake and is good for mental health, too.
Can exercise harm the baby during pregnancy?
No, moderate exercise is good for women’s health during a healthy pregnancy. It does not raise the risk of miscarriage. It can help you feel better and get your body ready for labor. Just do not take part in contact sports or any activities where you might fall.
Is it true that rubbing a pregnant belly increases the chance of having a baby?
This story is something you hear often but it is not based on science. When someone rubs a pregnant belly, it can help partners and people feel close to the baby. The act does not change if you will get pregnant, and it will not change what happens in the pregnancy. It is just a way to show love.
Is Sleeping on Your Back During Pregnancy Risky?
Yes, sleeping on your back may be risky, more so as pregnancy goes on. The uterus can press on a big vein. This can bring down blood flow for your heart and the baby. It is best for pregnant women to sleep on their side. This helps to have a healthy pregnancy.
Citations:
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, March). Advice about Eating Fish. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
[2] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/traveling-while-pregnant-or-breastfeeding
[3] American Pregnancy Association. Hair Treatments During Pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hair-treatments-during-pregnancy/
[4] Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676933/