Common Myths in Pregnancy: Debunking Misconceptions Every Mom-to-Be Should Know

Pregnancy is a transformative moment in a woman’s life. It takes a toll on your body, physically and mentally. You are nurturing a new life. Everything you do, every bite you take, has a direct or indirect impact on the health of your baby. That is why having a healthy and balanced diet in pregnancy is essential.

Your baby relies on you for everything, including bone formation and brain development. They need vital nutrients to get a strong start in life. But it is not just the baby who will be getting the benefits of having a healthy diet. A nutrient-rich diet will help you through your pregnancy by managing your fatigue, reducing the risk of pregnancy-related complications, and more. In fact, it can also support your postpartum recovery.

In this blog, we will be walking you through the essential nutrients and foods you need to eat during pregnancy to have a healthy baby, along with a few tips to make your pregnancy journey easier and healthier.

Myth 1 – You Can’t Exercise During Pregnancy

Fact: Women can’t exercise during pregnancy is a common myth about pregnancy that women can’t exercise during this time. However, unless specified by your gynaecologist due to any complications, physical exercises are considered highly beneficial during this period. Specified exercises during this time can help reduce back pain, enhance posture, sleep, mood, and most importantly, prepare the body for labour. Always take advice from your doctor before performing certain exercises to avoid any mishap.

Myth 2 – Carrying High or Low Predicts Baby’s Gender

Fact: Another common myth about pregnancy is that your baby bump can determine the gender of your baby. Interestingly, the shape, height, and position of your baby bump depend upon the structure of your own body, not your baby’s gender.

Myth 3 – Pregnant Women Should Eat for Two

Fact: It is true that pregnant women need more nutrition, but doubling your diet for this doesn’t necessarily lead to a healthy baby. Overeating can increase unnecessary weight and complications like gestational diabetes. Moreover, most women generally require a few extra calories than their normal diet during the second or third trimesters.

Myth 4 – Spicy Food Can Induce Labour

Fact: There’s no scientific proof that spicy food triggers labour. It may irritate your digestive system and cause heartburn, but it won’t lead to contractions or early delivery. Labour begins when your body and baby are ready, not when your dinner is spicy.

Myth 5 – Heartburn Means Your Baby Has Lots of Hair

Fact: This myth does have a very small scientific basis. One research study demonstrated that there was some correlation between high estrogen levels (which loosen the oesophagus) and baby hair, but it's not an accurate indicator. Pregnancy heartburn results from hormonal changes and your expanding uterus compressing against your stomach.

Myth 6 – You Should Avoid All Caffeine

Fact: Caffeine avoidance is not required. The upper limit is a maximum of 200 mg per day (about one 1-2 servings of coffee). Overindulgence might increase the risk for miscarriage or low birth weight, but moderate to small quantities are safe to consume.

Myth 7 – Ultrasounds Can Harm The Baby

Fact: Ultrasounds use sound waves—not radiation—and are a routine and safe aspect of prenatal care. When done by skilled professionals, they assist in tracking fetal growth and screening for possible problems early on.

Myth 8 – You Can't Dye Your Hair During Pregnancy

Fact: Although some women opt to wait until after the first trimester, most research suggests it's okay to colour your hair during pregnancy. Use ammonia-free dyes and get it done at a trusted salon with proper ventilation.

Myth 9 – Morning Sickness Occurs Only in the Morning

Fact: Not true, as the name would imply. Nausea can occur during the morning, noon, or night. For some women, it persists throughout the day and very far into the second trimester. It may vary in severity and timing in each individual.

Myth 10 – Pregnant Women Need to Steer Clear of Baths

Fact: Warm baths are extremely comforting and safe during pregnancy. The trick is to temperature—do not soak in extremely hot water (over 38°C or 100°F) as it does increase your core temperature, which can be dangerous. Choose lukewarm baths for relaxation.

Every pregnancy is different. One woman’s experience or advice from a relative may not apply to you. The danger of following pregnancy myths is that they can distract from medically sound practices—or worse, lead to complications.

For example, skipping essential medicines such as folic acid for the fact that "you didn't need them last time" or neglecting vaccines due to online tales may expose mom and baby to harm. That is why always trust up-to-date and research-based advice given by your healthcare provider only. Your obstetrician, not an old wives’ tale, is always your best bet.

The pregnancy journey is full of anticipation, transformation, and advice. Although it's normal to receive tips from relatives, friends, or strangers, not all advice needs to be true or trusted. Having a knowledge of whether or not these pregnancy misconceptions are scientifically true can help you avoid confusion during this time of great transition, physically and mentally.

Ask questions, stay informed, and above all, follow your doctor and medical team at pregnancy hospital above every rumour or folklore, as an educated and well-informed mom is mom of the year.