Common myths in pregnancy: Separating facts from fiction

Pregnancy is a beautiful, yet complex journey, and with so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. From food fears to old wives’ tales, misinformation can cause unnecessary stress. Let’s debunk the common myths:

Myths relating to foods

Navigating what to eat during pregnancy can feel like walking through a minefield of advice—some accurate, others inaccurate.

Myth: Eating for two means you need double portions
Reality: While your calorie intake should increase, it's only about 350-450 extra calories a day. A balanced diet is key, not doubling portions.

Myth: Spicy foods can induce labour
Reality: Though spicy foods can upset your stomach, they don’t have the power to start labour. Labour begins when your body and baby are ready.

 Myth: Seafood is dangerous for pregnancy
Reality: Many fish like salmon and shrimp are great choices due to their omega-3 content. However, avoid high-mercury fish like shark.

Myth: Drinking sugarcane juice can cause drooling in babies
Reality: Moderation is the key. Sugarcane juice is safe, and drooling in babies is just part of normal development, not something caused by a mother’s diet.

Myth: Eggs should be avoided due to salmonella
Reality: Fully cooked eggs are a nutritious, safe food during pregnancy, providing essential proteins and vitamins.

Myth: Craving foods you don’t usually eat is a sign of something wrong
Reality: Pregnancy cravings, like wanting pickles and ice cream at 2am, are totally normal! They’re often linked to hormonal changes and your body’s evolving needs. Just be sure to keep things balanced and healthy to avoid excessive weight gain.

Exercise during pregnancy

Exercise during pregnancy is a topic that often sparks debate. 

Myth: Pregnant women should avoid exercise altogether
Reality: Exercise, when done correctly, is beneficial. It helps with fitness, labour stamina, and reduces risk of complications like gestational diabetes.

 Myth: Exercise can harm the baby
Reality: When done properly, exercise is safe and can improve both maternal and foetal health.

Myth: Only active women can exercise during pregnancy
Reality: Even if you were not active before, low-intensity exercise like walking or swimming is safe for most pregnancies.

Labour and delivery myths

Labour is often surrounded by a swirl of misconceptions.

Myth: You’ll give birth exactly on your due date
Reality: Only four per cent of babies are born on their exact due date. Labour can happen anytime between 37-42 weeks.

Myth: Walking or having sex will induce labour
Reality: While both activities can be helpful for comfort, they won’t trigger labour. The body and baby determine when labour starts.

Myth: Drinking certain teas or eating specific foods will induce labour
Reality: No foods or teas have been proven to induce labuor. A balanced diet is always the best approach during pregnancy.

Myth: Short women always need a C-section
Reality: Height does not determine the likelihood of needing a C-section. Other factors like the baby’s position are more important.

Gender prediction myths: What really determines your baby’s sex

From old wives’ tales to popular beliefs, let’s sort through some of the most common gender prediction myths:

Myth: If you crave sweets, it’s a girl; if you crave salty foods, it’s a boy
Reality: Cravings are influenced by hormones and nutritional needs, not your baby’s sex.

Myth: A higher bump means a girl; a lower bump means a boy
Reality: The position of your bump is influenced by factors like your body type and the baby’s position, not gender.

Myth: A faster foetal heart rate means a girl
Reality: There’s no scientific evidence supporting that heart rate correlates with gender. It varies for many reasons.

Myth: The placenta’s position determines the baby’s gender
Reality: The idea that the placenta’s position—posterior for boys and anterior for girls—determines gender is just a myth! The baby’s gender is determined by the chromosomes inherited from both parents

Common myths and facts about pregnancy symptoms and lifestyle

Myth: You should avoid hot baths completely during pregnancy.
Reality: Warm baths can be incredibly soothing during pregnancy, and there's no need to avoid them entirely. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot. Hot water can raise your core body temperature, potentially causing dehydration or fainting. Saunas and hot tubs are best skipped, though, as they can cause your temperature to rise too much.

Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning
Reality: Despite the name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. While many women experience it most intensely in the morning, it’s common for nausea to last all day, especially in the early months. The good news? It usually improves after the first trimester.

Myth: Dyeing your hair while pregnant is unsafe.
Reality: The chemicals in hair dye are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy as very little is absorbed through the scalp. If you’re worried, you can opt for ammonia-free dyes or wait until later in pregnancy to coluor your hair.

Myth: Heartburn means your baby will have a lot of hair.
Reality: While it’s true that pregnancy hormones can trigger heartburn, there’s no real link between heartburn and how much hair your baby will have. It's all about the hormones, not the hair!

Myth: Hanging laundry could affect the umbilical cord
Reality: Reaching up to hang laundry is perfectly safe. There’s no risk to the baby or the umbilical cord. Of course, if your doctor has recommended avoiding certain activities, be sure to follow that advice.

Myth: You shouldn't have a cat if you're pregnant
Reality: You can definitely keep your feline friends, but be cautious about handling cat litter. It can expose you to toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can harm your baby. If you must clean the litter box, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.

Myth: Applying creams prevents stretch marks
Reality: Unfortunately, creams and oils won’t prevent stretch marks. Genetics play a large role in whether you'll get them, but moisturising your skin can help keep it soft and relieve some of that itching.

Myth: An itchy belly means your baby will have a lot of hair.
Reality: An itchy belly is more about your skin stretching and drying out than your baby’s hair. It’s common, especially as your belly grows, and using a good moisturizer can help relieve the discomfort.

Myth: Wearing artificial nails is dangerous for pregnant women.
Reality: Wearing artificial nails is generally safe, as long as you keep them clean and practice good hygiene to avoid infection. If you're working with chemicals as a nail technician, it's a good idea to make sure your workspace is well-ventilated.

Myth: Having sex during pregnancy is harmful
Reality: In most cases, sex is completely safe during pregnancy, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise due to complications like placenta previa or a risk of premature labour. Your desire for intimacy might fluctuate throughout pregnancy, and that's totally normal.

Myth: You need to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding.
Reality: There's no need to toughen up your nipples before the baby arrives. Instead, focus on learning proper latching techniques, and consider seeking help from a lactation consultant once your baby is born.

Myth: Flying is unsafe during pregnancy
Reality: Flying is generally safe during pregnancy, but if you have complications or are in your third trimester, it’s best to check with your doctor first. Be sure to check your airline’s policies regarding pregnancy as well.

Myth: Getting a tooth extraction during pregnancy is dangerous.
Reality: It’s usually safe to get a tooth extracted during pregnancy, especially if it’s important for your health. Dentists tend to prefer doing this in the second trimester, but always inform your dentist about your pregnancy to ensure the right precautions are taken.

So, if you’ve heard any of these myths, now you know the truth! Always remember to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns during your pregnancy. They’re the best resource for keeping you and your baby safe and healthy!

Dr Okemo is a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist at Aga Khan University Hospital