3 min read
By Dr. Maria K. Jimmy
Whether you’re a new mother, expecting a baby, or supporting someone through pregnancy, this guide is for you. If someone you care about is pregnant, consider sharing it with them. Trusted, evidence-based pregnancy advice can replace myths with confidence and help families make informed choices together.
How much of what you’ve heard about pregnancy is actually true?
Pregnancy is surrounded by myths passed down through generations and shared widely online. While some advice is harmless, other misconceptions can create unnecessary fear or confusion.
Here are 15 common pregnancy myths, explained using evidence from trusted medical organisations and current scientific research.
Myth 1: “You Need to Eat for Two”
The Truth:
You don’t need double the food, you need better quality nutrients.
In the second trimester, you only need about 340 extra calories per day, and about 450 in the third trimester.
Overeating increases the risk of gestational diabetes, not a healthier baby.
Myth 2: “Certain Foods Create ‘Heat’ and Harm the Baby”
The Truth:
This is one of India’s most persistent dietary beliefs, but there is zero scientific evidence that foods like mangoes, jackfruit, or certain meats increase “heat” in a way that harms the baby.
These foods are completely safe when eaten in normal quantities.
Myth 3: “Saffron (Kesar/Kunkumam) Makes the Baby Fair-Skinned”
The Truth:
A significant number of expectant mothers still believe this, but skin colour is entirely determined by genetics.
Large amounts of saffron may stimulate uterine contractions. Small amounts used in food are generally considered safe.
Myth 4: “Exercise Is Dangerous for the Baby”
The Truth:
For healthy pregnancies, moderate exercise is highly beneficial. Walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming improve circulation, reduce stress, and prepare your body for delivery.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Myth 5: “Morning Sickness Only Happens in the Morning”
The Truth:
Nausea can strike at any time of day or night.
Eating small, frequent meals helps manage symptoms.
Severe cases (hyperemesis gravidarum) may require medical attention and even hospitalization.
Myth 6: “Belly Shape and Fetal Heart Rate Predict the Baby’s Gender”
The Truth:
Completely false.
Belly shape depends on muscle tone, pelvic structure, the baby’s position, and your body type.
Fetal heart rate varies with gestational age and activity levels.
Neither predicts the baby’s sex.
Myth 7: “Avoid All Fish During Pregnancy”
The Truth:
Fish provides essential omega-3s for the baby’s brain and eye development.
Aim for 2–3 servings of low-mercury fish weekly (salmon, sardines, trout, tilapia, shrimp).
Avoid high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
Myth 8: “Heartburn Means the Baby Will Have Lots of Hair”
The Truth:
Heartburn is primarily caused by hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the stomach.
A small study found a possible association, but heartburn is not a reliable way to predict how much hair a baby will have.
Myth 9: “You Can’t Have Any Caffeine During Pregnancy”
The Truth:
Moderate caffeine (about 355 mL of brewed coffee) is considered safe.
Remember that caffeine also appears in tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. So make sure you limit it.
Myth 10: “Herbal Teas and Supplements Are Natural, So They’re Safe”
The Truth:
Not all herbal products are harmless during pregnancy.
Some herbs can affect blood pressure, stimulate uterine activity, or interact with prescription medications. Always check with your gynaecologist before consuming any herbal supplement.
Myth 11: “Miscarriage Happens Because You Did Something Wrong”
The Truth:
This is the cruelest myth, and completely false.
Around 50% of first-trimester miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. In many other cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
Myth 12: “Pregnant Women Should Avoid Papaya Completely”
The Truth:
Fully ripe papaya is safe to eat during pregnancy as part of a balanced diet.
Unripe or semi-ripe (green) papaya should be avoided because it contains more latex, which may stimulate uterine contractions.
Myth 13: “Babies Move Less in the Third Trimester Because They Run Out of Space”
The Truth:
This is incorrect.
You should feel your baby move throughout the entire pregnancy. The type of movement may change (more rolls and stretches instead of kicks), but the pattern should remain consistent.
If you notice reduced fetal movements, especially in the third trimester, contact your gynaecologist immediately.
Myth 14: “Smoking and drinking small amounts during pregnancy won’t harm the baby”
The Truth:
This is dangerously false.
There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, low birth weight, and developmental problems.
Smoking increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), miscarriage, placental problems, premature birth, and low birth weight.
Myth 15: “Spicy Food Induces Labour”
The Truth:
There is no scientific evidence supporting this.
Labour is triggered by complex hormonal and physical changes. All spicy food does is aggravate heartburn and indigestion.
Resources
- ICMR-NIN (Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Nutrition)
- FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- NHS (UK National Health Service)
- CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- NIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) UNICEF
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique. Always consult your obstetrician or gynaecologist before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, medications or supplements during pregnancy.
Image Note: The accompanying image is an AI-generated illustration. The person and setting depicted are fictional and do not represent any real individual or location.
You may wish to read these next:
Dr. Maria K. Jimmy 