Pregnancy Mythbusting

Let's debunk some of the biggest pregnancy myths and explore some of the more obscure ones.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and exciting time in a person's life. However, it can also be a confusing and scary time, especially when it comes to all the myths and mis-‘conceptions’ floating around. It’s a time when everyone seems to have an opinion and loves to put in their two-penneths-worth, so we thought we’d clear up a few of those ridiculous rumours out there.

Myth #1: You can't have tea or coffee while pregnant or breastfeeding

While it's true that caffeine can be harmful in large amounts, especially during the first trimester, moderate amounts (around 200 milligrams a day) are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So go ahead and enjoy that cup of coffee in the morning, just don't overdo it!

Myth #2: Pregnant women shouldn't exercise

This is just plain wrong! As long as you have a doctor's approval, regular exercise can actually be great for both you and your growing baby. So don't let anyone tell you that you should be resting on the couch all day just because you're pregnant.

Myth #3: Eating spicy food will induce labour If only it were that easy!

While some people believe that spicy foods can help bring on labour, there's no scientific evidence to support this claim. So feel free to enjoy that spicy burrito, just don't expect it to jump-start your labour.

Myth #4: You should eat for two when you're pregnant

Sorry to burst your bubble. While it's true that you need to consume more calories when you're pregnant, you definitely don't need to double your intake. In fact, most women only need an extra 300-500 calories a day. So go ahead and enjoy that extra snack, but don't use pregnancy as an excuse to go on a junk food bender.

Myth #5: If you have heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will be born with a full head of hair

It's a fun idea, but there's actually no scientific evidence to support it. So don't get too excited about your baby's potential luscious locks just yet.

Myth #6: You can't dye your hair when you're pregnant

This is a tricky one. While some studies have suggested that certain chemicals in hair dye could be harmful to a developing fetus, the evidence is inconclusive. So feel free to rock whatever hair colour you want, just make sure to do it in a well-ventilated area.

Myth #7: If you're carrying low, you're having a boy, and if you're carrying high, you're having a girl

This is completely untrue and has no scientific basis. The shape of your bump is determined by a number of factors, including the position of the baby and the shape of your uterus. So don't get too hung up on the shape of your belly - just enjoy growing that little bundle of joy inside you.

Myth #8: You should avoid all seafood when you're pregnant

While it's true that some types of seafood (like shark and swordfish) should be avoided during pregnancy due to high levels of mercury, many types of seafood are safe and actually have important nutrients that are beneficial for both you and your baby. So go ahead and enjoy that salmon, just make sure it's cooked properly.

Myth #9: Sex when you're pregnant can hurt the baby

This one is just plain silly. Sex is perfectly safe during pregnancy. Your baby is protected, floating in an amniotic sac, surrounded by the muscles of the uterus. Nothing’s touching the baby.

Myth #10: If you have a lot of morning sickness, it means you're having a girl

Sorry to disappoint, but the gender of your baby has nothing to do with how much morning sickness you have. While it's true that some women experience more nausea and vomiting during pregnancy than others, the severity of morning sickness is not a reliable indicator of your baby's gender.

Myth #11: You should avoid all soft cheeses during pregnancy

While it's true that some soft cheeses (like feta, brie, and camembert) can be contaminated with listeria, a type of bacteria that can be harmful to a developing faetus, many soft cheeses are perfectly safe. So go ahead and enjoy that goat cheese salad, just make sure it's made from pasteurised milk.

Myth #12: If you have heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will be born with a lot of hair on their back

Okay, this one is just plain weird. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the idea that heartburn during pregnancy is related to your baby's body hair. So feel free to enjoy that spicy chili without worrying your baby will come out looking like a miniature Chewbacca.

Myth #13: You shouldn't lift anything heavy when you're pregnant

While it's true that you should avoid lifting extremely heavy objects when you're pregnant, moderate exercise and lifting can actually be beneficial for both you and your baby. So don't be afraid to pick up those grocery bags or lift your toddler, just make sure to use proper form and listen to your body.

Myth #14: If you have a lot of cravings for sweet foods, you're having a girl

Once again, this is rubbish! The gender of your baby has nothing to do with your food cravings. While it's true that many women experience cravings during pregnancy, the types of food they crave have no bearing on their baby's gender.

Myth #15: It’s okay to have the odd glass of wine while pregnant

Very sorry, but while some studies have suggested that small amounts of alcohol (like a glass of wine) may be safe during pregnancy, there is no amount of alcohol that is known to be completely safe. So it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy.

As you can see, there are a lot of pregnancy myths out there that simply aren't true. While it can be tempting to believe some of them, it's important to remember that the best source of information about pregnancy is your doctor. So, if you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for guidance. And remember, just because your aunt Wendy’s neighbour swears that eating pickles will give you a boy, it doesn't mean it's true (although, fair enough, pickles are delicious).

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