Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women but can also be filled with myths and misconceptions. Knowing what is true and false can be challenging with so much information coming from friends, family and the internet. In this blog, we will be busting 14 common myths about pregnancy.

From the belief that you should avoid exercise to the idea that you can predict the gender of your baby based on some quirks, we will separate fact from fiction. Whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this blog will provide reliable information provided by Dr Tarun Joseph

Will exercise harm my baby

"This is a very common myth that goes around. Exercise in no way will harm your baby. Somebody who has led a sedentary life suddenly starts exercising during pregnancy; yes, it may be difficult for them. So if you are starting fresh, you start with very simple exercise and build your way up higher. On the other hand, if you're used to doing a lot of exercises, even going for a daily swim, daily run, or a little bit of weight in the gym are all perfectly fine, safe and suitable for your pregnancy."

Pregnant women have to fulfil their food cravings

"That's a huge myth; cravings generally tend to be into unhealthy food, very sugary foods or fried foods, and that's what we want to avoid as much as possible. Cravings do not indicate what your baby wants or what your body requires at that point. It is just precisely a craving. So stick to healthier foods if you have to, maybe a small bit of ice cream or chocolate to satisfy a craving, if you have to. But as much as possible, try to avoid it."

After the first pregnancy, no prep is required for the second.

"Second pregnancies are just as tricky as the first, and whether you like to admit it or not, you are a little bit older than you were before, so it’ll be a little bit more complicated. Given that your body has been through a pregnancy, the muscles have already been stretched out and weakened a lot; if you have not strengthened them after your last delivery, it could cause more complications during this pregnancy."

Dr Tarun recommends that preparation is essential, whether it is a second, third or fourth pregnancy. 

You must eat for two people

"You do not need to eat for two people; you need to eat a little more than an average person would. A pregnant mother’s body requires something like 2400 calories daily, nothing more than that. Eating more than required can cause unnecessary weight gain during pregnancy, and that has to stop. Eat what you require in a healthy diet." 

Black or dark-coloured food leads to a dark-coloured baby

"Your baby's skin colour is purely genetic; whatever you eat and do will not harm the baby in any way or cause anything to change about its skin tone" 

Hairy tummy = it’s a boy

"The hair on the stomach, the pregnancy glow, or the hair on the head, none of these things are indications of the sex of the baby. The only thing that can determine the sex of the baby is an ultrasound, which is illegal in this case." 

All mothers develop stretch marks

"Stretch marks are marks that develop on skin that has not been prepared; in the case of well-moisturized skin, you can prevent stretch marks from developing with the oils and creams available. On the other hand, if you have never used any of these creams before, sudden stretching of the skin can cause stretch marks. So try to prevent it by using any of these preparations that are available on the market." 

Big baby, big belly; small baby, small belly

"To some extent, we can tell you the baby's size based on the stomach size, but many other things have to be considered. For example, the woman's visceral fat and the water level inside the abdomen make the stomach look unnecessarily big, and sometimes the mother's muscle tone is weak. The stomach may be much bigger than the baby for somebody who's been to a second or third delivery." 

Sex can harm the baby

"Sex or intercourse during pregnancy is perfectly safe for the baby and will not harm the baby in any way. Also, it is a myth that intercourse is required for normal delivery. It is purely your preference if you’re comfortable." 

Cellphones, microwaves, and computers are harmful to babies

"Radiation could harm, but cell phones and microwaves are all ultrasonic or infrared, and all those pass through the body quite safely, and they’ll not harm your baby in any way." 

Can I fly while pregnant

"Flights are perfectly safe, the biggest issue with flights was the pressure control long ago, but nowadays, our flights are pretty safe. You do need a letter from your doctor if you are flying towards the end of your pregnancy, that is, after the 8th month from your doctor, but it is perfectly safe." 

Baby not moving much = Poor development

"So the baby's movements are how we, as doctors, monitor your baby's well-being. Since we can't do scans and checkups daily, we rely on your feelings about the baby's moments. We expect to have at least 15 to 20 moments every day in a healthy baby; if the movements are anything less than that, you need to check with your doctor to ensure your baby is doing well." 

Can I drink coffee while pregnant

Coffee and caffeinated drinks are unsuitable for your baby. An occasional small cup of coffee will not harm your baby, but caffeine and caffeinated drinks like coffee and energy drinks are quite unhealthy. So as much as possible, try to avoid them." 

Moderate drug or alcohol use is okay while pregnant

"Drugs and alcohol harm your baby, and avoid them at all costs. During your pregnancy, a small glass of wine is permissible, but if it is possible to avoid it better to avoid it." 

As we've explored in this blog, many myths and misconceptions about pregnancy are untrue. It's important to remember that every woman's pregnancy journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. By understanding the facts and debunking these common myths, you can make informed decisions about your health and your baby's health. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, and remember that knowledge and timely action is the power for a healthy pregnancy.