There’s no shortage of pregnancy advice – everyone has something to say. Grandma, aunt, neighbor, social media – everyone has their own “information”.
But how much is true and how much is just hearsay?
Today I’m going to tell you the truth about 15 of the most common pregnancy myths – with science!
Myth 1: “Heartburn is a baby’s thick hair!”
It’s a common myth – but is it true?
One study actually found a link – but it was a very weak connection and is not considered conclusive in science.
Fact: Heartburn occurs during pregnancy because hormones relax the digestive tract and the growing baby puts pressure on the stomach.
Verdict: Mostly myth – styling your hair with heartburn is not reliable!
Myth 2: “Fast heartbeat means baby girl, slow heartbeat means baby boy”
This is the most popular pregnancy myth!
It’s a firm belief in many families – but what does the science say?
Fact: Research has repeatedly shown that a baby’s heart rate varies with the baby’s age and activity level, not gender. Slower when sleeping, faster when active – whether it’s a boy or a girl!
Verdict: Myth – Gender is not predicted by heart rate!
Myth 3: “Eat double during pregnancy – you’re eating for two!”
“Eating for two” – this phrase is very misleading!
Truth: The baby is very small — no extra calories are needed in the first trimester! In the second trimester, you need about 300 extra calories — that’s the same as a banana and a cup of milk. In the third trimester, 450 extra calories.
Verdict: Myth – Don’t eat twice, eat better!
Myth 4: “Quit drinking coffee completely during pregnancy”
This is partly a myth!
Truth: You don’t have to cut it out completely – but you should limit it. The WHO and most health organizations say that 200 mg of caffeine per day (about 1-2 cups of tea or coffee) is generally safe.
Verdict: Partly a myth – don’t cut it out completely, but limit it!
Myth 5: “The shape of the pet tells whether the baby is a boy or a girl”
“A boy on top, a girl on the bottom” – is this true?
Truth: The shape of the stomach depends on:
- Same body type as mother
- The baby’s position is even.
- Same height as mother
- How many pregnancies (first, second)
Nothing to do with gender!
Verdict: Myth – The appearance of a pet does not indicate gender!
Myth 6: “Exercise is dangerous during pregnancy”
This myth unnecessarily disables many pregnant mothers!
Truth: Moderate exercise is generally very beneficial during pregnancy:
- Weight gain occurs as usual.
- Back pain works.
- Helps with labor.
- Mood does a lot.
- The risk of gestational diabetes works.
Surf Contact sports, heavy lifting, and very intense exercise should be avoided. Normal walking, swimming, prenatal yoga – completely safe!
Verdict: Myth – Beat the exercise band, ask the doctor if it’s safe!
Myth 7: “Nausea is morning sickness”
The very name morning sickness is misleading!
Truth: “Morning sickness” can happen at any time of day – morning, afternoon, night – or all day long! Many mothers feel worse at night.
Verdict: Myth – It’s not limited to the morning!
Myth 8: “If a baby moves a lot, it means he will be a very active baby”
It’s a romantic idea – but not necessarily true!
Fact: Movements in the womb depend on the development and position of the baby’s nervous system. An active baby in the womb does not necessarily become an active baby in the womb—personality is shaped by many factors.
Verdict: Myth – Activity in the womb does not predict personality in the womb!
Myth 9: “Pregnant women should stay away from cats”
This advice is partly correct—but it’s important to understand the pitfalls!
Truth: There is concern about an infection called toxoplasmosis—which is carried in cat feces. But:
- Indoor cats are generally safe.
- The risk is mainly from eating raw cat meat or contact with a stray cat.
- Avoid using a crane or gloves when cleaning the cat box.
- It is not necessary to put a door on a cat – Surf precautions
Verdict: Partial myth – doors should be kept clean by cleaning cat litter, not by cats!
Myth 10: “Eating spicy food induces labor”
This is a popular “hack” when pregnancy is overdue—but does it work?
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that spicy food helps labor. What does happen is that it can irritate the digestive system—causing nausea or heartburn.
Verdict: Myth – Spicy food doesn’t help labor, it just upsets the stomach!
Myth 11: “You shouldn’t dye your hair during pregnancy”
This is another common concern!
Truth: Research says that very small amounts of the chemicals in hair dye are absorbed through the skin – and this amount is usually not harmful to the baby. But:
- It is better to avoid in the first trimester (for safety).
- Use the caraway in a well-ventilated room.
- Prefer ammonia-free products to keratin.
- Highlights (which do not touch the scalp) are safer.
Verdict: Mostly myth – occasional use is generally safe but be careful in the first trimester!
Myth 12: “The baby doesn’t feel everything in the womb”
This marriage is the biggest myth – and it’s completely wrong!
Truth: As We Are blog has articles on it:
- Baby can sunbathe from week 18.
- Feels touch from week 25
- Eyes may open from week 26.
- He has also been dreaming since week 28.
The poor thing in the womb becomes “aware”!
Verdict: Myth – The baby feels a lot in the womb!
Myth 13: “Caesarean is the ‘easy way out'”
This myth is very painful for C-section mothers!
Truth: A C-section is a major surgery:
- Recovery 6 weeks or more.
- There is pain after the operation.
- There are limits to driving and lifting.
- The scar remains.
No C-section is “easy” — it’s a brave medical decision made to protect the mother and baby.
Verdict: Myth – C-sections are not easy, and there are no “lesser” mothers, by the way!
Myth 14: “Breastfeeding does not cause pregnancy”
This is partly true – but not reliable contraception!
True: Breastfeeding can provide some protection (LAM method) – but only under certain circumstances (baby is being exclusively breastfed, periods haven’t returned, baby is under 6 months of age). It’s not 100% reliable.
Verdict: Partial myth – may provide protection but not guaranteed, talk to your doctor about contraception!
Myth 15: “Normal delivery is better, the baby’s love is the work of the C-section”
This myth is very harmful!
Truth: The method of delivery does not determine a mother’s love for her baby. Skin-to-skin contact, bonding, breastfeeding – it all happens even after a C-section. A mother’s heart is just as fulfilled for her baby — no matter how the delivery was.
Verdict: Myth – Delivery method has nothing to do with love!
Quick Summary Table
| Myth | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Heartburn = thick hair | Mostly Myth |
| Fast heartbeat = girl | Myth |
| Eat double. | Myth |
| Coffee break band | Partial Myth |
| Pet form = gender | Myth |
| Dangerous exercise | Myth |
| Morning sickness | Myth |
| Womb activity = future personality | Myth |
| Keep the door from the cat. | Partial Myth |
| Spicy food = exertion | Myth |
| Hair dyeing is dangerous | Mostly Myth |
| The child doesn’t feel anything. | Myth |
| A C-section is easy. | Myth |
| Breastfeeding = contraception | Partial Myth |
| Labor and love in C-section | Myth |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What information is reliable in pregnancy? Talk to your doctor or certified midwife – they can best guide you with your specific situation. Research-backed health websites are also helpful.
Q: Are there any reliable gender predictors? Yes – an anatomy ultrasound (around 18-20 weeks) or NIPT blood test – these are reliable. Everything else is a myth!
Q: What exercise is safe in pregnancy? Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga are generally safe. Ask your doctor about your specific situation.
Q: Is there really a connection between heartburn and baby hair? One study found a weak correlation – but it is not a reliable predictor. The main cause of heartburn is hormones and the pressure of the baby.
Q: What things are actually true in pregnancy? It’s essential to take folic acid, avoid smoking and alcohol completely, have regular prenatal checkups – all of these are actually evidence-based!
The last thing
Advice is invaluable during pregnancy — but not all advice is right. The most important thing is to trust your doctor, read from reliable sources, and don’t believe everything you hear.
And if something is confusing — ask your doctor. No question is too small during pregnancy.
At Little Heartbeat, we do this — bringing you science-backed, simple, and honest information. 🌸
Which myth did you believe to be true before? Tell us in the comments! And follow our TikTok account, Crane Rose, for more facts like this!
This article is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for any concerns.
