Top 10 Pregnancy Myths Every Mom-to-Be Should Stop Believing

During pregnancy, it’s common to receive a lot of advice from family, friends and even strangers. While some of it is well-meaning, not all of it is true. And if you’re a first-time mom, it can get really confusing.

You may hear so many things—don’t eat papaya, you must eat for two, carrying low means it’s a boy. But are these facts or just old wives’ tales?

In this article, we’re diving into the most common pregnancy myths Indian moms hear and separating fact from fiction. Whether you’re in your first trimester or nearing your due date, these are the pregnancy myths every woman should know.

1. Pregnancy Myths – You’re Eating for Two

This is probably the most popular myth. Yes, you’re eating for a baby too, but that doesn’t mean double portions.

The truth: What matters more is the quality of food, not the quantity. Overeating can lead to unnecessary weight gain and health issues like gestational diabetes. A balanced diet with the right nutrients is far more important than just “eating more”.

2. Carrying Low Means It’s a Boy

People love to guess the baby’s gender by how the belly looks. Low belly? Must be a boy. High belly? Girl.

Reality check: The position of your belly has more to do with your body type, muscle tone, and how the baby is lying inside, not gender. It’s one of those old wives’ tales about pregnancy that has no science behind it.

3. Don’t Exercise, It Can Harm the Baby

This one scares a lot of moms-to-be. The idea that movement or exercise can hurt the baby keeps many women from staying active.

Here’s the fact: Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, light to moderate exercise is not only safe but recommended. Walking, stretching, and even prenatal yoga can help manage weight, reduce back pain, and make delivery easier. This is a perfect example of pregnancy health misconceptions that need to be cleared.

4. You Should Avoid Spicy Food

Spicy food gives heartburn. That’s true. But does it harm the baby? No.

What’s real: Pregnancy can make your digestion sensitive. If spicy food bothers you, reduce it. But there’s no need to cut out Indian spices entirely unless advised by your doctor. Many spices like turmeric and cumin are actually good for digestion and immunity.

5. Heartburn Means the Baby Will Have Lots of Hair

You’ll hear this a lot, especially from older relatives. But is there any truth?

Fact: Heartburn is caused by hormones that relax the muscle between your stomach and food pipe. Whether your baby will be born with a head full of hair has nothing to do with it. This one’s firmly in the myths about pregnancy category.

6. No Bathing After Delivery for 40 Days

This is a post-delivery rule that still exists in many Indian homes. While it’s rooted in the idea of rest and recovery, it gets taken too far.

Reality: Hygiene is very important, especially after childbirth. Warm water baths can actually soothe your body and reduce infection risk. As long as you feel up to it, bathing is not harmful. Just be cautious and avoid cold water.

7. Don’t Sleep on Your Back or Baby Will Suffocate

Although it sounds frightening, many often misunderstand it.

The real story: In late pregnancy, lying flat on your back for long periods might put pressure on blood vessels and hinder blood flow, causing dizziness and lightheadedness. It can also cause pregnancy discomfort like back pain, and even increase the risk of stillbirth. But your body will usually give you signals. It’s safer to sleep on your side, especially the left side, but if you wake up on your back, don’t panic.

8. If You’re Not Craving, Something’s Wrong

Some expectant moms feel guilty for not having those dramatic food cravings everyone talks about.

Truth behind the myth: Hormonal changes, nutritional needs and physiological changes may trigger cravings, but if you don’t experience cravings, then it doesn’t mean something’s wrong. Every pregnancy is unique. Don’t compare your experience to others. That’s one of the biggest pregnancy myths first-time moms fall for.

9. You Can’t Colour Your Hair or Use Makeup

This myth comes from the fear that chemicals will harm the baby. It’s a valid concern, but often misunderstood.

What to believe: Using products occasionally, especially those free from strong ammonia or parabens, is safe. Always check labels and go for milder options. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor. But there’s no need to completely avoid basic grooming.

10. Your Diet During Pregnancy Can Affect Your Baby’s Food Allergies

It is a widespread misconception and does not hold water.

What you should know: Food consumed by moms-to-be is broken down into amino acids, glucose and fats before it reaches the placenta. This can have no effect on the baby’s future food allergies or preferences. When it comes to pregnancy facts vs myths, scientific guidance should always come first.

So, What Should You Actually Believe?

With so much advice around, it’s hard to know what’s real. The key is balance. Listen to your body, follow your doctor, and don’t let fear rule your choices.

Remember, debunking pregnancy myths isn’t just about knowing facts—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to enjoy this journey without unnecessary stress.