Pregnancy seems to come with a truckload of unsolicited advice – and plenty of myths passed down like folklore. Here are five you can toss aside right now:
1. “You’re eating for two.”
Nope. You only need a bit of extra food – not double. Overeating can actually make pregnancy symptoms worse and isn’t necessary in early pregnancy.
2. “If you carry high/low, it tells you the baby’s gender.”
Fun for party games, sure, but there’s no science behind it. Baby position is based on things like your muscle tone, body shape, and bub’s actual position – not their gender.
3. “You can’t exercise.”
Wrong again. Movement is not only safe for most women, it’s recommended! It helps with mood, sleep, posture, labour and more. Just keep it gentle and check in with your care provider.
4. “You’ll ‘just know’ what to do when the baby comes.”
Honestly, you might – but you also might not. That’s normal. It’s a huge transition and most of us learn as we go. Ask questions, accept help, and trust that confidence builds with time.
5. “If you get heartburn, your baby will have lots of hair.”
A classic! While it’s been loosely observed in some studies, it’s definitely not a reliable predictor. Heartburn happens thanks to hormones and your growing uterus pressing on your stomach.
Final Thought:
There’s no shortage of pregnancy myths floating around. The best thing you can do? Get your info from trusted health professionals and listen to your own body. Every pregnancy is different, and you’re doing great just the way you are.
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