Myths and Facts About Pregnancy

Introduction

Myths about pregnancy are so common that they could almost be listed as a symptom, alongside growing belly. In this article, we will debunk common pregnancy myths, old wives’ tales, urban legends that have been passed down through generations. Most of these are harmless but can be stress-causing and a few are potentially dangerous. 

Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to pregnancy: 

Myth 1: No Caffeine, Seafood, Stress, or Air Travel When You’re Pregnant

Reality: Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. While a few things are off the table, such as alcohol and raw fish, not everything has to be.  

• Although there is no absolute “safe” threshold of caffeine intake, less than 200 to 300 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe currently. However, this too may be high for some individuals as it can increase risks like that of miscarriage¹. 
• Eating cooked seafood in moderation is actually healthy; having more than 113 g of fish per week, and even up to 340 g, has been linked to better brain development in children². However, you should avoid raw fish, high-mercury fish (e.g., shark and swordfish). 
• Occasional mild stress is not harmful; however, severe or chronic stress may affect pregnancy outcomes³. 
• Air travel is generally safe during the second trimester (not the first or third) for uncomplicated pregnancies, however, you should always consult your doctor before flying⁴. 

Moderation is a good rule of thumb for most things, including activity, food, and coffee. Also, anxiety about body image during pregnancy may lead to eating disorders. Therefore, prioritise safety, maintain balance, and attend regular medical consultations to support a healthy pregnancy. 

Myth 2: If Your Mother Had an Easy Pregnancy and Delivery, So Will You

Reality: Hereditary factors have no role to play in predicting how easy or difficult your pregnancy and delivery will be. On the contrary, the size and position of the baby and your diet and lifestyle play a role in determining pregnancy and delivery outcomes. However, it is important to note that genetic or hereditary factors may influence the risk of conditions like gestational diabetes, hypertension, or preterm labour⁵. 

Myth 3: Sleeping or Taking a Nap on Your Back Will Hurt Your Baby

Reality: After mid-pregnancy (around 20 weeks), lying flat on your back can compress a major vein (the inferior vena cava), which may reduce blood flow to the placenta and cause dizziness or low blood pressure in the mother⁶. Accidentally rolling onto your back for a short time during sleep is not harmful, but side sleeping (especially on the left side) is recommended for better circulation and comfort⁷. 

Myth 4: The Shape and Height of Your Belly Can Indicate Your Baby’s Sex

Reality: Although everyone’s sure you’re going to have a boy because you’re carrying low and a girl if it’s high, this popular belief just isn’t true. Facts suggest that the shape and height of your belly are determined by lots of things, including maternal height and weight, uterine tone (the strength, flexibility, and muscular structure of the uterus), and the baby’s position⁸. 

In fact, carrying low may mean your baby has dropped lower into the pelvis to prepare for delivery.  

The only reliable way to know your baby’s sex is through an ultrasound ordered by your doctor. If you’d rather keep it a surprise, you can simply wait until birth. In India, sex determination by ultrasound is strictly regulated under the PCPNDT Act and is not permitted for non-medical purposes⁹. 

Myth 5: Underwater Births are Better for the Baby

Reality: Immersing in water during early labour can help with relaxation and pain relief. Delivering a baby underwater (water birth) can be safe in select cases with trained supervision, but it carries risks such as infection, umbilical cord complications, and aspiration risk for the baby¹⁰. It’s not universally recommended, so always discuss options with your doctor.   

Enjoy your pregnancy and, when in doubt, always consult a doctor before self-medicating. 

Also Read: Early Signs of Implantation: What to Expect Before You Miss Your Period

Conclusion

Many common pregnancy “rules” are based on myths rather than evidence. While some precautions are important, most everyday activities, like moderate caffeine intake and safe travel, are generally safe when done thoughtfully. Always follow advice as per national guidelines and your treating obstetrician. 

Understanding pregnancy facts helps expectant parents make informed choices, reduces unnecessary anxiety, and supports a healthier, more confident pregnancy journey. 

References

1. Qian J, Chen Q, Ward SM, Duan E, Zhang Y. Impacts of Caffeine during Pregnancy. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Mar;31(3):218-227. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7035149/ 
2. Hibbeln JR, Spiller P, Brenna JT, Golding J, Holub BJ, Harris WS, et al. Relationships between seafood consumption during pregnancy and childhood and neurocognitive development: Two systematic reviews. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2019 Dec;151:14-36. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31739098/ 
3. Coussons-Read ME. Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development: mechanisms and pathways. Obstet Med. 2013 Jun;6(2):52-57. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5052760/ 
4. Rose SR. Pregnancy and travel. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1997 Feb;15(1):93-111. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9056572/ 
5. Espinosa C, Becker M, Marić I, Wong RJ, Shaw GM, Gaudilliere B, Aghaeepour N, Stevenson DK; Prematurity Research Center at Stanford. Data-Driven Modeling of Pregnancy-Related Complications. Trends Mol Med. 2021 Aug;27(8):762-776. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8324504/ 
6. Krywko DM, King KC. Aortocaval Compression Syndrome, Treasure Island [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; [cited Sep 2025 24]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430759/ 
7. Mills GH, Chaffe AG. Sleeping positions adopted by pregnant women of more than 30 weeks gestation. Anaesthesia. 1994 Mar;49(3):249-50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8147522/ 
8. Deeluea J, Sirichotiyakul S, Weerakiet S, Arora R, Patumanond J. Fundal height growth curve for underweight and overweight and obese pregnant women in Thai population. ISRN Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Dec 19;2013:657692. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3880769/ 
9. Onkar P, Mitra K. Important points in the PC-PNDT Act. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2012 Apr;22(2):141-3. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3498641/ 
10. Niet I. Water Birth: An Exploration of Benefits, Risks and Best Practices. J Labor Childbirth. 2024;7(6):296‑7. Available from: https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/water-birth-an-exploration-of-benefits-risks-and-best-practices-18302.html 

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