The Pregnancy Bible – Myth-Busting Facts

The Pregnancy Bible – Myth-Busting Facts

1. Myth: You’re eating for two.
Fact: You’re nourishing one person who starts very tiny! Most pregnant people only need about 300–500 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters. It’s about quality, not quantity.

2. Myth: Heartburn means your baby will have a lot of hair.
Fact: While it sounds like an old wives’ tale, there’s actually a bit of truth—some studies have found a link between higher pregnancy hormones (which can cause heartburn) and hair growth. But it’s definitely not a guarantee.

3. Myth: You can’t exercise while pregnant.
Fact: Unless advised otherwise by your provider, light to moderate exercise (like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga) is healthy and beneficial for most pregnancies. It boosts mood, energy, and can even ease labor.

4. Myth: You can predict the baby’s gender by how you're carrying.
Fact: High or low belly, round or wide—these are fun guesses, but they’re not rooted in science. Baby’s position and your body shape determine how you carry, not their gender.

5. Myth: You shouldn’t drink coffee.
Fact: Moderate caffeine (usually under 200 mg a day) is considered safe during pregnancy. That’s about one 12 oz cup of coffee. Just be mindful of other sources like tea, chocolate, or soda.

6. Myth: Morning sickness only happens in the morning.
Fact: Nausea can strike any time of day (or night). It’s triggered by hormonal changes and affects each person differently.

7. Myth: You can’t fly during pregnancy.
Fact: Flying is generally safe up until around 36 weeks, depending on the airline and your personal health. Always check with your doctor and the airline before flying late in pregnancy.

8. Myth: You shouldn’t take a bath.
Fact: Baths are safe—as long as the water isn't too hot (over 100°F/38°C). Warm baths can soothe sore muscles and ease stress.

9. Myth: Stretch marks can be prevented with lotion.
Fact: Creams can help keep skin soft and reduce itching, but genetics play the biggest role in whether you get stretch marks. They’re a natural sign of growth—and they fade over time.

10. Myth: Labor always starts with your water breaking.
Fact: That only happens in about 15% of pregnancies! Most labor begins with contractions, and your provider may break your water during labor if needed.