Pregnancy is a time filled with joy, curiosity, and—unfortunately—plenty of confusion. Family, friends, and society often share well-meaning advice, but not all of it is based on science. For expecting mothers, understanding the difference between pregnancy facts and myths is essential for making safe, informed choices that support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
At Maaanaya, we believe empowered mothers make healthier families. Here is a clear, research-backed guide to the most common pregnancy myths and the true facts behind them.
1. Myth: Pregnant women must eat for two.
Fact: You need balanced nutrition, not double portions.
This is one of the oldest and most popular pregnancy myths. While nutrition is crucial, overeating is not recommended. Your body only requires a slight increase in calories in the second and third trimester. What matters most is eating nutrient-rich meals that support healthy fetal development and sustain your energy.
2. Myth: Exercise is unsafe during pregnancy.
Fact: Regular, gentle exercise is beneficial and recommended.
Unless advised otherwise by a doctor, movement is safe. Walking, prenatal yoga, stretching, and low-impact exercises boost mood, reduce back pain, improve sleep, and support normal weight gain. Exercise also plays a powerful role in prenatal and postpartum mental health.
3. Myth: Cravings reveal the baby’s gender.
Fact: Cravings are influenced by hormones, not gender.
Sweet = girl, salty = boy—while fun to guess, this has no scientific basis. Cravings during pregnancy come from hormonal shifts, nutritional deficiencies, or emotional changes, not gender prediction.
4. Myth: You can’t dye your hair or get beauty treatments.
Fact: Most modern products are safe when used correctly.
Hair color, waxing, and basic skincare treatments are generally safe after the first trimester. Choose ammonia-free dyes and ensure proper ventilation. As with any decision, when in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.
5. Myth: Heartburn means your baby will have lots of hair.
Fact: Heartburn is due to digestive and hormonal changes.
Although a small correlation exists, heartburn happens because pregnancy hormones relax digestive muscles. It’s a completely normal symptom and does not accurately predict how much hair your baby will have.
6. Myth: You must sleep only on your left side.
Fact: Left side is ideal, but comfort matters more.
Sleeping on the left improves circulation, but it’s not dangerous to shift or sleep in other positions occasionally. Use pillows for support and focus on what helps you rest comfortably and safely.
7. Myth: Normal stress will harm the baby.
Fact: Small amounts of stress are normal; chronic stress needs attention.
Everyday challenges—workloads, planning, anticipation—don’t harm the baby. However, prolonged or intense stress may affect sleep, energy levels, and emotional balance. Practices like breathing exercises, mindfulness, rest, and therapy support overall maternal wellness.
8. Myth: A C-section is easier than vaginal delivery.
Fact: Both have their own challenges and recovery processes.
A C-section is a major surgical procedure. Vaginal birth also comes with its own recovery needs. Neither is “easy” or “hard”—the right decision depends on your medical condition and the guidance of your birth team.
Why Debunking Myths Matters
Accurate information empowers mothers. When you know the real facts about pregnancy, you can:
- make healthier decisions
- reduce unnecessary worry
- feel confident during each trimester
- protect your physical and mental wellness
At Maaanaya, our mission is to support mothers with evidence-based guidance and compassionate care—through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
