Okay, Let’s Clear the Air: Not Everything Auntie Said Is True
Alright, friend—let’s talk about the realest part of pregnancy no one warns you about:
The unsolicited advice. 😅
By Week 22, you’ve probably heard some wild things from sweet relatives, well-meaning coworkers, and total strangers at the grocery store. Things like:
- “You’re carrying high—it’s a girl!”
- “Better not raise your hands over your head or the cord will wrap around the baby.”
- “If you crave sweets, it’s a girl. Salty? Definitely a boy.”
- “Don’t cross your legs or your baby will be born breech.”
Yup—pregnancy myths are everywhere, and they’ve been passed down for generations. Some are harmless (and even kinda fun), while others can cause unnecessary stress or confusion.
So today, let’s have a little fun and debunk some of the most common pregnancy myths—with facts, real talk, and zero judgment. Because you deserve to feel confident, informed, and free to enjoy this wild, beautiful ride.
1️⃣ “Raising Your Arms Causes the Umbilical Cord to Wrap Around the Baby’s Neck”
Let’s start with a big one.
You may have heard this from an older relative or even on social media—but it’s not true.
✅ The truth:
Your movements, like raising your arms or stretching, do not cause the umbilical cord to wrap around your baby. A cord wrapping (called a “nuchal cord”) can happen naturally due to baby’s movements in the womb—it’s common and usually not dangerous.
So go ahead and reach, stretch, and wave your arms like you just don’t care. 😉
2️⃣ “Carrying High Means Girl, Carrying Low Means Boy”
You’ve heard this one, right? The idea that your baby bump’s shape or position can predict the baby’s gender?
✅ The truth:
Nope! How you carry depends on your body type, muscle tone, and baby’s position—not gender. Every mama carries differently. Some carry high, some low, some all out front, some more rounded.
Only reliable ways to know your baby’s gender? Ultrasound or genetic testing.
(But hey, guessing is still kinda fun at the baby shower.)
3️⃣ “Heartburn Means Your Baby Will Have Lots of Hair”
Okay, this one actually has a tiny bit of truth to it—which is wild.
✅ The truth:
A 2006 study did find a loose connection between higher levels of estrogen (which can cause heartburn) and babies born with more hair. But it’s not a guarantee. Some moms with zero heartburn still give birth to little fluffballs, and others with raging reflux get bald babies. 😂
So yes, heartburn is real. But the baby hair? Still a mystery.
4️⃣ “Don’t Take Baths—It’s Dangerous for the Baby”
We all love a hot soak, especially when pregnancy aches kick in. So do you need to avoid baths?
✅ The truth:
Warm baths are perfectly safe during pregnancy—as long as the water isn’t too hot (above 100°F or 38°C).
Avoid hot tubs or super steamy soaks that raise your core temperature too much.
Stick to warm, soothing baths and enjoy that belly-floating, muscle-soothing goodness.
📌 Pro tip: Add Epsom salt to help with swelling and sleep.
5️⃣ “You Can’t Dye Your Hair While Pregnant”
You’re 22 weeks and starting to feel like you need a refresh—but someone told you coloring your hair is a no-go. Is that true?
✅ The truth:
It’s safe to dye your hair during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. Modern dyes are considered low risk. That said:
- Choose ammonia-free or low-chemical products if possible
- Make sure the area is well-ventilated
- Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure
💇♀️ Go ahead, book that touch-up if it’ll make you feel like a goddess again.
6️⃣ “You Can’t Exercise While Pregnant”
This one still pops up way too often, and it’s just not true.
✅ The truth:
Exercise during pregnancy is not only safe—it’s recommended!
Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, movement can help:
- Improve mood
- Ease back pain
- Boost circulation
- Prepare your body for birth
Stick to low-impact workouts like walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, or light strength training—and always listen to your body.
📌 Just skip contact sports or anything with a high risk of falling.
7️⃣ “Eating Spicy Food Will Induce Labor”
As you inch closer to the third trimester, you’ll hear a LOT of labor myths. Spicy food, long walks, pineapple… but let’s start here.
✅ The truth:
There’s no strong evidence that spicy food triggers labor.
At most, it might give you heartburn or get your digestive system moving. If your baby and your body aren’t ready? No taco will change that.
Still, if you’re 39 weeks and craving spicy curry—go for it. Just maybe have antacids ready. 😅
8️⃣ “Don’t Sleep on Your Right Side”
We often hear that sleeping on your left is best—and it is. But does that mean right-side sleeping is dangerous?
✅ The truth:
Left-side sleeping is ideal because it promotes better blood flow. But sleeping on your right side is still safe. What’s more important? Not sleeping flat on your back after around 20 weeks, as it can compress major blood vessels.
Switching sides is totally okay. Don’t stress if you wake up on your right—you’re doing fine, mama.
9️⃣ “You Can’t Eat Sushi, Soft Cheese, or Caffeine at All”
Let’s unpack this one carefully.
✅ The truth:
You can enjoy some of your faves—in moderation and with smart choices.
- Sushi: Avoid raw fish with high mercury (like swordfish or mackerel), but fully cooked or veggie rolls? Totally fine.
- Soft cheese: Stick to pasteurized cheeses (check the label). Unpasteurized = no-go.
- Caffeine: Up to 200mg per day (about one 12 oz cup of coffee) is considered safe.
📌 Bottom line: Be informed, but don’t deprive yourself unnecessarily.
10️⃣ “If You’re Not Glowing, Something’s Wrong”
Let’s bust this one wide open.
✅ The truth:
Every pregnancy looks different. Not everyone gets the “pregnancy glow.” Some get acne, melasma, bloating, or feel totally blah—and that doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you or baby.
You’re growing a whole human. That’s the glow, even if it’s hidden behind breakouts and puffiness.
Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself, Mama—Not the Myths
Pregnancy is full of surprises, and yes, there’s a lot of advice floating around out there. Some of it’s helpful. Some of it’s funny. And some? Just plain outdated.
You don’t have to follow every old wives’ tale.
You don’t have to fear every craving, kick, or sleep position.
And you definitely don’t need to stress over things that have no basis in science.
Trust your body. Trust your instincts. And when in doubt? Ask your doctor—not the internet.
You’ve got this, mama. Misinformation doesn’t stand a chance against your power.
