Pregnancy myths moms keep hearing, and the facts they actually need.
Dear Mamy,
If you’ve ever been pregnant in India (or, let’s be real, anywhere with aunties nearby), you already know that pregnancy comes with more advice than your brain can process.
“Eat saffron for a fair baby.”
“Don’t raise your hands above your head!”
“Craving salty foods? It’s a boy.”
“Don’t step out during an eclipse!”
Bless our well-meaning elders, but sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re growing a baby or starring in a superstitious sitcom.
So let’s do a little myth-busting, shall we? Because mamies deserve real facts, which help them navigate their lives with a lot less stress.
1. “Cravings are a clue for your baby’s gender”
The Myth: Sweet cravings mean a girl. Salty cravings mean a boy.
The Fact: Cravings are hormonal, not gendered. Your body’s nutritional needs change during pregnancy, and so do your tastebuds. So if you suddenly want pickles with peanut butter, blame the hormones — not your baby’s chromosomes.
TL;DR: There’s no science here. Just snack safely, and enjoy yourself.
2. “Eclipses are dangerous for the baby”
The Myth: A lunar eclipse can harm your unborn child.
The Fact: There is no evidence to support this. Eclipses are beautiful celestial events, and not a threat to your baby in any way! The only thing an eclipse might interrupt is your sleep if you’re up watching it!
Note: Staying indoors during an eclipse won’t harm or protect your baby. But if it gives you peace of mind, stay cozy and watch Netflix instead. That’s your eclipse ritual now.
3. “You should eat for two”
The Myth: Double the appetite means double the portions, because you’re eating for the baby, too.
The Fact: You don’t need double the calories—just smarter nutrition. Most mamies only need an extra 300–500 calories a day in the second and third trimesters. There’s a lot of misinformation online as well as from advice-givers who haven’t done their research, which could potentially lead you to over-eat beyond the necessary intake of nutrition and calories.
So yes, eat the extra paratha. But maybe skip the “I’m eating for two” jalebi binge.
4. “No exercise while pregnant”
The Myth: Bed rest is the best.
The Fact: Unless your doctor says otherwise, gentle movement is truly magical for your rapidly changing body. Walking, prenatal yoga, swimming, all gentle physical activities keep your body strong, help with better blood circulation, and can even make your labour a bit smoother when the water breaks.
Bonus: Moving your body helps with those pesky mood swings too. You don’t need a gym. You could just use a playlist and a little dance party of one, sometimes.
5. “Don’t raise your arms over your head”
The Myth: It could cause the umbilical cord to tangle around the baby’s neck.
The Fact: Nope. Umbilical cords wrap or twist sometimes, but that’s due to how your baby moves—not how you stretch. Our internal organs are held together in a way that external movement doesn’t disturb their position or functioning. Your body is way stronger than what you might assume.
Reach for those top-shelf snacks guilt-free, Mamy. A little stretching never harmed anyone. Don’t listen to anyone except a doctor about the workings of your bodily anatomy.
6. “Eating saffron makes the baby fair”
The Myth: Drinking saffron milk daily makes your baby fair-skinned.
The Fact: Skin tone is genetic, and is a result of multiple genetic inputs from Mamy and Dad’s DNA during the formation of the embryo. Saffron might have some mild benefits (like the calming properties, claimed by some to even alleviate anxiety[1] ), but fair skin for your baby really isn’t one of them.
So have your kesar doodh if you enjoy it. But don’t sip it because you hope it will make your baby fair. Sip it for the flavour.
7. “The shape of the baby bump reveals the gender”
The Myth: Carrying low = boy. Carrying high = girl.
The Fact: The shape of your baby bump can depend on your body type, posture, and muscle tone, but definitely not your baby’s gender.
Spoiler: Only an ultrasound can reveal a baby’s gender, but we would strongly recommend that you do not check it that way! It is not legal in a lot of countries (and especially in India) to pre-emptively determine a baby’s gender.
Please abide by the local rules and regulations set around ultrasound screening by the government and your local legislatory bodies. Your doctor will only use an ultrasound to determine your baby’s health, and position of your baby’s head.
And here’s the deal: We totally recommend waiting for the world’s cutest surprise! It is so worth it.
8. “If you feel heartburn, it means that your baby will be hairy”
The Myth: More heartburn = more baby hair.
The Fact: Surprisingly, there’s some science here. A study found a small connection between pregnancy heartburn and babies being born with more hair. But it’s not a rule, just a fun coincidence!
However, just because two events happen at the same time, it totally doesn’t mean that one MUST be causing the other!
Also, heartburn just means your body’s shifting and squeezing. Not that you’re raising the next little model who will go on to star in baby shampoo ads 😉.
9. “Cold foods or ice cream will harm the baby”
The Myth: Cold foods will “shock” the baby or cause congestion.
The Fact: Not true. Your body regulates the temperature of everything your baby receives. If cold foods ease nausea or bring joy, go ahead and enjoy them.
We fully support the 2 AM ice cream spoon-in-carton situation.
10. “Thinking negatively will harm your baby”
The Myth: Feeling low or crying will impact your baby’s mood or brain.
The Fact: Emotions are part of pregnancy. You’re allowed to cry, get cranky, or feel overwhelmed, without feeling the added guilt of… just having emotions like a normal person! We can assure you that it doesn’t mean your baby will come out grumpy.
That said, if you’re feeling persistently anxious or sad, please talk to your doctor or a therapist. Your emotional wellbeing is a priority, and not a side note, or something that should make you feel guilt over your baby’s psychological well-being. Your baby is chilling inside your body, their little body preparing for the birth, and for a big, beautiful life on the outside. Promise.
Dear Mamy, Trust Your Gut. (And Your Gynaec)
It’s okay to smile politely at the auntie who tells you not to cut your hair till birth. Or to nod when your cousin says pineapple will “bring on labour.” You don’t have to fight every myth—just don’t let them worry you.
Here’s what you should believe in:
- Your instincts
- Evidence-based advice
- Your doctor
- Rest, hydration, gentle movement, and the little joys
The truth is, every pregnancy is unique. And what matters most is that you feel safe, supported, and seen in your journey of becoming a mother.
In the end: it’s a magical journey for you, Mamy!
Pregnancy is equal parts science, tradition, and at times, a full-blown mystery. Some “old wives’ tales” might have kernels of truth. However, most others are just cultural storytelling, and nothing to lose sleep over.
As long as you’re guided by love, care, and well-researched facts, you’re doing just fine, Mamy.
And when in doubt? Come back to this space. We’ve got your back, your bump, and your beautifully growing heart. 💗
FAQ's
Q. Do food cravings during pregnancy indicate the baby's gender?
Ans.No, cravings are driven by hormonal changes and nutritional needs, not by your baby’s gender. Whether you're craving sweet or salty, it’s just your body adjusting to pregnancy—so enjoy your pickles and peanut butter without jumping to conclusions.
Q. Is it dangerous to go outside during a lunar eclipse while pregnant?
Ans.No scientific evidence supports this belief. Eclipses are natural events that don’t pose any threat to your unborn baby. If staying indoors gives you peace, that’s fine—but it’s not necessary for your baby’s safety.
Q. Do pregnant women need to eat for two?
Ans.Not really. Most expectant moms only need 300–500 extra calories per day during the second and third trimesters. It’s about eating smarter, not more. Focus on balanced nutrition rather than doubling your portions.
Q. Should pregnant women avoid exercise completely?
Ans.Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, gentle exercises like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming are beneficial. They improve circulation, boost mood, and may even help during labor. Staying active is safe and healthy.
Q. Can raising your arms cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck?
Ans.No, this is a myth. Umbilical cord positioning depends on the baby’s movement inside the womb, not the mother's arm movement. Stretching or reaching overhead is perfectly safe during pregnancy.
Q. Does drinking saffron milk make your baby fair-skinned?
Ans.No, your baby’s skin tone is determined by genetics, not by what you eat. Saffron may have some calming benefits, but it won’t change your baby’s complexion. Enjoy it for the flavor, not the myth.
Q. Can the shape of your baby bump reveal gender?
Ans.Nope! Baby bump shape depends on muscle tone, posture, and body type—not your baby’s gender. Only an ultrasound can determine gender, and in many countries like India, it’s not legally allowed for non-medical reasons.
Q. Does pregnancy heartburn mean your baby will have lots of hair?
Ans.There’s a small connection, but it’s not guaranteed. Heartburn is caused by hormonal changes and digestive shifts—not necessarily baby hair. So, while it’s a fun coincidence, don’t read too much into it.
Q. Will eating cold food or ice cream harm the baby?
Ans.No, your body regulates the temperature of everything your baby receives. Cold foods won’t shock your baby or cause congestion. If it helps with nausea or cravings, go ahead and enjoy that treat.
Q. Can negative thoughts or emotions affect the baby’s brain?
Ans.Feeling emotional during pregnancy is normal and won’t harm your baby. However, if you’re consistently anxious or low, it’s important to talk to a doctor or therapist. Your mental health matters—for both you and your baby.
