8 Strangest Pregnancy Myths

Having a baby is such an exciting and somewhat scary time. Of course, you want the best for your little bambino, but with all the advice and opinions out there, how are you supposed to know what’s right and what’s wrong? Here are 8 of the strangest pregnancy myths that I’ve come across so far!

#1 Sex Can Hurt the Baby

Pregnant couple on the sofa relaxing

Ever wonder why getting intimate with your partner during pregnancy is such a taboo? Aside from you being uncomfortable and feeling far from sexy, many couples actually put off getting down and dirty simply because they think it’ll hurt the baby.

Well here’s some fab news for you: your little one is very secure in there. He or she is actually protected by 7 layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac! So…what are you waiting for?

#2 First Babies Always Arrive Late

Has anyone told you that your baby will be late because it’s your first? I’ve been told this at least eight times and, until I did my research, I actually believed it! I mean, it’s the first time my body has grown a baby, so it’s understandable that it may take a little longer to arrive, isn’t it?

Quite the contrary! There is no real evidence to support the idea that first babies will arrive any later than second or third babies. When the baby is ready to pop out it will … if only it was as easy as just popping out though!

#3 Carrying High? Must Be a Girl!

Beautiful pregnant woman resting at home

Women love to determine the gender of your baby by looking at your bump. If you’re carrying high then you’re having a girl. If you’re carrying low it must be a boy. A pointy bump suggests you should be buying pink where as a bump that’s all out to the sides is definitely blue!

Don’t fall for the predictions. The shape and size of your bump is merely down to the position of the fetus, your muscle size, posture and the amount of fat that you have around your abdomen.

#4 Overdue? Order a Takeaway!

Why is it that in the movies, as soon as a woman is past her due date, sex and spicy curry are at the top of her to do list? Well here’s another strange pregnancy myth for you: Apparently a bit of spice in the bedroom as well as a bit of spice on your plate can induce labor.

Again, this is simply a myth. When your baby is ready, he or she they will let you know, so save yourself the heartburn and stick to something a bit milder!

#5 Speaking of Heartburn…

According to many women, the cause for this burning sensation is down to your baby having a full head of hair! I actually considered the truth in it but, scientifically speaking, heartburn during pregnancy is due to your growing womb pressing on your stomach, hormonal changes and your esophageal sphincter relaxing and allowing acid from your stomach to leak!

In reality, many women who suffer from heartburn give birth to babies with very little to no hair at all!

#6 You Cannot Raise Your Arms Above Your Head!

Happy pregnant woman with arms outstretched enjoying sunlight at field

To me, this one seems ridiculous but I can see it leaving a lot of women fearful. It’s said that raising your arms above your head – for example, when hanging out the laundry – can cause the umbilical cord to get wrapped around the baby’s neck.

Fear not, there is no truth in this at all! Your baby somersaults and back flips in your womb so much that it won’t even notice what you’re doing with your arms.

#7 Fancy Something Sweet? You’re Having a Girl!

A very popular myth regarding pregnancy is that your food cravings can determine the sex of your baby. If you’re yearning for chocolate and fizzy sweets, you’re having a girl; if you’d rather have crisps and savory items then it must be a boy!

There is no actual evidence to prove that food cravings have anything to do with the gender of your baby; it’s merely down to the mom’s preferences and taste buds.

#8 Storms Can Induce Labor

…even if you’re weeks away from the due date. I can just see it now: A spot of rain and a crowd of pregnant women setting their hospital bags by the door at the ready!

The weather has no influence on your baby’s due date. In fact, it’s the length of your menstrual cycle that has more of a say in when your baby will arrive. A shorter cycle is related to an early labor, and a longer cycle is associated with a late delivery!

Every pregnancy is different so take no notice of the old wives tales and spooky myths that you may hear. Some are a bit of fun, but others can be a tad creepy!

About the author

Jessica T.

Jessica is a parenting and lifestyle blogger with a love for all things crafty, homemade and unique. She's worked around the world in the fields of special needs and TEFL and is currently a freelance writer based in her cosy little cottage in Hampshire, UK.

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