Pregnancy paths are often engulfed in age-old myths, leaving the soon-to-be mothers bewildered and apprehensive, and such are some phrases often found amidst the myths that Indian families often relate to. These myths, if untrue, can cause undue stress or wrong decisions, while facts are pushed to the back. Doctors advise many mothers through this magical period that it can be very empowering to disprove these myths. This article will help separate the facts, providing you with a list of doctor-approved facts about eating, exercise, and everything in between to help you go into your pregnancy with your head held high and your heart full of happiness.
Nowadays, social media is spreading more pregnancy myths than ever before, like consuming saffron can cause labour, and staying away from rice can prevent gestational diabetes. While some guidance is well-intentioned, many commonly believed pregnancy “rules” have little medical basis. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Manjula Anagani, Padmashree Awardee, Clinical Director, Robotic Gynaecologist & HOD, Care Vatsalya, Women and Child Institute, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad shares pregnancy myths vs facts that expectant mothers should know.
Pregnancy Myths vs Facts: What Really Matters For Mothers-To-Be
Myth: Pregnant Women Should Eat For Two
Fact: Nutritional quality matters far more than quantity.
During pregnancy, calorie needs increase only modestly, mainly in the second and third trimesters. Overeating does not benefit the baby and may increase the risk of excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and delivery complications. Dr Manjula Anagani states, “What matters more than eating extra food is eating the right kind of food—meals that provide enough protein, iron, calcium, folate, and fluids.”
Myth: Exercise Can Harm The Baby
Fact: Appropriate physical activity is beneficial in most pregnancies.
Unless there is a specific medical contraindication, moderate exercise such as walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming improves circulation, reduces back pain, supports healthy weight gain, and can even ease labour. Complete inactivity often leads to stiffness, poor sleep, and increased fatigue.
Myth: Heartburn Means The Baby Will Have A Lot Of Hair
Fact: Heartburn in pregnancy is common and is mainly caused by hormones and pressure on the stomach. Dr Manjula Anagani says, “Acid tends to come up more easily because the valve at the top of the stomach relaxes. It is uncomfortable but unrelated to the baby’s hair, and symptoms can usually be managed with small dietary changes or medication if required.”
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Pregnancy Myth vs Facts (Image Credits: Canva)
Myth: Emotional Stress Always Harms The Baby
Fact: Stress does come up during pregnancy, and most of it is part of normal life. Day-to-day worries do not harm the baby. What we do pay attention to is stress that doesn’t settle—constant anxiety, poor sleep, or feeling mentally exhausted over long periods. This affects the mother first, and that is why emotional health is routinely discussed during antenatal visits, not treated as an afterthought.
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What Mothers-to-Be Should Truly Follow
Reliable antenatal check-ups, timely scans, recommended supplements, vaccination advice, and open communication with a qualified gynaecologist remain the foundation of a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy care should be guided by medical evidence, not myths. When in doubt, personalised medical advice is far safer than generic beliefs. A well-informed mother is better equipped to nurture both her own health and her baby’s development.