Bump, Lies & Belly Tales: Debunking Pregnancy Myths…
Ah, pregnancy. That magical time when your body becomes a baby-growing machine, your cravings make zero sense, and everyone suddenly becomes an expert on your uterus.
From old wives’ tales to well-meaning aunties, myths about pregnancy are everywhere — and some of them are downright hilarious. So let’s grab a snack (pickles dipped in ice cream, anyone?) and fact check some of the most widespread pregnancy myths out there.
🍼 1. “If you have heartburn, your baby will have lots of hair.”
The science isn’t just here with this one!
Sure, you’re chugging antacids like they’re juice, but that doesn’t mean you’re giving birth to a tiny Rapunzel. Heartburn happens because pregnancy hormones relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus — not because your baby’s busy growing luscious locks.
(But wouldn’t it be wild if ultrasounds came with hair estimates?)
🍼 2. “You’re carrying high? Must be a girl.”
Or is it a burrito?
The shape and height of your belly depend on your muscles, body type, and baby’s position — not their gender. But if strangers keep guessing what you’re having based on your belly’s longitude and latitude, maybe hand them a map and politely waddle away.
🍼 3. “Don’t raise your arms above your head — it’ll wrap the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck!”
So... reaching for the top shelf cereal is now a high-stakes operation?
Rest assured, stretching your arms won’t turn the umbilical cord into a jump rope. Cord entanglement happens, yes — but it has nothing to do with your yoga pose or grabbing a cookie jar.
🍼 4. “You’re eating for two now!”
Technically yes... but also, not really.
In the first trimester, your calorie needs barely change. Later on, it’s about an extra 300–500 calories a day — think: a smoothie, Mars bar or a hearty sandwich. Not, you know, a second Christmas dinner. (Although, hey, no judgment. Been there.)
🍼 5. “A full moon causes more babies to be born.”
Cue the were-babies!
This one has been around forever, and while hospital staff swear they’re busier on full moons, studies don’t back it up. Still, if your little one does arrive under a glowing moon, we fully support naming them Luna or Howl.
🍼 6. “You can’t have coffee.”
Let’s all take a collective sip.
You can have caffeine in moderation — around 200 mg per day, or about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Just maybe don’t chase it with a double espresso and a chocolate bar.
🍼 7. “If you crave sweets, it’s a girl. Crave salty? It’s a boy.”
So... what if you crave sweet AND salty?
Then you’re just pregnant and human. Cravings are more about hormones and nutritional needs than baby gender. But feel free to use this myth as an excuse to eat both cookies and fries. We won’t stop you.
🍼 8. “Pregnancy gives you ‘the glow.’”
Sure, you might glow — or you might be sweating profusely, breaking out like a teenager, or just surviving on four hours of sleep and a prayer.
Not all “glows” are created equal. Sometimes, it’s just moisturiser and strategic lighting.
🍼 9. “You can’t take baths while pregnant.”
Relax — you can soak in the tub.
Just keep the water warm, not scalding. Baths can actually ease back pain and stress. So go ahead, light those candles and relax — just keep it spa, not sauna.
🍼 10. “Labour starts when your water breaks — just like in the movies!”
Spoiler alert: real life isn’t Hollywood.
Only about 10–15% of people experience their water breaking before contractions start. And it’s rarely the dramatic splash you see on TV. Sometimes it’s more of a slow trickle, which is... less cinematic but still pretty effective.
So in conclusion …
Pregnancy comes with a lot of advice — some helpful, some wild, and some passed down from someone’s grandma’s neighbour’s cousin.
When in doubt, check with your doctor, trust your instincts, and enjoy the ride (even if it’s bumpy, gassy, and occasionally full of pickles).
Because whether you’re glowing or gassy, craving cake or kale, one thing’s for sure: You’ve got this.
