Breaking Pregnancy Myths: Facts Every Mom Should Know

Separating Fact from Fiction

Pregnancy is one of the most magical and life-changing journeys, but it’s also filled with a flood of advice, superstitions, and myths—some passed down for generations. From old wives’ tales about belly shape predicting gender to well-meaning but outdated warnings about cravings, it can be overwhelming for an expecting mom to know what’s true and what’s just folklore.

At Baby Fairytale, we believe that every mom deserves to feel informed, confident, and supported. So, let’s set the record straight! Below, we’re busting some of the most common pregnancy myths and giving you the facts you need to enjoy your journey without unnecessary worry. 💖

1. Myth: You Can Tell the Baby’s Gender by the Shape of Your Belly

🍼 The Claim: If you’re carrying high, it’s a girl. If you’re carrying low, it’s a boy.
✅ The Truth: The way a woman carries her baby has nothing to do with gender—it’s all about muscle tone, uterus shape, and baby’s position.

Why does this myth persist? It’s fun to guess! But the only reliable way to determine your baby’s gender is through ultrasound or genetic testing. At Baby Fairytale, we offer gender determination ultrasounds as early as 14 weeks, so you don’t have to rely on belly shape guesses!

2. Myth: Eating Spicy Food Can Induce Labor

🌶️ The Claim: A plate of spicy tacos or hot sauce will send you straight to the delivery room.
✅ The Truth: While spicy food can cause heartburn or upset stomach in pregnancy, there’s no scientific evidence that it induces labor.

Labor starts when your body and baby are ready—not because of a fiery meal. However, if you’re close to your due date and craving something spicy, go ahead! Just keep a glass of milk nearby to soothe heartburn.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for natural ways to encourage labor when your body is ready, talk to your provider about safe activities like walking or bouncing on a birthing ball.

3. Myth: You Should Avoid Exercise During Pregnancy

💪 The Claim: Exercising while pregnant can harm the baby or cause complications.
✅ The Truth: Exercise is not only safe, but beneficial for most pregnant women!

Regular physical activity can:
✔️ Boost your mood and energy levels.
✔️ Help prevent pregnancy discomforts like back pain and swelling.
✔️ Improve circulation and even help prepare your body for labor.

💡 Safe Pregnancy Exercises: Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and modified strength training. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new routine!

4. Myth: Having Heartburn Means Your Baby Will Have a Full Head of Hair

🔥 The Claim: If you have severe heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will be born with a thick head of hair.
✅ The Truth: Surprisingly, this myth has some scientific backing—but not in the way you think!

A study found that higher levels of pregnancy hormones (which can relax the esophagus and cause heartburn) are also linked to increased hair growth in babies. But does this mean every heartburn sufferer will have a baby with luscious locks? Not necessarily!

💡 What Helps: Eating smaller meals, avoiding acidic/spicy foods, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can reduce heartburn discomfort.

5. Myth: You Can’t Sleep on Your Back During Pregnancy

😴 The Claim: Sleeping on your back can be harmful to the baby.
✅ The Truth: Lying flat on your back for extended periods late in pregnancy can put pressure on major blood vessels, but occasional back sleeping won’t harm you or your baby.

Most experts recommend side sleeping (especially on the left side) for better circulation, but if you wake up on your back, don’t panic! Just roll to your side and get comfy again.

💡 Pro Tip: Using a pregnancy pillow can make side sleeping more comfortable and reduce back pain.

Confidence Starts with Knowledge

Pregnancy is full of advice, opinions, and myths—but knowing the facts can help you navigate this journey with confidence and peace of mind. Whether it’s guessing your baby’s gender, wondering if exercise is safe, or trying to figure out if that heartburn means your baby will have a full head of hair, the most important thing is to trust your body and seek reliable information.

At Baby Fairytale, we’re here to support you with trusted, expert-backed care—and a little magic along the way. ✨

💡 Want to see your baby up close and personal? Book a 3D/4D ultrasound and experience the wonder of pregnancy like never before!

📅 Schedule your session today! 👉 Book Here

💬 Which pregnancy myth have you heard the most? Share it with other moms!