Common Pregnancy Myths Debunked

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Pregnancy can bring many physical changes to a woman's body and mind, but are all these symptoms related to pregnant women, in fact, true? It's time to separate old wives’ tales from reality.

Myth #1: You can't fly during your first or last trimester

There is no known medical reason why a woman shouldn't be able to fly on a plane during pregnancy. The only reason she might be denied access to a flight during her last trimester would be if the airline felt she might go into labor in mid-flight.

Myth #2: Pregnant women should avoid ALL caffeine

According to the American Pregnancy Association, experts have stated that moderate levels of caffeine have not been found to have a negative effect on pregnancy. The definition of moderate varies anywhere from 150 mg - 300 mg a day, which equals about one to two cups of brewed coffee.


Myth #3: The shape and height of your belly indicate the sex of your baby

There is a popular belief that women carrying boys "carry low" and that women carrying girls "carry high." But this just isn’t true.  The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone, and the position the baby is in.

Myth #4: Morning sickness only lasts during the first trimester

Unfortunately, this is not true. Some expectant moms experience some form of "morning sickness" throughout all nine months. Also, these symptoms are not relegated to the morning - they can last throughout the day.

Myth #5: Drinking beer while breastfeeding will increase your milk flow

The barley in beer will not increase your milk flow, but it will help you relax, which might help with the process of breastfeeding.

However, it is not recommended that new mothers consume alcohol while breastfeeding, since the alcohol that makes it into your bloodstream will make it into your breast milk.

Myth #6: Moms-to-be can expect lapses in memory

Feel like you're a chicken without a head lately? Australian researchers say "baby brain" is nothing more than a myth.

After studying 1,241 women both before and after having babies, researchers did not find any "cognitive deficit" in the women and that any lack of concentration and/or memory loss experienced during pregnancy may be the normal result of lack of sleep, a shift in priorities, and overall stress. 

Myth #7: Pregnant women should avoid sex

Unless you have a certain medical condition and your doctor advises you against it, you're safe to have sex while pregnant.