5 Pregnancy Myths Debunked

Though pregnancy remains a common experience for millions of individuals worldwide, there are still instances where a myth or two about the experience can spread widely. Throughout my years as an obstetrician, I’ve heard various expectations and worries regarding childbirth that, sometimes, aren’t always realistic.

So, if you have any worries regarding your pregnancy, stick around — it might be a myth!

1. Will My Water Break Suddenly?

As with most things, movies and TV shows love to make childbirth as dramatic as possible. Though it can make for some emotionally intense moments, these scenes don’t always represent the truth.

In reality, the number of women who experience water breaks prior to childbirth is significantly lower than you might think. Only around 10-15% of women have those spontaneous experiences you see in entertainment; in most cases, this occurs after they’ve gone into labour, or when an obstetrician breaks it for them at the hospital.

Furthermore, you can forget about those scenes of women’s water breaking with a gush of fluid, as it can be as small as a trickle.

So, if the thought of your water breaking dramatically in the middle of the mall or office is holding you back from venturing outside, there’s nothing to worry about — the odds are in your favour.   

2. Will I Go into Labour Unexpectedly?

Once again, movies have made it seem like the event of childbirth is sudden, rushed, and frantic. As such, you might be worried that you’ll have to make a spur-of-the-moment dash to the hospital as soon as you go into labour.

Well, that’s usually not the case. In my time as an obstetrician, most childbirths I’ve witnessed began calmly, and with plenty of time for the mother to prepare for the moment. In fact, it could take hours before those first few contractions finally turn into active labour.

That being said, there are exceptions: Some mothers might not realise they’re in labour until they have sudden, painful contractions. Still, this is another (typically) unique experience, so it’s more likely that you’ll see childbirth coming from a mile away. 

3. Can the Food I Eat Influence My Baby’s Palate?

You’ll hear a lot about the importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy. The food choices that you make prior to childbirth will make all the difference in maintaining your baby’s long-term health, which is why we always urge expecting mothers to stay away from dangers like raw foods, alcohol, tobacco, and more.

As such, there’s a myth that the foods you eat during pregnancy could also influence your child’s appetite. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about your baby being born with an inherited taste for sweets if you find yourself having late-night cravings — just be sure that you’re making the right nutritional choices.

4. Will Exercising During Pregnancy Hurt My Baby?

It’s understandable for expecting mothers to be wary about accidentally harming their baby, which is why I’m happy to say avoiding exercise is not one of the precautions you should take during pregnancy. In fact, obstetricians and medical professionals worldwide agree that doing so could be a detriment to both your health and your child’s.

So, don’t shy away from physical activity prior to childbirth. Keeping your body moving could help reduce pregnancy-related pain, improve sleep, and more. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to find pregnancy-friendly workout routines with a simple Google search.

5. Do I Need to Sleep on My Left Side at Night?

If you’ve heard the myth that exercise could hurt your child, then you might’ve also been told to sleep only on your left side, as any other position could be harmful.

Well, I have some good news for those right-side sleepers: In reality, you can sleep in whatever position is most comfortable for you — that is, up until about the 28-week mark.

See, there is some truth to this myth. Some medical experts believe that, when sleeping on your back after reaching that milestone, mothers could have a higher chance of stillbirth: That’s because doing so may reduce the flow of oxygen and blood to the baby, making it a safer option for mothers to sleep on their left or right side after 28 weeks.

To make this position more comfortable, you can place a pillow between your knees and another behind your back. Also, don’t worry if you wake up on your back. Just reposition yourself onto your side and enjoy your rest!