UPMC HealthBeat en español

Pregnancy and Childbirth

7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked

1 Minute Read

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

pregnant woman with legs crossed

LinkedInPinterestCopy URL

If you’re pregnant, you probably feel a mix of emotions. You’re excited to meet your new bundle of joy, but you might not feel quite prepared for the new adventure! There’s no doubt it’s an exciting time, but prevailing pregnancy myths may leave you feeling anxious and full of questions. We busted a few common myths to give you peace of mind during these nine magical months so you can focus on what really matters: your new baby!

You can’t fly during your first or last trimester.

False. You can fly, but some airlines won’t let you fly in your last trimester.

You can’t eat sushi.

False. You shouldn’t eat mackerel, shark, tilefish or swordfish and should limit your tuna intake (no more than 6 oz. of canned tuna per week). Learn more about eating seafood during pregnancy.

Pregnant women should eat for two.

False. During a normal healthy pregnancy, it is recommended that pregnant women gain 25-35 pounds.

Cocoa butter prevents stretch marks.

Never Miss a Beat!

Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

True. Pure cocoa butter is fact in prevention of stretch marks. Pure oil based creams such as pure cocoa butter work best on stretch marks. These work only as long as the cream is mostly comprised of pure cocoa butter; so patients are strongly encouraged to remember to read all product labels.

Craving salty foods mean you’re having a boy. Craving sweet foods mean you’re having a girl.

False. You may crave lots of things when you are pregnant and you may have no particular cravings but none of these will determine the sex of your new baby. Curious to know the sex of your baby? Ask your doctor for an ultrasound.

If your mother had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so will you.

False. The size and position of the baby, your diet, lifestyle all play greater roles than hereditary in determining the ease or difficulty of your pregnancy and delivery.

Pregnant women should sleep only on their left side.

False. While your heart is on the left, sleep on either side increases blood flow to your growing baby and decreases swelling of your legs. It’s okay to sleep on your stomach or back in the first trimester.

Connect with UPMC

About UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

For more than a century, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital has provided high-quality medical care to women at all stages of life. UPMC Magee is long-renowned for its services to women and babies but also offers a wide range of care to men as well. Our patient-first approach ensures you and your loved ones get the care you need. Nearly 10,000 babies are born each year at Magee, and our NICU is one of the largest in the country. Our network of care – from imaging centers to hospital services – provides care throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland, giving you a chance to get the expert care you need close to home. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes UPMC Magee as a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, and the Magee-Womens Research Institute is the largest research institute in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women’s health and reproductive biology.