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Pregnancy and Childbirth

7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked

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Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens

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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.

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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.

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About UPMC Magee-Womens

Built upon our flagship, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, and its century-plus history of providing high-quality medical care for people at all stages of life, UPMC Magee-Womens is nationally renowned for its outstanding care for women and their families.

Our Magee-Womens network – from women’s imaging centers and specialty care to outpatient and hospital-based services – provides care throughout Pennsylvania, so the help you need is always close to home. More than 25,000 babies are born at our network hospitals each year, with 10,000 of those babies born at UPMC Magee in Pittsburgh, home to one of the largest NICUs in the country. The Department of Health and Human Services recognizes Magee in Pittsburgh as a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health; U.S. News & World Report ranks Magee nationally in gynecology. The Magee-Womens Research Institute was the first and is the largest research institute in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women’s health and reproductive biology, with locations in Pittsburgh and Erie.