10 Weird Pregnancy Myths In India That Will Make You Shock

A pregnant woman is bound to get a lot of advice, but some are simply hilarious! Good for a laugh, though. Here are 10 weird pregnancy myths that are busted. You won’t be able to leave this article without laughing at these myths and facts about pregnancy. There you go with weird pregnancy myths and facts. Keep on reading.

Pregnancy Myths And Facts 

1. The shape of the stomach can determine the sex of the baby.

In India, people believe that a big round belly means a boy, and an oval stomach means a girl. There is another myth about pregnancy that says if a woman’s belly is high, it is a girl and if she is carrying low, it is a boy.

Fact: The shape of the stomach depends on the pregnant woman’s stature, amount of amniotic fluid and how the baby lays in the womb. There is no known science that can predict the sex of the baby by just looking at the shape of the stomach or how high or low the belly is.

2. Indulging inactivity during an eclipse will give birth to a baby with some deformity.

One of the weird pregnancy myths is that pregnant ladies are advised to stay inside the house with their windows shut and curtains were drawn so that no harmful rays can fall on their bodies. They are also told to pray or recite mantras the whole duration of the eclipse to not let any evil force affect their baby.

Fact: An eclipse is a natural phenomenon that has no bearing on the physical development of the baby in the womb. However, do not go about looking at an eclipse with a naked eye. This is a precaution not only for pregnant women but for everyone.

3. Consuming white or light coloured foods will ensure a baby’s fair complexion, and eating dark coloured foods will give a dark-complexioned baby.

If that were the case, there would be no black and brown babies. There is no proven science behind this claim. Consuming saffron during pregnancy, turmeric milk, or eating butter and bread will not affect a baby’s complexion.

Fact: Skin color depends on the genes rather than the foods a mother consumes. 

4. Cravings for savoury foods means a girl, and cravings for sweets means a boy.

Fact: Women who crave savoury foods like pickles are craving salt. Similarly, pregnant women who crave sweets are looking for comfort. Sugar found in ice creams, cakes, and chocolates produces serotonin in the body, making them feel good. 

5. Suffering from acidity and constant heartburn is due to a baby with lots of hair.

If a pregnant woman is suffering from acidity and heartburn, it is believed that her baby will be born with lots of hair.

Fact: Heartburn is a common problem during pregnancy and has nothing to do with the hair on your baby’s body. There have been enough bald babies born to women who have had heartburn throughout pregnancy. 😉 

6. A mother’s pregnancy and delivery can also determine her daughter’s pregnancy and delivery.

Fact: Hereditary factors do not play any role in the pregnancy or delivery; it is the size and position of the baby, the woman’s lifestyle and diet, etc., that determine whether the pregnancy will be easy or difficult.

7. Eating fruits like papaya and pineapple can lead to miscarriage.

Fact: Papain in papaya (usually found in the unripe fruit) can induce premature contractions. However, there is no harm in eating ripe papaya and pineapple.

8. Eating ghee and homemade butter will ensure a smooth delivery.

Fact: Having a normal delivery depends on the shape of the mother’s pelvis, the fetus’s size and position, and the flexibility of muscles. There is no harm in eating a little ghee and butter, but it certainly doesn’t guarantee a smooth delivery!

9. Denying food cravings will lead to a baby being born with a birthmark in the shape of that food.

This one takes the prize!

Fact: If this were true, almost all babies would be born with birthmarks in the shapes of chocolates, cakes, laddoos and jalebis.

10. Sex during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.

Another popular myth about pregnancy is, sex is considered to induce miscarriage or pre-term labour.

Fact: It depends on the couple’s comfort level and doctor’s advice. As long as they indulge in sex in comfortable positions without putting pressure on the tummy, sex during pregnancy is not prohibited.

There’s still a lot to learn about pregnancy, and there are a lot of unknowns and pregnancy myths. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. They can assist you in devising a strategy for a safe pregnancy and birth and answer any concerns you may have regarding symptoms, problems, and what to anticipate.

Related Content:

Raisins During Pregnancy: Is eating raisins during pregnancy safe? Get to know here! 

Debunking Myths Of Pregnancy: People around a pregnant woman love to customize the baby in her womb by way of external myths and old wives tales. Let us debunk some common myths of pregnancy. Check them out here! 

Lifestyle Myths Of Pregnancy: Let us break some myths on lifestyle during pregnancy and bring the truth and facts to the forefront so that you can live a normal healthy life while your baby grows well in your womb.

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