10 common pregnancy myths busted

• Having sex could harm your baby

  Some couples worry that having sex will damage their unborn baby, but unless you’ve been advised otherwise there’s no reason why you shouldn’t carry on as normal for as long as you feel comfortable.

  Your baby will be nicely cushioned by a sac of amniotic fluid which prevents it from being squashed and bumped. 

  Plus, the uterus is sealed by the cervix which protects it from infection so there’s no way your partner could accidentally touch the baby – whatever his size.

• You can tell the sex by your bump shape

  Carry low and it’s a boy?  It’s more likely your baby has just dropped lower into the pelvis as it gets ready for the birth. 

  The truth is that like women, bumps come in all shapes and sizes depending on the position of your baby, amount of amniotic fluid and what shape your muscles are in. 

  If you really want to know the sex of your baby the 20-week scan is your best bet, although if you’ve had an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling you could find out earlier.

• You shouldn’t exercise

  If you don’t normally exercise then pregnancy isn’t the time to start a rigorous new fitness regime. 

  But regular moderate exercise will give you energy, help you feel good about yourself and prepare your body for labour and birth.   Avoid high-impact or contact sports or anything which involves lying flat on your back. 

  And always check with your doctor first – they may advise against it if you have experienced any bleeding or other complications.

• Spicy food will help bring on labour

  The final days of pregnancy can seem endless, and if your due date has passed without so much as a Braxton Hicks you may wonder what you can do to speed things along.

  One in five women believe a hot curry will help get things moving as according to one theory spicy food stimulates the digestive system which in turn can kickstart contractions.  

  There’s absolutely no evidence this works, and it might just trigger a bout of heartburn, but by this stage you’re likely to try anything.

• You’ll look and feel great

  Some women are lucky enough to breeze through pregnancy without so much as a pimple.  However, for the vast majority it’s a different story as fluctuating hormones wreak havoc in the form of morning sickness, exhaustion, constipation, and oily or dry skin. 

  Throw in Cholasma, rashes, acne and spider veins and you could be wondering if you’ll ever start to ‘bloom.’ 

  The good news is not everyone is affected, and at some point in the second trimester you may actually start to ‘glow’ as increased progesterone and blood flow give you a healthy flush.

• You crave what your body needs

  Around 85 per cent of women say they crave a particular food during pregnancy.  Some find themselves desperate for salty, sweet or fatty foods while others experience what’s known as pica - cravings for non-food items like petrol, coal or furniture polish. 

  It’s not known exactly what causes cravings, although it could be down to the way hormones affect your sense of taste and smell.  

  However, there’s no evidence to support the theory that you only crave what your body needs, so think twice before you dive into that tub of ice-cream.

• You’ll be insatiable

  It’s true that some women can’t get enough sex during pregnancy, but sadly for every fertile goddess there’s also a headache brewing. 

  Morning sickness, exhaustion and sore breasts can all affect your libido, or you may find you’re scared of hurting the baby, can’t get comfortable or are self-conscious about your changing body. 

  Don’t panic, it’s perfectly normal for both men and women to go off it for a while, so keep talking and show your affection in other ways – you’ll soon be back on track.

• You’ll lose a tooth for every baby

  In the bad old days poor nutrition meant your dental health could indeed suffer during pregnancy.  However, the Dental Health Foundation says there’s now no truth in the rumour that a lack of calcium will lead to tooth problems, providing you eat a balanced diet.  

  Despite this, hormonal changes may mean your gums are softer and more prone to infection so it’s more important than ever to brush properly. 

  Tell your dentist as soon as you find out you’re pregnant and book regular appointments with the hygienist – and remember you’re entitled to free dental care until your baby is one year old.

• You shouldn’t fly

  There’s some confusion around when it’s safe to fly during pregnancy, but providing you’re fit and well there’s no reason why you shouldn’t travel at any stage.  

  However, most airlines do have a cut-off point for fear of you going into labour on the plane.  You could be turned away if they’re not sure about your dates so it may help to take along written permission from your GP confirming that you’re in good health and when you’re due to give birth. 

• You can’t eat cheese

  Wondering how you’ll make it through nine months without your favourite snack?  

  It’s true that unpasteurised and mould ripened soft cheeses are off the menu as they carry a risk of listeriosis – a mild illness but one which could be dangerous and even fatal for your unborn child. 

  However, pasteurised brie, feta and other soft cheeses are widely available, while hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan are safe to eat even if they are made with unpasteurised milk, so check the label - you may find you don’t need to deprive yourself.

• Next Up: 10 pregnancy questions you’re too afraid to ask

  Pregnancy is a leap into the unknown but there are still some questions you feel

See also:

• 10 pregnancy questions you’re too afraid to ask