Introduction

Pregnancy is a time when advice flows in from every direction. In India, where families are close-knit and traditions run deep, every mother-to-be is surrounded by relatives, neighbors, and friends offering tips. While this comes from a place of love, much of it is based on myths and old wives’ tales rather than science.

We see it daily at Hope Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad: mothers confused between what their doctor says and what their grandmother insists. The truth? Following myths blindly can sometimes cause more harm than good.

This blog unpacks the 10 most common pregnancy myths in India and separates fact from fiction - so mothers can focus on what really matters: a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

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Myth 1: Eating Papaya or Pineapple Causes Miscarriage

The Myth: Many Indian families believe these fruits cause “heat” in the body and miscarriage.

The Truth:

• Unripe papaya contains latex, which can trigger contractions in large amounts. That’s where the myth started.
  
• Ripe papaya is completely safe, rich in vitamin A and fiber.
  
• Pineapple in moderation is also safe.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Avoid only unripe papaya. Otherwise, enjoy fruits - they’re essential for vitamins and digestion.

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Myth 2: Pregnant Women Should Eat for Two

The Myth: Since you’re carrying a baby, you should double your food intake.

The Truth:

• Pregnancy requires only 300-400 extra calories per day, not double meals.
  
• Overeating leads to excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and delivery complications.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Eat balanced meals - dal, chapati, vegetables, fruits - not double portions.

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Myth 3: Ghee in the Ninth Month Ensures Normal Delivery

The Myth: Drinking ghee softens tissues and guarantees normal delivery.

The Truth:

• Ghee is nutritious, but it does not affect the birth canal or labor outcome.
  
• Excess ghee can lead to indigestion, obesity, and higher C-section risk.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Include ghee moderately in your diet, but don’t rely on it for delivery outcomes.

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Myth 4: No Exercise During Pregnancy

The Myth: Any physical activity may harm the baby.

The Truth:

• Light exercise improves circulation, reduces swelling, and helps with labor.
  
• Prenatal yoga, walking, and stretches are safe under guidance.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Stay active unless your doctor has advised bed rest.

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Myth 5: Heartburn Means Baby Will Have Thick Hair

The Myth: If a mother has heartburn, the baby will be born with a full head of hair.

The Truth:

• Heartburn is caused by progesterone relaxing muscles, not baby hair.
  
• It’s a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the third trimester.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Eat small meals and avoid spicy food to ease heartburn.

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Myth 6: Gender Can Be Predicted by Belly Shape

The Myth: Carrying low = boy, carrying high = girl.

The Truth:

• Belly shape depends on muscle tone, baby’s position, and body type - not gender.
  
• In India, gender prediction is not only inaccurate but also illegal and unethical under the PCPNDT Act.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Focus on health, not gender myths.

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Myth 7: Cold Food and Drinks Harm the Baby

The Myth: Ice cream, cold water, or refrigerated foods will harm the baby.

The Truth:

• There’s no evidence that cold foods affect fetal health.
  
• Only concern: avoid unhygienic or contaminated food.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Enjoy that kulfi if you crave it - just make sure it’s clean and safe.

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Myth 8: Stress is Normal and Harmless

The Myth: “Every mother feels stress; it won’t affect the baby.”

The Truth:

• Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can affect fetal development and birth weight.
  
• Mental health is just as important as physical health during pregnancy.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Practice relaxation, seek family support, and don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about anxiety or depression.

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Myth 9: Ultrasounds Are Dangerous

The Myth: Too many ultrasounds will harm the baby.

The Truth:

• Medical ultrasounds are safe and recommended to monitor growth.
  
• They use sound waves, not radiation.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Follow your doctor’s scan schedule - it ensures early detection of problems.

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Myth 10: Sex During Pregnancy is Unsafe

The Myth: Intimacy may harm the baby or trigger miscarriage.

The Truth:

• In most healthy pregnancies, sex is safe.
  
• Doctors may advise caution if there’s a risk of preterm labor, bleeding, or placenta previa.
  

👉 Hope’s Advice: Discuss openly with your doctor; don’t rely on stigma-driven myths.

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FAQs

Q1. What foods should I avoid completely in pregnancy?
Raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, unwashed fruits/vegetables, and alcohol.

Q2. Can I fast during pregnancy?
Not recommended. Long fasting can cause weakness and harm baby growth.

Q3. How many ultrasounds are safe?
Usually 3-4 key scans, but more if complications exist. All are safe.

Q4. Can stress really harm the baby?
Yes. Prolonged stress can affect growth. Seek support early.

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Conclusion

Pregnancy myths are everywhere in India, but evidence-based guidance is the key to safe motherhood. At Hope Women’s & Children’s Hospital, we combine medical expertise with cultural sensitivity - helping families move beyond myths and focus on health.

👉 Learn more about our Maternity Services or Book a Consultation with our gynecologists today.