First Trimester
Morning sickness only happens in the morning.
False. Morning sickness can happen at any time throughout the day, depending on the mother’s health.
The mother will no longer experience nausea or vomiting associated with pregnancy.
False – while many women find that nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) decrease or disappear by the second trimester, it is not universal. Some women continue to experience these symptoms throughout their pregnancy, though typically to a lesser extent.
Swelling in the feet and ankles is normal during the third trimester.
True because blood can increase volume and pressure in veins, which can cause mild swelling; severe swelling may indicate preeclampsia.
If you crave sweet food, then you’re having a girl, but if you crave salty or savory food, then you're having a boy.
False, food cravings are caused by hormonal changes or a change in the way your body absorbs food and there is no specific reason for specific food cravings.
Pregnant women should avoid all exercise because it can harm the baby.
False: Most pregnant women are encouraged to exercise unless their doctor advises otherwise. Moderate physical activity improves mood, reduces back pain, supports healthy weight gain, and even helps with labor and recovery.
Heartburn means the baby will have lots of hair.
False. There is a correlation due to both heartburn and fetal hair growth being from the same hormone.
The second trimester is often referred to as the “golden period.” True or false.
True – because morning sickness and fatigue typically decrease, while energy levels often improve. This trimester is generally considered the most comfortable and enjoyable phase, although some physical discomforts, such as backaches, can still occur.
Braxton Hicks' contractions are a sign of labor.
False because these are "practice" contractions and don't indicate active labor, even though they can feel similar.
If your baby sits higher in your belly, it’s a girl, but if it’s closer to your pelvic bone, then it’s a boy.
False because the bump position is dependent on the size and position of the uterus as well as the size of the baby.
It’s common for pregnant women to crave non-food items, like ice or clay.
True: This phenomenon has a name: Pica. Studies have shown that a sizable proportion of pregnant women worldwide experience pica at some point during pregnancy.
Mothers should eat cooked fish during pregnancy.
True. It is advised for mothers to consume 2-3 servings of fish per week. Fish should be high in DHA and low in mercury.
A fetus cannot hear sounds from outside the womb.
False – the fetus auditory system develops during the second trimester. By about 18 weeks, the fetus can start to hear sounds, including the mother's heartbeat, voice, and external noises.
Sleeping on your back during the third trimester is safe.
False because lying flat can compress major blood vessels, along with reducing blood flow to the baby and causing dizziness for the mother. Side sleeping is recommended.
If your hair and nails are brittle and dry, then you’re having a girl, but if your hair is luscious and shiny, then you’re having a boy.
False, better hair and nails are the result of hormones and increased blood flow.
The phrase “eating for two”, meaning you should double your food intake while pregnant, is medically correct.
False: While nutritional needs do increase during pregnancy, the extra needed calories are minimal. On average, a pregnant woman needs only about 300 additional calories per day.
Mothers can consume small amounts of alcohol during the pregnancy.
False. There is no known safe threshold for pregnant people, so no alcohol is the safest option.
The second trimester is when the mother typically first feels fetal movement.
True – often described as “quickening,” the first perception of fetal movement by the mother is between 16-25 weeks. This is due to the increasing size and strength of the fetus, making its movements noticeable.
The baby gains most of its weight during the third trimester.
True because rapid weight gains can occur in the last 12 weeks, along with fat accumulation for temperature regulation after birth.
There is no way to accurately predict a child’s gender through symptoms or body changes.
True, the only proven way to determine a baby’s gender is through ultrasounds or DNA tests.
During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases by about 40–50%.
True: During pregnancy, a woman’s body makes a lot more blood to support the growing baby. Blood volume can increase by roughly 40–50%.
Most people find out they are pregnant between 4-7 weeks after conception.
True. Most mothers notice signs after missing their period. They notice around 2-4 weeks that they are late but give some time to see if menstruation is late.
During the second trimester, the mother’s metabolism significantly slows down to conserve energy for the fetus.
False – a woman’s metabolism actually tends to increase during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, to support the growing fetus. The increased metabolic rate is necessary to provide the energy and nutrients required for fetal growth and development.
The baby's lungs are fully developed by the start of the third trimester.
False because the lung development continues into the final week, and full maturity usually occurs around 36 weeks.
There are no gender specific pregnancy symptoms.
True, most symptoms are caused by hormonal changes and are entirely dependent on the mother.
The uterus can expand by as much as 500 times its normal size during pregnancy.
True: Over the course of pregnancy, the uterus grows dramatically to accommodate the developing baby, expanding many times its original size.