Pregnancy is a beautiful, weird, and emotional rollercoaster—and if you’ve ever been pregnant, you’ve probably had someone throw a random “rule” at you. Maybe it was your grandma’s advice, or that one aunt who swears by old superstitions. Either way, a lot of those so-called “rules” haven’t aged well. In fact, some of them are downright hilarious in hindsight.

So let’s take a stroll through pregnancy history and laugh a little—because thankfully, science has come a long way.

Looking at the Moon? Apparently That’s Dangerous

Yep, this one’s a classic. In many cultures, pregnant women were told not to look at the full moon—or worse, the eclipse. Why? Supposedly, it could trigger labor or “curse” the baby.

Spoiler alert: No, staring at the moon won’t make you go into labor. What will help? A calming walk under the stars. Trust us, your OB-GYN would much rather see you moving than hiding inside every full moon.

Strawberries Cause Birthmarks—Really?

Ever been told not to eat strawberries while pregnant or your baby might come out with a big red birthmark? That’s right—this myth blames innocent fruit for something called “infantile hemangiomas.”

Truth is, those birthmarks are just a normal part of some babies’ development. And strawberries? They’re full of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. Eat them in moderation and enjoy the sweet benefits. No birthmark guarantees included

Video: The surprising effects of pregnancy

Your Baby Bump Predicts the Gender

Raise your hand if someone’s ever said, “You’re carrying high—it’s a girl!” Or, “That’s definitely a boy bump!” These gender-guessing games have been passed down like family heirlooms.

But here’s the reality: The shape of your bump depends more on things like muscle tone, number of previous pregnancies, and your baby’s position. Not on their gender. Sorry, Aunt Susan, but the bump shape isn’t spilling any secrets.

Step Over a Rope, Risk a Knotted Cord?

This one’s next-level superstition. The belief? If a pregnant woman steps over a rope, extension cord, or even lifts her hands above her head, the baby’s umbilical cord might wrap around its neck.

Medically speaking, that’s not how this works. Nuchal cords (when the cord wraps around the baby’s neck) happen in a lot of births and are usually harmless. They’re caused by baby movement—not by a game of hopscotch.

Hair Dye Equals Blind Baby? Not Quite

For years, expectant moms have heard the horror story: dye your hair during pregnancy and your baby could have vision issues.

Let’s clear this one up. There’s zero evidence that a haircut or hair dye causes problems for the baby. That said, many doctors recommend avoiding harsh chemicals during the first trimester—just to be safe. But if you’re into that fresh-cut confidence boost? Go for it.

Mastitis Means Stop Breastfeeding? Nope

Mastitis—basically an inflamed, painful breast—can hit nursing moms hard. And some folks will tell you to stop breastfeeding to heal.

Actually, that’s the worst advice. One of the best ways to get through mastitis is to keep breastfeeding. It helps drain the infection and ease inflammation. If you’re in doubt, talk to your doctor—not your cousin who “read something online once.”

Expecting a Boy Means You’ll Look Better? Please.

Here’s the weird beauty myth: If you’re having a boy, you’ll glow and look amazing. But if it’s a girl, she “steals your beauty,” and you’ll look tired.

Newsflash: pregnancy affects everyone differently. Some women break out. Others glow. Some feel like superheroes; others feel like they’ve been hit by a bus. The baby’s gender has nothing to do with it. Blame the hormones, not the fetus.

Your Water Breaking = Instant Splash Zone

Thanks to every TV show ever, people think labor always starts with a dramatic gush of water on the floor. But the truth is usually a lot less dramatic.

Your water might break slowly, like a trickle. You might not even notice right away. And guess what? Sometimes labor starts without your water breaking at all. No mop bucket required.

Video: Prenatal Development: What Babies Learn in the Womb

Lying on Your Back Is Always Bad? Not Quite

You’ve probably heard this one: don’t sleep on your back during pregnancy—it’s bad for the baby.

While there’s some truth to this, it’s not as scary as it sounds. In the later stages of pregnancy, lying flat on your back for long periods may reduce blood flow due to the weight of your uterus. But lying back for a bit, especially with pillows propping you up, is usually fine.

Your body will often tell you what’s comfortable—listen to it.

No Spicy Food Allowed? Heartburn, Maybe—But That’s It

Craving spicy food? Go for it. Some people still believe hot foods will “burn” the baby or cause early labor.

In reality, the only thing spicy food might trigger is heartburn. (Which, let’s be honest, is already a common issue during pregnancy.) But spicy foods are totally safe for your little one. Just maybe keep the hot sauce in moderation if your stomach’s being extra sensitive.

Conclusion: Let’s Laugh—and Then Let’s Move On

Pregnancy is already full of changes, decisions, and enough advice to write a novel. The last thing anyone needs is fear based on myths from centuries ago. So go ahead—eat the strawberries, take that moonlight walk, and get your hair done if it makes you feel good.

Trust your doctor. Trust your body. And maybe, just maybe, don’t trust the lady at the grocery store who swears your baby bump “means twins.”

Motherhood is hard enough without outdated rules weighing you down. So toss these myths aside, have a giggle, and focus on what really matters—growing a healthy baby your way.