What Not to Expect When You're Expecting

As soon as the doctor says you're pregnant, you're instantly inundated with information. Between the books, online communities, and mom friends, you'll learn more than you thought you would about the next nine months. While much of this is need-to-know information, some of it may be based in myths. How do you distinguish the truth from the old wives' tales? From food restrictions to labor inducers, find out which pregnancy facts are actually fiction.

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You'll have morning sickness, but only in the first trimester.
Fox

You'll have morning sickness, but only in the first trimester.

Despite the name, morning sickness can occur any time during your pregnancy. It can hit you as soon as you wake up during the first trimester and at the end of the day during the final month. Luckily there are plenty of ways to stave off the nausea.

You have to stay away from seafood.
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You have to stay away from seafood.

Filleting a fish for dinner can actually benefit baby, as the omega-3 aids in brain development. That being said, stay away from fish that contain high levels of mercury such as swordfish, mackerel, sea bass, and tuna.

You must avoid caffeine.
Warner Bros.

You must avoid caffeine.

While you shouldn't down multiple macchiatos a day, drinking one cup of coffee in the morning hasn't been shown to cause any harm.

You shouldn't exercise.
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You shouldn't exercise.

Not only does hitting the gym help you shed those pregnancy pounds after the delivery, but it also benefits baby.

The position of your bump reveals your baby's gender.

The position of your bump reveals your baby's gender.

Just because your belly hangs low doesn't mean you're having a boy. Where your baby sits has to do with your body shape and weight.

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You can't have sex.
NBC

You can't have sex.

Unless you are at risk for preterm delivery, there is no reason you and hubby can't have a little bedroom fun.

Raising your hands causes the umbilical cord to wrap around baby's neck.
NBC

Raising your hands causes the umbilical cord to wrap around baby's neck.

Whether you throw your hands in the air or hang upside down, your pregnancy movement has no effect on the umbilical cord. It's actually quite common for the cord to move during pregnancy, but it's something the doctor can fix quickly during delivery.

You need to eat for two.
Paramount Pictures

You need to eat for two.

Yes, a human is growing inside of you, but he doesn't require a lot of food. In actuality, you only need to consume an extra 300 calories a day to keep yourself and baby healthy.

Bumpy car rides can lead to early delivery.
Paramount Pictures

Bumpy car rides can lead to early delivery.

A smooth car ride won't prevent baby from coming out sooner, though it may stave off motion sickness.

Spicy foods can induce labor.
Fox

Spicy foods can induce labor.

The only thing your sriracha-covered dinner will induce is heartburn.