Four pregnancy health myths exposed

You shouldn’t eat cheese when you’re pregnant

Unpasteurised, mould-ripened or blue-veined cheeses like Brie, Stilton and pamesan) carry a very small risk of listeria, a bacteria which can cause miscarriage and birth defects. But other cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella and cottage cheese, are absolutely fine.


The shape of your bump can indicate your baby's gender

There’s a popular belief that women carrying boys have low bumps and women carrying girls carry high just isn't true. The shape of your tummy is determined by your muscle and uterine tone, as well as the position your baby is lying in. You’re also likely to have a ‘low’ bump if your baby’s head has dropped intoyour pelvis.


Having sex while you’re pregnant could cause  miscarriage

It’s perfectly safe to indulge in sexual intercourse, as long as your midwife doesn’t advise you not to (for example, if you have a history of early miscarriage, if you’re bleeding or have a low-lying placenta).

If you get lots of heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will be born with lots of hair.

Apparently some of us still believe this one! Heartburn is very common in pregnancy because it relaxes the valves that allow food to pass into your stomach. Your baby’s hair (or lack of it) has nothing to do with it.