5 Common Pregnancy Health Myths Debunked: What Every Expecting Parent Should Know

Between prepping for your baby’s arrival and making sure both you and your little one stay healthy, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of advice. Here, we debunk five common pregnancy health myths and the facts behind them.

Pregnancy often comes with plenty of excitement. While you’re counting down the days, stocking up on essentials, and getting the nursery ready, it’s also easy to find yourself surrounded by a flood of advice. Although well-intentioned, some of these beliefs are based on outdated information or common misconceptions. Don’t worry, parents, we’ve got you. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve rounded up five common pregnancy health myths and the facts behind them.

1. A healthy pregnancy means I don’t need to worry about infections.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes natural changes in the immune system to support the growing baby. This can make you more susceptible to certain infections than when you are not pregnant¹. This isn’t a sign of poor health, but it’s recommended to take extra care to stay healthy, including eating a balanced diet, participating in regular, non-strenuous exercise, avoiding alcohol and more². Some infections during pregnancy can also affect the fetus², further highlighting that regular antenatal care is important.

2. If I rarely get sick, my baby will automatically be protected.

While it is incredibly important to maintain good health throughout your pregnancy, it does not automatically determine whether your newborn will be protected against infections after birth. During pregnancy, the mother’s body can pass certain antibodies to the baby through the placenta. These maternal antibodies provide a temporary immune protection in the first few months of life. However, these antibodies decrease slowly within the first 6 months of the baby’s life³. Therefore, taking preventive steps after birth, such as maintaining good hygiene and following recommended childhood immunisation schedules, helps support your baby’s overall health and reduces the risk of infections⁴.

3. The first few months are the safest because the baby isn’t mixing with many people.

While it is recommended to limit exposure to large crowds and external environments, the early months remain a period of vulnerability to infections due to your baby’s developing immune system. Respiratory infections are among the more common illnesses in this age group, and infants can also be exposed through close contact with family members or caregivers⁵.

4. My baby is adequately protected by my Flu and Tdap Shots

Influenza and Tdap (whooping cough) vaccinations help protect against specific diseases, but they do not provide protection against other respiratory infections, which may cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in babies⁶.

Most children are infected with RSV by the age of 2, and infants are at higher risk of severe illness in the first months of life⁷. In some cases, RSV infection can lead to serious breathing difficulties that require medical care⁶.

Read more: Understanding RSV & How To Keep Your Baby Protected

5. Pregnancy is only about preparing for birth/labour

Parents should also prepare for life after birth, which comes with new routines, sleep patterns and of course, recognising and responding to your baby’s needs. As newborns are still developing their immune systems, they are more vulnerable to common infections, including respiratory illnesses such as pertussis, influenza and RSV, hence the importance of discussing with your OBGYN on how best to reduce this risk^3,6.

Understanding the facts behind common pregnancy myths can help expectant parents make informed decisions even after birth. It is also important to understand the different respiratory infections that can affect newborns.

Pregnant and have questions about RSV? Speak with your OBGYN to discuss available approaches to support your newborn’s health.

Read more: Protecting Yourself & Newborn Starts Before Birth–Here’s How

Readers are advised to consult with qualified medical professionals for medical advice and information regarding vaccines and their potential benefits or risks. The information provided in this article should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation.

References

1. Infections in Pregnancy. Available at
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/infections. Accessed 4 June 2026.
2. Prenatal Infections and How to Avoid Them. Available at
https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/health-plus/article/prenatal-infections. Accessed 4 June 2026.
3. HealthHub Singapore. What A Weaning Baby Needs For Strong Immunity. Available at
https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/pregnancy-and-infant-health/what-a-weaning-baby-needs-for-strong-immunity. Accessed 4 June 2026.
4. HealthXchange Singhealth. ​Tips to Prevent Infections and Importance of Child Vaccination. Available at https://www.healthxchange.sg/child-life-stages/child-vaccination/infection-prevention-tips-child-vaccination-importance. Accessed 4 June 2026.
5. CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. How RSV Spreads. Available at
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html. Accessed 4 June 2026.
6. Vaccinations recommended before, during and/or after pregnancy. Available at
https://www.singhealth.com.sg/symptoms-treatments/vaccinations-recommended-before-during-and-or-after-pregnancy. Accessed 4 June 2026.
7. What You Need to Know about RSV in Babies. Available at https://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/health-plus/article/rsv-in-babies. Accessed 4 June 2026.