Top 16 Birth Myths from 1940's to Today
Wed Feb 04 2026
“Don’t lift your arms over your head.”
“First babies always come late.”
“Hospital birth is the only safe option.”
If you’re pregnant, you may have already heard at least one of these — maybe from a well-meaning family member… or maybe from your doctor.
In this episode, we’re having a little fun (and a lot of truth-telling) as we walk through 16 of the most common pregnancy and birth myths, from the 1940s all the way to today. Some are funny. Some are outdated. And some are still quietly shaping how women experience pregnancy and birth — without even realizing it.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this actually true… or just something people say?"... this one's for you!
Here are some highlights from the episode:
• Why lifting your arms, moving your body, and even sex during pregnancy became taboo
• The truth behind weight gain, cravings, and “eating for two”
• The real history of being put to sleep for labor (and why informed consent matters)
• How formula marketing, induction convenience, and medical authority shaped modern birth
• Why questioning your provider is not only okay — it’s important
• What actually happens with water breaking, due dates, and first babies
• The myths surrounding epidurals, C-sections, and “forgetting the pain”
• Why instant bonding doesn’t happen for everyone — and why that’s normal
Some will make you laugh, others will have you shaking your head...all of them will be debunked 😉
Let's keep the conversation going...send me the craziest, funniest, or downright concerning myths you've heard!
IG @myessentialbirth
email: hello@myessentialbirth.com
Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect!
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com.
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
More
“Don’t lift your arms over your head.” “First babies always come late.” “Hospital birth is the only safe option.” If you’re pregnant, you may have already heard at least one of these — maybe from a well-meaning family member… or maybe from your doctor. In this episode, we’re having a little fun (and a lot of truth-telling) as we walk through 16 of the most common pregnancy and birth myths, from the 1940s all the way to today. Some are funny. Some are outdated. And some are still quietly shaping how women experience pregnancy and birth — without even realizing it. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this actually true… or just something people say?"... this one's for you! Here are some highlights from the episode: • Why lifting your arms, moving your body, and even sex during pregnancy became taboo • The truth behind weight gain, cravings, and “eating for two” • The real history of being put to sleep for labor (and why informed consent matters) • How formula marketing, induction convenience, and medical authority shaped modern birth • Why questioning your provider is not only okay — it’s important • What actually happens with water breaking, due dates, and first babies • The myths surrounding epidurals, C-sections, and “forgetting the pain” • Why instant bonding doesn’t happen for everyone — and why that’s normal Some will make you laugh, others will have you shaking your head...all of them will be debunked 😉 Let's keep the conversation going...send me the craziest, funniest, or downright concerning myths you've heard! IG @myessentialbirth email: hello@myessentialbirth.com Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!