17 Jun 2026

Exposed: 4 Pregnancy Food Myths

Pregnant woman enjoying a glass of milk as part of her pregnancy diet

When you’re pregnant, you naturally want to eat right by you and your child, and make healthy, clean dietary choices. But changing up your diet might be overwhelming, and advice can be contradictory or sometimes just plain wrong. Here are four facts to arm yourself with..

Myth #1

Herbs and tonics will boost your child’s intellect

FACT
While the health benefits of herbs and tonics are widely discussed, there’s no evidence to support this claim.

However many herbs – raspberry leaf, stinging nettle, ginkgo biloba – do contain a variety of essential micronutrients vital for brain development:

Essential micronutrients for child's brain development

So go ahead and consult your doctor for the green light before taking them, ensuring you have enough proteins, carbs and essential fats too. But don’t expect a genius child (unless it’s in your genes!).

Myth #2

You should avoid sushi and sashimi

FACT
Danger lurks in raw fish and shellfish, as well as fish with high levels of mercury.

Raw fish

Harbours parasitic worms and bacteria that make you ill.

Raw shellfish

Contains viruses and bacteria that induce food poisoning.

Mercury

Interferes with your child’s brain development.

But you don’t need to cut out sushi and sashimi completely since fish offers many health benefits.

Be cautious: Opt for freshly prepared, well-cooked fish; avoid mercury-rich fish such as tuna, mackerel, sea bass and yellowtail.

Myth #3

Papayas can cause miscarriage

FACT
Eating excessive amounts of green papaya can be unsafe in pregnancy, but small amounts of the ripened fruit are fine.

The Science:
Unripe papaya = high concentration of latex, which can cause uterine contractions.

Fully ripe papaya, however, is packed with many vitamins and minerals – vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, potassium, copper and magnesium.

Myth #4

Eating dark foods will make your child’s skin darker

FACT
Your child’s skin tone is determined by genetics.

Children have dark skin due to higher levels of melanin, so don’t stop enjoying the dark stuff – soy sauce, coffee, tea, chocolate, dates and more.

When it comes to the foods you should be eating during pregnancy, don’t believe everything you hear. Enjoying a healthy, well-balanced diet – with added vitamins – is the best way to go.

P.S. Bird’s nest, tofu and soya milk will not lighten your child's skin pigmentation, either!