Pregnancy is often a time where a mother may be overwhelmed with information and advice from many different parties. Many women have heard a great deal of pregnancy myths and old wives tales. Sometimes it is hard to tell these myths from the actual facts. Below is a list of the top 4 pregnancy myths that are floating around today, with the scientific answer described after the myth.

1. Apart from an ultrasound, there is no magical way to determine the sex of your baby - Some people will tell you that you can determine the sex of your baby in a variety of different ways. Some common myths of determining the sex of your baby include if you are carrying your baby high or low, by performing a urine test or depending on your cravings. In reality, none of these things can help you determine the sex of your baby. The only way to determine the actual sex of your baby is to have an ultrasound.

2. Eating for two - Some women use the eating for 2 myth to mean that they can eat as much as 2 adults would. In reality, your not eating for 2 adults. Doctors recommend a mother may only need to increase calories by around 300-400 calories per day to accommodate for the growing baby. This means that some women may only gain a little weight, whilst women that are already slightly overweight may either stay the same weight or actually lose some weight whilst pregnant.

3. Drinking alcohol when pregnant - Some people may tell you a few small drinks when pregnant is safe. In reality however, no alcohol should be consumed when pregnant. Alcohol can cause a lot of damage to your developing baby. However, if you have had a big night of drinking a few weeks ago and only recently found out you are pregnant, don't panic. The majority of complications from alcohol usually occur from repeated binge drinking sessions rather than a one off occurrence.

4. Effect of household appliances on your developing baby - Some people state that televisions, microwaves and computers can harm a developing baby. Science however has shown that the levels of radiation produced by these devices is so small that it is highly unlikely that they could cause any harm to a developing baby.

These are the 4 biggest pregnancy myths around. Science often finds very little substance to myths and old wives tales. If you are concerned at all about the development of your baby or your pregnancy, always visit your doctor.