Pregnancy is a wild ride—one minute you’re glowing, the next you’re Googling “Can I eat an entire pizza at 3 AM without judgment?” (Answer: Absolutely.) But while pregnancy comes with a lot of “Do whatever feels right, mama!” moments, there are a few things OB-GYNs are begging women to stop doing. And no, it’s not about those strange food cravings once in a while (we’re all for your fun food experiments). So, what’s the one thing doctors wish pregnant women would quit? Let’s dive in—with a mix of science, sass, and moments of “Wait, really?”
The #1 Thing OB-GYNs Want You to Stop: Googling Every Little Symptom
Yes, we’re calling it out. The internet is a magical place where you can learn how to knit a baby onesie, find 10,000 gender reveal ideas (please, no more fireworks), and fall into a 3 AM rabbit hole of “Is this normal or am I growing an alien?”
Doctors everywhere are pleading: Stop diagnosing yourself via Dr. Google.
Why? Because the Internet is a Drama Queen
- Symptom:Slight cramping
Google’s Diagnosis: “Probably gas… or early labor, miscarriage, or a rare tropical disease.”
Reality: Your uterus is stretching. It’s fine. Breathe.
- Symptom:Weird food craving (looking at you, mustard-and-Oreos enthusiasts)
Google’s Diagnosis: “Nutritional deficiency… or possession by a hungry demon.”
Reality: Pregnancy hormones DGAF about societal norms. Enjoy your bizarre snack.
Every twinge, hiccup, or odd sensation does not require a deep dive into medical journals from 1987.
What to Do Instead:
✔ Trust your body. The female body has been doing this whole “grow a human” thing for millennia.
✔ Join a sane pregnancy group. Keyword: sane. Avoid the ‘’I drank juice and now my baby speaks Latin’’ forums.
✔ Call your OB-GYN if something feels really off.
Read Also: Pregnancy Sex Fears: Best Pregnancy Sex Positions
Other Things OB-GYNs Wish You’d Quit During Pregnancy
While “over-Googling” takes the crown, here are a few other habits that make doctors facepalm:
- Skipping Prenatal Vitamins Because “I Eat Healthy”
Listen, we love a good smoothie, but prenatal vitamins are non-negotiable. Your baby’s neural tube isn’t waiting for you to remember your spinach intake.
OB-GYN’s plea: “Take. The. Vitamins.”
- Treating Pregnancy Like a 9-Month Netflix Marathon
Yes, rest is important. No, that doesn’t mean turning into a couch potato. Gentle movement (walking, prenatal yoga) helps with circulation, mood, and preventing “Why did my back just make that noise?” moments.
OB-GYN’s note: “You don’t have to run a marathon, but maybe walk further than the fridge. Look, you’re growing a whole human. That’s already Olympic-level stuff. So no, you don’t need to run a marathon — but when you are home, if you can manage a walk that goes slightly beyond the fridge, your body and your mood will totally thank you. Even a 10-minute stroll counts. It gets your blood flowing, helps with swelling, keeps your energy up, and might even help you sleep better. Plus, fresh air = sanity.””
- Ignoring Dental Checkups
Pregnancy hormones can turn your gums into swollen, bleeding drama queens. Skipping the dentist = higher risk of gum disease, which has been linked to preterm labor.
OB-GYN’s PSA: “Brush, floss, and for the love of all things holy, don’t avoid the dentist.”
- Eating for “Two Full-Grown Adults”
Newsflash: Your baby is the size of a blueberry, then a lime, then an avocado… not a linebacker. While those cravings are real (hello, pickles and ice cream), you don’t actually need to double up your portions. It’s about nourishing, not overloading — think of it as eating smarter, not necessarily more.
OB-GYN’s gentle reminder: “You’re nourishing a tiny human, not preparing for hibernation.”
- Stress-Scrolling Through Labor Horror Stories
The internet loves a dramatic birth story (“I gave birth in an elevator during a hurricane!”), but fixating on worst-case scenarios only spikes your anxiety.
OB-GYN’s advice: “Mute the horror stories. Your birth will be its own unique adventure.”
The Takeaway: Trust Yourself (and Your Doctor)
Pregnancy is equal parts magical and “Wait, why is my belly button doing that?” While it’s tempting to consult Dr. Google at every turn, the best source of info is still your OB-GYN.
So, the next time you feel the urge to deep-dive into “Are hiccups a sign of baby rebellion?”—close the laptop, grab a snack (no judgment), and remember: You’ve got this.
And if all else fails, just tell yourself: “Millions of women have done this before me… and somehow, the human race continues.”
“So go ahead—embrace the glow, rock those stretchy pants like they’re high fashion., and for the love of chocolate, stop asking Google if your baby is judging your snack choices.
Spoiler: They’re too busy practicing karate kicks in there to care. Eat the cupcake, mama. You’ve earned it.”
