Every pregnant woman in Singapore will receive unsolicited advice. From her mother, her mother-in-law, her aunties, and possibly the uncle at the next table at the hawker centre. Much of it is well-intentioned, passed down through generations, and deeply embedded in cultural identity.
So — as your doctor and as someone who has watched his wife navigate this — here's a frank, respectful verdict on the most common myths. Organised by what they actually mean for your health.
No biological mechanism exists by which using scissors affects fetal facial development. Cleft lip/palate is caused by multifactorial genetic and environmental factors (folate deficiency, smoking, certain medications). This belief — rooted in sympathetic magic — is harmless to follow but should not generate anxiety if not followed. Keep your scissors wherever you like.
The TCM "cold food" concept relates to energetic properties (yin/yang balance), not food temperature. Western evidence does not support cold food or beverages being harmful to pregnancy. However, some relevant food safety overlap exists: raw/cold foods (sashimi, raw oysters, cold deli meats) carry Listeria and Salmonella risk — these should be avoided during pregnancy. The reason is food safety, not temperature.
No evidence for personality or delivery effects. However: shellfish carry real listeria and shellfish toxin risk if undercooked. Well-cooked crab is safe in pregnancy. The caution has zero basis in fetal neurodevelopment but the underlying food safety message (avoid raw/undercooked shellfish) is sound.
No evidence that attending a funeral affects fetal development. This belief is rooted in spiritual/cultural frameworks around death pollution. The relevant real consideration: psychological stress and grief are worth managing during pregnancy — not because of spiritual harm to the fetus, but because high cortisol can have modest physiological effects. If attending a funeral will cause significant distress, it's reasonable to decline for your own wellbeing — just not because of fetal harm.
The literal claim is false — fetal appearance is genetically determined. However, there is genuine evidence that maternal emotional wellbeing, reduced stress, and positive mental states during pregnancy have measurable positive effects on fetal cortisol exposure and neonatal temperament. The spirit of this practice — surrounding yourself with beauty and positivity — is actually good advice.
Gentle prenatal massage by a certified practitioner is safe and beneficial for back pain, oedema, and anxiety. However: deep pressure on the abdomen, certain acupressure points (SP6, BL60, GB21), and essential oils (clary sage, rosemary, jasmine) are contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects. If you receive TCM or traditional massage, ensure your practitioner is informed of your gestational age and has specific prenatal training.
Spicy food does not affect fetal temperament. It can worsen gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which is already common in pregnancy due to progesterone-mediated lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation. If spicy food causes heartburn, avoid it for your own comfort — not for the baby's personality.
💡 The Doctor's Rule: If a cultural practice is harmless — follow it if it brings comfort and family peace. If it causes anxiety, restricts essential nutrition, or delays seeking medical care, it's worth discussing openly with your doctor. Cultural tradition and modern medicine don't need to be in conflict.
References
WHO Food Safety for Pregnant Women (2022)
Glover V. Maternal stress and fetal programming. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2014
Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016
Chang MY et al. The effects of acupressure on labor. J Adv Nurs. 2005