Pregnant women all over the world have heard rumors of different foods or medicines that can cause birth defects. Although some of those may be legitimate, here are a few that we have decided to banish once and for all.

Spermicides: These non-teratogenic agents help impair the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg. Although once rumored to cause birth defects in the developing fetus, there is no evidence to prove this. The spermicides whole job is to prevent a pregnancy, proving that this agent cannot even come near a developing fetus to damage it.

Acetaminophen: An active ingredient in many pain relievers, this pill has been used by pregnant women for years to relieve pain and has shown no signs of birth defects. Although acetaminophen has been shown to not cause birth defects, it is still recommended to only take it at the recommended amount or less.

Prenatal vitamins: These vitamins, used to supplement a pregnant woman’s nutritional needs, are not shown to cause birth defects when used at the recommended dosage. But, it is important to remember that taking extra vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements, in addition to your regular prenatal vitamins can be dangerous to your developing fetus.

Microwave ovens: These cooking devices were once thought to give off damaging radiation that could hurt your developing fetus, but we now know this to be false. The two types of radiation, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are very different in there effects. X-rays would be a common ionizing radiation, which are not recommended during a pregnancy, while ultraviolet rays and microwaves are examples of non-ionizing radiation. Microwave ovens would have a similar effect as the rays from the sun as a pregnant woman is outside.