Maternal Impression: Blaming MothersThe disproven link between a woman's mind and birth defects.

From the show

Historically Bad Advice

For centuries, the theory of maternal impression placed the blame for birth defects squarely on women. This long-held medical belief suggested a pregnant woman's thoughts, fears, or even cravings could physically imprint on her unborn child. A fright from a mouse or a desire for strawberries could supposedly result in a corresponding birthmark. This 'expert' advice, which caused immense guilt and harm, was eventually dismantled by the scientific understanding of genetics.