Image: Shutterstock
Advice during pregnancy leaves you confused and unsure – especially if you are the type who is rational about everything in life. But as many women have it, most advise is shrouded in superstition. So take it or leave it, but here are our top picks – some country specific, some generic:
1. Don’t Walk Under The Ladder
In Poland, if a pregnant woman walks under a ladder, she is sure advised to step aside. The Polish believe that a pregnant woman walking under the ladder will have a tiny baby!
2. Don’t Sit On A Staircase
On the other hand, Malaysians believe that if a pregnant couple sits on a staircase, there is a high likelihood of a prolonged delivery because by sitting in the stairway, the parents block the passage!
3. Don’t Look At Animals
In Turkey, women are advised not to see monkeys or bears or other animals because if they do that often, they will have kids who resemble these animals. So if you are pregnant and go to a zoo, you’d better go there blindfolded ;)
4. Don’t Rub Your Tummy Or Keep A Dagger Under Your Bed
Pregnant women in China are warned not to rub on their tummy too much unless they wanted a spoiled child! On the other hand, if you were a pregnant woman in China, you would also be advised to keep a knife under your bed so as to keep your baby in the womb away from the evil spirits!
5. Don’t Expose To Eclipse
In Uganda and several parts of India, pregnant women are advised to stay indoors during an eclipse as it is believed the rays would harm the baby in malefic ways. In Uganda, there is a belief that seeing an eclipse would cause a pregnant woman to have her baby disfigured with a cleft palate or harelip.
6. Seventh Or Ninth Month For Baby Shower
Women in India are advised to have a baby shower in the seventh or the ninth month, but not in the eighth month. Many Indians don’t regard number eight lucky while number seven and nine are lucky for pregnancy. Hence the myth.
7. Stay Away From Spirits
The Jews believe it is hazardous for a pregnant woman to attend funerals or burials as they believe that the soul keeps lingering around.
8. Plant A Tree On The Umbilical Cord
New mothers in Jamaica must bury the umbilical cord of within three days of childbirth and plant a tree on the spot. The umbilical cord must never fall on the floor! Planting a tree on a buried cord is supposed to bring good luck to the family. They call the tree ‘Navel-string’ tree or simply the ‘Baby’s tree’.
9.Take A Ring On The Belly Test
Women in America and elsewhere believe that if they look tired or not-so-good during pregnancy, they are carrying a girl because ‘she steals mom’s beauty.” However, to know the gender of the baby, they are recommended to take the ‘ring on the belly’ test. All you have to do is dangle your wedding ring through a string over your belly. If it swings back and forth, it’s going to be a boy. If it moves in a circle, then you are going to have a girl.
10. Don’t Eat Or Drink Dark Foods
Many women believe that eating dark vegetables or sour stuff like tamarind or drinking dark drinks like coffee can make you have a dark complexioned baby!
11. Don’t Wear Your Inners
Some strangely believe that wearing innerwear during pregnancy will hinder the baby’s growth. What’s worse, some even believe that wearing a metal in your underwear on a full moon day will prevent any miscarriage!
12. Having A Bath Will Drown Your Baby
How on earth could this happen! We thought the baby swims in the amniotic sac :D
13. A Hair Cut Means Premature Birth
Yes, some women are advised not to cut their hair during pregnancy to avoid a premature birth!
14. Don’t Go Into The Ocean
It’s understandable that if you are advised not to go into the ocean, it means they are concerned the saline waters can enter your vagina and start the contractions! Woah!
15. Cover Up Your Tummy
Wonder if it is to avoid the stares, but they give some ‘technically’ valid reasons. Covering your bump on the beach means you don’t expose your baby to the sun, so he doesn’t go blind. Well, we thought the world inside your belly was already dark indeed.
16. Long Hot Shower Cook Your Baby
Interesting thought. But we thought your relaxed time does good to both you and your baby!
How were you advised when you were carrying? Share with us any funny tips you must have been given.
