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Pregnancy during our grannys’ and mothers’ times was different from how it is perceived in this day and age. From maternity fashion to a pregnant woman’s health and career, pregnant women were treated differently. If we were to ask our mothers and grandmothers how it was like being pregnant, the stories are sure to surprise us, and some fill us with surprise and wonder.
Thanks to the advances in science and technology, we now have more information at our disposal and things that are common today were beyond imagination decades ago. If this makes you curious, read on to know about some beliefs and situations about pregnancy that are starkly different from how it is treated today.
1. Pregnant Celebs On T.V Was A Rare Sight
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During the original broadcast of “I Love Lucy,” Lucille Ball, the comedian, was instructed to maintain the secrecy of her pregnancy. During that era, it was quite uncommon for an expectant mother to make an appearance on a family-oriented television program. In fact, it was taken to the extreme of prohibiting the mere mention of the word “pregnancy” on television. Nevertheless, as time passed, the show’s producers decided to embrace the idea, and Lucy emerged as the trailblazer, becoming the first woman to proudly display her baby bump on screen. Nowadays, it has become quite customary for celebrities to announce their pregnancies via social media and to make public appearances proudly displaying their pregnant bellies. This practice is warmly embraced by the public today.
2. Rabbits Became The Subject Of Human Pregnancy Tests
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Finding out the “big” news was different in yesteryears. One had to bring urine samples to the doctor and wait for a few days since they would mix certain solutions to know if there was pregnancy hormone (hCG) in the urine. In 1977, the first e.p.t test (home pregnancy test) became popular in the U.S. If you’ve heard someone say that the “rabbit died”, here is what they were referring to: back then, they would inject the woman’s urine into a female rabbit. Due to changes in the rabbit’s ovaries, if the woman were pregnant, the test would be fatal (1). Thank god, they no longer subject innocent animals to such cruelty anymore. Today, you only pee on a stick with a window and notice the appearance of colored lines (double lines confirm pregnancy).
3. Pregnant Women Were Not Physically Active
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Back in the early decades of the twentieth century, pregnant women were advised to rest to avoid fatigue. This was based on the idea that pregnant women were weak. Only post the 1970s, moderate exercises began to be medically advised and seen as safe. Many expecting mothers participate in moderate exercises such as pilates, swimming, or yoga.
4. No Photographs Were Taken In The Delivery Rooms Till The Mid-1950s
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It was quite an unusual concept to photograph an infant after birth back in the olden days. In 1953, the concept was explored, and a photojournalist named Helen Brush Jenkins captured images of her son after delivery. As the years passed, taking photographs soon became normalized, and it is a loved idea today.
5. A Woman Was Likely To Lose Her Job If She Was Pregnant
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It was quite a rare sight for pregnant women to be at work, eating the daily bread for the family. Once confirmed pregnant, she was expected to be home and manage the household. Many women were fired from their jobs once they were pregnant. Nowadays, if a woman decides to work when she is pregnant, she is supported, and in many countries, she is even eligible for maternity leave benefits.
6. Maternity Clothes Were Designed To Hide All Signs Of Pregnancy
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Back in the day, women were encouraged to wear trapeze dresses, loose-fitting shirts, or smock tops, making every pregnant look enormous, a conscious effort to keep the pregnancy a secret. These days, women aren’t afraid to wear maternity clothes that emphasize the bump. And these aren’t boring but fashionable, and some styles make a bold statement too.
7. Father’s Did Not Participate In Delivery Room Activities
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Men used to wait patiently for the news of their child’s birth in the waiting room in the hospital. In the early 70s, they started being involved, being present at the baby’s birth. Today, it’s common for fathers not to miss their child’s birth. While he may feel discomforted or squeamish, they start to bind with the baby as soon as they have been delivered.
A lot has changed as science made new inventions and discoveries, and the mindset of people saw a shift. And while many stereotypes and beliefs are shattered, there are a few ideas that we need to leave behind, like the pressure on a woman to lose weight or get her pre-pregnancy body back. Did you know these facts about differences in perceptions about pregnancy between the past and the present? Do let us know your opinions in the comments section below.
