Pregnancy Superstition: Bane or Boon?

Pregnancy superstition can vary across cultures, but within most societies, new mamas are eager (or terrified!) to share their own pregnancy beliefs. Curious about the wackiest pregnancy superstitions? Here are just a few:

Wacky Superstitions About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of joy but can also be a time of worry. Some people believe that doing something wrong during pregnancy will affect your child later in life. However, most of these beliefs are not true at all and are just a myth.

Here are some common superstitions about pregnancy:

• Don’t paint the nursery before your baby comes.
• Don’t tell people your pregnancy news until after the first trimester.
• Avoid mini golf courses and amusement parks while you’re pregnant.
• Avoid sitting in empty or full-length mirrors.
• The expectant woman should not sit down, lie down for a long time, or look up to the sun because it can significantly harm the fetus (this has more science into it than supernatural forces)
• It is also forbidden to look at the moon – it is believed to bring bad luck to the baby. 
• Do not forget about the so-called “evil eye”. The woman should avoid contact with people who are jealous of her happiness and those who want to harm her baby.
• If you put your hand on a pregnant woman’s belly, the baby will kick you.
• If you wear high heels during pregnancy, the baby will be born with flat feet.
• The woman is pregnant with a female child if she usually listens to music and sings.

Pregnancy Superstition About Food

You might have heard some pregnancy superstitions about food. Some people say that you should avoid eating certain foods while pregnant, and some say that they can help you by eating them. It is important to know what is true and what is false. Here are some of the most common pregnancy superstitions about food:

• Eating sushi will give your baby girl a hairy tongue!
• The baby will have a small head if you eat bitter melon during pregnancy.
• If you eat a lot of fish while pregnant, the baby will come out with scales.
• Pregnant women should avoid eating eggplant because it is believed to make the baby look like one!
• If a pregnant woman overeats meat, her baby will be born with a tail!
• If a pregnant woman overeats salt, she will give birth to twins!
• A pregnant woman should avoid eating any kind of fish because there is mercury in it, which could harm her unborn baby boy! 
• A pregnant woman is supposed to eat spicy food and stay away from sweets. It is said that the spicier the food, the more chance for a boy. If a woman eats a lot of sweets during her pregnancy, she will have a girl. 

While the food you eat while pregnant can definitely affect your unborn baby, you have to worry less about myths and focus on making sure your baby gets the nutrients that he needs and avoid food that may harm them. Moreover, what you eat does not, in any way, have an effect on the gender of your baby. 

Pregnancy Superstition About Animals

One of the most commonly known pregnancy superstitions is that of the pregnant woman and the cat. The idea behind this pregnancy superstition is that if a cat crosses your path, you should spit in your hand with your palm facing up. If you then make a wish for the baby’s health and hold the spit in your hand until it dries, your wish will come true.

Let’s look at some of the most common pregnancy superstitions about animals.

• If a cat jumps on you or rubs against your ankles, you’re pregnant.
• A bird flying into your house means someone in your family is expecting their first child.
• A dog licking your face means you’ll have twins!

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, feel free to be around your pets during pregnancy. A warning though: let someone else handle cleaning up their waste as the bacteria present there may be harmful to you.

Why Do I See Things While Pregnant?

One of the pregnancy superstitions mostly believed is that pregnant women can see things beyond what is normal.

You’ve probably heard this before: pregnancy makes you see things. And it’s true! But what does that mean?

When you’re pregnant, your hormones change, and your body works hard to ensure everything goes smoothly. That means there’s a lot of pressure on your eyes, which might cause them to “see” things that aren’t there.

You may notice these visual disturbances happening during the first trimester because that’s when most women start seeing spots or floating black dots in their field of vision. This side effect usually gets better after the first trimester is over, but some people still experience it throughout their pregnancy—or even after delivery.

So why do these symptoms happen? Your eye muscles are under a lot of strain, so they start contracting involuntarily—which means they sometimes send false signals to your brain about what you’re seeing. This can cause some pretty wild visual distortions!

If this happens to you while you’re pregnant, don’t worry: your vision will return to normal once everything settles down after delivery (or even before). But if you’re still bothered, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.

What Are the Symbols of Pregnancy?

As you’re getting ready to welcome your new baby into the world, you may wonder about pregnancy symbols. Symbolism is an important part of pregnancy and childbirth, so let’s look at some of the most common symbols used in this time. It’s very much part of pregnancy superstition too.

The Moon

The moon is a symbol that represents fertility and rebirth. It is also associated with motherhood. Women who are expecting often look at the moon when they want to feel close to their babies.  Some women even find comfort in knowing they will soon give birth to a child who will be nourished by the same moon that once helped them grow inside their bodies as fetuses!

The Sun

The sun represents life and vitality, as well as energy and strength. Many pregnant women wear jewellery or clothing that features sun rays or other solar imagery because it reminds them of how strong their bodies are becoming during pregnancy—and how much stronger they’ll be after giving birth!

A Stork or Dove

A stork or dove is often used as a symbol for new beginnings and fresh starts—which is why it makes sense that it would be featured prominently in many cultures’ stories about childbirth! In fact, in some cultures, storks.

READ MORE:

Baby Shower Rules of Thumb: Who Not to Invite and What to Do at a Baby Shower

7 Asian Old Wives Tales About Pregnancy, Baby’s Gender, Health, And Appearance

Parents share the worst (and weirdest) pregnancy myths they’ve ever heard

Is It Good Luck to Touch a Pregnant Belly?

Chinese Superstition About Pregnancy 

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