7 Strange Pregnancy Superstitions Some People Still Believe In
Image: Shutterstock
Pregnancy is a special time. Not only for a woman but for her partner and her family too. It’s a time when a woman takes extra care of herself because she has a life growing inside her. People shower you with love, care, and guidance to help you make the best of this time. It’s a miraculous period when you’re given all the attention and love you’ll ever need. Because of how precious this time is, people tend to believe anything and everything if it’s followed by “it’s good for your baby”, even if it is a ridiculous superstition. Most of them make no sense, but some might have a little science or logic to it that has got lost in translation. So, without further ado, let’s look at 7 strange pregnancy superstitions that people still believe:
1. Pregnant Women Should Avoid Fish Because It Affects The Baby’s Speech
During pregnancy, women are advised to avoid any seafood because it might contain traces of mercury that might be harmful to the growing fetus. It might affect more than just the baby’s speech and might be detrimental for you and your baby. Even though this superstition has a logical backing to it, its delivery is plain wrong.
2. Don’t Walk Under The Ladder, Or You’ll Have A Weak Baby
It might sound funny, but it is a superstition that has a religious connotation across Western Europe. When a ladder is kept leaning against a wall, it forms a triangular shape which is believed to be symbolic of the Holy Trinity. It is said that when a pregnant woman walks under a ladder, she breaks the Holy Trinity, which harms the baby. A logical explanation for this would be that pregnant women are asked to stay away from a ladder if it might fall and injure them.
3. Open All The Doors And Windows For An Easy Labor
People in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus believe that if you open doors, windows, cabinets, boxes, drawers, and wardrobes (basically everything you can), the woman will have an easy labor. This superstition probably became popular because the mother needed ventilation during home births that were common back in the day.
4. Eat White Foods; Your Baby Will Have A Lighter Complexion
If you’re from one of those countries where fair skin is considered the hallmark of beauty, you would have probably heard this. People believe that if a pregnant woman consumes foods like milk, cheese, eggs, and other light-colored foods, her baby will be born fairer. The same goes for dark foods. The more coffee, tea, and dark foods you consume, your baby will be born darker. It is utterly ridiculous because skin color results from genetics and has nothing to do with food.
5. Wearing Eggshells On The Neck Will Keep The Baby Safe
In some villages in Russia, women wore empty eggs on their necks to keep their babies safe. It was believed that as long as the eggshell is safe, the baby remains safe too. Mothers believed that the eggs kept their babies safe since the egg was a symbol of their pregnancy.
6. If You Want To Know The Baby’s Gender, Observe Their Kicks
Many countries believe this superstition. People believe that you can determine the gender of your baby by the way it kicks while in the womb. If they kick towards the left, it’s a boy, and if they kick towards the right, it’s a girl. The only sensible way that you can really know is by visiting your doctor.
7. Letting Your Hair Down Will Help During Labor
People believe that you have to let your hair down to give birth. People, including doctors and obstetricians, believe that it helps open the cervix. However, the more logical explanation for it is that it’s better for the woman in labor to be relaxed rather than having a tight hair-do that might be uncomfortable.
Superstitions are ridiculous beliefs, but they usually stem from a sensible place. Over time and generations, the logic behind it is thrown out the window, and people give their own spin. Always ensure you consult with a medical professional and pay no heed to superstitions. Which one surprised you the most? Comment below and let us know some of the strange superstitions you’ve heard during your pregnancy.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
Read full bio of Bency Sebastian
