And yet, the “unknown” factors in all pregnancies remain, so it isn’t surprising that even the most sophisticated and educated people listen attentively to – and often believe – many of the myths, superstitions and old-wives’ tales of pregnancy, maybe even more so in October, when witches and goblins and paranormal phenomena are at their height.
After all, superstitions are understandable – but irrational – beliefs that revolve around the notions of good and bad luck. And all people know that good fortune factors into everything we value, be it health, wealth, happiness or especially having a baby. But superstitions are largely harmless, unless they become the guides by which people live their lives. A broom will not keep bad luck away anymore than telling someone you’re pregnant will bring bad luck.
So if someone tells you that if you drop a coin between your breasts and it falls to the left, it’s a boy, but if it falls to the right, it’s a girl, believe it if you like. But know that this is rooted in superstition, not fact. Just as if they tell you that if you drop a knife, it’s a boy, but if you drop scissors, it’s a girl. Or if you hold a needle on a thread over your belly and it moves in circles it’s a boy, or side to side, it’s a girl. More superstition. And if someone tells you that if your stomach prominently protrudes and you carry the baby low, it’s a boy, but if your hips and backside become wider and you’re carrying high, it’s a girl, know that it’s myth. Just don’t let these stories hold sway in an already emotional time. You’ll know soon enough, when the baby is born, and it won’t matter then at all what the old wives had to say.
Warnings with some truth:
- If you put your arms over your head, the umbilical cord will wrap around the baby's neck. This can happen because of gravity if the baby is in a head-down position. But raised arms have nothing to do with it.
- You shouldn't take baths. A “warm” bath is fine, but doctors say that hot baths aren’t good for the developing fetus in early pregnancy and can bring on premature labor in later months. Also, avoid baths if you’re bleeding or leaking fluid.
- Don’t touch your cat. This warning is to avoid toxoplamosis, a parasite found in cat feces that can infect a woman and deform a fetus. So have your cat tested and don’t touch the litter.
Joan Swirsky is a psychotherapist, former OB nurse, and the author of Gift of Life: A Spiritual Companion for the Mother-to-Be.
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