It was a dark, quiet midnight. One of my grandmothers, who was pregnant at the time, went to the village toilet with a torchlight. But when she came out, she claimed to have seen a witch who slapped her. The very next day, my grandmother developed a high fever. Sadly, both she and her unborn baby passed away after that incident.
The villagers believed that something supernatural had happened to her. They were convinced that an evil spirit had cast an evil eye on her, causing her sudden illness and tragic death.
There is a common myth in many rural areas that pregnant women should not go outside alone at night, especially when it’s dark. Even today, we still hear stories like this in village communities, passed down from generation to generation.
Pregnancy is a journey that stays with us forever, filled with memories and emotions. This journey should be cherished and celebrated. However, myths and superstitions from different cultures can often make this beautiful time more challenging. Some pregnancy stories might hold a grain of truth, but most are just misconceptions rooted in fear and tradition.
How many pregnancy myths have you heard of? Have you ever encountered a myth that surprisingly turned out to be true in your life? Interestingly, these myths are more common in rural areas than in urban settings.
Let’s explore some of the fascinating myths and superstitions surrounding pregnancy from different cultures around the world.
If food cravings are left unfulfilled, baby may face mouth-watering issues
My mom always says that if I have a craving for any food during pregnancy, I should eat it right away. According to her, if I resist my cravings, the baby might face “mouth-watering” problems after birth, meaning he or she will drool more than other children.
Interestingly, many elders believe in this, even though there’s no scientific explanation to support it. It’s simply a myth passed down through generations.
If you like to see some other myths regarding pregnancy food cravings follow the link.
It is believed that eating twin bananas during pregnancy can lead to having twin babies or even cause autism.
In the Indian subcontinent, there is a popular myth that eating twin bananas during pregnancy will result in having twins. Some even believe that it may cause autism or physical problems in the baby. In reality, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.
Do not wear black or too much colorful dresses:
Many elderly women warn pregnant women not to wear black or overly colorful dresses. What an absurd myth! In many Eastern countries, women avoid wearing excessively colorful clothing because people believe it might attract the evil eye or the attention of supernatural beings like jinn. That’s why they recommend wearing light-colored dresses.
None should go to a funeral while pregnant:
Many of us avoid attending funerals during pregnancy. When someone dies, there’s often a fear that the spirit of the deceased may roam around us. Some believe that something sinister, like an evil jinn, might possess us. This is why most pregnant women do not dare to attend funerals.
This myth is rooted in the idea that being around death may bring bad luck or negative energy to the unborn baby. Some even think it could affect the baby’s health or spirit. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. It’s purely a cultural superstition passed down through generations.
Night time fish cutting or frying
I used to be scared to cut and fry fish after evening. Many of our grandparents warned us not to cook or even cut fish after dark. They believed that when night falls, evil spirits are free to roam. These spirits are thought to target pregnant women, especially those who cook fish or meat alone in the kitchen at night.
Do not travel in your pregnancy, it is highly risky.
My gynecologist advised me not to travel far during my first and third trimesters of pregnancy. She recommended traveling only short distances and using comfortable transportation. However, after successfully completing my first trimester, I traveled to my village. The journey took around two and a half hours in a private car.
According to my doctor, it’s important to be extra cautious during the first and third trimesters. However, if you are healthy and fit, it’s generally safe to travel during the second trimester.
So, this is not a myth but a significant fact to remember.
Bump size determines your baby’s gender
Another common myth is that if you have a large baby bump, you might be expecting a boy. But if your bump isn’t big enough, it’s believed you’re carrying a girl. Some also say that if the bump is positioned lower, it indicates a baby boy, while a round-shaped bump suggests a baby girl.
Well, this is a complete myth. Your bump size or shape cannot determine your baby’s gender.
Pregnancy superstitions during eclipse
There is a lot of myth about Lunar and Solar eclipse phase. A pregnant woman should not slaughter or cut fish for cooking. She should not press any switch that is black or some other color. It can create some kind of scratch or defect in baby. Some believe that kids that have cleft lips happen due to sewing clothes. Moreover, some suggest that women should walk, take no food and should sleep at this time.
Most of them are myths. They do not provide any scientific explanation.There are many myths surrounding the phases of the lunar and solar eclipses. Some people believe that a pregnant woman should not slaughter or cut fish for cooking during these times. Others claim that she should avoid pressing any switch that is black or any other specific color, as it could cause some kind of defect or scratch in the baby. There are also myths suggesting that children born with cleft lips are a result of women sewing clothes during the eclipse. Additionally, some people believe that women should refrain from eating, walking, or even sleeping during this time.
However, most of these beliefs are just myths, and they lack any scientific explanation or evidence.
Cultural Myths
In different cultures, pregnant women are often subjected to various myths and superstitions. In many Asian countries, it is believed that women should avoid going outside at certain times. For example, they are often advised to stay indoors around noon, typically between 12 and 1 o’clock, before dusk, and during late nights. The belief is that supernatural beings, such as Jinns or ghosts, may roam around during these times. These creatures are thought to specifically target pregnant women for some reason.
In some African cultures, people believe that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable and fragile. As a result, they are thought to be targeted by witches and evil spirits. Consequently, pregnant women may be advised not to participate in social gatherings for their own protection.
Do not dye your hair or wear too much colorful dress
Some people believe that coloring your hair during pregnancy might harm your baby. There is also a popular myth that the baby’s hair color could turn out to be the same as the color you dye your hair.
In reality, there is no connection between dyeing your hair and causing harm to your baby. Nevertheless, some believe that it’s best to avoid dyeing your hair during the first trimester as a precaution.
Pregnancy gender prediction myths
Some people believe that if you crave sugary foods, you’re expecting a girl, while a preference for salty or sour foods means you’ll have a boy. However, this myth has no scientific evidence to support it. Food cravings during pregnancy are usually caused by hormonal changes and nutrient deficiencies. Interestingly, some women experience unusual or unexpected food cravings during this time.
Eating for two
Some people believe that pregnant women should eat for two. In reality, during pregnancy, you do need to eat more than usual, but this doesn’t mean doubling your portions. It’s important to consult a gynecologist and follow their instructions for a healthy diet. While increasing food intake to some extent is necessary, excessive eating can be harmful to both the baby and the mother.
Drinking milk for fairness of children:
In some Asian countries, there is a belief that drinking milk and eating bananas will make your baby fair-skinned. However, this is completely a myth.
Some of the pregnancy myths debunked in this article. What are some myths you heard during your childhood that either scared you or made you laugh? Do you know any weird myths you’d like to share with us? Feel free to share your experiences and the popular myths from your culture in the comment section below!