The moment that you make the announcement that you are going to have a baby, you will begin to receive (mainly unsolicited) advice from friends, family members, parents, and other pregnant women. Often times older women tend to rely heavily on old wives tales that may or may not have any type of truth in them. However, if they believe them, they will often insist upon your reliance on them also.
The advice will start from the moment you learn you are pregnant right up until the delivery room. You will be told how you should sit, stand, bend, and even sleep. You will also be advised on what you should and shouldn’t physically be doing. If you have any types of symptoms, from a headache to nausea, there is probably an old wives tale that could cure it. If you tend to suffer from heartburn throughout your pregnancy, it could mean that your baby will be born with a lot of hair on his/her head. As you get closer to your due date, you will hear home remedies to induce labor. Whether or not you want to drink castor oil, is up to you and your doctor.
Throughout the 9 months, you will hear so many different old wives tales and advice, that it often can be conflicting. It is important to look to your doctor for advice on what you have heard. It is also important to speak with your doctor before trying any type of medication or home remedy.
While there are many home remedies for sickness, symptoms, and other physical ailments of pregnancy, many old wives tales attempt to predict the gender of the baby. One old wives tale suggests that severe morning sickness may point to a baby girl. However, many women who have given birth to boys have also experienced the same severity of nausea.
Some women go to a professional, such as a massage therapist to seek advice on the gender of their child. The massage therapist may dangle a piece of string with your wedding band on it over your belly. If the ring swings from side to side, you will be told it is a girl. If the ring decides to go around in a circular motion, it may be a boy. However, don’t go painting a room pink or blue based on the old string trick. I’m sure many have made that mistake before.
Entering into your second trimester, your doctor will begin to monitor the baby’s heart rate. If you tell your mom that the baby has a high, fast heart rate, she will probably reply with “It’s a girl!” Tell her it’s a low heart rate, and she will confirm it’s a boy. Many times, old wives tales are based on the way the baby is laying in your belly. If you are carrying the baby high and have gained weight only in the belly, it may be a girl. If you are carrying the baby low and have gained weight all over, it may be a boy.
While listening to all of the advice and old wives tales may be a lot of fun (or even annoying at times), it is important to remember that they are exactly that: old wives tales. Don’t solely depend on them to cure symptoms, induce labor, or especially to predict the baby’s gender.
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