Pregnancy brings out the superstitious side in almost everyone you meet. You probably hear advice from your aunt, neighbor, and even the barista at your local coffee shop. While modern medicine gives us the real scoop, it is fun to look at fascinating old wives’ tales about pregnancy. These myths have passed down through generations for a reason.
Boosting Your Fertility
Have you ever heard that you should leave baby blankets under the tree for a boost to your fertility? This is one of many old wives’ tales about pregnancy and conception! Others include eating pineapple to improve implantation, wearing certain colors for luck, or even carrying specific charms for good fortune. While these tales may not be backed by science, they’ve been passed down for generations and continue to spark curiosity in hopeful parents.
The Heartburn Hair Predictor
This is a classic you’ll hear often. The story goes that if you’ve got terrible heartburn, your baby will come out with a full head of hair.
Believe it or not, this one actually has some scientific backing. The same hormones that relax the esophageal sphincter—causing heartburn—might also influence fetal hair growth. So, while it’s not a guarantee, there’s a decent chance your heartburn might pay off with some luscious locks.
Carrying High Versus Low
You’re standing in line at the grocery store and a stranger points at your belly. “You’re carrying high,” they say. “Definitely a girl.” The rule is simple: high means girl, low means boy. It’s an easy visual test that people love to use. They look at the shape of your bump and make a confident prediction right there in the produce aisle.
But the way you carry has more to do with your muscle tone, body shape, and the baby’s position than gender. If it’s your first pregnancy, you might carry higher because your abdominal muscles are tighter. Later pregnancies often sit lower. It’s fun to guess, but don’t paint the nursery based on your bump’s altitude!
The Ring Swing Test
You take a wedding ring, thread it on a string or a strand of hair, and dangle it over the belly. If it swings in a circle, you’re having a girl. If it swings back and forth like a pendulum, it’s a boy. It’s a popular baby shower game that gets everyone involved.
Sadly, there’s zero science here. It’s the ideomotor effect, where tiny, unconscious muscle movements control the swing. It’s entertaining, but the ring doesn’t know anything your doctor doesn’t.
Sweet vs. Salty Cravings
Are you reaching for pickles and chips, or do you need chocolate immediately? Legend says salty cravings mean a boy, while sweet cravings point to a girl. It’s a fun way to justify that second donut or bag of pretzels.
In reality, cravings usually signal what your body needs nutritionally, not the baby’s gender. If you want salt, you might just need sodium.
What It All Means
There are a lot of fascinating old wives’ tales about pregnancy! While it’s entertaining to try tricks said to boost conception or speculate on your baby’s gender or hair growth, most of these beliefs are just for amusement. If you’re struggling with fertility, talk to your doctor or a specialist, and for everything else about your baby, you’ll just have to wait until they’re born to see.
