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Common Pregnancy Myths In India

In India, there are a number of women who follow a list of myths when they are pregnant. It is said that half of these myths are commonly followed by women who are carrying their first child. Out of concern for their baby, women still follow these myths regardless of how untrue they might be.

There are so many myths related to the baby's weight, the baby's complexion and so forth that the pregnant mother gets confused about what to follow. First and foremost, at the time of pregnancy, each woman undergoes a lot of mixed feelings and emotions. When these myths are a part of their lives, pregnancy becomes all the more stressful.

MYTHS ABOUT GETTING PREGNANT!

Many a times these wrong beliefs and Indian practices which have been passed on from one generation to the other become a norm. It is also often seen that these myths are forced upon pregnant women by the elders of the house.

Therefore, in traditional homes of India, women still follow these pregnancy myths, some of which are plain ridiculous. Today, Boldsky shares with you some of the common pregnancy myths in India followed by expectant mothers.

Take a look at these common pregnancy myths in India:

 Myth 1 : Baby's pictures

Myth 1 : Baby's pictures

If you happen to go to an Indian home of a pregnant woman, you will see pictures of beautiful babies on the wall. According to Indian myths, these pictures of babies result in cute babies.

 Myth 2: Eating ghee

Myth 2: Eating ghee

There are a lot of Indian women who eat butter and ghee when they are close to their due date. According to the Indian myth, ghee will help the baby slide out from the vagina during labour.

Myth 3: Eating for two

Myth 3: Eating for two

Till today there are pregnant women who claim to say they are eating for two when pregnant. However, on one hand pregnant women should not over eat since it will be a problem at the time of labour.

Myth 4: Want a fair baby?

Myth 4: Want a fair baby?

In India, people are very selective over colour. Therefore, pregnant women in India at the time of pregnancy, consume a lot of milk and saffron believing that this will make their baby fair.

Myth 5: Pregnancy cravings

Myth 5: Pregnancy cravings

The common pregnancy myth in India when it comes to food craving is that if the pregnant mum craves for salty food she is having a boy. Craving for sweet foods indicates she is expecting a a girl.

Myth 6: Shape of the belly

Myth 6: Shape of the belly

According to traditional myths, the shape of the pregnant belly determines if it is boy or girl. If the woman's belly is high, it is believed to be a girl and if she is carrying low, it is believed to be baby boy.

Myth 7: Coloured foods

Myth 7: Coloured foods

Dark coloured foods should be avoided if you want to have a fair complexioned baby. This is a common pregnancy myth in India followed by rural women in India.

Myth 8: Coconut water

Myth 8: Coconut water

It is said that pregnant women in their third trimester should drink a lot of coconut water. The common pregnancy myth in India related to coconuts is that the more coconut water you drink, the more round the head of your unborn child will be.

Myth 9: Acidity problems

Myth 9: Acidity problems

If you are suffering from acidity problems and constant heart/ chest burn, according to the Indian myths, your baby will be born with lots of hair.

Myth 10: Sleeping positions

Myth 10: Sleeping positions

According to Indian myths, it is said that pregnant women should never sleep on their back during pregnancy. The belief is that sleeping on the back will cut the oxygen supply to the foetus.

Story first published: Monday, February 17, 2014, 18:07 [IST]
Read more about: pregnancy prenatal myths