Do the old wives really know what they're talking about, or are their tales just spreading misinformation ? Find out the facts and fiction behind pregnancy advice.
IF YOU HAVE INTERCOURSE STANDING UP, OR WITH THE WOMAN ON TOP, YOU'LL CONCEIVE A GIRL.
It is impossible to improve the odds for a boy or a girl by the position in which a couple has sex. The sex of the baby is determined by the chromosome carried by the sperm. While the missionary position, since it lends to the deposit of sperm close to the cervix, is thought to give the best odds for conception, there is no evidence supporting any other position will increase the odds for a specific gender.
There is some research, however, that supports the theory that the timing of intercourse can improve your odds of having a boy or girl. Sperm carrying the X chromosome, or the female gene, is slower and lives longer than sperm carrying the Y chromosome, the male gene. The belief is that having intercourse a couple of days before ovulation will increase the odds for a girl, while intercourse during ovulation will increase the odds of a boy. The problem is, it is difficult to determine the exact timing of ovulation. While a couple can try, the odds are not significantly increased.
CARRYING LOW OR FORWARD MEANS A BOY; HIGH OR BACK MEANS A GIRL.
The way a pregnant woman carries the baby depends on her body type and the structure of the uterine muscles. In no way can the shape of a pregnant woman's abdomen foretell the sex of the baby. Neither can the fetal heart rate, the shape of the mother's face, or the old "drano test." The only way to be 100% certain is to wait for the baby to be born.
IF THE PREGNANT WOMAN SUFFERS FROM HEARTBURN, IT MEANS THE BABY WILL HAVE A LOT OF HAIR.
Heartburn is a common symptom of pregnancy, regardless of the amount of hair the baby has. Heartburn is not caused by hair, but by the pushing up of the stomach to make way for the growing uterus. Even if your baby is born bald, you will unfortunately most likely suffer from some heartburn during your pregnancy.
EATING TOO MUCH WATERMELON WILL MAKE YOUR CHILD BE BORN WITH A BIRTH MARK.
Evidence supports that there is nothing that you can eat or drink that will create any unusual markings on your baby. Birth marks, also known as port wine stains because of their deep reddish coloration, are caused by the blood vessels of the affected area being deficient in nerve supply. They have nothing to do with anything a pregnant woman eats, so you can enjoy your watermelon and a host of other feared foods, guilt-free.
IF YOU DENY A PREGNANT WOMAN THE FOOD SHE CRAVES, YOU'LL GET A STYE.
It is safe for scientists to say with 100% certainty that, if you deprive a pregnant woman of a craving, your eyes will not suffer from a stye. The odds that the pregnant woman who wants her munchies will pop you in the eye are much greater than getting a bacterial infection.
IF YOU RAISE YOUR ARMS ABOVE YOUR HEAD, YOU CAN STRANGLE THE BABY.
The notion that the umbilical cord will raise over the baby's head and wrap around his neck is frightening, but unfounded. Pregnant women can stretch easy, and reach for the chocolate or chips on the top shelf of the pantry without guilt. While it is not uncommon for a long cord to become wrapped around a baby or knotted, and, yes, this can impose a risk, your arm movements will have nothing to do with it.
PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD GET LOTS OF REST AND NOT DO ANY PHYSICAL CHORES OR EXERCISE.
This is probably one of the most harmful old wave's tales circulating. The truth is that, unless a woman is in a high risk pregnancy or suffering from specific complications, there is no need for bed rest. Exercise and physical activity can be good for the mother, and for the baby. Physical activity gets your heart and blood pumping, alleviates stress, helps you gain weight healthily, and keeps your body in shape, which can lead to a less difficult delivery. If you are physically active before pregnancy, discuss an exercise program with your doctor to continue your good health. If you have never exercised before you became pregnant, discuss a light exercise routine (such as short walks) with your doctor to help you get in better shape.
When it comes to physical activities, use common sense : check with your doctor, don't push yourself, keep well hydrated, and stop if you experience pain, discomfort or bleeding.
WOMEN WHO HAVE BIG FEET WILL USUALLY NEED A CESAREAN SECTION.
Oddly enough, the old wives are not completely off the mark with this one. Recent studies show that women who have larger feet (size 9 and up) tend to have a higher rate or c-sections than women with smaller feet. The truth is, however, that the increased risk has nothing to do with the actual foot size. Women with larger feet are usually larger women, which means they carry genes that usually produce larger babies. Larger babies increase the risk for c-sections.
However, if you wear a size 11 wide, don't be discouraged just yet. The odds are only slightly increased, and there is still a good chance you won't need to undergo surgery. Likewise, if you boast a size 4 foot, don't rule out the possibility altogether. Only time, and how your pregnancy progresses, will tell.
By M.S. Beltran
