Which One Of These ‘Old Wives’ Tales’ Regarding pregnancy Do You Think Is True?
Old Wives’ Tales: Predicting Pregnancy Before the Test Ah, the world of old wives’ tales! Before the convenience of modern medicine and home pregnancy tests, our ancestors turned to folklore…
There are many old wives’ tales that predict pregnancy. Here are just a few!
Old Wives' Tales: Predicting Pregnancy Before the Test
Ah, the world of old wives' tales! Before the convenience of modern medicine and home pregnancy tests, our ancestors turned to folklore and superstitions to interpret signs and symptoms of pregnancy. While they lack scientific grounding, these tales are part of cultural histories. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones:
- Changes in Food Aversions or Sensitivities: Ever heard of someone saying they knew they were pregnant because they suddenly couldn't stand the smell of their favorite food? This is an age-old indicator.
- Frequent Trips to the Loo: It's said that if you’re suddenly visiting the bathroom more often than usual, it could mean you’re expecting. In reality, this can occur due to various reasons. Maybe you drink a lot of water!
- The Dandelion Test: An old folklore suggests sprinkling dandelion leaves with your morning urine. If red or pink blisters appear, you’re pregnant. Sounds quirky, right? I definitely wouldn't try this one.
It sounds pretty weird that dandelion leaves would predict pregnancy. There's NO way that works, right?
- Mood Swings: Dramatic mood swings were another sign. The assumption was that rapid changes in hormone levels could produce more moodiness. Or maybe you're just "hangry?"
- Intuition: Many tales suggest that a woman 'just knows' when she’s pregnant. Call it maternal instinct or gut feeling, this tale is all about trusting your inner voice. I think of all of the old wives' tales, this one holds the most truth.
- The Needle or Wedding Ring Test: Dangle a needle or wedding ring over your palm. If it swings in a circle, you're pregnant; if it swings back and forth, you’re not. An entertaining parlor game, but hardly a diagnostic method!
- Vivid Dreams: Some old tales say dreaming about fish or water indicates a woman is pregnant. While dreams are intriguing, they're not substantial evidence of an upcoming baby.
Are you having dreams about becoming pregnant? That is one sign that it might be right around the corner for you!
- Your Child Is "Looking For A Sibling:" If you already have one child and you notice that they're always bending their bodies to look down toward the ground, they are "looking for a sibling." That's what my neighbor told me. She says it's an old wives' tale. I've never heard of this, but if my son starts bending down maybe he wants a little brother or sister!
If they keep doing this, then it's said that they're "looking for a sibling." It's an old wives tale to show that a baby is on the way!
Should We Listen To These Wives' Tales?
While these tales are fun and fascinating to delve into, it's essential to remember that the only reliable methods of determining pregnancy are medical tests and consultations with healthcare professionals. If you think you might be pregnant, always reach out to a doctor for confirmation. Enjoy these tales as part of our shared folklore and cultural heritage, but remember to keep them in the realm of myth and storytelling.
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Baby Arriving Soon? Don’t Forget These Items In Your Hospital Bag!
My husband and I are expecting a baby boy any week now, and we are in the process of packing "the hospital bag."
I know the excitement, the anxiety, and the ever-present desire to be super prepared for one of the biggest events of your life. If you're anything like Rob and me, you've probably scoured countless lists. You've looked at the momma Facebook groups. Maybe you've even conducted a mini-survey among your mom friends about what exactly you need to take to the hospital. And if you're really like us, you've probably started packing a hospital bag big enough for a month-long European adventure! It's natural to be excited about one of the biggest day of your life.
But here's a piece of advice we got from the oh-so-wise nurses: Don't over pack. Yep, that's right! That was rule number one. At first, I was a little skeptical. "But what if I need my three different kinds of lip balm? Or those scented candles to set the mood in the delivery room?" Well, spoiler alert: I don't.
Instead, here are the important things that mom's and dads should bring to the hospital for the arrival of their little one. This is a list my husband and I have put together with the wisdom of the fantastic staff at South Shore Hospital. And we added some from other parents who have already gone through this wild birthing process.
Here's a pared-down list for all the mommies and daddies-to-be:
1. Medication
"Any medication you normally take. I kept asking the doc and nurses for Prilosec and they kept saying they’d get it for me. They didn’t. I was there 4 days suffering without my meds." - Lori M.
2. Fan For The Hospital Bed
"A battery operated stroller fan with the bendy arm that you can attach to your bed rail …amazing during labor! Then you can use it on the stroller for the baby." - Jenna A.
3. Long Extension Chord
"Bring a long charger for your cell phone (like 10ft). The hospital bed isn't really convenient to the wall outlet. Or if you don't have a long charger, bring an extension chord. You'll thank me later." - Leighton T.
4. Snacks
Snacks for hospital
"Bring all the snacks! Though if you’re delivering at South Shore, they have the best Italian Ice! 🥶 I think I ate the entire freezer full when I had my babies!" - Becky O.
"Def snacks for you and Rob. You can bring plenty of fruits and the nurses are so kind to put them in the fridge for you..." - Gail F.
5. Portable Speaker and Playlist
"Always got kudos for bringing a portable speaker and a solid playlist" - Jim M.
6. Extra Bras
"Extra bras-after birth tend to be leaky." -Debbie K.
"A good maternity bra for nursing!!! It's a game changer!" - LeeAnn H.
7. Slippers
"The hospital floors can be cold and uncomfortable. Bring some comfy slippers." - Gayle L.
8. Comfy PJ's/Undies
"Don't forget underwear!! Lol I somehow forgot them and having to wear the hospital ones for even 2 hours while I waited for my husband to get mine from home was awful." - Kendra R.
9. Baby Clothes
"When we brought our baby home from the hospital we purchased an adorable onesie/hat set. He had his first little photoshoot in the hospital and the nurses thought he was the cutest baby ever!" - Linda B.
10. Boppy
"This sounds crazy but hear me out… I had some issues sitting after I had my daughter, and the hospital didn’t have donuts for me to sit on. I would definitely put either a neck pillow or a boppy pillow in your car just in case you need it. they’re a little bulky to be carrying around the hospital." - Sarah G.
11. Car Seat
"In order to even leave the hospital you'll need a car seat and the base. Seriously, they will NOT let you leave without it, so don't forget it!! I love my UPPAbaby car seat (and stroller)." -
12. Toiletries/Shower Items
toiletries
"The hospital will provide things for the shower, but they're not the best. Bring your favorite shampoo and facewash, and even your own towels." - L
13. Cough Drops
"COUGH DROPS! The air is very dry in there and in the middle of the night being so dry and coughing after a c section was awful!!" -Rebecca L.
14. Your Own Pillow
"Your own pillow
the hospital ones are flat and uncomfortable!" - Stephanie A.
15. Chapstick
"Definitely bring chapstick! The air can get pretty dry in the hospital and then on top of that you're doing so many breathing exercises that your lips and mouth start to feel really dry." -Hannah J.
16. Swimsuit for Your Partner
"Have your husband bring a pair of swim trunks. There may be a time when you're in the shower and he's lending a helping hand during your contractions. It's less awkward for the doctors and nurses coming in if your husband is in a swimsuit instead of his birthday suit!" - Diane T.
17. Ear Plugs/Eye Mask
"There are a lot of bright lights and noises that will over-stimulate your senses. Having ear plugs and a sleep mask will help drown out all of the unnecessary noise so you can focus on your delivery." - Nurse Kate
