Which One Of These ‘Old Wives’ Tales’ Regarding pregnancy Do You Think Is True?
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:
Ayla Brown has been an on-air morning show host with Country 102.5 since 2018. Before taking this once-in-a-lifetime job, Ayla was (and still is) a country music singer. In 2006, she placed 13th on American Idol. In 2012 and 2013 she celebrated her Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium debut, and over the years she has visited 13 countries overseas to sing for the American Troops.
Country music is in Ayla Brown’s soul. Not only does she sing it, but she gets to talk about it every day on “Country Mornings with Jonathan and Ayla.”
Ayla is happily married to singer-songwriter, Rob Bellamy, and they welcomed a son named Barrett in August of 2022. In her free time, she loves to sew baby bibs and experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. She also loves to travel and try new foods. Ayla writes about Boston area happenings, parenting, holistic lifestyle and living, and travel.