Old Wives Tales and The Modern Mum
New research from Cow & Gate has revealed that the majority of mothers believe in myths and folklore when it comes to pregnancy or childcare.A survey of 1,200 mums and mothers-to-be found that 69% believed in at least one superstition. 52% of respondents thought that the size and shape of the pregnancy bump could predict the baby's sex, believing if a bump is high, it's a girl, whereas if it's low, a boy is on the way. 54% said they believed a fast heart rate indicated a baby girl.
Depending on which way a wedding ring swings over their pregnant stomach to indicate whether they are expecting a boy or a girl is the least popular gender-prediction old wives' tale but still has 51% of women claiming to believe in it.
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More worryingly, medical advice about diet is not being taken on board, as 67% of women surveyed believed they had to to double their food intake to 'eat for two' when expecting. And indigestion equals a hirsute infant. 55% of respondents believed that if a pregnant mother has frequent heartburn, the baby will have lots of hair.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, of Cow & Gate, commented 'It amazes me that some myths have survived through the generations, especially the more bizarre ones! Understandably, this stems from parents wanting the best for their children, but I would always recommend seeking sound and practical advice from healthcare professionals.'
October 2006 |
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