10+ Surprising Pregnancy and Baby Care Customs from Around the World

From Syria to Sri Lanka, some rules appear universal—less tuna, more water, and no soft cheese. Don't sleep on your stomach or your back; the left side is best. Want a smarter baby? Play music for your belly, preferably classical. Swimming and yoga are great exercise… but you'll need a note in Italy. "My Italian doctor didn't want me to do anything that made me breathe hard, even walking," says Amy, an American mom who gave birth in Rome. "When I said I wanted to do water aerobics, he was skeptical but eventually wrote me a note for the gym. The instructor wouldn't sign me up without it."

That's just the beginning. From blessings to Baby Bjorns, every culture takes care of its babies and expecting mothers differently. For example, my European midwife says that two cups of coffee—and a glass of wine—each day is just fine, but she'd like me to avoid fresh fruit and salads from restaurants. My doctor performs ultrasounds every month but has never weighed me. This seems strange to my American sensibilities but it's very normal outside the US. So I can't help but wonder, are some of our most well-intentioned words of wisdom simply cultural cues? Take a look for yourself. When it comes to pregnancy and baby care, doing "the right thing" might depend more on geography than you think.

1. Food For Thought

If you're pregnant in Colombia, you'll be eating extra spinach for iron and energy, says Ana Maria who is expecting her first baby in May. Cheese and almonds are common calcium boosters. And to help trouble sleeping, her mother recommended hot milk with a drop of brandy, which is also thought to improve low blood pressure.

Syrian mother Dima was advised to boost her intake of olive oil and parsley, especially after delivery, in order to avoid constipation and help bring in her milk supply. In Australia, moms are encouraged to drink more milkshakes. And Amy, who delivered two babies in Italy, was told to eat 100 grams (3.5 ounces, think of a Quarter Pounder and a regular hamburger) of beef every day during her first pregnancy. Her doctor insisted that unlike other protein such as fish, beans or chicken, beef would help her baby's brain develop best.

On the other hand, European mothers-to-be are sworn off of cured meats such as prosciutto. Sarah, from Ireland, was advised to avoid sweet foods, desserts, and fizzy drinks. And when she was expecting twins, Thevaki's Sri Lankan relatives forbade mangos, vinegar, and pineapple during the first three months of her pregnancy for fear of miscarriage.