Pregnancy Myths Busted!

No Nesting Allowed!

The Myths:

It's hard to resist buying adorable baby clothes during pregnancy, but if you're superstitious, you may want to wait. Some believe it is unlucky to bring new items of clothing or nursery furniture, including the stroller, into the house before the arrival of the baby because it is tempting fate and assuming that the birth will go according to plan.

"I am not overly superstitious but was told not to buy anything for the baby before its birth so many times I almost began to believe it," says Jacki Shaw, mother to Daniel and Èva. "With my first pregnancy I compromised and ordered everything for the nursery but did not have them delivered until Daniel had arrived safely; and I accepted the presents from the baby shower and from friends and family before his birth. But with Eva I had no choice—I already had most of what was needed in the house and never once felt any hint of superstition."

Birthing Beliefs

The Myths:

Lynn Walcott says that she has heard a few superstitions relating to birth itself. "For labor, one lovely old superstition is that everything around the woman in labor must be 'undone' so as not to block the passage of the baby through the birth canal, e.g. undo necklaces, untie knots, open doors and windows—there must be no 'closures.'"

And if you're looking for a pain-free birth, you can always try placing a knife under the bed to ease your labor pains.

Once You've Heard Them All ...

Ask your doctor or midwife for the real story! The old wives' tales you're sure to hear from loving friends and family can be entertaining, but your healthcare provider is the best source for accurate advice pertaining to your pregnancy and birth.