URBAN LEGENDS IN MEDICINE
PREGNANCY : OLD WIVES ’ TALES AND OTHER MUSINGS AUTHOR Charles Oberst , MD
Old wives ’ tales are a mixture of fact ,
fiction , folklore and fun ; and yet they are feasible . They exist because grandmas , friends and neighbors want to tell you their experiences . What will happen when , and why ?
Old wives ’ tales pass history through generations . They are not necessarily factual . They are in the category of ghosts , aliens , extraterrestrials and legendary monsters like Big Foot . Old wives ’ tales experiences can be interpreted differently .
These tales existed before writing and the Gutenberg Press . Why do they exist today when medical sophistication can give us the answers ? They exist today because it makes the teller of tales seem more authoritative , might be helpful and they are just plain fun .
Some old wives ’ tales have bases . Most are harmless . They are frequently found in old home remedies with the use of herbs as solutions from our ancestors . The old wives ’ tales persist because they can offer comfort to the anxious mother .
The information or stories compiled here have not been verified by any authority . They are folklore gleaned from hearsay and unverified experiences .
The number of old wives ’ tales that predict the baby ’ s sex is overwhelming . Once the word is out that she is pregnant , the next question always is , “ Do you know what it is ?” It is more fun to say , “ I don ’ t know .” Just keep them guessing . Of course , it helps the family to know the sex . Then they know what color to paint the baby ’ s room , the kind of clothes to buy and most importantly , the baby name list can be cut in half . If the mother knows the sex , she can dream and fantasize about the baby .
1 - The Ring Swing : Dangle a ring over the pregnant abdomen . If it swings side to side , it is a girl and if it swings in a circle it is a boy . It is reliable 50 % of the time . If you really want to know , do the sure thing and get an ultrasound . It is fun and reliable .
2 - Fetal Heart Rate : It varies with the age of the fetus and when in labor . The average is 140-160 beats per minute . If the rate is around 140 it is a boy . If it is greater than 140 it is a girl . It is correct 50 % of the time .
3 - Weight Gain : This is a tough one . The grandmas are mixed on this one . Some say , if the weight gain is mainly in the abdomen , it is a girl . If it is spread out all over ( hips and buttocks ), then it is a boy . The pregnancy grows , or it is carried where it can be . If the mom ’ s torso is short , the pregnancy has no place to go but out in front . If the mother ’ s abdominal muscles are weak from previous pregnancies , the pregnancy will bulge out in front . A long torso and strong abdominal wall mean less abdominal protrusion . If the husband has gained weight ( a tubby hubby ) it means a boy . If the weight is all in front like a basketball , it is a boy . If the weight is
8 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
SEX PREDICTORS
low and spread out , it is a girl . This is somewhat confusing . These observations were based on the writer ’ s readings , listening and personal observations . They are not based on any scientific studies .
4 - Hair : If the hair on mother ’ s legs grows normally , it is a girl . If the hair grows faster on the legs , it is a boy . If the mother ’ s hair on the head becomes thick and shiny , it is a boy . If it becomes thinner , dull and falls out , it is a girl . If it gets a reddish tint , it is a girl . If the grandmother ’ s hair is gray , it will be a boy .
5 - Skin : If the mother ’ s skin is glowing and radiant , it means the mother ’ s testosterone has been taken up by a baby boy . If the skin also becomes drier , it is a boy . If the skin is soft , it is a girl . Facial acne means a boy , but it could also mean a baby girl inside has stolen the mother ’ s beauty .
There is an increase in pigmentation in the nipples , moles and linea nigra . The linea nigra in a baby boy ’ s pregnancy will extend from the pubis to the rib cage , while in a girl ’ s pregnancy it will stop at the umbilicus . The increase in pigmentation is due to Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone ( MSH ). This pigmentation fades after pregnancy .
6 - Face Changes : If the mother gets chubby cheeks , it means a girl , but it is probably from the excessive weight gain . At the end of the pregnancy , if the mother ’ s nose has widened , it means it is a boy .
7 - Food : If she craves citrus fruits , it is a girl . If it is meat , cheese and salt , it is a boy . Sweet foods mean it is a girl . Garlicky foods : if they can eat it but not smell it , it is a girl . If garlic can be smelled on the skin after eating , it is a boy . Spicy foods should be avoided because of heartburn .