Superstitions About Pregnancy from Around the World

Why do so many cultures warn pregnant women not to step over a rope, cut their hair, or look at the moon? These might sound like curious restrictions, but they reflect deeper beliefs about life, vulnerability, and protection.

The real question is: what do these superstitions about pregnancy reveal about our global understanding of motherhood?

Across continents, generations have passed down rituals, taboos, and folk practices intended to protect both mother and unborn child. While science has demystified much of pregnancy, superstition still lingers in everyday advice, whispered warnings, and traditional customs.

And whether we call them myths or wisdom, they persist because of one shared emotion: the desire to protect life at its most fragile.

Rituals of Protection: Safety Before Science

In rural parts of Mexico, some believe that an eclipse can harm a developing baby. Pregnant women wear safety pins on their underwear and avoid going outside during lunar events.

In Nigeria, a woman may be discouraged from attending funerals while expecting, for fear that negative energy could follow her home. Meanwhile, in Japan, women visit shrines on the “Day of the Dog” in the fifth month of pregnancy, seeking safe delivery and maternal strength.

These practices may not align with modern medical advice, but they serve a social function. They offer agency, especially in contexts where access to healthcare is limited.

They provide comfort, a sense of doing something—even if symbolic—to ward off the unknown. In many cases, superstition isn’t just about belief; it’s about control in a time of uncertainty.

Read also: The Henna Rituals of Middle Eastern Weddings.

Body, Behavior, and Belief

Superstitions often focus on behavior. In Brazil, a common belief warns that if a pregnant woman refuses a food craving, her baby will be born with a mark shaped like that food.

In Turkey, looking at ugly animals or scary images is said to risk passing those traits to the unborn child. In India, some women are told not to wear black or use sharp objects, fearing they might bring bad luck or symbolic harm.

These taboos reflect more than fear; they mirror societal views of femininity, responsibility, and purity. A woman’s actions during pregnancy are policed not just by health concerns but by moral and spiritual codes. The pregnant body becomes a cultural canvas, painted with generations of expectations.

It’s a time when tradition intensifies, and every move feels watched—not just by relatives, but by unseen forces.

How Superstition Shapes Community

Even in urban environments, pregnancy superstitions persist, passed on by grandmothers, neighbors, and even healthcare workers. In Korea, many believe in “taemong,” a conception dream that predicts a child’s gender or destiny. These dreams become family lore, repeated at baby showers and reunions.

In the Philippines, expectant mothers are advised to avoid stepping over ropes, or their labor will be prolonged.

Community plays a key role in reinforcing these beliefs. Superstitions act as cultural glue, binding people through shared rituals. They spark conversation, offer advice, and bridge generations.

When someone says, “Don’t raise your arms above your head or the cord will wrap around the baby’s neck,” they’re not just offering caution. They’re passing on identity, care, and lived history.

From Myth to Meaning

It’s easy to dismiss superstitions as outdated or illogical, but that overlooks their emotional power. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that engaging in culturally familiar rituals during pregnancy reduced anxiety and increased a sense of preparedness. These beliefs, even if unscientific, provide emotional scaffolding during a vulnerable period.

These superstitions are more than whimsical tales. They are vessels of cultural wisdom passed through generations. In societies where science once had no voice, these beliefs served as guidance, rules to follow, and expressions of care. They often filled in the blanks where medicine was absent and gave people agency in uncertain times.

They also act as emotional anchors. A ritual repeated by one’s mother or grandmother can feel grounding, offering a sense of belonging and continuity. When someone wraps a red thread around their wrist or avoids certain foods, the act can feel less like superstition and more like a quiet prayer.

Understanding their place doesn’t mean rejecting progress—it means seeing the emotional roles these practices play. What persists isn’t ignorance; it’s a deep cultural memory stitched into everyday actions.

Conclusion: Echoes of Care Across Cultures

Superstitions about pregnancy may differ in detail, but they echo the same concern: keeping mother and child safe. From tying ribbons to avoiding certain foods, each belief speaks to a universal experience. Beneath the surface, these practices are love in action—generations reaching out, trying to protect what they once feared losing.

They may appear odd to outsiders, but they function as emotional touchstones. They show that across time and cultures, people have found meaning in small acts of caution and care. Superstitions offer a way to engage with the unknown—not by eliminating fear, but by naming it and surrounding it with tradition.

So next time you hear an unusual warning or ritual, pause before dismissing it. Ask what it meant, where it came from, and what it reveals about the people who believe in it. Sometimes, a superstition isn’t just folklore. It’s history. It’s culture. It’s care.

Questions About Superstitions and Pregnancy

Why do some cultures cover mirrors during pregnancy?
To avoid attracting negative energy or spirits that might harm the unborn child, mirrors are sometimes covered to protect both mother and baby.

Are pregnancy superstitions dangerous?
Not usually, but some can discourage healthy behavior. It’s important to balance tradition with medical advice.

Why do so many pregnancy superstitions involve food?
Food is symbolic, personal, and often tied to cravings and nourishment, making it a key focus of protective beliefs.

Can superstitions affect pregnancy outcomes?
Indirectly, yes. They can influence stress levels and social support, both of which impact maternal well-being.

What do these superstitions tell us about society?
They reveal values, fears, and communal ways of coping with the uncertainty of childbirth.

Do pregnancy superstitions still influence modern parents?
Yes, even today, many expectant parents follow rituals passed down by family. It’s less about belief and more about honoring tradition and feeling emotionally supported.

Why are some superstitions so specific to certain regions?
Local customs, religion, and historical events shape these beliefs. What protects in one culture might not exist in another, but the intention behind them is often the same.

Should we preserve these beliefs or let them go?
It depends on how they’re used. If they offer comfort and connection without harming anyone, they can be a meaningful part of cultural heritage and identity.