Folklore and superstitions: predicting pregnancy
Throughout history, people have sought ways to predict pregnancy and gain insights into the unborn child, often relying on folk signs and superstitions. These age-old beliefs offer an intriguing glimpse into the mysteries of pregnancy long before modern medical methods were available.
One popular belief concerns the shape of a woman's belly. It is widely believed that the shape of the abdomen can indicate the sex of the unborn child. According to this belief, a rounded belly predicts the birth of a boy, while a sharper belly predicts the birth of a girl. Some people attribute this difference to the position of the child in the womb or to the unique features of the mother's figure.
Another popular sign suggests that the height of the abdomen can also provide clues to the sex of the child. It is believed that a low belly indicates a boy, while a higher belly predicts the birth of a girl. This belief is based on the notion that the sex of the child can be influenced by the position of the uterus and fetus in the womb.
Interestingly, many people associate the phases of the moon with the sex of the unborn child. According to this belief, conception during the full moon predicts the birth of a boy, while conception during the new moon indicates the birth of a girl.
In addition, cravings for certain types of food during pregnancy are often seen as potential harbingers of the child's gender. Folk signs suggest that a strong desire for sweets may indicate the expectation of a girl, while cravings for sour or salty foods are believed to predict the birth of a boy.