From hair to symptoms: The strangest superstitions about pregnant women

"If she dresses up, she's expecting a boy"

According to the myth, girls steal the mother's beauty, which means that if the mother beautifies herself during childbirth, she is expecting a boy. The truth about physical changes is related to hormone changes that can make women feel and look tired, have acne and other problems. But this is related to hormones and has nothing to do with having a boy or a girl.

"If the labor pains last, you will have a boy"

Pregnancy is different from one woman to another which means that it cannot be known for sure if boys cause more pain.

"Don't say from the beginning that you're pregnant that it's not good"

Popular beliefs suggest that women should not tell other people that they are pregnant until the first few months have passed. It is thought that if they say it, there is danger. In fact, it remains just a myth. Miscarriages are more likely to occur during the first few weeks, but this has nothing to do with when you go public with your pregnancy.

"If you have heartburn, you will give birth to more hair babies"

It is believed that when mothers have heartburn, they will give birth to children with lots of hair. Both symptoms, both baby hair and mother's heartburn, are caused by a third factor: pregnancy hormones.

"Don't step on the rope"

In certain cultures, people advise pregnant women not to step on ropes because doing so causes the umbilical cord to twist around the baby's neck. There is no scientific basis.

"Don't cut/dye your hair"

According to the myth, expectant mothers should not cut their hair, because the child may be born with problems. Even in this case, there is no scientific evidence. Hair dyeing remains controversial. Although there are no real studies that say that the paint has a negative effect on the baby, but experts advise to avoid it, at least until the first trimester. It is also advised that the paint does not contain ammonia.

Sources: Encyclopædia Britannica, CNN