When you first announce your pregnancy, you get the usual – “Congrats! Remember not to do xxxxx”. Like hey, it’s my child, don’t tell me how to raise them.

But then again, these pregnancy superstitions do have some merit. No smoke without a fire, eh?

We have compiled a list of the most common pregnancy superstitions;

Defer your pregnancy announcements till after the first trimester (3 months)

It is believed that announcing your pregnancy too early will increase the chance of a miscarriage, as most miscarriages happen in the first trimester.

No home renovations

The Chinese believe actions like sawing, drilling and hammering, (that are common during home renovations) are harmful to the baby’s spirit and could cause fetal deformities. If its an emergency, being away from the renovations are believed to help. Also calling your baby’s spirit away from the renovation site will prevent any harm from coming to him/her.

No using scissors or needles on the bed

Using scissors or needles on the bed symbolizes cutting of umbilical cord and causes birth defects. While there are many people with experience with this particular pregnancy superstition, it is still unsure whether its coincidence or the superstition has a legitimate claim.

Put a knife under the bed

This is done to ward off evil spirits with evil or malicious intent from harming your baby’s spirit.

No attending funerals

Funerals are largely considered unlucky in Chinese culture and therefore, people often warn expecting mothers to avoid attending any. However, in the case where it is necessary, it is recommended to tie a red scarf around the belly area to ward off the negative energy from the funeral.

No cursing

Cursing is far more common in today’s society, so much so a curse word is always at the tip of your tongue. Try to refrain from cursing or have anyone around you say any curse words as it is believed that cursing around the unborn child equates cursing him/her. In Western culture, this is also avoided as they don’t want the baby’s first words to be a curse word.

No rubbing belly

Its normal to want to caress your pregnant belly, but its told that excessive rubbing of the belly will result in a spoiled child.

Have you heard any of these superstitions passed down from your mum/grandmother? I know I’ll definitely be abiding by these “guidelines”. It’s better to be safe, than sorry.