Surrogate Superstitions: Fun Pregnancy Myths Around the World

Pregnancy has been surrounded by myths and superstitions for centuries, and surrogacy is no exception! While science and modern medicine guide the journey, many cultures still hold onto fun, quirky beliefs about pregnancy. Whether you’re a surrogate or an intended parent, here are some of the most fascinating pregnancy superstitions from around the world—just for fun!

1. Cravings Predict the Baby’s Gender (Mexico & China)

Many cultures believe that pregnancy cravings can reveal whether you’re carrying a boy or a girl. In Mexico, craving sweets supposedly means you’re having a girl, while salty or spicy foods indicate a boy. Similarly, in China, a strong preference for citrus fruits means a baby girl is on the way. So, if you’re a surrogate, your snack habits might spark some playful guesses from the intended parents!

2. The Lunar Calendar Knows Best (China & India)

The Chinese Gender Prediction Chart, said to be over 700 years old, is still widely used to “predict” a baby’s gender based on the mother’s age and the month of conception. Meanwhile, in India, some believe that a full moon during pregnancy can influence a baby’s personality or even speed up labor!

3. Don’t Raise Your Arms Above Your Head! (Latin America & the Philippines)

In many Latin American countries and the Philippines, there’s a belief that pregnant women (including surrogates!) shouldn’t raise their arms above their heads—doing so might cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck. While there’s no scientific basis for this, it’s a widely shared superstition among grandmothers and elders.

4. The “Pregnancy Glow” Has a Hidden Meaning (Middle East)

Ever heard that pregnancy gives you a glow? According to Middle Eastern superstition, if a surrogate is glowing, she’s carrying a boy, while a dull complexion means a girl is stealing all the beauty!

5. Don’t Knit or Sew While Pregnant (Turkey & Eastern Europe)

In Turkey and parts of Eastern Europe, it’s believed that knitting or sewing while pregnant can “tangle” the umbilical cord. Some also say that cutting anything (like fabric or even your own hair) could lead to complications with the baby’s growth. For surrogates who love crafting, don’t worry—modern medicine says you’re in the clear!

6. Walking Through a Cemetery is a No-No (Korea)

In Korean culture, it’s believed that pregnant women should avoid cemeteries because spirits might follow them and bring bad luck. So if you’re a surrogate, you might want to take a different route on your daily walk—just in case!

7. Belly Shape Determines Gender (Global Myth)

This is one of the most widespread pregnancy myths across many cultures. Some say a high, round belly means a girl, while a low, pointy bump means a boy. While science tells us that belly shape is more about muscle tone and baby position, it’s still a fun topic of debate!

8. Drinking Coconut Water Leads to a Fair-Skinned Baby (India & Southeast Asia)

In India and Southeast Asia, some believe that drinking coconut water during pregnancy will result in a baby with light skin. While coconut water is great for hydration, genetics—not tropical drinks—determine skin tone!

 

9. Bad Dreams? Someone is Thinking About You! (Japan)

In Japan, it’s said that if a pregnant woman has a bad dream, it means someone is thinking of her. Some even believe that dreams about water mean a baby is on the way—perhaps a sign of new life!

10. Rubbing the Belly Too Much Might Spoil the Baby (China & Japan)

In some Asian cultures, it’s believed that rubbing a pregnant belly too much can make the baby “spoiled” or overly dependent. In contrast, in Western cultures, belly rubs are seen as a bonding moment between the baby and parents!

Final Thoughts: Superstitions vs. Science

While these myths are fun to hear, it’s important to remember that pregnancy and surrogacy are best guided by medical professionals, not old wives’ tales. However, if you’re a surrogate or intended parent, learning about these beliefs can be a fun way to connect with different cultures and add some lightheartedness to the journey.