Life
When it comes to the "rules" about getting pregnant, some might sound kooky while other might be eerily on point. Yes, there are many old wives' tales about getting pregnant that are actually true.
Heck, there are plenty of medical myths that are actually true. Back when your grandma (she counts as an old wife, I'm assuming) told you to "eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away," she was actually right. According to a study in the 2013 United Kingdom, people who ate an apple a day (not just any fruit, an actual apple) had fewer heart attacks and strokes than people who did not consume this fruit.
It should be noted that a lot of these so-called "old wives" were also doctors and childbirth experts. For example, Mental Floss highlighted the work of Dr. Josephine Baker who was appointed as city health inspector in 1901. She went on a crusade to improve prenatal care and child health practices. Because of her efforts, childbirth became a lot more safe for women, and infant fatalities decreased.
Wondering what else the old wives might have been right about? Particularly when it comes to getting pregnant? The following are a nice selection of old wives tales about getting pregnant that are actually true.
1
Going To The Salon Is Bad Luck
It's not that getting your hair done is particularly unlucky for women trying to get pregnant,. It's that the salon is often filled with toxic fumes that can harm a growing fetus, noted WebMD. If you are pregnant and don't know it, (something that occurs when you're TTC) you should listen to the old wives on this one and skip the salon.
2
The Moment You Stop Stressing, You'll Get Pregnant
It doesn't exactly work that way, but, there is something to this one. Mainly, that stress negatively affects your fertility, as supported by The New York Times. The publication reported on a study that found the more you worry, the less likely you are to conceive.
3
Fertility Dances Help You Get Pregnant
Dancing in general is a fantastic way to exercise in a moderate way to keep your blood circulating, your periods regular, and your ovulation schedule on point. And, as an article in Parents noted, low-impact dance can help you destress, and stay active in a health way that's optimal for conception.
4
Exercising Too Much Will Prevent Pregnancy
Alice D. Domar, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health at Boston IVF and co-author of Conquering Infertility told Fit Pregnancy that vigorous exercise is not recommended for women who are trying to conceive. But don't cut back completely. Domar suggested you exercise enough so that your body mass index is between 24 and 30, in order to optimize fertility. You can calculate your body mass index based on your height and weight, and a handy guide from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
5
Hot Tubs Prevent You From Conceiving
According to Parents, sperm count tends to rise in cooler temperatures and hot tubs are not recommended for men who are trying to provide that super sperm.
6
Acupuncture Can Help You Get Pregnant
Although the jury is out on whether or not acupuncture can help you conceive, What To Expect reported that acupuncture can relieve early pregnancy symptoms, and is proven to reduce stress, which can help get you pregnant faster.
7
Wearing Briefs Decreases Sperm Count
According to the aforementioned Parents article, tight underwear can also decrease sperm production, as well as hot temperatures. So, old wives have a good reason for asking the men in the family to wear boxers.
