People who take old wives tales seriously...

[lagertops]

Especially RE pregnancy. Ive been asked a couple of times if ive 'found out' the sex of my baby by doing the ring on a string thing by people with a serious face. Also had a friend tell me that she just couldn't understand why her baby was born without loads of hair as she had really bad heartburn throughout pregnancy...

And today was the icing on the cake. My OHs step-grandmother absolutely demanded that I was in no uncertain terms to buy my babys pram until after he was born. I didnt bother asking why as she talks crap a lot until the third time she had said "Buy the cot, but do not get the baby's pushchair!!" and her reply was simply 'Its an old wives tale.'

Im sorry, but I cant be bothered with superstition to the point where it's affecting my practical choices. I know for most people its a bit of fun, but does anyone actually take this nonsense as gospel?

[AKissIsNotAContract]

Pregnancy hormones give an exaggerated response to plaque so an increased risk of gum disease. Losing a tooth for every pregnancy is just a wives tale.

[BitchyRestingFace]

I thought that the same hormone that triggers ligaments to loosen also affects gums and that was the cause of the lose-a-tooth thing.

[garlicbaguette]

Ooh, you're right, Bitchy! Never knew that!

"Your hips and pelvic area may begin to ache as pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments (tough, ropelike bands of tissue) that hold bones together. The bones will begin moving in preparation for childbirth. ... Pregnancy hormones also affect the ligaments and bones in your mouth, so teeth may loosen. This will go away after pregnancy."

Here.

[MoominsYonisAreScary]

I dont think the really bad hg I had during pg helped my teeth

[Tortoiseonthehalfshell]

Showy, your advice helped me a lot when I was overdue with DD2, actually. I suddenly realised that not only was trying to bring labour on making me crazier crazy, but all of the things recommended (except sex) would go a long way to ensuring that when I did go into labour, I would do so when tired and uncomfortable. So instead of spending my last couple of days slogging up hills, eating spicy things and drinking horrible tasting tea, I spent them napping and watching TV. It didn't help, but it was far more enjoyable.

That was two years ago, and I'm still grateful!

[sashh]

I still get a few people at the dentist who believe pregnancy steals the minerals from their teeth or that you lose a tooth for every pregnancy you have.

There is a grain of truth in that though, when you are pregnant your body will try its best (yes I know internal organs do not have a personality) to give the baby all the nutrients it needs and if calcium is lacking in your diet it will be taken from an existing source.

[ILetHimKeep20Quid]

My mil lost teeth through her pregnancies. Why do you ght free dental treatment when you're pregnant?

[VenusDeWillendorf]

I think old wives tales abound because childbearing and childbirth are so fraught with danger, and a lot of the processes are hidden.

It makes sense to me to have 'wisdom' passed along which might help

[Mrsmorton]

sassh that's like saying you can lose protein from your hair. Your body can't take your tooth tissue away once it has made it just like it can't ungrow your hair. Complete bollocks I'm afraid

[nickelbabe]

Ilethimkeep - you get prescriptions free too - during pregnancy and until your child is 1year old.
I presume it's because it's expensive having a baby.

[ILetHimKeep20Quid]

I assumed it was because you are more vulnerable to illness and ailments. Like how you get offered the flu jab

[Mrsmorton]

But gingivitis (hormone driven) is very different from your child sucking calcium from your teeth. Pregnancy gingivitis is widely recognised as a side effect.

[WillSingForCake]

I remember reading in the local paper about a woman who'd saluted a magpie whilst on her driving test, and (quite rightly) subsequently failed for not paying due attention to the road!