“Paglilihi” or Pregnancy Cravings Essay

Many Philippines, to this day, believe that what you eat and crave for during pregnancy has a read influence on the physical attri providedes of the baby. However, scientific studies prove that there is no link between paglilihi and the unborn babys physical attributes. As genetics tell us, our physical attributes are inherited from our parents and grandparents set of genes and not from food cravings.Reference Lui B., Five Health Myths Many Filipinos Believe, Filipinonurses.org (http//filipinonurses.org/index.php/2012/03/five-shocking-health-myths-that-most-filipinos-believe/) Pregnant Women, Health scenery (http//healthaspect.wordpress.com/tag/craving-paglilihi/).Myth 2 Post-labor Stomach BindingIt is a common practice for Filipina women to bind their abdomen tightly after pregnancy, believing that this practice helps the uterus to retract and gets the stomach back into shape. However, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Tying a cloth around ones tummy can put ram on the ut erus, ca utilize it to bleed. It can also lead to further complications, especially if youve experienced a C-section. Evidence also suggests that a combination of diet and pocket-sized exercise is the best way to get back into shape after pregnancy.Reference Cultural dimensions of pregnancy, birth and post-natal care, Queensland Government (http//www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/health_workers/filipino-preg-prof.pdf) Will using a corset or tying a cloth around my stomach help it regain its pre-pregnancy shape?, Baby Center (http//www.babycenter.in/x1049750/will-using-a-corset-or-tying-a-cloth-around-my-stomach-help-it-regain-its-pre-pregnancy-shape).Myth 3 Eating twin bananas may lead to twinsThis myth has umpteen variations, with some claiming that bananas lead to regular twins while others insist on Tai twins, which is a serious condition wherein twins are born with part of their bodies joined together. However, this myth has no scientific basis, as twin development happens stringently by chance or because of your genes (for non-identical twins).Reference Pregnancy Myths and Facts, Huggies PH (http//www.huggies.com.ph/pregnancy-myths-facts.aspx).Myth 4 Usog or the Strangers Evil EyeUsog is an age-old Filipino superstition. The belief states that discomfort (fever, bloating, nausea/vomiting) is brought to the baby by a stranger or visitor who is said to have an evil eye. A simple greeting from the visitor is said to be enough to cause this curse. To counter the curse, the stranger would need to say pwera usog while licking his thumb and applying saliva while examine a cross on the infants forehead. Despite having no scientific basis or proof regarding the occurrences of usog, many superstitious Filipinos believe in the practice to this date. However, this superstition lacks scientific proof.Reference Ina Atutubo, MD, Is Usog for Real?, Smart Parenting (http//www.smartparenting.com.ph/kids/baby/is-usog-for-real/page/2) Usog, Wikipedia (http//en.wikiped ia.org/wiki/Usog)Despite the fact that many Filipino superstitions and myths lack scientific explanation, many mothers-to-be still follow them by the letter for two reasons the better to be safe than sorry mentality, and out of respect for the elders or tradition. Some of these superstitions are harmless, but do take extra care and always consult with your OB-gyne before subjecting yourself or your baby to any healing or cleansing rituals. Keeping a healthy balance between modern medicine and Filipino culture will ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.