Eating for Two: Pregnancy Traditions and Superstitions Around the World

Zulu healers provide pregnant women with an herbal concoction called "Isihlambezo," which is meant to provide nutritional benefits. The recipe varies from region to region and has been known to include fish heads, lizard or snakeskin, dried hyrax urine, mercury, clay, and sand. The mixture is believed to help improve fetal conditions and make labor easier for the mother.

Source: Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy, edited by Carol J. Lammi-Keefe, PhD, RD; Sarah C. Couch, PhD, RD; and Elliot H. Philipson, MD

"Pulque," a low-alcoholic, beer-like beverage brewed from the sap of Agave, is a staple of the Mexican diet. It is said to be high in iron and riboflavin, which are necessary components of diet, particularly for pregnant women.

It's also been reported that some women in Mexico decide to reduce the number of eggs they eat to prevent their babies from being born with bad body odor.

Source: Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy, edited by Carol J. Lammi-Keefe, PhD, RD; Sarah C. Couch, PhD, RD; and Elliot H. Philipson, MD

In Bali, difficult deliveries are said to be caused by eating octopus. For this reason, many traditional Balinese stay away from the eight-armed sea creatures during their pregnancies.

Source: pnmag.com

In Guatemala, mothers-to-be are given a concoction of beer flavored with a boiled purple onion. It's believed that the pungent cocktail can induce a speedy delivery.

Source: pnmag.com

Years ago, women believed that they should not eat slimy food because it could cause cerebral palsy in their babies. In the rural village of Shao, Nigerian healers warn expectant mothers about eating meat, explaining their belief that the behavioral characteristics of the animal will be bestowed on the fetus.

Source: Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy, edited by Carol J. Lammi-Keefe, PhD, RD; Sarah C. Couch, PhD, RD; and Elliot H. Philipson, MD

Chinese folklore says that women should not eat rabbit or chicken when pregnant or their babies will be born with hoarse voices. Some advisors to pregnant Chinese also warn against consuming crab and squid, as it's believed that crab will make the child mischievous and squid will cause the uterus to be sticky during delivery. Cold foods, like bean sprouts and bananas, are often avoided during the first trimester, and some folklore maintains that eating light-colored foods will result in fair-skinned babies.

Source: hawcc.hawaii.edu

Americans are usually warned to stay away from sushi when pregnant, but that's not the case in Japan. The high levels of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean fat make it an ideal food for Japanese pregnant women, provided it has been flash frozen and doesn't contain fish with high mercury levels, such as shark, swordfish, and tilefish. In the past, some Japanese women have avoided eggplants since the vegetable is of the nightshade family, which is high in water content and has a "yin" — or cooling effect — on the body.

Source: health.qld.gov.au

According to Ayurvedic medicinal beliefs, pregnant women should avoid hot foods, like soup and curries. Other avoided foods include animal products, certain spices, eggs, mangoes, papayas, bananas, and sesame seeds, which some believe could induce early termination. (Ayurvedic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that is native to India.)

Source: Food Culture in India, by Collen Taylor Sen, PhD