Old wives’ tales about pregnancy still believed
It seems 69% of us in the UK still believe in old wives’ tales, such as pregnant women should eat for two!
In the UK, 33 million people still believe in popular myths, or old wives’ tales, the Telegraph has reported.
Making the list of the top 20 most believed old wives’ tales was the idea that if a pregnant woman is carrying low she’ll have a son, and if she’s carrying high, she can expect a baby girl. The study showed 15% of parents thought this to be the case.
The notion that a mum-to-be needs to eat for two also made the top 20 list!
Rather than opting for a proven medical cure, people commonly turn to those handed-down superstitions and cultural beliefs to help relieve their ailments, the study revealed.
"The findings show Brits are still resorting to old practices and methods which are passed down through generations.
"Similarly, in the UK we are more likely to believe things our grandparents or parents once passed on, rather than something which has been proved as medically correct.
"People still trust deep-rooted traditions and beliefs,” commented Sharon Schofield, Director of Fundraising for Brooke, the working equine animal charity that carried our the study
The study involved 3,000 adults, with 69% believing in old wives tales. Also, 72% said they pass on tales that came from their parents or grandparents to their children.
Here’s the tales topping the charts – take a look and tell us which one you believe!
- Wait an hour after swimming before eating
- Most body heat is lose through the head
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
- Feed a cold, starve a fever
- Urinate on a jelly fish sting
- Going outside with wet hair gives you a cold
- Cracking knuckles causes arthritis
- Eating carrots improves eyesight
- Copper bracelets sooth arthritis
- Tipping your head back relieves nose bleeds
- Brushing teeth straight after eating stops decay
- Eating too much sugar triggers diabetes
- Swallowed chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years
- An apple between meals keeps teeth clean
- Sneeze with your eyes makes them pop out
- If a pregnant woman is carrying low it's a boy, high it's a girl
- Pregnant women should eat for two
- Spicy food gives you ulcers
- Only eat shellfish when there is an 'r' in the month
- Sitting on a hot radiator gives you piles
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