Pamahiin: Debunking 5 Pinoy pregnancy myths

If there’s one thing about the Filipino culture that people should know, it’s that Filipinos are very
superstitious. In fact, Pinoys have superstitions (pamahiin) about almost everything: be it marriage,
moving into a new house or one’s pregnancy. Nowadays, you'd think that parents would be more
informed as to why said superstitions are nothing by myths passed down from one generation to the
next, but surprisingly there is still fair share who continue to believe.

If you fall under this category, then we suggest that you continue to read on to know the scientific
explanations that will debunk 5 Pinoy pregnancy “pamahiin”.

1. If you want to have twins, eat twin bananas!

Many of the elderly believe that if you eat twin bananas, it increases your chances of having multiples.
However, thanks to modern medicine, parents nowadays know that multiples are the result of genetic
issues:

(a) One egg is released but splits into two, thus identical twins are made. This can occur with or without
fertility drugs.

(b) Multiple eggs are released or there is more than one ovulation. Both (or more) eggs are fertilized and
you have fraternal twins. This can happen with or without fertility drugs.

2. If you’re tummy is pointed, you have a boy. If it’s round, you have a girl.

Contrary to popular belief, the shape of your baby bump does NOT determine the sex of your baby.
Instead, your stomach taking on the shape it has is determined by several factors such as muscle tone,
uterine tone and the position the baby is in.
If you think you’re carrying a boy because your stomach is low, than hate to break it to you, but it’s
actually because your baby dropped lower into the delivery because you’re closer to delivery. If you
want an accurate means of knowing the gender of your baby, then ask your doctor about having an
ultrasound.

3. Don’t eat adobo or dark chocolate or else your baby will inherit the color!

Comparable to the “if you see something ugly, your baby will be ugly too!” myth, the things that you see
or eat do NOT necessarily determine your child’s physical features. Going back to your high school
Biology class, your baby’s physical features will be greatly determined by genetics.

4. “Don’t cut your hair” or “swallow a raw egg” so that you have an easier time during delivery!

It’s no surprise that there is no scientific explanation to back up these claims. Contrary to these
pamahiins, labor is dependent on the mom’s well-being. In order to have a relatively easier labor,
doctors and health experts recommend that the mom keep fit and active during her pregnancy.

Keeping fit and building up your endurance will allow you to better tolerate labor pains and decrease the
need for more medical intervention than necessary. However, it is very important that you always seek
your doctor’s advice with regards to fitness activities during pregnancy.

5. Kain lang ng kain, you’re eating for two!

Although it is important that the mommy-to-be stay healthy and happy, it is important to know that you
DO NOT have to eat everything that you’re craving for. Eating for two does not mean eating twice the
portions, but rather, eating food that will provide your baby with the nutrients needed to ensure it’s
well-being. Unnecessary weight gain caused by overeating during pregnancy may not only make weight
loss harder to achieve after delivery, but may cause problems during delivery as well. Therefore, it is
best to be prudent with your food and liquid intake during pregnancy.

Supersitions or Pamahiin are not easy to shake-off or to ignore because they’ve been greatly ingrained
into our culture, but the next time your tita or lola tells you to do something that doesn't seem to make
sense, then fret not, politely hear them out and stay calm knowing that there may be a scientific
explanation out there that will easily debunk it.