Pregnancy Taboos, Part 1: The Body Under Watch

Around the world, pregnancy is wrapped in rules about what women should or should not do with their bodies. Some are rooted in genuine risk, others in superstition, and many in the desire to control.

“Doctor, is it true I shouldn’t raise my arms above my head? My aunt says the cord could strangle the baby.”

I’ve been asked this many times. Around the world, pregnancy is wrapped in rules about what women should or should not do with their bodies. Some are rooted in genuine risk, others in superstition, and many in the desire to control. Here’s what t…