As soon as you announce you are expecting, old wives’ tales start coming out of the woodwork as people try to tell you certain things they are sure to be true.

 

However, while some of them are, not all tales have credibility or even factual basis! 

 

Here are eight old wives’ tales you are sure to hear throughout the nine months that only giving birth can prove to be right or wrong.

 

1. Gain a child, lose a tooth

According to studies, the more children you have the higher your risk of developing tooth and gum disease which subsequently results in the loss of teeth.

 

2. Eating bananas increases your chances of having a boy

Oxford University did a study which found that having a high intake of potassium (which is found in bananas) increases your chances of conceiving a boy, particularly if you eat it around breakfast time.

 

3. A long labour means you’re having a boy

While it sounds a little far fetched, an Irish study found that it takes boys longer than girls to be delivered. They have yet to find an exact reason as to why but after looking at 8,000 births there has to be something in it.

 

4. Men should avoid hot baths when trying to conceive

When trying for a baby men are always advised to avoid having hot baths, putting a laptop on their lap or wearing constrictive underwear as it can affect their sperm count.

 

 

5. A rounder face means you’re having a girl

All women put on weight differently throughout their pregnancy so this one has no factual basis!

 

6. Girls drain their mother’s beauty

Not a particularly nice old wives’ tale, but there’s no truth in it anyway - phew!

 

7. If you eat strawberries your baby will have a birthmark

This one is obviously not true but has been going around for years!

 

8. Nesting means Baby is on its way

Nesting is the body’s way of preparing for Baby, but while it happens during the last week for some mums-to-be, for others it can start fairly early on in the pregnancy.

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