No Traveling When Pregnant
Why? We don't know, but that's what "Instructions for Expectant Mothers," a vintage pamphlet published in the '60s, declares.
Looking at Beautiful Things Makes a Beautiful Child
So, you know, don't go staring at viral pictures of the World's Ugliest Dog all day, or you'll have a completely hideous baby.
Don't Lift Your Arms, or It'll Wrap the Cord Around the Baby's Neck
We don't know where this piece of genius advice came from — probably someone who knew nothing of anatomy or the human body, perhaps.
Don't Sit in the Sun, or the Baby Will Overheat
By all means, don't cook the baby!
Smoking Might Help Keep You Regular
The 1962 book "Pregnancy and Birth: A Book for Expectant Moms" tells pregnant women to take an "unhurried visit to the bathroom at the same hour each day: Smoking a cigarette while on such an excursion might help."
Who knew smoking helped constipation while pregnant? OBs nowadays would definitely disagree.
Don't Go in Water, or the Baby Will Slide Out
Just like a slip 'n' slide, people!
Don't Go Out in the Rain, or the Baby Will Catch a Cold
The baby that's housed nice and cozily inside of my belly, you mean? This is totally one of those things that moms and grandmas all over the world have been telling their pregnant family members.
Only Gain 20 Pounds
That old-fashioned tome of pregnancy knowledge "Pregnancy and Childbirth" also suggests women not gain more than 20 pounds during pregnancy and to work hard to control their weight, if for no other reason than personal vanity.
Some Booze Is A-OK
"Pregnancy and Birth" also states, “There is no logical reason to prohibit the moderate use of alcohol during pregnancy to the patient who enjoys and tolerates it."
The Surgeon General would probably disagree.
Doctors Are Gods; Don't Listen to Anyone Else
"The Canadian Mother and Child," which was published by the Canadian government in 1940, advised expecting mothers to listen only to their doctors. "Avoid medical books, as such reading is easily subject to misinterpretation, and may cause undue worry over minor symptoms. Your doctor is by far your best guide. … Gatherings such as bridges and teas are often occasions of unwise discussions as to the relative merits of doctors."
