Pamahiin vs. Science: Debunking Common Filipino Pregnancy Myths

The Definitive Guide for Expectant Moms in the Philippines

Quick Truth: Filipino Pregnancy Myths (Pamahiin)

What are pamahiin in pregnancy? Pamahiin are traditional Filipino superstitions or folk beliefs, often passed down through generations, concerning what a pregnant woman should or shouldn’t do to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Should pregnant Filipinas follow them? Medically, no. While rooted in cultural history, most pamahiin lack scientific evidence. Expectant mothers should always prioritize evidence-based advice from their Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) or midwife.

Which ones are harmless, and which can be risky? Many pamahiin are simply harmless cultural traditions (e.g., hanging a safety pin). However, those that dictate dietary restrictions (e.g., avoiding certain nutritious foods) or prevent necessary medical actions (e.g., avoiding exercise or check-ups) are potentially harmful.

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🔬 Myth vs. Fact Table: The Quick Reference

This table provides a fast, science-backed look at common pamahiin sa buntis.

Pamahiin (Myth)	Why People Believe It	Science Says	What to Do Instead
Bawal magtaas ng kamay. (Don’t raise your hands)	Believed to cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck (pulupot).	The umbilical cord floats freely in amniotic fluid. Its position is dictated by the baby’s movement and length of the cord, not the mother’s arm position.	Feel free to stretch! Light stretching and safe prenatal yoga are encouraged to ease back pain.
Paglilihi dictates baby’s appearance/gender. (Intense cravings affect the baby)	The intensity of the mother’s cravings (paglilihi) is thought to reflect the baby’s sex or be related to birthmarks.	Paglilihi (cravings/aversions) is caused by hormonal shifts (estrogen and progesterone), blood sugar changes, and nutrient needs, not the baby’s sex or future appearance.	Listen to your body, but focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet as recommended by your OB-GYN.
Bawal maligo o maghugas ng buhok. (Don’t bathe/wash hair)	Thought to weaken the mother and cause future rheumatism or illness after delivery.	Daily hygiene is crucial. Washing keeps skin and scalp healthy and prevents infections. The placenta protects the baby.	Bathe daily using lukewarm water. Proper hygiene prevents skin infections.
Bawal kumain ng kambal na saging. (Don’t eat twin bananas)	Believed to cause the mother to deliver twins, which was traditionally seen as a difficult or risky pregnancy.	The chances of having twins are determined by genetics, maternal age, and fertility treatments (hormones), not by the food you eat.	Enjoy all fruits! Bananas are a great source of potassium and energy.
Wear a safety pin/red string to ward off usog or spirits.	Used as a ritual for protection against bad luck, evil spirits, or the power of the usog (a supposed affliction from a greeting).	These items have no medical effect on the baby or pregnancy outcomes. They offer psychological comfort rooted in culture.	Keep your faith and your rituals, but know that your real protection is in consistent prenatal care and vaccination.

🍎 Deep Dive Sections by Theme: Separating Culture from Clinical Fact

1. Paglilihi, Cravings, and the Baby’s Appearance

Cultural Context:

Paglilihi is the Filipino term for the intense cravings, aversions, and morning sickness experienced by pregnant women, often in the first trimester. There is a strong cultural link between the paglilihi and the perceived needs, sex, or future appearance of the baby.

Myths Debunked:

• Myth: If a pregnant woman’s paglilihi involves a specific, unusual object, the baby will resemble that object or have a birthmark matching it.

• Myth: Severe paglilihi for salty foods means a boy; sweet foods mean a girl.

Science Says:

Morning sickness, nausea, and changes in appetite are primarily caused by the rapid increase in Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) and other pregnancy hormones. Birthmarks are caused by clusters of pigment cells or blood vessels, and the baby’s sex is determined genetically at conception ($XX$ for female, $XY$ for male).

Risk Level: Unproven but Harmless. Paglilihi itself is a natural physiological process. The danger arises only if the craving leads to excessive consumption of non-nutritious items or total avoidance of essential food groups.

Practical Advice Box: What to Do Instead

Focus on Nutrition, Not Prediction.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or clear broths, especially if experiencing vomiting.Small, Frequent Meals: Eat small portions of crackers, toast, or pandesal throughout the day to keep blood sugar stable and ease nausea.

• Talk to Your Doctor: If nausea or vomiting is so severe you cannot keep any food down (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), seek urgent medical help.

2. Food and Activity Bawal (Prohibited) Myths

Cultural Context:

Many pamahiin involve strict prohibitions (bawal) on food and physical activities, stemming from a protective instinct or a lack of understanding about fetal development.

Myths Debunked:

• Myth: Bawal kumain ng pineapple. (Pineapple is forbidden/causes miscarriage.)

• Myth: Bawal kumain ng malalaking isda o pusit. (Squid/large fish causes difficult labor or skin problems.)

• Myth: Bawal mag-exercise. (Exercise is dangerous and can harm the baby.)

Science Says:

Pineapple contains bromelain, but the amount is too minute to induce labor. It is a highly nutritious fruit safe for consumption. Squid and most fish are excellent sources of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for fetal brain development. Exercise, specifically moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or swimming), is strongly recommended by WHO and OB-GYNs to manage weight, improve mood, and prepare the body for labor.

Risk Level: Potentially Harmful. Restricting nutritious foods can lead to maternal malnutrition. Avoiding safe exercise increases the risk of excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

Practical Advice Box: What to Do Instead

Embrace Balanced Filipino Nutrition.

• Eat the Rainbow: Incorporate a variety of fruits (including pineapple!) and vegetables.

• Safe Seafood: Focus on low-mercury fish like tilapia, bangus, and galunggong for Omega-3s. Avoid high-mercury fish like shark or swordfish.

• Move Safely: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, with clearance from your OB-GYN. Gentle walking is always a great option.

3. Cord, Body Shape, and Delivery Myths

Cultural Context:

These beliefs often involve external actions influencing the baby’s internal condition or the mother’s body shape predicting the baby’s sex or labor outcome.

Myths Debunked:

• Myth: Bawal magsuot ng kuwintas o scarf. (Wearing necklaces/scarves causes the cord to wrap around the baby’s neck.)

• Myth: Carrying high means a girl; carrying low means a boy. (Belly shape predicts gender.)

• Myth: Seeing someone with a cleft lip (bingot) causes the baby to have the same condition.

Science Says:

The umbilical cord wraps (nuchal cord) in about 25-30% of deliveries, a natural occurrence unrelated to what the mother wears or does with her arms. It is managed safely by healthcare providers. Belly shape is determined by uterine and muscle tone, body type, and baby position, not gender. Cleft lip and palate are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors (e.g., smoking, certain medications, lack of folic acid).

Risk Level: Harmless. While these are common pamahiin, they do not directly pose a physical risk. They can, however, increase needless anxiety.

Practical Advice Box: What to Do Instead

Trust Your Anatomy and Sonograms.

• Wear Comfortably: Wear whatever is comfortable and safe. The movement of your arms or clothing on your neck has no connection to the cord inside your womb.

• Fetal Sex: The only reliable way to know the baby’s sex is via ultrasound or genetic testing, not by the shape of your stomach.

• Reduce Anxiety: If you are worried about the cord, discuss it with your OB-GYN. They monitor the baby’s well-being with every check-up.

4. Eclipse, Spirits, and Protection Rituals

Cultural Context:

These pamahiin involve rituals and avoiding perceived dangers from natural phenomena (like eclipses) or spiritual forces, often utilizing items like the gintong pin (safety pin) or pula (red string).

Myths Debunked:

• Myth: The pregnant woman must wear a safety pin, metal, or red clothes during a lunar eclipse. (Eclipse causes birth defects.)

• Myth: Bawal umattend ng burol o libing. (Don’t attend funerals/wakes, as it invites death/spirits to the baby.)

• Myth: Usog (an unintended hex from a visitor) can make the baby sick.

Science Says:

Eclipses are astronomical events. They pose no physical threat or cause birth defects. The only danger is looking directly at a solar eclipse, which can damage the eyes. Birth defects occur due to genetic factors or chemical exposure during organ development. While spiritual/emotional beliefs are valid, rituals offer no medical protection.

Risk Level: Harmless/Unproven but Harmless. These are deeply held cultural and emotional traditions. They are safe to observe as long as they do not replace medical guidance (e.g., delaying a check-up because of a bad omen).

Practical Advice Box: What to Do Instead

Respect Tradition, Prioritize Health.

• Use Rituals for Comfort: If wearing a safety pin or red string provides you with peace of mind, it is harmless. Emotional comfort is valuable during pregnancy.

• Avoid Stressors: If a funeral or wake is emotionally taxing or exposes you to illness, it is medically sound to avoid it.

• The Real Protection: The best protection against illness is handwashing, proper nutrition, rest, and prenatal vitamins.

📋 What Science Actually Recommends: Your Pregnancy Health Checklist

In contrast to the pamahiin, these are the evidence-based, non-negotiable steps for a healthy pregnancy, supported by WHO and the Department of Health (DOH) Philippines.

• ✅ Consistent Antenatal Care (ANC): Attend all scheduled prenatal visits with your OB-GYN or midwife, especially in the first trimester. This is when critical screenings and necessary lab tests are performed.

• ✅ Folic Acid Supplementation: Take 400 mcg of Folic Acid daily (or as prescribed) before and during pregnancy to drastically reduce the risk of neural tube defects (like Spina Bifida).

• ✅ Iron and Calcium: Take iron supplements to prevent maternal anemia and calcium for bone health, especially prevalent needs in the Philippines.

• ✅ Safe Exercise: Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Avoid contact sports and any activity with a high risk of falling.

• ✅ Safe Sleeping Position: After the first trimester, sleep on your side (preferably the left) to maximize blood flow to the uterus and baby. Avoid lying flat on your back.

• ✅ Weight Management: Gain weight within the recommended range for your starting BMI. Discuss targets with your healthcare provider.

• ✅ Immediate Care for Warning Signs: Seek urgent help from a hospital or clinic if you experience:

  • Vaginal bleeding (more than spotting).

  • Sudden, severe headache or blurred vision (potential sign of preeclampsia).

  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain.

  • Sudden leakage of fluid (water breaking).

  • Significant decrease in fetal movements.

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Filipino-Specific Practical Guidance

Choosing evidence-based care over traditional beliefs is a sign of empowerment.

• Respecting Elders, Choosing Safety: It is important to treat the advice of Lola (grandmother) with respect. A simple, reassuring response like: “Thank you for the advice, Lola. My doctor also gave me specific instructions for my health, and I will follow those to be sure” can help maintain peace while prioritizing clinical safety.

• Accessing Care: Seek early consultation at:

  • Private OB-GYN Clinics/Hospitals: For comprehensive care. (Hospitals like Makatimed offer specialized maternal care.)

  • Barangay Health Centers/RHUs: For free or subsidized prenatal check-ups, supplements, and family planning counseling, making care highly accessible.

  • Lying-in Clinics: For low-risk deliveries managed by accredited midwives/nurses.

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❓ People Also Ask (PAA) Style FAQ

“Totoo ba ang paglilihi?” (Is paglilihi true?)

Yes, the experience of paglilihi (intense cravings, aversions, and nausea) is a real physiological process caused by hormonal shifts in the body. However, the pamahiin that it dictates the baby’s sex or birthmarks is medically untrue.

“Bawal ba talaga ang pinya sa buntis?” (Is pineapple really forbidden for pregnant women?)

No, this is a myth. Pineapple is a safe, nutritious fruit during pregnancy. The amount of the enzyme bromelain present is too small to induce labor or cause harm when consumed in normal amounts.

“Nakaka pulupot ba ng umbilical cord ang pagtaas ng kamay?” (Does raising your hands wrap the umbilical cord?)

No. The position of the umbilical cord is determined by the baby’s movement and cord length inside the amniotic fluid. Your arm position has zero effect on the cord’s movement around the baby’s neck.

“May epekto ba ang lunar eclipse sa baby?” (Does a lunar eclipse have an effect on the baby?)

No, a lunar eclipse is a natural astronomical event and has no medical effect on the baby or the outcome of the pregnancy. Birth defects are caused by genetic or environmental factors.

“Ano ang safe na food for pregnant women?” (What is safe food for pregnant women?)

Safe foods include pasteurized dairy, well-cooked meat and eggs, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and low-mercury fish like tilapia and bangus. Focus on balanced, clean, and thoroughly cooked meals.

“Kailangan ba magsuot ng safety pin para sa usog?” (Do I need to wear a safety pin for usog?)

Wearing a safety pin for usog is a cultural ritual that offers psychological comfort. It is harmless, but it offers no actual medical protection. Medical protection comes from proper hygiene and prenatal care.

“Ano ang dapat kong gawin kapag na- usog ang baby ko?” (What should I do if my baby gets usog?)

If a baby is suddenly fussy, it is more likely due to a common issue like hunger, gas, or fever. The best action is to check for medical symptoms and consult a pediatrician immediately if the fussiness is accompanied by fever or other signs of illness.

“Bawal ba maligo ang buntis?” (Is a pregnant woman forbidden from bathing?)

No, daily bathing is safe and necessary for hygiene and comfort throughout pregnancy. The baby is fully protected inside the amniotic sac and uterus.

“Totoo ba na nakakapagpa-girl ang matamis na craving?” (Is it true that sweet cravings mean a girl?)

No, this is a myth. The intensity and type of your craving are driven by maternal hormones and nutritional needs, not the baby’s sex.

“Delikado ba ang mag-exercise habang buntis?” (Is exercising dangerous while pregnant?)

Generally, no. Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, is safe and highly recommended for most healthy pregnancies. Always consult your OB-GYN before starting a new exercise regimen.

“Bakit masakit ang likod ko? May pamahiin ba dito?” (Why does my back hurt? Is there a pamahiin about this?)

Back pain is a common side effect of pregnancy, caused by the hormone relaxin (which loosens ligaments) and the shifting center of gravity. It is a biological fact, not a superstition. Safe stretches and proper posture can help.

“Nakakaputi ba ng balat ng baby ang pag-inom ng gatas?” (Does drinking milk make the baby’s skin fair?)

No. The baby’s skin color is determined solely by the parents’ genetics. Drinking milk is important for calcium intake, which supports bone health, not skin pigmentation.

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Conclusion: Embracing Science, Honoring Heritage

The journey of pagbubuntis (pregnancy) is deeply personal and cultural. As a modern Filipino mother, you have the power to draw strength from your heritage while making the safest choices based on medical fact.

This guide encourages you to respect the pamahiin for their cultural significance but to rely exclusively on the guidance of your trusted healthcare provider—your OB-GYN, midwife, or clinic. Evidence-based care, proper nutrition, and consistent check-ups are the most powerful rituals for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a vibrant future for your baby.

Choose science, choose safety, and carry your pregnancy with confidence.