Pregnancy customs & superstitions - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

Home / Q&A / Pregnancy / Pregnancy customs & superstitions

Pregnancy customs & superstitions

November 26, 2006

Question

Now that I am in my second trimester of pregnancy and have started to tell people the good news, I am hearing about all sorts of customs and superstitions, and I am not sure what is real and what is just a "bubbeh meiseh". I have been told that my co-workers (who've already offered) can't throw me a baby shower, that I shouldn't tell anyone my exact due date, and other such advice because these things would bring an ayin hara. I am not sure what to believe! I have a lot of questions and I hope you can help or steer me in the right direction.
Thank you!

Answer

Besha'ah Tovah!

The different opinions you are hearing regarding conduct during pregnancy are largely based on personal feeling. Some people feel that preparing anything before the birth can cause ayin hara (evil eye) – while others have the baby's room completely ready months before delivery. If a specific custom is prevalent in your community or your family, you should keep it. Otherwise, you are not obligated to follow any one of these views, and should conduct yourself based on your own feelings. There are no halachic boundaries regarding your conduct in this area.

We wish you a healthy pregnancy and birth, and please feel free to follow up with any question.