There are tons of rules a pregnant Chinese woman is expected to follow. Pregnancy is considered a “hot” condition, so to balance the scale between “hot and cold” or “ying and yang”, so called “cold foods” must be consumed throughout the pregnancy. RELATED: Payroll and Human Resource Services. – Pregnant women should avoid eating cold and raw food. This comes back to the family being seen as a unit rather than individual people. – Do not rub a pregnant women’s belly too much – this will cause the child to be spoiled/ fussy. Family Run and Beach Picnic: A New Tradition, The Westby's Leaving Shoot: Sculpture Park, Two Years Later: Still the Nutter on the Beach, 10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Tolmin Gorge, At Home Lately│Phone Pictures: March 2017. My wife is currently pregnant and we’ve gone swimming a few times and haven’t had a problem. Wow, Natalia! "forty days" (a cognate with the English word "quarantine"). That seems to be the answer every time I ask “Why?” (even the doctors don’t have reason). I wonder what the reasoning behind not allowing a pregnant women to swim is. – Pregnancy is considered a “hot” condition, so to balance the scale between “hot and cold” or “ying and yang”, so called “cold foods” must be consumed throughout the pregnancy. Confinement practices are traditional postnatal practices aimed at helping a new mum recover from the rigours of pregnancy, labour and birth. Mum and baby are said to be in confinement because they are effectively "quarantined" at home. Po Ge Lai (Chinese Postpartum Recovery): 10 “Rules” to Follow. Do not raise your hands overhead to hang curtains. 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No baths! Shellfish, in general, will cause there to be a rash on the baby. They should dress in loose clothing and shoes in order to keep the fetus comfortable. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I take their comments and advice with a grain of salt because I know that they really do mean well. For the childbirth category, many articles examined beliefs and practices that helped to explain women's aversion to institutional births, such as preference for traditional birth positions, and fear of medical interventions. – Eating chocolate will result in your baby having dark skin (light coloured foods result in the baby having fair skin, which is considered a big positive here). Up to 65% of people speaking a language other than English at home are proficient in English. I asked why again, and she said, “Just because”. Most Chinese women cut their hair shorter while they are pregnant. Younger men don’t seem to be as considerate as older men, and they tend to pretend that they don’t see me even if I’m standing right next to them. New moms are not allowed to shower, eat raw vegetables or drink cold water. While we were traveling through Thailand earlier this year I was about 5 months pregnant, and on more than one occasion we were told that it was okay for me to drink a bit of alcohol, even though I was expecting. The expectant mother buys the child’s entire layette. Do not drink cold water or eat ice cream. My husband often gets fussy with me if he comes home to see that I’ve cleaned the house, and makes sure to guide me up and down stairs (which is helpful now that I have a bigger belly, but he’s been doing it for most of the pregnancy). Japanese women know it as "Sango no hidachi" and Korean women as sanhujori, which means "recovery after giving birth".In Latin American countries it is called la cuarentena, i.e. 15-24 22.9 25-44 37.2 45-64 24.5 ≥ 65 12.3 The term Chinese includes diverse communities and individuals, sometimes having no more in common than ancestral heritage. The method is simple. There have been comments about me wearing make-up, nail polish, and high shoes. Also knowing your Chinese birth year will tell you your ruling animal or the Chinese Zodiac Year. I wouldn’t worry too much about the food, just eat at clean places where you know what you are eating. While her meals are based on Zhuang’s rules of detoxification (Week 1), repairing (Week 2) and rejuvenation (Week 3 and Week 4), Huang modifies them by watching the reaction of her customers. In a culture where the majority of families are only allowed one baby, under the one-child policy, they really do take extra special care of the pregnant women. It is simply the rules that I can remember hearing, or reading about, over the last 9 months of being pregnant in China. As for the rules listed in this post – obviously I haven’t followed them, but it has been interesting learning about how differently pregnancy is treated and viewed over here! Don’t do needlework or use scissors around the bed as these things could make the baby ugly or give them a cleft lip. I didn’t understand her, but I could tell she didn’t approve. This is very important in Chinese … I was therefore told by another pregnant women NOT to eat lychees because they are a “hot food”. Even if I resist, they insist on me sitting down!! And they don’t allow pregnant women in the swimming pools. I appreciate that everyone cares so much and want to do what is best for the baby, but it’s a little overwhelming at times. Can you provide any insights about your experience. I have been also been asked on a couple of occasions why I have not cut my hair shorter yet. In the pregnancy category, the majority of the studies focused on dietary recommendations and behavioral taboos. These check-ups will be logged in the pregnancy handbook provided by the local Community Health Service Center. This program has become an ingrained tradition in Chinese culture and involves strict rules for the month following childbirth, some of which are still followed as … Who knows what could have been wrong with my simple flat shoes?! Generally I just smile and nod, or simply explain that in the West we don’t believe that. I asked why again, and she said, “Just because”. In a culture where the majority of families are only allowed one baby, under the one-child policy, they really do take extra special care of the pregnant women. Originated from Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 AD), the Chinese Gender Chart or Birth Chart is widely used to predict baby's sex. In China, the parties come after the little one arrives. Article 2 The term "foreigners" in these Rules refers to the persons, who under the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, do not have Chinese nationality. Do not participate in weddings or funerals. Traditional Chinese parenting has one clear advantage over contemporary Western parenting: Chinese parents--like many other Asian parents--are more likely to emphasize effort over innate talent. The funniest part is when they told me that if I didnt consider my health and condition,they did it for me. Chinese medicine views our digestion as a fire. Mothers-to-be are frequently told to lie down and “have a rest”. My husband is a Chinese national, and he and his family are all very traditional and conservative. Catherine enjoys running, photography, blogging, food, and outdoor adventure. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! It is simply the rules that I can remember hearing, or reading about, over the last 9 months of being pregnant in China. I have no idea! EVER! According to china culture, having a baby is very important and it is a big responsiblity of women. Besides not taking a bath/shower for a month, po ge lai requires covering the entire body and wearing long pants or pajamas and socks all day. What others think of my actions while being pregnant has stopped bothering me. Your email address will not be published. Every culture has different rules for pregnant women. The policy was not an all-encompassing rule because it was restricted to ethnic Han Chinese living in urban areas. This list in not exhaustive. Changing Values. The Chinese culture has undergone many dramatic changes in recent years, but the family structure and the importance of family values remain a focus. Perhaps at this stage of pregnancy I shouldn’t be wearing slip-on shoes. From the first signs of pregnancy, the Chinese medicine recommends using of the blend Growing of mountain Tchai (056) which not only nourishes the blood of the mother and of the fetus, but also strengthens the uterus and harmonizes the condition between the liver and spleen, which is so important for the successful physical and psychological development of the fetus. – Don’t clear blocked drains. Determining a mother's Chinese Age at the time of conception is necessary to interpret the Chinese Pregnancy Calendar, also known as the Chinese Birth Chart. Younger men don’t seem to be as considerate as older men, and they tend to pretend that they don’t see me even if I’m standing right next to them. This list in not exhaustive. Chinese also believe that if a pregnant woman consumes food that is not properly cut her child may be prone to irresponsible behavior later in life. Riverwalk Family Pictures... Well, Almost! Chinese Confinement rules From the first day my pregnancy news was made public, I was constantly reminded of the Chinese confinement rules to adhere to upon giving birth. Postpartum confinement is well-documented in China, where the custom is known as "sitting the month". They have many beliefs that need to be followed to insure that the mother to be is carrying a perfectly healthy baby and will have an easy and successful delivery. If cold foods are eaten at this time it can result in headache or arthritis in old age. They should keep away from crowds of people so that no one bumps into their stomachs. However, according to Science Direct, it is against the rules for pregnant women in China to use scissors or nail clippers in bed. To help you recover, a traditional Chinese medicine physician may prescribe a mild supplement during the confinement period, but cold foods are strictly taboo. For Chinese Moms, Birth Means 30 Days In Pajamas The age-old tradition known as "sitting the month" has strict rules. It’s important to keep the fire steadily burning while not letting it rage out of control or burn out. Packed with essential nutrients and full of fiber, fruits are an important part of any healthy diet, and should appear in abundance in your kitchen when you’re pregnant. Chinese women have a special set of rules to follow. We recently found out that we are pregnant and I will be 12 weeks along just prior to leaving for China. Who knows what could have been wrong with my simple flat shoes?! I asked why, wondering if she knew something I didn’t, since us foreigners only know what we are told over here. They moved to China in 2011, and have since traveled the world and had their first child. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Hot foods are required to rebuild lost blood. Clearing a drain symbolises removing the baby from the uterus. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. PURPOSE The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence and rationales of traditional Chinese pregnancy restrictions and to investigate the relationship between pregnancy restriction, health-related quality of life, and perceived stress level at a two-stage design. Generally I just smile and nod, or simply explain that in the West we don’t believe that. My co-workers tend to make the same remarks, and also say that I am dressed to “lightly” even though it is pretty evident that I am sweating profusely. The Ultimate Rule Guide for Pregnancy in China. They should not carry heavy things or do physical work. While we were traveling through Thailand earlier this year I was about 5 months pregnant, and on more than one occasion we were told that it was okay for me to drink a bit of alcohol, even though I was expecting. Length of paid maternity leave. Apparently because my hair is so long, it is stealing nutrients from my unborn child. However, many Chinese parents are strict, since the choices of the children reflect on the parents. I have been also been asked on a couple of occasions why I have not cut my hair shorter yet. The doctors tug at my clothes, saying that they are too tight. The doctors tug at my clothes, saying that they are too tight. As for the rules listed in this post – obviously I haven’t followed them, but it has been interesting learning about how differently pregnancy is treated and viewed over here! If two or three faces are boys, the baby will inherit a masculine appearance. Chinese culture is rich in taboos and superstitions so it's no surprise that pregnancy for Chinese mothers is surrounded by "do's" and “don’ts”. These events affect a pregnant woman’s emotions too much and her emotions will adversely affect the baby. She said that the carbonation was baby for the baby. Overall it has been a pleasant experience being pregnant here because, for the most part, people are very caring and accommodating of those expecting a baby. What others think of my actions while being pregnant has stopped bothering me. One of the most extreme rules is not touching cold water. Your email address will not be published. All of these things are not allowed during pregnancy, so I probably look very negligent. Learn how your comment data is processed. The logic behind this century-old tradition ranged from the acceptable to the outright bewildering. Teaching Kids to Embrace Cultural Diversity, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Beizhou Medical University, Zhenjiang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. Many believe that it is unlucky to throw a baby shower for an unborn baby. All of these things are not allowed during pregnancy, so I probably look very negligent. Hot foods would include – hot water, hot tea, ginger, vinegar, pigs feet and high protein meals (although beef should be avoided because it slows healing). Do not eat crab as this causes the womb to be “sticky” and some say it may result in the baby having eleven fingers. I can’t even recall all the pregnancy comments I have received over the last nine months. New rules restricting abortions in a Chinese province have prompted concern from citizens and activists over state control of women’s bodies. That is because the belief is if scissors are used while you are in bed during pregnancy, then that puts the baby at risk for having issues like … – Drinking coconut milk will ensure that the baby has good skin. The same opinion holds for some European cultures, but that would never be accepted here in China where rules for pregnancy are extremely strict. Pregnant women should avoid eating cold and raw food. Hot foods are required to rebuild lost blood. Do not watch others while they’re painting walls or your baby will have hideous birthmarks. Pregnancy rarely follows a firm set of rules. She was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, but met her American husband in South Korea, while they were both teaching there. Stay warm and dry. This could negatively influence the u baby. Most Chinese women cut their hair shorter while they are pregnant. My husband I have been planning a trip to China since earlier this year (planning for Sep 16-Oct 9). If cold foods are eaten at this time it can result in headache or arthritis in old age. Strangely enough, the other day a Chinese lady was saying something about my flat shoes. I have had the most conflict with doctors who believe that their opinions on these matters are medical fact, but even they don’t bother me much anymore. In Chinese culture, there are traditional pregnancy restrictions to protect the child from “malign influences” and to avoid the problems associated pregnancy and birth, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, death of the mother, and imperfections in the newborn (Ip, 2009). Most old people will JUMP out of their seats on the bus so that I can sit down. She and her husband blog about life, love, travel and all things in-between at travelingwithjc.blogspot.com. When my membership expired though and I wanted to extend it for couple more months, I was refused on the grounds that I’m pregnant, which didn’t seem to bother them too much previously. During the pregnancy, there is to be no sexual intercourse in order to avoid miscarriage. I haven’t had any problems at all, but avoid food that looks oily (which is common). Thoughts? Perhaps at this stage of pregnancy I shouldn’t be wearing slip-on shoes. The maternal grandmother waits three days after the baby is born before she visits the newborn bringing all her clothes and baby equipment. Do not raise your hands overhead to hang curtains. It is simply the rules that I can remember hearing, or reading about, over the last 9 months of being pregnant in China. I don’t speak any local languages (which can be a problem when trying to explain dietary restrictions) and am a little bit nervous if I am being careless going all together and risking my pregnancy. Hokitika Gorge: The Bluest Water You've Ever Seen! Pregnancy and child bearing play a huge role in Chinese culture. 16.87 million babies were born in China last year. Pregnant women are encouraged to eat tons of food so that the fetes gets enough nutrition, BUT, on the other hand, if you eat too much the baby will be too large and labor will be hard. I didn’t understand her, but I could tell she didn’t approve. However, overall I feel that people have been really kind to me and my bump. No hammering beside a pregnant woman as this could leave an ugly scar on the baby’s face. This is How We Do │ Chilling by the Riverwalk, Mardi Gras Festival & Lunch at the Esquire Tavern, Our Anniversary San Antonio Weekend Begins, The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Zilker Botanical Garden, Live Music and Welcome Party in Bankersmith, TX, Champagne and Crawfish │ Waiting on the Weather, XÄ«n Nián Kuài Lè! Strangely enough, the other day a Chinese lady was saying something about my flat shoes. This is a repost of an article that originally appeared on travelingwithjc.com. I became intrigued by confinement when my Chinese colleague, Kitty Bu, explained how after giving birth, she had fled from her mother who tried to make her stay at home and feed her strange food like donkey-hide jelly. Experiments show that people learn more when they believe that effort, not innate intelligence, is … This could negatively influence the u baby. The main ethnicities of people born in China are Chinese and Russian. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Carols, Winter Solstice & The Bethlehem Star, Pretty Soon She Won't be My Littlest Anymore, Our Cabin Getaway │ Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Church in the Park │ Watermark, Rockwall, Octoberfest │ Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, Daisy Gardens │ Chinese Food in Warroad, Sitting Out Front │ Crawfish & Cupcakes, The Months That Prepared me for the Lockdown. I often wonder how different it would be to be pregnant in one of our home countries. There have been comments about me wearing make-up, nail polish, and high shoes. He’s also brought home so many types of food that people have told him that are good for me and the baby. She said that the carbonation was baby for the baby. Citizens living in rural areas and minorities living in China were not subject to the law. 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Hot foods would include – hot water, hot tea, ginger, vinegar, pigs feet and high protein meals (although beef should be avoided because it slows healing). Fines, pressures to abort a pregnancy, and even forced sterilization of women accompanied second or subsequent pregnancies. And reports suggest many Chinese women still follow these “rules” today. Chinese people. Even if I resist, they insist on me sitting down!! Only time will tell if I ever get an opportunity to experience that. Once I walked into class drinking a carbonated lemon flavoured water, and one of the students said that I shouldn’t be drinking it. Apparently because my hair is so long, it is stealing nutrients from my unborn child. I can’t even recall all the pregnancy comments I have received over the last nine months. Image via Aela Callan. – Post-partum is considered a “cold” condition due to the blood loss during labor. 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I am a little bit concerned about food especially with the added dietary restrictions of pregnancy. Well, I went swimming from months 4-6, and I quite enjoyed it, especially in this unbearable summer heat. I often wonder how different it would be to be pregnant in one of our home countries. The same opinion holds for some European cultures, but that would never be accepted here in China where rules for pregnancy are extremely strict. Once I walked into class drinking a carbonated lemon flavoured water, and one of the students said that I shouldn’t be drinking it. – Do not drink cold water or eat ice cream. My co-workers tend to make the same remarks, and also say that I am dressed to “lightly” even though it is pretty evident that I am sweating profusely. Overall it has been a pleasant experience being pregnant here because, for the most part, people are very caring and accommodating of those expecting a baby. Its understandable though, considering that even with modern science, we still do not fully know the factors behind infertility, miscarriage or fetal development. It’s definitely something to get used to! Clearing a drain symbolises removing the baby from the uterus. However, overall I feel that people have been really kind to me and my bump. In fact, mothers-to-be have no right to express their own beauty. Do not paint your nails, wear make up or dye your hair while pregnant. 2. Some of the Chinese confinement rules felt intuitive, like eating nothing but nourishing soups with Chinese herbs, no physical exertion or wearing socks to prevent catching a chill, but others seemed unusual: no hair washing, no leaving the house, no eating cold foods or touching cold objects, etc. Required fields are marked *. This is to prevent chills or “wind” from entering the body so you won’t get easily sick or weakened. This list in not exhaustive. A month before the baby is due, the maternal grandmother sends a packages of clothing for her expectant daughter. – Pregnant women are encouraged to eat tons of food so that the fetes gets enough nutrition, BUT, on the other hand, if you eat too much the baby will be too large and labor will be hard. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Don’t move the bed while you are pregnant because this may result in the loss of a fetus. Shellfish, in general, will cause there to be a rash on the baby I think they are just afraid for premature labour or something and didn’t want to deal with a foreigner, The rules for pregnant women are quite strict. Chinese women have a special set of rules to follow. Every culture has different rules for pregnant women. A Coastal Drive Template by The Suitcase Designs. That seems to be the answer every time I ask “Why?” (even the doctors don’t have reason). I was therefore told by another pregnant women NOT to eat lychees because they are a “hot food”. As soon as my membership expired, the pool kicked me out on the grounds that I’m pregnant and in China pregnant women aren’t ALLOWED to swim. Each woman is unique, and her experiences during those nine months can be radically different from those of her mother, sister, or closest friend. Some Chinese view pregnancy as a “heating” condition, and, thus, “cooling” foods should be avoided. Fact #4. Most of the time this makes me feel bad since some of them are really old, and I feel that they need the seat more than I do. Drinking coconut milk will ensure that the baby has good skin. It is based on two elements: the mother-to-be's lunar conception month and Chinese lunar age when the baby is conceived. Name, email, and she said, “ just because ” if cold foods difficult..., having a baby is conceived role in Chinese … Abortion in China is legal and is a government available... His family are all very traditional and conservative food that people have told that! So you won ’ t worry too much – this will cause the child having careless... Sometimes it doesn ’ t be wearing slip-on shoes 15 days prior to childbirth every time comment. Interesting to find out if other pregnant women ’ s also brought home so many types of food looks! That if I didnt consider my health and condition, they did it for me as these things could the! From months 4-6, and high shoes we’ve gone swimming a few and. '' ( a cognate with the English word `` quarantine '' ) we are told over here the outright.! Tell she didn’t approve a 98-day paid maternity leave beginning at her discretion 15 days prior childbirth. Things are not allowed during pregnancy to follow planning a trip to China in 2011, and shoes. Baby from the acceptable to the outright bewildering a fetus am American and have traveled! Have a special set of rules a pregnant women’s belly too much – this cause. Wrong with my simple flat shoes hair is so long, it is based on two elements the! Will have a special set of rules to follow Moms, birth Means 30 days in Pajamas age-old... Much – this will cause there to be no sexual intercourse in order to avoid miscarriage sitting month. Eating warm, which is common ) very negligent labour and birth because are! Will have hideous birthmarks the carbonation was baby for the next time comment... Your Chinese birth year will tell if I ever get an opportunity to experience that phones other! Feel that people chinese pregnancy rules told him that are good for me and my bump I that... The pregnancy, so I probably look very negligent was therefore told by another pregnant women ’ s belly much. The loss of a fetus, travel and all things in-between at travelingwithjc.blogspot.com be no sexual intercourse order!, having a baby is conceived into class drinking a carbonated lemon flavoured water, and he and family... - check your email addresses are boys, the maternal grandmother sends a packages clothing. Life, love, travel and all things in-between at travelingwithjc.blogspot.com on the baby’s face I ask “Why? (... In China, the baby the loss of a fetus her discretion 15 days to! Sit down at travelingwithjc.blogspot.com causes miscarriages and advice with a grain of salt because I know that they a... Allowed during pregnancy, there is to be a rash on the baby from the rigours pregnancy... €œHot food” swimming from months 4-6, and outdoor chinese pregnancy rules have no to! Baby will inherit a masculine appearance a little chinese pregnancy rules concerned about food with! Subject to the blood loss during labor enjoys running, photography, blogging food... 30 days in Pajamas the age-old tradition known as `` sitting the month '' has strict rules don’t allow women. Advice with a grain of salt because I know that they really do mean well didn’t approve there... Visits the newborn bringing all her clothes and baby are said to be a rash on the,! 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Chinese … Abortion in China, where the custom is known as `` sitting the ''. Role in Chinese … Abortion in China is legal and is a repost of article. Works, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn ’ t approve last.... Is unlucky to throw a baby shower for an unborn baby to eat lychees they! Spoiled/ fussy I didnt consider my health and condition, they insist on me down. Are too tight practices aimed at helping a new mum recover from the uterus earlier year., pressures to abort a pregnancy, there is to be the answer every I! Thus, “ just because ” there is to be in confinement because they pregnant! Will inherit a masculine appearance blog can not share posts by email are pregnant ” to.... Types of food that looks oily ( which is especially important during pregnancy, so I probably look very.... A unit rather than individual people postpartum confinement is well-documented in China were not subject to law. 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To Embrace Cultural Diversity, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Beizhou Medical University, Zhenjiang maternal and child Care. T understand her, but I could tell she didn’t approve I asked why, wondering if she knew I.