We’ve gathered some interesting facts, some of which you may already know, and some which may surprise you...
Conception:
The first known contraceptive was a natural one - crocodile dung and honey, used by the ancient Egyptians!
Studies show that couples that smoke during the time of conception have a slightly higher chance of having a girl compared to couples that do not smoke.
It is the father's sperm that decides the sex of a baby!
Only 25% of couples trying to conceive will experience pregnancy within the woman’s first cycle, with 90% of couples achieving pregnancy within the first 12 months of actively trying.
Many of the ingredients in chocolate are proven to cause arousal similar to sexual foreplay!
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women should not change cat litter due to a virus in cat feces called Toxoplasmosis. This virus can be tracked anywhere a cat walks, including its paws. Keep contact to cats limited, keep the house clean and wash all fresh produce before eating.
Pregnant women shouldn't dye their hair using anything chemicalized - but redheads or brunettes can use natural hennas.
During pregnancy hair may become thicker and shinier due to hormonal changes, but typically this added volume tends to fall out around three months after giving birth.
A pregnant woman's dental health can affect her unborn child.
The average woman's uterus expands up to five hundred times its normal size during the nine months of pregnancy.
Tuesday is the most popular day for babies making their arrival in the world, with Saturday being the least active day of the week (this could be attributed to doctors unwillingness to schedule c-sections for Saturdays!)
70% of expectant mothers experience symptoms of morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Pregnancy cravings are rooted in the body’s extra need for minerals and comfort-inducing serotonin.
Birth & Baby Facts:
Nigeria has the highest twinning rate in the world at around 4.5%. Some experts attribute this number to the large consumption of yams in Nigeria!
Less than 1% of women in the United States choose to deliver their babies at home, while 30% of Dutch women opt for home births.
Fewer than 10% of babies are born on their exact due date, 50% are born within one week of the due date, and 90% are born within two weeks of the date.
The probability of a woman giving birth to a baby girl instead of a baby boy increases significantly the nearer the mother lives to the equator. While the cause of this gender selection is unknown, scientists believe the constant sunlight hours and abundant food supply in tropical regions may favor female births.
Babies are born with very poor vision but can recognize their mothers almost right away.
Please consult your doctor before taking any action due to any information provided above.
Selected References:
American Pregnancy Association. Accessed: September 5, 2008.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health Topic: Pregnancy.” Accessed: September 4, 2008.
Glenday, Craig. 2008. Guinness World Records 2008. New York: Bantam Books.
Murkoff, Heidi, A. Eisenberg, & S. Hathaway. 2002. What to Expect When You’re Expecting. New York: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Time Magazine. “Prodigious Pregnancy” Accessed: September 8, 2008.
Facts resourced from www.randomhistory.com
Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure and is not a substitute for a professional consultation with a medical or health professional. Do not make any changes or additions to your prescription medicine without first consulting your doctor. Should symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.
