Pregnancy

Scope Note

Theory of pregnancy; determination of pregnancy (e.g., from cessation of menses, darkening of areola, abdominal protuberance, fetal movements); forecasting time of delivery; predicting sex; treatment and behavior of the pregnant woman (e.g., relief from work, dealing with nausea and giddiness, gratification of food cravings, observation of taboos, regimen, isolation); associated rites and ceremonies; sympathetic behavior of spouse; ideas about embryonic development; practices intended to facilitate delivery and insure healthy offspring; differences in treatment of first and subsequent pregnancies; miscarriages (e.g., disposal of fetus, associated beliefs and practices); etc.