Chinese PregnancyTraditionally in China, when once people got married, they would immediately get ready for having a baby. That is why symbolic things such as dolls or lotus seeds would be put on
beds of newly weds on their wedding day so as to bring in meaning of having a baby as soon as possible.
When once a married woman becomes pregnant, things for baby will start to be prepared. Prams, cot, baby clothes, etc will be readily prepared to welcome arrival of new born.
From now on, health of mother is of utmost importance. Therefore, mother should reduce her workload, eat healthily, and employ prenatal education. Prenatal education has come into being for over 2000 years in China. It was believed that a good pregnant mother should eat only meat which was cut only in square cubes, sit only on properly built chairs, walk unswingingly, talk softly, etc. By doing so, foetus would be able to learn most valued virtues. Although in present days above mentioned practice is no longer common, pregnant women in China still behave very carefully so as not to do anything which affects foetus. Still now most people believe that structure of house or flat should not be changed while a woman in house is pregnant since it will cause foetus no good but harm.
The first month after giving birth The first month after giving birth is very important for a mother. She needs most rest and best nutrition. Otherwise, her body will not be able to recover and can easily get ill. In this month, she can't go outdoors, can't be exposed to wind, can't wash with cold water, can't drink cold water, can't read books etc. However, if a mother really has to wash herself, she should do so by using water boiled with dried ginger skin. In some places in China, a mother must not wash her hair because otherwise she will get a chronic headache.
