Superstitions and Beliefs Surrounding Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy until delivery, a woman may carry a knife ('daba') to ward off evil spirits. Forests are also avoided, as they are considered dwellings for evil spirits that could harm the child.

A pregnant woman and her husband are forbidden from killing any living creatures, particularly ducks, fowls, and pigeons. It is believed that harming animals during this period would lead to the death of their own child in the womb. Killing a snake is thought to result in a child born with similar abnormalities.

If a pregnant woman is denied a food she desires, popular belief states that her child will suffer from constant salivation. Additionally, pregnant women are not allowed to go outside and look at the sun during a solar eclipse, as it is believed this could lead to the baby being born abnormal.