Contemporary women towards ancient customs and superstitions regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate whether contemporary women believe in ancient customs and superstitions related to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and infant care. A cross-sectional study was conducted using online surveys. The study involved 120 women aged 21 to 69 years. The Scale of Attitudes towards Superstitions related to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Newborn Care, and the Attitudes to Fertility and Childbearing Scale were used for data collection. No significant relationship was found between place of residence, age, and education and the belief in perinatal superstitions among the surveyed women. However, it can be stated that the greater the belief in superstitions among the surveyed women, the more they value a child. The topic of contemporary women’s belief in ancient advice, customs, and superstitions related to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and infant care seems to be an interesting area of exploration. In further analyses, it would be worthwhile to ensure greater diversity of the respondents in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and to consider qualitative research model.