Feng Shui Taboos for Homes with Expectant Mothers

In ancient times, carrying on the family line was paramount, and a large, flourishing family was seen as a sign of prosperity. While modern views have shifted, most families still eagerly await the arrival of a baby. Many experts believe that understanding traditional customs and taboos surrounding pregnancy can be helpful for a baby's healthy development.

1. During pregnancy, avoid renovating the expectant mother's room or moving to a new home.

This taboo is tied to the "fetal spirit" in folklore. It is said that casually disturbing the ground or environment in the pregnant woman's residence can upset the fetal spirit. The fetal spirit may change its position according to the lunar calendar, but it is taboo to move it through human intervention. Just as a fetus moves within the mother's womb, outside interference could affect normal development.

Moving requires considerable effort, which increases the risk of accidents for the pregnant woman. It is also uncertain whether the feng shui of a new home would suit her and the fetus. For these reasons, it is best not to move during pregnancy.

2. During pregnancy, it is taboo to move large furniture.

This custom also concerns the fetal spirit. It is said that casually moving large items such as trunks, tables, chairs, cabinets, or beds may disturb it, potentially leading to miscarriage or birth defects.

3. Pregnant women should avoid eating rabbit meat to prevent the baby from having a cleft lip.

This belief is widespread and has been passed down across many regions for a long time. Historical texts, such as Zhang Hua's "Bowuzhi" from the Western Jin dynasty, state that "pregnant women should not eat rabbit meat or see rabbits, as it may cause the child to be born with a cleft lip."

4. Pregnant women should avoid sewing or using scissors.

This custom is prevalent in certain areas, where it is believed that using scissors may "cut something off," and that sewing or using needles may pierce clothing at an inauspicious moment; if the fetal spirit is present, it could be harmed. If the fetal spirit is injured, it may result in giving birth to a child with defects such as missing ears or blindness. In many places, however, pregnant women are encouraged to sew baby clothes to foster a mother's love for her child.

5. Pregnant women should avoid attending weddings and funerals.

In some local customs, it is believed that pregnant women should not attend weddings or welcome the wedding procession, so as not to startle the fetus. They are also advised to refrain from eating wedding banquets or sweets to prevent "double joy" from bringing harm to mother and child. Additionally, many regions discourage pregnant women from attending funerals, as the negative energy from such events is thought to affect them and the fetus.

6. It is taboo to hammer nails in the pregnant woman's room.

According to folklore, hammering nails into the walls, furniture, or doors and windows of a pregnant woman's room can injure the fetal spirit, disrupt normal development, and even lead to stillbirth.

7. In the pregnant woman's room, it is advised against hanging ugly or fierce images of people or animals.

Traditional belief holds that frequently looking at such images could cause the fetus to resemble the figures depicted—a phenomenon referred to as "changing the fetus." Therefore, if images are to be hung, they should be of beautiful, adorable children, while avoiding ugly or fierce depictions of people or animals.