   Reaching Overhead in PregnancySouthern Folklore About the Umbilical CordA Southern old wives’ tale and pregnancy superstition: if a pregnant woman reaches over her head, the baby’s umbilical cord will wrap around its neck. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I don't remember this umbilical cord one comin' up before. But maybe because it's a little freaky. Hillbilly Dude Says... I don't remember this umbilical cord one comin' up before. But maybe because it's a little freaky. OriginThis superstition has deep roots in the South and Appalachia, where expectant mothers were warned not to stretch, hang clothes, or reach for items above their heads. It reflected old fears about umbilical cord complications, long before medical explanations were understood. While similar beliefs can be found in other places, Southerners passed this one down as firm advice, often repeated by grandmothers and aunts. NotesEven today, you’ll sometimes hear folks say: "Don’t reach like that, you’ll strangle the baby." While modern medicine has shown that reaching overhead does not cause cord accidents, this old wives’ tale remains a remembered part of Southern pregnancy folklore. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |