Cultural implications , of course varies in different parts of Sri Lanka. Due to geographical variation, ethnicity and various traditions, in some rural parts of Sri Lanka teenage pregnancy is high.
Horescope predictions
Though having a child is mainly dependent on the process of ovulation and fertilization, in Sri Lankan culture it is quite common to think that women should have children at a particular age or before a set period of time.
Biologically it is practical to consider having a child between ages of 18-35. However there are many cases of under aged pregnancies and even older women having children.
Is not being able to have a child always the mothers fault?
The most common social stigma for many childless couples, and a very misunderstood topic.
Often it is the woman who is more likely blamed for not being able to bear a child. The truth however is that both parents should be tested in order to determine the real cause behind the problem. At times it is the case that the father has a problem. You can consult your doctor who will run the appropriate tests to determine where the issue lies.
Can I plan for a girl or a boy?
You may have heard of methods to control the gender of your baby but no scientific evidence is present. It is not practically possible to control this sort of thing. The chances of having a boy or a girl mainly depend on the scientific process of fertilization between the sperm and egg. It comes down to a probability of which sperm swims the fastest to the egg – male or female. It is important to understand that this is a natural process and can’t be controlled by either mother or father. So if you’re planning to get pregnant plan for a healthy baby and hope you get lucky with the baby’s gender.
Stay at home mother or working mother?
In Sri Lankan culture you find most mothers believing that it is important to stay at home however with most financial issues more and more women go back to work.
Generally the legal maternity period is 84 days, and it is mandatory that mothers are given this time.
Read our article on the Rights of working mothers in Sri Lanka for more information.
For more about the applicable labour law in Sri Lanka see the link from the labour department – Maternity Ordinance II and I
How fathers can be part of pregnancy
In Sri Lanka it is common to assume that women should look after the children, while the men should not interfere. But in fact many fathers want to be part of the experience but are often worried about what to do and how they can help.
What all new mothers should know
Your partner is just as frightened as you are of the whole ordeal. He is also sometimes feeling helpless or not sure of how he can help you. Here are a few helpful pointers;
- Give your partner a chance to help out with the household work
- Communicate your feelings, and tell him if you’re feeling down
- Give him time to adjust, this is all new to him too
What all new fathers should know
Your partner will go through emotional and physical struggles throughout pregnancy and it is important to be patient and simply be there for her. Here are a few helpful pointers;
- Share house hold chores
- Simply Romance your partner (She probably thinks she is very unattractive due to weight gain or general pregnancy related ailments)