A conspicuous bump on a mother’s belly naturally triggers a host of inexplicable queries in an inquisitive child’s mind. Plaintively asking mom, dad, and others, he fervently desires to unravel the big mystery. Interestingly, despite limited knowledge and scanty assistance from others, many children uncannily can sense the approaching event – the fact that a new life is throbbing within a mother’s swollen abdomen is known to them somehow, and they exhibit their ways of welcoming it. Sixth sense? Let’s find out.
A mother of two recalls a very pleasing incident. She says how her four-year-old daughter, who has not been physically close to her, insists on snuggling on her belly or rubbing it nicely when she conceived the second time. Though nothing has been said to her, the little girl perceives the growth of a new life within and thereby attempts to please her would-be mate in her little way.
According to the reminiscence of another woman, a strange thing happened when she was in the last phase of her pregnancy. Her five-year-old son predicted her approaching child’s date, time, and gender even before she experienced labor pain!
Other Ways by Which Children May Recognize the Event
Mother’s Physical Inability: A mother’s incapacity to bend down or run is easily noticed by a child. The more he observes these little changes, the more conscious he becomes of the upcoming event. He might turn clingy or demonstrate his urge to know more.
Behavioral Changes in Mother: Often, expectant mothers suffer from occasional mood swings; the failure to properly care for the first child makes them irritable and emotional. Sensitive children easily notice such alterations, and eventually, the entire blame is put on the upcoming visitor. In these cases, the first child unknowingly develops a grudge against his new sibling, even before the latter has taken birth.
Often, a mother grows fondness for her firstborn, becoming less strict and more playful. Children are quick to distinguish such shifts in treatment and, with time, become conscious of the approach of a new family member.
It is inexplicable for every mother to jot down what she undergoes during the phase. She carries a wee life in herself, be it the second time or third. Celebrate every passing minute if your curious first child demonstrates signs of knowing the forthcoming event. Make him your necessary support system so that the little one receives the additional love of someone he’d share a major portion of his life with in the future.
Dr. Mashiach has completed his MD at the Sackler School of Medicine, TAU; specialization in gynecology at the Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; fellowship in Endoscopy at the Polyclinique de I’Hotel-Dieu, Universite d’Auvergne, Clermont, France.
He is a Senior Physician, Director of the Department of Gynecology, which provides routine and preventative care services to its patients and a full range of gynecological surgical procedures for adequately managing its patients with benign gynecologic disorders.
He offers advanced care in all gynecological subspecialties such as Urogynecology, Colposcopy, Fetal Loss Clinic, and Post Menopausal Clinic.
