Maternal Physical Changes Based on Fetal Sex in Persian Medicine Sources
Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History,
Vol. 17 (1404),
6 May 2025
,
Page 1-12
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v17i.47791
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pregnancy induces physiological changes in the mother's body, affecting almost all organ systems. Studies suggest that these changes may be associated with fetal sex. This study aims to extract descriptions of maternal physical changes based on fetal sex from original sources of Persian Medicine.
Methods: This review study was conducted in 2023 by searching the Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and PubMed databases using the keywords: mother fetus, Persian medicine, male fetus, female fetus, pregnant women, physical changes, and recognition. Furthermore, using the Teb Noor software, the keywords "Habli", "Habali", "Pregnant woman", "Alamat al-Idhkar wa al-Inath" (Signs of male and female) and "Alamat-e Narineh va Madineh" (Signs of male and female) were searched in original Persian Medicine texts, including Ferdows al-Hikmah fi al-Tibb, al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, Qanun fi al-Tibb, Tadbir al-Habali wa al-Atfal wa al-Sibyan and Dhakhira Khwarazmshahi.
Ethical Considerations: The principles of integrity and honesty in citing texts, the authenticity of sources and avoidance of bias in referring to texts or analyses were observed in this research.
Results: Common signs mentioned in Persian medicine sources for a male fetus include: good complexion of the mother, perception of fetal movement on the right side, agility and cheerfulness of the mother, larger right breast, initiating movement with the right foot and a feeling of heaviness on the right side. Other less frequently cited signs for a male fetus include onset of changes and milk flow from the right breast, redness of nipple and leg vessels, full and prominent veins under the right side of the tongue, healthier appetite for food and the flow of thick, viscous milk. Opposite signs suggest the possibility of a female fetus.
Conclusion: Among the indicators mentioned in Persian Medicine for determining fetal sex, some- such as pulse changes (fuller and faster pulse with a male fetus), greater prevalence of nausea and vomiting with a female fetus and the positioning of the female fetus on the left and the male on the right side of the uterus-have also been noted in modern medicine studies. Based on the results, it is suggested that further research be designed to investigate and validate the evidence presented in Persian Medicine sources among populations of pregnant women. If confirmed, the underlying reasons and mechanisms for this association should be explored using the frameworks of modern medicine.
- Pregnant
- Fetus
- Persian Medicine
- Gender Determination
- Physical Changes
How to Cite
References
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