The relationship of childbearing and family life in ancient Egyptian soceity is considered to be a very signifant factor within the ancient society. In egyptian households of all classses children (of both sexes)were both vauled and wanted. Although their was not enough research to determine if a mother to be was carrying a male or female the ancient egyptians had other ways to that they believed would determine this factor. This test involved "watering barley and emmer wheat with the urine of a accepting mother"." If the barley sprouted, the women was pregnant with a male child, if the emmer wheat germinated, the women was pregnant with a female." (http://www.fathom.com/) The birth of a child was a time of happiness and joy, along with this came a concern given the high rate of infant mortality and the stress of the mother. Childbearing was a time to be joyful and respectful of the Gods for such a gift.
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