Programming and propaganda, the various churches work hard promoting their product and family values is a key part of that program. If you grew up religious then you were indoctrinated into the idea that morality stems from religion (how ironic is that when one considers the hypocrisy of religions) and since we want to raise our kids 'right' it is easy to reach out to an accepted and well packaged program. If you didn't grow up in a religion then the advertising arm of religion kicks in and promises rosy pictures of happy families through religion and who wouldn't want a happy family? Plus it's all free, at least at first anyway, a great sales and marketing pitch if ever there was one.

I did this. I felt I owed my children the centering, positive community of church. I think a lot of young, naive moms-to-be feel the same way. They are seeking a grounding sense of belonging for their children.

My feelings changed.

Just covering all the bases, cuz ya never know....

Good question! I did exactly that. I cannot explain it. I never believed in god, but I felt that our family and kids needed some sort of ritual and regimen. We started attending the UU church here. Not a terrible decision. I learned a lot. No bibles. A lot of singing. My kids tolerated it. Lasted about 3 years.

Look what happens to people who get arrested and get thrown in jail. They see the Lord! Once they bond out, they forget him.

Not sure of the trend behind that one.

I think it is thought of telling a child that really we have no clue at all about life and death.

Makes grandma and grandpa happy.

I'm thinking hormones,

Hormone screw up. My ex got religion after postpartum depression.

When my ex wife was pregnant with our twins, she didie

People will often grab a hold of something if they are out of their depth, regardless of whether it is the right thing to do at the time. If they haven't been provided with the necessary 'tools' to deal with whatever it is they are experiencing. It is at that time that they need the most support whether they agree, accept, or reach out for it at the time.

One word. Hypocrisy

I think they are subconsciously trying to cover all their bases to increase the odds the baby will be healthy and normal with no birth defects or problems. If the baby is born with some type of birth defect then the attitude of "their deity wanted this to happen for a reason they can't or won't comprehend.". Using this explanation to prop themselves up and not feel guilt or to place the problem in the hands of an invisible, non-corporeal magician (aka skydaddy).
Right or wrong that's my thoughts on it anyway.