}
Protection for women
Women turned to certain gods for help, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. The goddesses Isis, mother of Horus, and Hathor, wife of Horus, were especially linked to women. Taweret, shown as a pregnant hippopotamus, was associated with protecting women during childbirth. Heket was protector of the household and a guardian of pregnant women. The cat-goddess Bastet was a symbol of fertility, and women believed a cat amulet or a votive offering to the goddess would ensure that they had children.