Now that you are showing, everyone seems to want to know if you are having a boy or a girl. They might look at your cravings, your belly shape or even your skin and confidently tell you what they think you are having.
These ideas are known as old wives’ tales. They’ve been passed down for generations and are often shared with excitement and curiosity. While they can be fun, you may wonder: Is there really any truth behind them?
“It’s always been fun to guess a baby’s gender before it’s born,” said Karen Rodeffer-Evans, MD, an OBGYN with Banner Health. “Normal curiosity can get the best of even the most scientific one of us. Until more modern times, guessing was the only way to answer the burning question of boy or girl.”
Here’s a closer look at some popular baby gender prediction myths and whether science backs them up or not.
What determines your baby’s gender?
Before diving into myths, it helps to understand how a baby’s sex is determined.
At conception, your baby gets one chromosome from each parent. Your egg always passes along an X chromosome. The sperm contributes either an X or a Y chromosome.
- XX = girl
- XY = boy
That means the sperm determines the baby’s sex. Once this happens, it doesn’t change based on diet, symptoms or how your body looks during pregnancy.
Popular gender prediction myths
Let’s look at some of the most common old wives’ tales and what they really mean.
1. Carrying high or low
The myth: If you’re carrying high, it’s a girl. If you’re carrying low, it’s a boy.
The reality: How you carry your baby depends on your body shape, muscle tone and how the baby is positioned. It’s not linked to gender.
2. Craving sweet vs. salty
The myth: Craving sweets means a girl. Craving salty or savory foods means a boy.
The reality: Cravings are influenced by hormones, nutritional needs and personal preferences. There’s no scientific link to gender.
3. Morning sickness severity
The myth: Severe morning sickness means you’re having a girl.
The reality: Some research suggests a possible connection but it’s not reliable enough to predict gender. Many people with intense nausea have boys and vice versa.
“The level of pregnancy hormones, like HCG and estrogen, contributes to morning sickness, which can occur at any time of day,” Dr. Rodeffer-Evans said. “Some people are more sensitive as hormone levels rise but this usually improves in the second trimester.”
[Also read: How to Relieve Morning Sickness]
4. The ring test
The myth: Hang a ring on a string over the belly. If it swings in circles, it’s a girl. If it swings back and forth, it’s a boy.
The reality: This is based on movement and chance, not biology. The way the ring swings depends on subtle hand motion, and not your baby’s sex.
5. Skin and hair changes
The myth: Girls steal your beauty. Breakouts or dull hair means a girl. Glowing skin means a boy.
The reality: Hormonal changes affect your skin and hair during pregnancy. These changes vary widely and aren’t tied to gender.
6. Heart rate predictions
The myth: A fetal heart rate above 140 beats per minute means a girl. Below 140 means a boy.
The reality: A baby’s heart rate changes throughout pregnancy. It can vary by activity level. It’s not a reliable indicator of gender.
7. The Chinese gender calendar
The myth: This chart uses your age and the month of conception to predict gender.
The reality: It’s popular and fun to try but there’s no scientific evidence that it works.
Why do these myths stick around?
If these methods aren’t accurate, why are they still so popular?
They offer a way to connect, celebrate and share excitement during pregnancy. Guessing the baby’s gender can be bonding for families and friends.
“Guessing what you are having is fun and creates connection,” Dr. Rodeffer-Evans said. “It helps families bond and plan the nursery, clothes or celebrations. Sometimes, the prediction seems right but that’s usually just chance. With only two outcomes, there’s always a 50/50 shot.”
What actually works: Reliable ways to find out
- Blood test from mom as early as 10 to 12 weeks
- Looks at small pieces of fetal DNA
- Screens for genetic conditions and determines gender
“This testing is low risk and non-invasive,” Dr. Rodeffer-Evans said. “It is used to screen for genetic anomalies such as Trisomy 21 and can reveal gender.”
- Usually around 18 to 20 weeks
- Provider views anatomy to identify gender
- Accuracy depends on the baby’s position
Other diagnostic tests
Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can determine gender. These are typically performed for medical reasons rather than out of curiosity.
Takeaway
Old wives’ tales are fun but not reliable. Your baby’s sex is determined at conception by chromosomes.
For accurate answers, rely on NIPT or ultrasound. Until then, enjoy the guessing games. They can add a little magic to an already special journey. Learn more about prenatal appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really predict a baby’s gender by symptoms?
No. Symptoms like cravings or nausea don’t reliably indicate sex.
Is there any accurate gender prediction method at home?
No. Home methods are not scientifically proven.
When can I find out the sex of my baby?
You can often learn your baby’s gender around 10 weeks of pregnancy with blood tests or later with an ultrasound.
Are old wives’ tales ever correct?
Sometimes but only by chance.
Do pregnancy hormones differ between boys and girls?
There may be small differences but they aren’t reliable for prediction.
