During pregnancy, there is often excitement and curiosity about the baby's gender. Traditionally, people have tried to guess whether the baby is a boy or a girl based on various pregnancy symptoms.

Let's explore common pregnancy symptoms and what they are said to indicate about a baby's gender.

Morning Sickness

Myth: If you experience severe morning sickness, you're more likely to be carrying a girl.
Fact or Fiction? This idea comes from the belief that higher hormone levels in women pregnant with girls cause more intense nausea. Some studies suggest that women with extreme nausea (hyperemesis gravidarum) may have a slightly higher chance of having a girl, but it's not a reliable predictor.

Cravings

Myth: If you crave sweet foods, you're having a girl. If you crave salty or savory foods, it's a boy.
Fact or Fiction? There is no scientific evidence to support that cravings are linked to the baby's gender. Cravings during pregnancy are thought to be more related to nutritional needs, hormone changes, or emotional comfort rather than the sex of the baby.

Belly Shape

Myth: If you carry high, it's a girl; if you carry low, it's a boy.
Fact or Fiction? Belly shape is actually determined by factors like the mother's body type, muscle tone, and the baby's position in the womb. There's no scientific correlation between belly shape and gender.

Skin Changes

Myth: If you have glowing skin and thick hair, you're having a boy. If you have acne or dull skin, it's a girl because girls "steal your beauty."
Fact or Fiction? Skin and hair changes during pregnancy are caused by hormonal shifts, not the baby's gender. While increased hormones can lead to acne or glowing skin, this varies from woman to woman, regardless of whether she is carrying a boy or a girl.

Heart Rate

Myth: A faster fetal heart rate (over 140 beats per minute) means it's a girl, while a slower heart rate means it's a boy.
Fact or Fiction? Research has shown that fetal heart rate fluctuates throughout pregnancy and is not a reliable indicator of gender. In the early weeks of pregnancy, the heart rate tends to be faster, and it gradually slows down regardless of the baby's sex.

Mood Swings

Myth: Extreme mood swings indicate you're having a girl due to higher levels of estrogen.
Fact or Fiction? Mood swings are common in all pregnancies and are influenced by hormonal changes, stress, and other factors. There's no scientific evidence that mood swings are linked to the baby's gender.

Weight Gain

Myth: If you gain weight primarily in your belly, it's a boy. If you gain weight in your hips and thighs, it's a girl.
Fact or Fiction? The way weight is distributed during pregnancy depends more on your body type and genetics than the baby's gender.

Cold Feet

Myth: If you experience cold feet during pregnancy, you're having a boy.
Fact or Fiction? While this is a common belief, cold feet are more likely caused by circulation issues or changes in metabolism during pregnancy and have no connection to the baby's gender.

Is There Any Scientific Basis?

While many of these symptoms are fun to speculate about, none are scientifically reliable for determining a baby's gender. The only definitive ways to know your baby's gender during pregnancy are through:

- Ultrasound (usually around 18-20 weeks)

- Genetic Testing, such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which can detect chromosomal information, including the baby's sex.

Why Do We Believe These Myths?

These myths often persist because people like to find patterns in life, and pregnancy is a time filled with curiosity and anticipation. Many of these old wives' tales have been passed down through generations and are embraced as part of the excitement of guessing the baby's gender. In many cases, these myths are seen as harmless fun, and sometimes, they coincidentally turn out to be accurate (there's always a 50/50 chance!).

While it's fun to try and predict your baby's gender based on pregnancy symptoms, it's important to remember that these methods are largely based on myths and folklore, not science. If you're eager to know whether you're having a boy or a girl, your best bet is modern medical technology. But if you enjoy the guessing game, feel free to indulge in the old wives' tales – just don't rely on them too much!

Pregnancy is a magical journey filled with surprises, and whether you're carrying a boy or a girl, the most important thing is the health and happiness of both mom and baby.

Susan Urban

How to Recognize a Baby's Gender Based on Pregnancy Symptoms: Fact or Myth?