Congratulations! You’re expecting a precious new addition to your family. As long as there have been moms expecting new babies, there have been old wives’ tales—that is, superstitions—ready to help predict just about everything from the baby’s gender to how much hair he or she will have at birth.
Since the early 1980s, the ultrasound has been the gold standard for determining a baby’s gender, and that’s probably how your doctor will find out whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Even with near-perfect scientific accuracy available, it can still be fun to indulge in some of these legends. Read on to discover some of the quirkiest old wives’ tales and visit our gender predictor for baby gender predictions.
Ring swing
This old wives’ tale requires a little activity. Tie a piece of string to a wedding ring (yours or someone else's will do). Next, lie down and hold the string so that the ring dangles over your belly. If the ring moves in a circle, then it’s time to research boy names, but if the ring moves from side to side, you’ll want to start Googling girl names.
Burning up
Heartburn is (unfortunately!) a common pregnancy woe, but if you experience more than feels normal, the old wives say you’re likely to have a baby girl and she will probably have a full head of hair. Who knew?
Skin trends
The old wives say that your skin can tell you a lot about whether you’re having a boy or a girl baby. If your skin is dry and you find yourself constantly reaching for your favorite moisturizer, you’re likely to deliver a boy. On the other hand, if you’ve got oily skin (possibly with some breakouts), you’re carrying a girl.
Sick trick
Morning sickness can be an early pregnancy symptom, but did you know some also think it’s a baby gender predictor? The old wives’ tales say that intense morning sickness and nausea are a sign you’re having a girl, while pregnant mamas carrying boys tend to escape nausea. There may be some truth to this one because women who are pregnant with girls seem to produce more of a hormone called HCG, which can contribute to pregnancy nausea.
Baby on board
How you’re “carrying” is likely to be a topic of conversation. Lots of moms-to-be experience strangers commenting on the shape and position of their bump! The old wives say that if your belly is riding low, you’re probably carrying a boy, while if you’re carrying high and out front, a little girl is in your future. Of course, this unscientific theory doesn’t take into consideration your height or build, both of which can have a huge impact on how you carry your baby.
Bless your heart
One of the most popular old wives’ tales to predict a baby’s gender surrounds the gestational heartbeat. They say if the baby’s heart rate is more than 140 beats per minute then you may be having a girl, but a slower pace makes a boy more likely. However, doctors say that the normal fetal heartbeat range is from 110 to 160 BPM. Just like your heartbeat, your baby’s rate will change as a result of their maturity and activity, so don’t fret as long as your doctor confirms he or she is on track.
Scales say…
If your extra pounds are settling around your bottom and thighs, a girl is coming, but if you’re “all baby” and carrying your weight in your belly, then a boy is more likely. Similarly, a rounder face is said to signal a girl baby, but a thinner face, it is said, indicates a boy.
Constant cravings
The saying “sugar, spice and everything nice” for girls applies here. Old wives’ tales say that pregnant mamas who crave sweets, fruit and juice are probably going to have a little girl. Alternatively, if your pregnancy cravings include high-protein snacks such as meat, fish, cheese and dairy, you can expect a boy on delivery day.
Facts are facts
Now that you’ve explored all the popular old wives’ tales around baby gender prediction, you may still be scratching your head. After all, this information is intended purely for entertainment purposes. If you’re keen to confirm the sex of your baby, ask your maternity care provider about evidence-based ways to find out for sure.
