Pregnancy Symptoms Reveal a Baby Gender?
Pregnancy Symptoms That May Reveal Your Baby’s Gender: Myth or Truth?
One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is the anticipation of finding out your baby’s gender. While ultrasounds and genetic testing are the most accurate ways to determine whether you’re having a boy or a girl, many expectant parents can’t help but wonder can pregnancy symptoms can reveal a baby gender.
From cravings and morning sickness to the shape of your belly, a wide variety of old wives’ tales and cultural beliefs suggest that certain pregnancy symptoms point toward having a boy or a girl. But is there any science behind these claims, or are they just fun ways to pass the time until your next ultrasound?
[ez-toc]
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into popular pregnancy symptoms said to predict gender, separate fact from fiction, and explore what modern science has to say about it all.
Why Gender Prediction Is So Popular
Before we jump into the symptoms, let’s talk about why predicting a baby’s gender based on symptoms is so appealing:
- It adds to the excitement and bonding experience of pregnancy.
- It’s a way for family and friends to join in the anticipation.
- In some cultures, knowing (or guessing) the gender affects preparation, names, and even rituals.
Despite advancements in medical technology, many parents still enjoy engaging in traditional prediction methods, whether for fun or out of genuine curiosity.
Symptom 1: Morning Sickness Severity
The Claim:
If you have severe morning sickness, you’re more likely to have a girl. If your nausea is mild or nonexistent, it’s a boy.
The Myth:
This old wives’ tale suggests that girls cause more hormonal havoc in the body, resulting in intense nausea.
The Science:
There may be some truth to this one. A few studies have shown that women carrying girls have slightly higher levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone linked to nausea.
A 2017 study published in The Lancet found that women with hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of morning sickness) were slightly more likely to give birth to girls.
Verdict:
Partially true, but not reliable for gender prediction. Many moms of boys also experience severe nausea.
You may also like: Gross Things About Pregnancy and Birth
Symptom 2: Cravings – Sweet vs. Salty
The Claim:
Craving sweets means you’re having a girl. Craving salty or savoury foods suggests a boy.
The Myth:
The idea here is that different cravings reflect different hormone levels, which supposedly relate to baby gender.
The Science:
There’s no scientific evidence linking specific food cravings to the gender of the baby. Cravings are common in pregnancy but are more related to hormonal shifts, nutritional deficiencies, or comfort food preferences.
Verdict:
Fun to guess, but not scientifically supported.
Symptom 3: Belly Shape and Carrying Position
The Claim:
If you’re carrying low and out front, it’s a boy. If you’re carrying high and wide, it’s a girl.
The Myth:
The baby’s position is thought to depend on gender due to body weight distribution or fetal behaviour.
The Science:
Belly shape is influenced by:
- Your muscle tone
- Position of the baby
- Number of previous pregnancies
None of these are related to the baby’s sex.
Verdict:
Myth. Belly shape has everything to do with anatomy, not baby gender.
Symptom 4: Skin Changes – Acne and Glow
The Claim:
If you’re breaking out or have dull skin, you’re having a girl (who’s “stealing your beauty”). If you’re glowing, it’s a boy.
The Myth:
A very gendered myth that suggests female babies “rob” their mothers of good looks.
The Science:
Pregnancy acne is common due to increased androgen and estrogen levels, and has no link to the baby’s gender.
Verdict:
False, though the glow or acne is real, it’s due to hormones, not who you’re carrying.
Symptom 5: Fetal Heart Rate
The Claim:
If your baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it’s a girl. Lower than that? It’s a boy.
The Myth:
Girls supposedly have faster heart rates even in the womb.
The Science:
Studies show that there’s no significant difference in fetal heart rates based on gender, especially in early pregnancy. Heart rate varies with activity, gestational age, and time of day.
A 2006 study in the journal Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy found no difference in heart rates between male and female fetuses.
Verdict:
Debunked. Heart rate is not a gender indicator.
Symptom 6: Mood Swings
The Claim:
If you’re moody and emotional, you’re having a girl. If you’re calm and balanced, it’s a boy.
The Myth:
Female hormones are thought to intensify mood swings.
The Science:
Mood swings during pregnancy are common due to surging hormones, sleep issues, stress, and physical changes. No clear scientific evidence links this to fetal sex.
Verdict:
Mostly myth. Mood changes are universal during pregnancy.
Symptom 7: Cold Feet and Temperature
The Claim:
If you have cold feet, you’re having a boy. If your feet are warm, it’s a girl.
The Myth:
This theory is based on the idea that male fetuses affect maternal circulation differently.
The Science:
Changes in body temperature are more likely related to blood volume, metabolism, and thyroid activity, not baby gender.
Verdict:
False. No scientific link between foot temperature and fetal sex.
You may also like: The Aches and Pains of Pregnancy
Symptom 8: Breast Changes
The Claim:
If your left breast is larger, it’s a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy.
The Myth:
This one lacks a clear explanation and is more anecdotal than evidence-based.
The Science:
Breasts often change in size during pregnancy due to milk duct growth and hormones, but these changes are not related to the sex of the baby.
Verdict:
No evidence supports this.
Symptom 9: Linea Nigra Direction
The Claim:
If the dark line on your belly (linea nigra) extends above your belly button, you’re having a boy. If it stays below, it’s a girl.
The Myth:
An old belief with no known physiological foundation.
The Science:
Linea nigra occurs due to melanin production and varies from person to person. It’s not connected to gender.
Verdict:
Not scientifically valid.
Symptom 10: Intuition and Dreams
The Claim:
A mother’s instinct or dreams about the baby’s gender are usually correct.
The Myth:
Some claim that dreams about a girl mean you’ll have a boy, and vice versa. Others say dreams are predictive.
The Science:
About 50% of mothers guess right, which is no better than chance.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that people who believe strongly in their intuition may perceive their guesses as correct more often than they are.
Verdict:
Fun but not reliable.
Symptom 11: Hair Texture and Growth
The Claim:
If your hair becomes thicker and shinier, it’s a boy. If it’s dull or falling out, it’s a girl.
The Myth:
Hormonal changes supposedly vary based on gender.
The Science:
Hair changes during pregnancy are due to hormonal shifts, especially increased estrogen levels. These affect hair growth cycles and can vary between pregnancies regardless of gender.
Verdict:
No proven link to gender.
Gender Prediction: What Works?
If you’re looking for accurate, science-backed methods to determine your baby’s gender, these are your best options:
1. Ultrasound (18–20 Weeks)
- A most common and non-invasive method
- Up to 95–99% accuracy if the baby is in a good position
2. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
- Blood test done as early as 9–10 weeks
- Screens for genetic conditions and can reveal gender with 99 %+ accuracy
3. Amniocentesis and CVS
- Diagnostic tests are usually done for genetic reasons
- Nearly **100 % accurate** but invasive
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey
While it’s tempting to analyse every craving, mood swing, or belly shape for clues, most pregnancy symptoms are not reliable indicators of your baby’s gender. Still, there’s something magical about engaging in a bit of myth and mystery during such a life-changing journey.
If you enjoy guessing, go for it, but take every prediction with a grain of salt. Whether you’re having a boy or a girl, what matters most is a healthy, happy pregnancy.
And who knows? Maybe your grandma’s wild guess based on your skin tone will turn out to be right after all.
