When someone announces their pregnancy, they’re quickly inundated with unsolicited advice and a barrage of questions from family and friends. “What’s your due date? Here are the best maternity stores! You must check out my favorite obstetrician! What’s the best pregnancy meal plan?” The enthusiasm is understandable, but it can feel overwhelming for an expectant parent. Yet, nothing can compare to the relentless curiosity about the baby’s sex or the attempts to predict it themselves.
Historically, before the advent of medical technologies like chromosomal testing and ultrasounds, guessing a baby’s sex was steeped in superstition. Cultures worldwide had their unique methods, from pregnancy symptoms to the shape of a pregnant belly, each serving as a gender prediction test. If they guessed correctly, they wore their victory like a badge of honor, as if they had influenced the baby’s gender.
If you’re curious, want to engage in some playful guessing at a baby shower, or have a friendly wager with your partner, we’ve compiled a list of common gender prediction tests based on age-old traditions (like the ring test!). Remember, these fun tests are not scientifically validated, but they can add some excitement to the journey. After all, it’s a 50/50 chance!
Gender Prediction Tests from Old Wives’ Tales
- Sweet vs. Salty Cravings
If you crave sweets, expect a girl; if salty or sour foods, a boy. - Leg Hair Growth
Thicker leg hair may suggest a boy, while frequent breakouts could indicate a girl. - Gender Ring Test
Tie a ring to a string and dangle it over your belly. A back-and-forth swing suggests a boy, while a circular motion suggests a girl. - Morning Sickness
Increased nausea may indicate a girl, based on some studies linking severe morning sickness to female births. - Belly Position
A high belly supposedly means a girl, while a low belly indicates a boy. - Skin Condition
Acne or rashes may signal a girl, while glowing skin points to a boy. - Temperature Sensitivity
Feeling hot? It’s a girl. If you’re constantly cold, expect a boy. - Fetal Heart Rate
A heart rate under 140 beats per minute typically suggests a boy, while a faster rate indicates a girl. - Partner’s Weight Gain
If your partner gains weight, it could mean a girl; if not, a boy. - Urine Color
Bright yellow urine might suggest a girl, while a faded color could mean a boy. - Swollen Ankles
Swelling in the lower legs may indicate a boy. - Clumsiness
An increase in clumsiness may suggest a boy; gracefulness hints at a girl. - Mood Swings
Stable moods could mean a boy; emotional ups and downs are said to indicate a girl. - Leg Weight Gain
Gaining weight in the legs could suggest a boy, while no change indicates a girl. - Dreams
If you dream about your baby’s sex, the prediction is reversed. - Garlic Test
If you can eat garlic without smelling like it, congratulations, you might be having a girl!
If you’re hoping for a baby boy, look for signs like a round belly, darkening areolas, and dry skin. Want to increase your chances of having a boy? Consider engaging in deep penetration during sex around ovulation and ensure the woman orgasms first.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this other blog post. For expert advice on toddler support, visit this authority. Additionally, CCRM IVF offers excellent resources for navigating pregnancy.
Summary
Old wives’ tales about predicting a baby’s gender offer a light-hearted way to engage with pregnancy. From cravings to physical changes, these fun methods provide insight (albeit unscientific) into what might be on the way. While the results are purely speculative, they can add an element of fun to the anticipation of welcoming a new baby.