Myths people believed about predicting a baby's gender
Whether you’re in the early stages of pregnancy or you and your spouse have decided to keep it a surprise, it’s always fun to try and guess the gender of your unborn baby. After all, once you've gotten that positive pregnancy test result, it's the next big question on everyone's mind.
While most of the items on our list aren’t scientifically proven, they are old, albeit wacky, ways to tell if you’re having a boy or girl. And while the only way you’ll truly know for sure is on the date of delivery, these time-tested methods have been used by generations of women to predict baby’s gender.
Can one of these old wives tales help you guess the gender of your baby? Read on for a little insight into whether you should paint the nursery blue or pink.
Are you Stressed During your Pregnancy? Think Pink!
Unlike many of the old wives tales, this claim is one that is backed up by research. A recent study suggests that the more stressed you are in the early stages of pregnancy, the more likely you are to be having a girl. The reason for this is, boys have a harder time surviving in utero during stressful conditions. So if the beginning of your pregnancy marked a tough time in your life, expect a baby girl who’ll bring you some much needed joy!
Do you Have the Glow? Thank “Little Boy Blue!
Take a look in the mirror. How do you look? Does your skin look oily and full of breakouts? Or is your face radiant and clear?
If you’ve got a bright, beautiful complexion known as the “pregnancy glow”, you can thank that little man you’re carrying!
A girl, on the other hand, can make you look worse for wear during pregnancy as they are said to “steal” their mom’s beauty!
Try the Baking Soda Test
The baking soda test is another popular gender prediction method, and most effective after the 10-week mark. Going off the notion that girls make your body acidic and boys alkaline, the baking soda test is supposed to react with your urine (or not) depending on the sex of your baby.
To perform the test, simply collect your urine in a cup, add a few teaspoons of baking soda and watch what happens — or doesn’t happen — to determine your baby’s gender.
Boy mom’s urine will fizz and look like beer, while the urine of girl mom’s will remain the same, thanks to the different pH’s associated with gender.
Hair Growth Indications
If you’ve noticed that your hair has become thin, dull and limp during pregnancy, expect to be carrying a girl. And thicker, lustrous locks are a good indicator of a baby boy.
So going back to the “girl’s steal your beauty” notion, you may look “prettier” if you’re carrying a boy.
But girl moms don’t despair — your body hair growth will also slow during pregnancy. That means you can thank that little lady you’re carrying for having to shave your legs less often!
Is Your Belly a Watermelon or a Basketball?
Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. But just how you gain weight can be an indication of your baby’s gender. If you gain weight only in your belly, expect a baby boy to be growing in there. However, if your weight is evenly distributed, and your belly looks wider, the old wives say it’ll be a girl.
How Do you Feel?
All pregnancies come with some unpleasant side effects, but just what type you experience may vary based on your child’s gender. For instance, if you’ve been nauseous and hot, expect to be carrying a girl. Boys on the other hand, are said to give headaches and a cold, chilly feeling.
The Ring Test
Perhaps the most popular gender prediction method, besides, you know, ultrasounds, is the infamous ring test.
Simply tie your wedding ring to a string and dangle it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, you’re said to be carrying a boy. Back and forth? It’s a girl!
Chinese and Mayan Calendars
The oldest method for predicting your baby’s gender is by using the wisdom of the ancients. Compare your age and year of conception. If they’re both even or odd numbers, you can expect a girl. If you’ve got one even, one odd, this is an indicator of a boy.
Resources — USA Today, Huggies, Little Things
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