Life
For many moms-to-be, one of the most exciting parts about pregnancy is trying to guess the gender of the baby. Whether or not you've decided to find out the gender for sure, it can be fun to "test" whether you're having a boy or girl via the plethora of old wives tales that have circulated for years. But how reliable are these myths about predicting the sex of your baby? You probably won't be too surprised to find out that the majority of them have little to no scientific evidence behind them. But, believe them or not, these myths are actually pretty fun to read about, especially if you're pregnant.
As for me, a handful of these myths actually did ring true for my two pregnancies. But, a few of them fell short of being right. So my conclusion is that, as with most things in life, you take these gender-prediction myths with a grain of salt and for what they really are, which is nothing more than an old wives tale to take a little bit of the mystery out of pregnancy. And to give random passersby on the street something else to fill you in on while they're caressing your bump.
Myth #1: A Low Heart Rate Means A Boy, & A High Heart Rate Means A Girl
One common myth is that girls have higher heart rates than boys. But according to Baby Center, your baby's heart rate changes so much throughout your pregnancy that this isn't really an accurate indicator of gender.
Myth #2: Waking Up On The Left Side Means A Boy, & Waking Up On The Right Side Means A Girl
Another myth suggests that if you're used to waking up on your left side, you'll have a boy. If it's your right side, you're having a girl. However, most doctors recommend sleeping on your left side no matter what, as it's the side that most easily promotes blood flow to the baby, according to The American Pregnancy Association.
Myth #3: Carrying Low Means A Boy
You'll probably hear this one often if your bump is lower on your abdomen. But according to Fit Pregnancy, it has less to do with gender and more to do with the muscle tone of your stomach. Abs that are more toned are more likely to carry high, while less toned abs may carry lower.
Myth #4: Soft Skin Means A Girl
Although your skin may certainly change when you get pregnant, this probably isn't an accurate indicator of the gender of your baby. According to American Pregnancy Association, the amount of hormonal changes going on in your body can cause your skin to dry out, clear up, or even break out, depending on your particular hormonal make up.
Myth #5: A Linea Nigra That Goes Past Your Belly Button Means A Boy
The dark line that may appear from your navel to your pubic bone is another supposed indicator of your baby's gender. If it runs only up to your navel, it is supposed you're having a girl, while if it goes past your belly button up to your ribs you're having a boy. However, there is no scientific evidence behind the claims that it can predict gender. It has more to do with your skin tone and the change in your hormones, APA claims.
Myth #6: More Headaches Mean A Boy
If you're having persistent headaches this pregnancy, will you have a son to thank for it? Chances are that it's more related to the surge of hormones, lack of sleep, nasal congestion, and reduced intake of caffeine, according to Baby Center.
Myth #7: Sweet Cravings Mean A Girl
Some claim that if you're craving sweet things you'll have a girl and if you're craving salty or savory things you'll have a boy, but according to Baby Center's certified midwife, there's actually no scientific evidence to back this up.
