Pregnancy is full of surprises, and one of the most exciting questions parents-to-be ask is whether they’re having a boy or a girl. While ultrasound scans are the most accurate way to find out, many people enjoy speculating and having fun with old wives’ tales and myths. These traditions have been passed down through generations, and though they aren’t scientifically proven, they’re a playful way to guess the baby’s gender.
If you’re wondering about the signs that suggest you might be having a boy, we’ve rounded up some popular and fun ways to help you guess. Let’s dive into these charming theories and see if they point to a little boy on the way!
1. Carrying Low
One of the most common gender prediction myths is based on how you’re carrying your baby.
- The Myth: If you’re carrying your baby low, it’s a boy.
- What It Means: People believe that the position of the baby bump can indicate gender, with boys supposedly sitting lower in the womb.
Reality Check: The shape and position of your bump are more likely related to your body type, muscle tone, and the baby’s position rather than their gender.
2. No Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a classic pregnancy symptom, but some say it can hint at your baby’s gender.
- The Myth: If you have little to no morning sickness in your first trimester, you might be carrying a boy.
- Why It’s Believed: Some believe boys bring calmer pregnancies, whereas girls are thought to cause more nausea due to higher hormone levels.
Reality Check: Hormone changes and body reactions vary from person to person, regardless of the baby’s gender.
3. Craving Salty and Savory Foods
Food cravings are a fun part of pregnancy and often spark guesses about the baby’s gender.
- The Myth: If you’re craving salty or savory foods, like chips, pizza, or pretzels, it’s a boy. Sweet cravings, on the other hand, are linked to having a girl.
- What It Means: The idea is that boys make you crave hearty, salty snacks, while girls make you reach for desserts.
Reality Check: Cravings are influenced by nutritional needs and hormonal shifts, not necessarily the baby’s gender.
4. Your Skin Is Glowing
Some believe a boy enhances the mother’s beauty during pregnancy.
- The Myth: If your skin is glowing and clear, you’re having a boy. Conversely, if you’re experiencing acne or dull skin, it might be a girl.
- Why It’s Believed: The saying goes that baby girls “steal their mother’s beauty,” while boys “give” beauty back.
Reality Check: Skin changes during pregnancy are linked to hormonal fluctuations and hydration, not gender.
5. The Heartbeat Theory
One popular theory ties the baby’s heart rate to its gender.
- The Myth: If your baby’s heartbeat is below 140 beats per minute, you’re having a boy. A higher rate suggests a girl.
- Why It’s Believed: This idea has been around for decades, despite limited scientific backing.
Reality Check: Studies have shown no significant correlation between heart rate and gender. Heart rate varies depending on the baby’s activity level and gestational age.
6. A Stronger Appetite
Some people believe that carrying a boy increases a mother’s appetite.
- The Myth: If you’re constantly hungry and eating more than usual, it could mean you’re having a boy.
- Why It’s Believed: Boys are often thought to demand more energy from their mothers, leading to increased hunger.
Reality Check: Increased appetite is a natural part of pregnancy, especially as the baby grows, and isn’t necessarily tied to gender.
7. Cold Feet
If you’ve noticed that your feet are colder than usual, it might be a sign of a baby boy.
- The Myth: Cold feet during pregnancy are linked to having a boy.
- Why It’s Believed: Some think boys affect circulation differently than girls do, causing cold feet.
Reality Check: Changes in circulation and body temperature during pregnancy are normal and not indicative of gender.
8. Baby’s Kicks Are Stronger
Many people associate active or strong movements with a baby boy.
- The Myth: If your baby’s kicks feel strong and powerful, you’re likely having a boy.
- Why It’s Believed: Boys are often perceived as more energetic, even in the womb.
Reality Check: Fetal activity depends on individual factors like baby size, position, and personality—not their gender.
9. A Preference for Sleeping on Your Left Side
How you naturally sleep during pregnancy might hint at your baby’s gender.
- The Myth: If you find yourself preferring to sleep on your left side, it’s a boy.
- What It Means: Some believe sleeping positions can be influenced by the baby’s energy or position.
Reality Check: Sleeping positions during pregnancy are more about comfort and blood flow than the baby’s gender.
10. The Ring Test
The ring test is a fun and easy way to predict your baby’s gender using an object you already have.
- How It Works: Tie a string around a ring and hold it over your belly. If the ring swings back and forth like a pendulum, it’s a boy. If it circles, it’s a girl.
- Why It’s Fun: This is one of the oldest and most entertaining gender prediction methods.
Reality Check: The ring test is purely for fun and has no scientific basis—but it’s a great conversation starter!
11. A Pointy Baby Bump
The shape of your baby bump is often a topic of discussion among friends and family.
- The Myth: A pointy, basketball-like bump means you’re having a boy. A wider, rounder bump indicates a girl.
- Why It’s Believed: Many people assume that the way you carry is influenced by the baby’s gender.
Reality Check: Bump shape depends on factors like your body type, muscle tone, and the baby’s position.
12. Dad’s Weight Gain
Some believe the dad’s weight gain during pregnancy can hint at the baby’s gender.
- The Myth: If the dad gains weight alongside the mom (often called sympathy weight), it’s a boy.
- Why It’s Believed: The idea is that boys bring stronger hormonal influences, affecting the dad too.
Reality Check: Sympathy weight gain is more about lifestyle changes and shared eating habits than gender.
13. A Calm Pregnancy
Many say that a peaceful and calm pregnancy is a sign of a baby boy.
- The Myth: If you’re not feeling overly emotional or irritable, it might be a boy.
- Why It’s Believed: Boys are thought to bring balanced hormones, while girls cause more mood swings.
Reality Check: Emotional changes during pregnancy are tied to your body’s adaptation to hormones, not the baby’s gender.
14. The Baking Soda Test
This fun DIY test involves a reaction between your urine and baking soda.
- How It Works: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with your urine. If it fizzes, it’s a boy. If there’s no reaction, it’s a girl.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s easy, inexpensive, and fun to try.
Reality Check: The baking soda test is purely a game and doesn’t rely on any biological science.
15. Your Nose Changes
Some say pregnancy can change the size or shape of your nose.
- The Myth: If your nose remains the same, it’s a boy. If it grows or widens, it’s a girl.
- Why It’s Believed: Hormonal changes are thought to affect facial features differently depending on the baby’s gender.
Reality Check: Changes in your nose are likely due to fluid retention and hormonal shifts—not your baby’s gender.
Final Thoughts
While these fun ways to predict a baby boy are entertaining, remember they’re just myths and guesses. The most reliable way to find out your baby’s gender is through medical tests like an ultrasound or amniocentesis. However, these playful methods can add excitement to your pregnancy journey and spark joyful conversations with family and friends.
Whether you’re having a boy or a girl, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and prepare for the new addition to your family. Embrace the journey, have fun with the guessing games, and treasure every moment as you await your baby’s arrival.
