Old wives’ tales about baby gender, explained
Long before ultrasounds, people looked for clues in how a pregnancy looked and felt. Our quiz includes twelve popular tales. Each points to a boy or a girl, and the final tally counts them equally.
What the tales say
- Carrying high is said to mean a girl and carrying low a boy. A bump that sticks out front like a basketball is said to mean a boy, and one that spreads all around a girl.
- Sweet cravings are said to point to a girl, and salty, sour, or protein cravings to a boy.
- Heavy morning sickness is said to mean a girl, and little or none a boy. A moodier pregnancy points to a girl, and a mellow one to a boy.
- A glowing complexion and thick, glossy hair are said to mean a boy. Tired skin, breakouts, and dull hair point to a girl.
- Cold feet are said to mean a boy and warm feet a girl.
- A ring on a string that swings in circles over the belly means a girl, and side to side a boy.
- A baby heart rate above 140 beats per minute is said to mean a girl, and below that a boy.
- A partner who gains weight too is said to mean a girl.
- A dark line on the belly that runs above the navel is said to mean a boy, and one that stops at the navel a girl.
Why they feel true
With only two possible outcomes, any tale is right about half the time. We tend to remember the hits and forget the misses, so the tales keep their reputation. None of them is scientifically proven.
Finding out for real
Only medical methods, such as an ultrasound or lab testing arranged by your healthcare provider, can tell you your baby’s sex. Our quiz is just for fun.