Boy or Girl? Our Favorite Gender Prediction Tricks Thanks to the Old Wives' Tales

Throughout history, expectant parents (and their Village!) have been curious about whether they'll be welcoming a boy or a girl. Long before modern medicine could provide the answer, cultures around the world relied on old wives' tales to guess the gender of the baby. While there's no scientific backing to these methods, they can be a fun and charming part of pregnancy lore. Let's explore some of the most popular old wives' tales and see just how many have predicted correctly for you!

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How Bad is the Morning Sickness?

One of the most commonly heard tales is that the severity of your morning sickness can clue you into your baby's gender. Legend has it that if you’re experiencing extreme nausea, you might be having a girl. The less severe the morning sickness, the more likely you are to be having a boy.

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Look to the Cravings 

Cravings are another area where old wives’ tales abound. Craving sweets and fruit? You might be having a little girl. Lean towards salty and sour foods? A boy could be on the way. Of course, cravings can be influenced by many factors, but it’s fun to guess!

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How Fast is Baby’s Heart Rate

Some say that a baby girl’s heart beats faster than a boy’s. During your prenatal visits, if the heartbeat is above 140 beats per minute, the tale suggests it's a girl. Below that, and you might expect a boy. Remember, doctors will tell you that a healthy heart rate varies and isn’t indicative of gender.

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Try the String Ring Test

For this test, thread a ring on a string and hold it over your belly. If the ring swings in a circular motion, you're expected to have a girl. If it swings back and forth like a pendulum, a boy might be in your future. This test is all in good fun and makes for a great baby shower game.

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Skin and Hair Changes

Ever heard that girls steal their mother’s beauty? An old wives' tale suggests that if your skin is breaking out and your hair lacks its usual luster, you might be having a girl. Conversely, if your skin is glowing and your hair is voluminous and shiny, a boy could be on the way.

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Bump Shape and Position

The shape and position of your baby bump are also subjects of gender prediction myths. Carrying high and wide? Supposedly, that’s indicative of a girl. A low and protruding bump? That’s said to be a boy’s territory.

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Mood Changes

Some tales even link your pregnancy mood swings to the baby’s gender. A more cheerful demeanor is often attributed to carrying a boy, while increased moodiness suggests a girl. Of course, hormones play a significant role in pregnancy mood changes, making this tale a playful guess at best.

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Not Science, But Fun!

While these old wives' tales are entertaining, it’s important to remember that they’re not scientifically proven methods for gender prediction. The only accurate ways to determine your baby’s gender are through medical tests like ultrasounds or blood tests. However, guessing can add a delightful element of suspense and fun to your pregnancy journey. So, enjoy these tales with a smile, and whether it's team pink or blue, the real joy is in the journey to meet your new little one!

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