An old wives’ tale is defined by the Collins English Dictionary as, "a belief, usually superstitious … passed on by word of mouth as a piece of traditional wisdom." These old wives' tales are not backed up by research and there is no medical science behind it. But it’s fun to try and guess the baby’s gender beforehand!
1. A high or low bump?
Many people will want to look at your belly and think they can guess just from looking! So as the tale goes, if you are carrying low, it’s a boy, or if you’re carrying high it’s a girl. But it more likely that the way the baby is carried depends on your own physique.
2. The black line
A linea nigra (Latin for ‘black line) may appear on your belly during pregnancy. But some women do not develop a linea nigra. This is a purple-brownish line that runs down the middle of your belly to your pubic area. Hormonal changes cause the linea nigra pigmentation, but it’s not known why it forms in the vertical line.
If you get a línea nigra and it runs from your pubic area up to your belly button, it’s a girl, and if it goes all the way up from the pubic area to the lower rib cage, then it’s a boy.
3. Dry or soft skin?
If your skin is dry you may be having a boy – if it’s soft, then it’s a girl.
4. Your crowning glory
Has your hair become thin and dull? Or full-bodied and glossy? Thin and dull says girl; gorgeous and glossy says a boy.
5. Where goes the extra weight?
If you are carrying extra weight at the front, then you’re having a boy… but if you are carrying extra weight on your butt and hips, then you have been carrying a girl.
6. Different tastes
If you crave sweet foods like chocolate and soft drinks you could be having a girl. But if you’re craving sour or salty foods then you could be having a boy.
7. Ring over the belly
Tie a strand of your hair to a ring. Lie down and let the ring dangle over your belly. If the rings moves in circles, you are having a boy, or if it swings from side to side you are having a girl.
8. Morning sickness
Did you experience morning sickness in early pregnancy? If you did, then you’re said to be carrying a girl, but if you didn’t have morning sickness, then it’s a boy.
9. Faster hair growth on your legs?
Has the hair on your legs grown faster than normal? If it’s growing faster than before you became pregnant, then you’re said to be having a boy.
10. Flip the coin
When all else fails... just take a wild guess before you schedule an ultrasound - you still have a 50% chance of getting it right!
Note: Since these are only old wives tales - we take no responsibility for their accuracy.
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For more related articles on pregnancy, see:
Predicting the gender of your baby