How to Tell If You're Pregnant with a Boy: Myths vs Facts

What are signs that you're having a baby boy? Can you tell if a pregnant woman is having a boy? What makes you likely to have a boy?

The excitement of pregnancy often comes with the burning question: "Is it a boy or a girl?" While many parents choose to wait for the big reveal at the ultrasound, others are eager to find out as soon as possible.

We understand your curiosity, so in this article, we'll explore how to tell if you're pregnant with a boy, while distinguishing between myths and science-backed facts. Whether you're already pregnant or still trying to conceive, this is a must-read.

How Soon Can You Find Out Your Baby's Sex

The anticipation of knowing your baby's gender is natural, and many expectant parents are keen to discover it early on. So, how soon can you find out your baby's sex?

The earliest and most accurate method for determining your baby's sex is through medical procedures, such as a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

These tests can reveal the sex of the baby as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. However, they are typically recommended for high-risk pregnancies and may not be available or necessary for all expectant mothers.

For most parents, the common 20-week anatomy ultrasound is the moment of truth when it comes to finding out the baby's sex. During this mid-pregnancy ultrasound, the sonographer can usually identify the gender with a reasonable level of accuracy. It's essential to remember that this timing is based on medical science rather than myths.

Signs You're Pregnant with a Boy: Myths vs Facts

Myth: The String and Ring Test

One popular myth that has been passed down through generations is the "string and ring test." This old wives' tale suggests that you can determine your baby's sex by dangling a ring or needle on a string over your pregnant belly. According to the myth, if the ring or needle moves in a circular motion, you're having a girl, and if it swings back and forth, it's a boy.

Fact: There is no scientific basis for the string and ring test. The movement of the ring or needle is entirely dependent on the way you hold it and the slight movements of your hand, not the sex of your baby. It's a fun but entirely inaccurate way to predict your baby's gender.

Myth: The belief that a heart rate lower than 140 beats per minute is an indicator of carrying a baby boy.

Fact: This notion is a deceptive claim that lacks empirical support. A study named "Gender-Related Differences in Fetal Heart Rate during the First Trimester" refutes this myth, revealing that there is no notable disparity in heart rates between boys and girls during the initial trimester of pregnancy.

Myth: Cravings and Food Aversions

Another widely believed myth is that your food cravings and aversions during pregnancy can reveal the baby's gender. According to this myth, craving sweets means you're having a girl, while a preference for salty or savoury foods indicates a boy.

Fact: Food cravings and aversions during pregnancy are influenced by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and individual preferences. There is no scientific basis for these cravings predicting the baby's sex. If you're experiencing unusual food cravings or aversions, it's more likely related to your body's response to pregnancy than the gender of your baby.

Myth: Telling the Gender Based on How High or Low You're Carrying

One popular myth when it comes to predicting the gender of your baby is the belief that how high or low you're carrying your bump can indicate the sex of the baby. According to the myth, carrying high is associated with having a girl, while carrying low suggests a boy. However, this is purely anecdotal and has no scientific basis.

Fact: The way you carry your baby bump is influenced by various factors such as your body shape, muscle tone, and the position of the baby within the uterus. It's important to remember that the way you carry your bump does not provide reliable information about the baby's gender.

Myth: You Can Tell You're Pregnant with a Boy Based on the Shape of Your Belly

Another common myth is that the shape of your belly can reveal your baby's gender. The myth suggests that a round and compact belly shape indicates a boy, while a wider, more spread-out shape suggests a girl.

Fact: In reality, the shape of your belly is influenced by factors such as your body structure, the position of the baby, and the number of pregnancies you've had. It is not a reliable indicator of the baby's gender.

Myth: Your Facial Features Can Point to Your Child's Sex

Some myths go as far as suggesting that changes in a pregnant woman's facial features can provide clues about the baby's gender. For instance, it's believed that a rounder face might be a sign of expecting a girl, while a more angular face might mean you're carrying a boy. However, these notions have no scientific basis.

Fact: Any facial changes during pregnancy are more likely due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in water retention, not the baby's gender.

Chinese Gender Prediction Calendar

One method that's often mentioned in conversations about predicting a baby's gender is the Chinese gender prediction calendar. This ancient method claims to predict the baby's sex based on the mother's age at conception and the month of conception.

The calendar is widely available online and in various pregnancy books, making it a popular topic of discussion. However, it's important to note that the Chinese gender prediction calendar is a myth and has no scientific validity. It's based on traditional beliefs and should be regarded as nothing more than a fun and unproven way to guess the baby's gender.

Science-Backed Ways to Find Out Your Baby's Sex

If you're eager to know your baby's sex before the 20-week ultrasound, there are a few scientifically reliable methods to consider:

1. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): NIPT is a blood test that analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood. It can detect chromosomal abnormalities and, in the process, determine the baby's sex as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy. NIPT is highly accurate, with a success rate of over 99%.

2. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): CVS is a medical procedure performed around the 10th to 13th week of pregnancy. It involves the removal of a tiny piece of the placenta for genetic testing, which can reveal the baby's sex.

3. Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is another medical procedure that can be done between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. A sample of amniotic fluid is collected and analyzed for chromosomal conditions, including the baby's gender.

4. Ultrasound: The 20-week anatomy ultrasound, also known as the fetal anomaly scan, is a common and reliable way to determine your baby's sex. It's an opportunity to catch a glimpse of your little one and confirm their gender.

How Do You Conceive a Baby Boy?

Conception is a fascinating process, and while the sex of your baby is primarily determined by the father's contribution (the sperm), there are some theories and methods that suggest ways to increase your chances of conceiving a baby boy. Here's what you need to know:

• The Shettles Method

Dr. Landrum B. Shettles, a prominent researcher in the field of human sexuality, proposed the Shettles Method in the 1960s. This method suggests that the timing of intercourse can influence the sex of the baby.

Shettles claimed that having intercourse closer to the time of ovulation would increase the chances of conceiving a boy. He believed that Y-bearing (male) sperm are faster swimmers than X-bearing (female) sperm but have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, having intercourse on the day of ovulation or shortly before would favour the Y-bearing sperm reaching and fertilising the egg.

However, it's important to note that the Shettles Method is not scientifically proven and remains controversial. Many experts believe that the timing of intercourse has a limited impact on the sex of the baby.

• Diet and Nutritional Factors

Some proponents of gender selection methods argue that altering the mother's diet and nutrient intake may influence the likelihood of conceiving a boy. They suggest that a diet high in potassium and sodium and low in calcium and magnesium may increase the chances of having a baby boy.

While there's some evidence that diet can influence the pH levels of a woman's reproductive tract, and this may potentially affect sperm, the scientific community is not in agreement about the effectiveness of dietary changes for gender selection. It's important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet during pregnancy for overall well-being, rather than for the sole purpose of determining the baby's sex.

• Sperm Sorting and MicroSort

Sperm sorting methods involve separating X-bearing and Y-bearing sperm to be used in artificial insemination. MicroSort is one such technique that uses flow cytometry to sort sperm based on their DNA content. This method aims to increase the likelihood of conceiving a child of the desired gender.

While sperm sorting techniques exist, they are not widely available to the general public and can be costly. The success rates of these methods are not 100% guaranteed and may vary. It's important to consult with a fertility specialist if you are considering such techniques.

• IVF with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a scientifically-backed method to select embryos of a specific gender. After fertilization, embryos are screened for their sex chromosomes, and only embryos of the desired gender are implanted in the uterus.

IVF with PGT is a highly accurate method for gender selection but is typically used in cases where there is a medical reason to choose the gender of the child. It is not a method commonly employed solely for family planning purposes.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Boy?

If you're interested in increasing your chances of having a baby boy naturally, here are some tips that are generally safe and may improve your odds:

1. Timing Intercourse: While the Shettles Method is not foolproof, some couples choose to have intercourse close to the time of ovulation to increase the likelihood of conceiving a boy. You can track ovulation through various methods, such as ovulation predictor kits or monitoring your basal body temperature.

2. Sexual Position: Some believe that certain sexual positions may influence the depth at which sperm are deposited in the reproductive tract, potentially favouring Y-bearing sperm. While this theory lacks scientific backing, there's no harm in trying different positions if it adds excitement to your journey.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall fertility and well-being. Ensure both partners maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress. These factors can indirectly contribute to successful conception.

4. Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If you're determined to have a baby of a specific gender, it's essential to discuss your options and concerns with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist. They can provide guidance, offer insights into available methods, and help you make informed decisions.

The anticipation of finding out your baby's sex is an exciting part of pregnancy. While there are numerous myths and old wives' tales that claim to reveal signs you are pregnant with a boy, it's important to rely on scientifically-backed methods for gender determination. 

If you're interested in increasing your chances of having a baby boy, you can consider methods like timing intercourse, sexual positions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it's essential to approach these methods with a realistic understanding that they may not guarantee the desired outcome.

Remember that the most important aspect of pregnancy is the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby, regardless of their gender. Cherish the journey of pregnancy, and eagerly anticipate the arrival of your little one, whether it's a boy or a girl.

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.