What Science Says About ‘Signs’ You’re Having a Girl?
Are you keeping an eye on every pregnancy symptom you’re experiencing to see if they’ll give you signs you’re having a girl, or any other insight into your baby’s sex? While it certainly can be fun to think about, most experts agree that there’s simply not much truth to most of those old wives’ tales floating around out there. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try to guess anyway!
Introduction
Are you eagerly analyzing every little symptom of your pregnancy, hoping to uncover hints about whether you’re having a girl or a boy? The excitement and anticipation are palpable, and it’s no wonder that many turn to old wives’ tales for clues. However, while these tales add a fun element to pregnancy, they often lack scientific backing. So, let’s dive into some of the most popular old wives’ tales about having a girl and what science really says about predicting your baby’s sex.
Signs You’re Having a Girl, According to Old Wives’ Tales
Carrying High
One of the most well-known old wives’ tales is that if you’re carrying your baby bump high, you’re expecting a girl. The idea is that the position of the bump can indicate the baby’s sex.
The Truth: According to Dr. Kameelah Phillips, an OB-GYN, carrying high is more related to indigestion and how your body adjusts to the pregnancy rather than the sex of your baby. Factors such as the position of the baby, your body type, and the number of previous pregnancies play a more significant role in how you carry your baby.
Partner’s Weight Gain
Another common tale is that if your partner gains weight during your pregnancy, it means you’re having a girl.
The Truth: While it’s true that some partners may gain weight during pregnancy, Dr. Phillips notes that there is no scientific link between this phenomenon and the baby’s sex. Weight gain in partners can be due to sympathy eating, stress, or lifestyle changes, but it’s not a reliable indicator of having a girl.
Also read: How Can I Tell If I’m Having A Boy Or A Girl?
Pregnancy Acne
If you’re experiencing a breakout reminiscent of your teenage years, you might have heard that this means you’re carrying a girl. The tale goes that baby girls steal their mother’s beauty.
The Truth: Dr. Phillips explains that pregnancy acne is common due to hormonal changes and can happen regardless of the baby’s sex. There’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that having a girl causes more acne.
Severe Morning Sickness
Some believe that severe morning sickness indicates you’re having a girl, as the myth suggests girls cause more nausea.
The Truth: Research, including a 2013 study, found that there isn’t a strong link between the severity of morning sickness and the baby’s sex. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, can occur in pregnancies with either sex.
Craving Sweets
Craving sweet foods during pregnancy is another supposed sign of having a girl. The rhyme goes, “sugar and spice and everything nice.”
The Truth: Cravings during pregnancy can be influenced by many factors, including hormonal changes and nutritional needs. Dr. Phillips emphasizes that there’s no scientific basis for linking sweet cravings specifically to having a girl.
Bright Yellow Urine
This tale suggests that bright yellow urine means you’re having a girl.
The Truth: The color of your urine is more closely related to hydration levels, diet, and vitamin intake. Dr. Phillips states there’s no connection between urine color and the baby’s sex.
Baby’s Heart Rate
One popular myth is that a baby girl’s heart rate is faster (above 140 beats per minute) compared to a boy’s.
The Truth: While fetal heart rates can vary, studies have not found a reliable link between heart rate and sex. Heart rate can fluctuate for many reasons, including fetal activity levels and gestational age.
Signs You’re Having a Girl, According to Science
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Around the 10th week of pregnancy, you can opt for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), a blood test that screens for genetic disorders.
NIPT Accuracy: This test is highly accurate and can also determine your baby’s sex with over 99% accuracy. If you prefer not to know the sex, inform your doctor before the test results are shared.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
CVS is performed between 10 and 12 weeks and involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities.
CVS Accuracy: This test can determine the baby’s sex with 99% or greater accuracy. An ultrasound often accompanies the procedure, which might also reveal the sex.
Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan
The NT scan, conducted around 12 weeks, is a detailed ultrasound that screens for markers of chromosomal abnormalities.
NT Scan Accuracy: While it’s primarily for screening conditions like Down syndrome, the ultrasound might sometimes give clues about the baby’s sex, though it’s a bit early for a definitive determination.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis, done between 15 and 18 weeks, involves analyzing cells from the amniotic fluid for chromosomal abnormalities.
Amniocentesis Accuracy: This test is also very accurate for determining the baby’s sex, both through genetic analysis and ultrasound performed during the procedure.
Mid-Pregnancy Ultrasound
The most common time to find out your baby’s sex is during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, between 18 and 22 weeks.
Ultrasound Accuracy: This comprehensive scan allows you to see detailed images of your baby, and in most cases, the sex can be determined with high accuracy if the baby is in a position that allows clear viewing.
Also read: Signs You’re Having A Boy: 10 Old Wives’ Tales
Conclusion
While old wives’ tales about predicting your baby’s sex can add an element of fun to your pregnancy, they lack scientific credibility. For those truly eager to know whether they’re having a boy or girl, medical tests offer reliable answers. Ultimately, the best part is the joy and excitement of welcoming a new life, regardless of the baby’s sex.
FAQs
Can old wives’ tales predict the sex of my baby?
Old wives’ tales are more for fun and entertainment. They lack scientific evidence and are not reliable for predicting your baby’s sex.
How soon can I find out the sex of my baby?
You can find out the sex of your baby as early as 10 weeks with noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Other tests like CVS and amniocentesis can also provide this information early in the pregnancy.
What are the most accurate methods for determining my baby’s sex?
The most accurate methods include NIPT, CVS, amniocentesis, and mid-pregnancy ultrasounds. These tests offer over 99% accuracy.
Are there any risks associated with prenatal testing?
Noninvasive tests like NIPT pose no risk to the baby. Invasive tests like CVS and amniocentesis carry a small risk of complications, so they are usually recommended for high-risk pregnancies.
Why do so many old wives’ tales about pregnancy still persist?
Old wives’ tales persist because they are part of cultural traditions and add a fun, conversational aspect to pregnancy. They are passed down through generations and often shared among expectant parents for amusement.
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Also read: Chinese Gender Predictor: Unveiling The Ancient Method To Guess Your Baby’s Sex
