Medically Reviewed by: Lesley Bland
Whether you're wondering if your little one will be a mini-you or a spitting image of your partner, you've come to the right place. If the excitement of discovering your baby’s gender also means preparing for the nursery theme, picking out baby clothes, and choosing the perfect name, we totally understand.
A recent study reveals that nearly twice as many parents are learning their baby’s gender before birth, and gender or name reveal parties have surged by 500% in just the past four years. If you're eager to find out your baby’s gender, you’re certainly not alone in the excitement!
If you're here, you’re probably caught between the classic question: Am I having a boy? or Am I having a girl? And maybe you're also weighing the signs that suggest you're having a boy. From cravings to belly shape, there’s no shortage of old wives' tales people swear by to predict the sex of your baby. Perhaps your aunt is constantly asking how you're carrying ("high or low?"), or your friend suggests the classic ring-on-a-string test. Sound familiar?
While the guessing game can be fun, let's set the record straight: it’s all just myths. As Lesley Bland, registered midwife and consultant midwife for My Expert Midwife, puts it, “Old wives’ tales are stories passed down through generations. It’s absolutely not possible to determine the sex of a baby using these tales—though your odds are 50:50!”
In this article, we'll separate fact from fiction, debunk the myths, and share the real ways to discover if you're having a baby boy.
When is a baby’s sex determined?
A baby’s sex is determined at conception, though the development of sex organs doesn’t happen until between weeks 7 and 12 of pregnancy.
The moment the sperm meets the egg, the baby receives 23 chromosomes from each parent, including the ones that determine gender, along with other traits like eye colour, hair colour, and even intelligence.
Around week 11, the baby’s genitals start to form, but it will be several weeks before an ultrasound can reveal the sex. That doesn’t stop expectant parents from making their guesses ahead of time.
As Lesley explains, “A baby’s sex is decided when the sperm fertilizes the egg. The egg has two X chromosomes, while the sperm can have either an X or a Y chromosome. If the sperm carries an X, the baby will be female (XX). If the sperm carries a Y, the baby will be male (XY).”
What is an old wives' tale
Throughout this article, you’ll see mentions of old wives’ tales. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s just a fancy way of saying those traditional beliefs or bits of advice that have been passed down over generations. They’re often about things like health, pregnancy, or everyday life, but they’re more based on superstition or folklore than actual science.
For example, one old wives’ tale says carrying a baby “high” means it’s a girl, or that eating spicy food can kick-start labour. They’re fun to chat about and share with friends, but they’re not proven facts—just part of the pregnancy fun!
The myths about signs you’re having a boy
Ah, old wives’ tales—they’re like the comfort food of pregnancy conversations. They’re fun, nostalgic, and just a little bit silly. Let’s take a look at the most common myths and see if they hold any truth.
As Lesley says, “There are no signs or symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, cold feet, acne, or 'carrying high,' that determine whether your baby is male or female."
So take all these myths with a grain of salt.
Myth 1: No morning sickness = boy?
Myth: Some believe that if you have less severe morning sickness, you could be having a boy.
Truth: The truth is that the severity of morning sickness has little to do with your baby’s gender. It’s actually more about the hormonal changes your body goes through during pregnancy, particularly the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin.
While some studies suggest women carrying girls may experience more severe morning sickness due to higher hCG levels, it's not a definitive sign of gender. There is no link guaranteed, and morning sickness can vary dramatically from one pregnancy to the next, regardless of your baby’s gender.
Myth 2: A heart rate slower than 140 BPM means you're having a boy
Myth: If the baby’s heart rate is slower than 140 beats per minute, it’s believed to indicate a boy, while a higher heart rate supposedly signals a girl.
Truth: According to findings from Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, “the average heart rate for baby boys in the first trimester was 154.9 bpm (plus or minus 22.8 bpm), and for baby girls, it was 151.7 bpm (plus or minus 22.7 bpm).” In other words, this myth is busted—there’s no significant difference in heart rates between male and female babies during early pregnancy.
Lesley adds, “Early in pregnancy, a baby’s heart rate (male or female) will naturally be higher than it would be at full term—around 170 bpm at 10 weeks, decreasing to about 130 bpm at full term. However, heart rate can also be influenced by maternal wellbeing and the baby’s movements. For instance, if mum has a fever and a faster heart rate, this can directly increase the baby’s heart rate. Similarly, if the baby has just been active or had lots of movement, their heart rate will be higher than during quieter periods of rest or sleep.”
Myth 3: Carrying low means it's a boy
Myth: Carrying low means it's a boy, and carrying high means it's a girl.
Truth: The way you carry your baby is actually influenced by factors such as your body shape, muscle tone, and the baby’s position in the womb—not by the baby’s gender.
Lesley explains, “carrying low or high is determined by your physical characteristics and has no bearing on whether you’re expecting a boy or a girl. It’s more about the baby’s size and how your body adapts to pregnancy.”
According to the University of Utah, "It is a fact that during the first pregnancy, before the abdominal wall is stretched out, the baby tends to be carried higher. As the abdominal wall stretches with each subsequent pregnancy, the uterus appears to sit lower, but this is not related to the sex of the baby."
Myth 4: Craving salty foods means you're having a boy
Myth: If you’re craving salty or savouryfoods, it’s often thought to indicate you’re having a boy.
Truth: Cravings during pregnancy are very common, but they aren’t a reliable indicator of the baby’s gender. Studies show that cravings are mostly linked to hormonal changes and nutritional needs, not the baby’s sex.You might crave salty foods, but that could be due to various reasons, including dehydration, stress, or simply your body’s way of balancing electrolytes.
There’s no scientific evidence to suggest cravings are linked to whether you're having a boy or a girl. However, The National Institutes of Health states, “Women who experienced cravings were significantly more likely to have a normal delivery.” So, take that as a positive sign!
Myth 5: Baby's position predicts gender
Myth: If your baby’s position is to the right in the womb, it supposedly means you're having a boy.
Truth: The Ramzi Theory suggests that the position of the placenta during the early ultrasound can predict gender—placenta on the left means a girl, on the right means a boy.
However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this. The baby’s position in the womb depends on space, your body shape, and how the baby is developing, not on gender.
Lesley points out that this theory has no medical basis and is just another myth. In fact, the theory is only about 50% accurate, no better than flipping a coin. While some studies claim it’s accurate up to 97% of the time, it’s mainly for fun, so don’t get too carried away with your nursery design just yet!
Myth 6: Dark urine means a boy
Myth: Darker urine is sometimes thought to indicate you're carrying a boy.
Truth: The colour of your urine has far more to do with hydration than it does with your baby's gender. If your urine is darker, it could mean you're dehydrated. Staying hydrated during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby, so it's best to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a balanced diet. There’s no evidence linking urine colour to the sex of your baby.
Myth 7: Pregnancy glow and acne predict gender
Myth: Some believe that carrying a girl will "steal" your beauty, causing acne, while boys supposedly cause less acne and give you that pregnancy glow.
Truth: Acne during pregnancy is common and typically caused by hormonal fluctuations that increase oil production in your skin. Thankfully, pregnancy acne usually clears up as hormones stabilise. Acne has nothing to do with your baby’s gender—it’s simply your body’s natural response to pregnancy changes. So, whether you’re having a boy or a girl, it’s all about those hormones!
Myth 8: The father gaining weight means you're having a boy
Myth: Expectant fathers who experience weight gain, nausea, or mood swings are likely having a boy.
Truth: Some fathers-to-be may experience "Couvade syndrome," which involves sympathetic pregnancy symptoms like weight gain, nausea, or mood swings. However, this has nothing to do with the baby’s gender. Couvade syndrome is more about the emotional connection between partners and doesn’t provide any clues about whether you're having a boy or a girl.
Myth 9: Cold feet means you’re having a boy
Myth: If you experience cold feet or feeling chilly, it’s often thought to indicate you're carrying a boy.
Truth: Many pregnant women feel colder than usual, especially in the early months, due to hormonal changes and shifts in circulation. This myth likely comes from the idea that cold feet mean you're having a boy, but there’s no scientific evidence to back it up. Feeling cold is just a normal pregnancy symptom, unrelated to your baby’s gender.
Myth 10: Being more emotional means you’re having a boy
Myth: If you've been feeling more aggressive or irritable, it’s often thought to be a sign you're having a boy.
Truth: Mood swings are completely normal during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These emotional ups and downs don’t point to a specific gender. So while you may feel a little more fiery at times, it’s simply part of the pregnancy journey!
Myth 11: Boy gets you luscious locks
Myth: If you’ve noticed your hair growing longer or thicker, it’s believed to be a sign you’re having a boy.
Truth: Pregnancy hormones can affect hair growth, but whether your hair grows faster or thicker has no link to your baby’s gender. It's all about how your body responds to the changes during pregnancy.
Myth 12: Sleeping position on your left side means you’re having a boy
Myth: Sleeping on your left side is said to indicate you're having a boy, while sleeping on your right side supposedly means it’s a girl.
Truth: Your sleeping position is more about comfort and blood circulation than predicting gender. There are no studies supporting the idea that where you sleep determines whether you're having a boy or a girl.
Myth 13: More headaches means a boy
Myth: If you're experiencing more headaches during pregnancy, it’s thought to be a sign you're having a boy.
Truth: The NHS says headaches are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to hormonal changes. While some people associate them with carrying a boy, headaches are just a normal pregnancy symptom and can happen with any baby.
However, a headache can sometimes be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated.
Myth 14: Weight gain = boy
Myth: If you gain more weight in the front of your body, it’s said to be a sign of a boy.
Truth: Where you gain weight during pregnancy depends on your body type and how your uterus expands. Gaining weight in front doesn’t indicate whether you're having a boy or a girl—it’s simply how your body adapts to pregnancy.
Myth 15: Your nose shape widening means you're having a boy
Myth: If your nose appears to widen during pregnancy, it might mean you’re having a boy.
Truth: Some people experience swelling in the nose due to pregnancy hormone changes, this is called pregnancy nose. The Ohio State University explains "Estrogen dilates blood vessels, causing swelling around the entire body — including the nose. This can lead to a broadening, or bulbosity, at the tip of the nose." However, this has no connection to your baby’s gender.
Myth 16: Strong baby’s movements mean a boy
Myth: Strong, active movements from your baby are thought to suggest you're having a boy.
Truth: Babies move differently based on their development and position in the womb. The strength or frequency of their movements is not linked to gender.
Myth 17: Cravings for protein = boy
Myth: Craving more protein could mean you’re expecting a boy.
Truth: Pregnancy cravings are influenced by hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and personal preferences. Cravings for protein have no direct connection to your baby’s gender.
Myth 18: A faint or light-coloured linea nigra means a boy
Myth: A faint or light-coloured linea nigra (the line that appears on your belly during pregnancy) might suggest a boy.
Truth: The appearance of the linea nigra is a normal pregnancy symptom caused by hormonal changes. The darkness or lightness of the line has no connection to your baby’s gender.
Myth 19: If your ring moves in a “back and forth” motion, your baby will be a boy
Myth: Using a ring on a string over your belly, if it swings back and forth, it’s believed to indicate a boy.
Truth: The ring test is an old wives' tale, with no scientific basis. The way the ring moves is likely due to the motion of the string or your hand, not the baby’s gender.
Myth 20: Dry hands = boy
Myth: If your hands feel dry and you're using more hand moisturiser than usual, it might mean you're having a boy.
Truth: Pregnancy hormones can affect your skin, and dry hands are a common symptom.
Myth 21: Chinese Gender Calendar predicts your baby's gender
Myth: The Chinese Gender Calendar is said to predict whether you’re having a boy or a girl based on the mother’s age and the month of conception.
Truth: The Chinese Gender Calendar is a fun old wives' tale, and while some people swear by it, there’s no scientific proof to support its accuracy. It’s based on a traditional chart, but just like many gender prediction methods, it’s about as reliable as flipping a coin.
Want to give it a try? You can use our Chinese Gender Predictor Tool to see what it says—but remember, it's all in good fun! The real magic happens when you meet your little one.
The scientific signs you’re having a boy
Alright, so the myths are fun, but let’s talk about the real ways you can find out if you’re having a boy.
According to Lesley, “The only ways that indicate whether you are carrying a male or female are Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), Chorionic Villus Sampling, Amniocentesis, and the mid-pregnancy, 20-week Anomaly Ultrasound Scan.
However, and this is important, none of the more accurate ways named above are 100%. There is always the occasional baby who surprises us!”
NIPT
This blood test, done as early as 10 weeks, can reveal your baby’s gender with over 99% accuracy.
Ultrasound
Most parents find out during their 20-week scan. However, accuracy can depend on your baby’s position (so cross those fingers that the baby cooperates!).
Amniocentesis or CVS
These tests, usually done for genetic reasons, can also confirm gender. However, they’re invasive and not typically done just to determine sex.
FAQ about signs you're having a boy
How do you know if you’re having a boy or girl?
The most reliable ways are medical tests like NIPT, ultrasound, or amniocentesis. Myths like cravings or bump shape? Fun, but not factual.
Can you tell a baby’s gender from movement?
Not really. Some say boys are more active, but every baby moves differently, and there’s no scientific link between movement and gender.
What are early signs of having a boy?
There aren’t any foolproof early signs. Myths like less nausea or craving salty snacks are common, but they’re not reliable.
Enjoy the guessing game
At the end of the day, trying to guess whether you’re having a boy or a girl is all part of the fun! Whether you're debating old wives' tales with family or indulging in your sweet or salty cravings, it's all about enjoying the anticipation.
Sure, it’s exciting to picture a room filled with baby boy blue or soft pink, but the real magic comes when you finally meet your little one—no matter the gender.
About the expert
Lesley Bland has also provided her expert advice and medically reviewed this article. Lesley is a Registered Midwife and Consultant Midwife for My Expert Midwife. She began her Midwifery career working in large teaching hospitals rotating through all clinical areas with particular emphasis on antenatal and intrapartum care. Lesley qualified as a mentor of students and developed a passion for education specialising as a Clinical Educator teaching the maternity multidisciplinary team.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.