While we make no claims about the accuracy or legitimacy of these pregnancy-related old wives’ tales, myths, and legends, they sure are fun to put to the test!
High or low
If you’re carrying your baby low, it’s said to be a boy – but if you’re carrying high, you’re having a girl. Also, if you carry out in front, it’s said to be a boy; while carrying more “in” and close to your body is said to be a girl.
Dry hands
If the skin on your hands is dry, this means you’re having a boy.
Acne and blemishes
If your skin is prone to breakouts while you’re pregnant, you’re carrying a girl, as girls are said to “steal your beauty”. How…kind?
Cold feet
Cold feet are another sign of having a boy, so if you feel you need extra socks, you might have a boy on the way.
Ring test
This one only works with a plain wedding band. Tie it to a string and have a friend suspend it over your tummy. If it swings back and forth, you’re having a girl; swinging in circles means you’re having a boy.
Hands up
Put your hands out in front of you. If they’re palm up, you’re having a girl; while if your hands are palm down, it’s a boy.
Heartbeats
Ask your midwife to tell you your baby’s heart rate when you’re at an antenatal appointment. If your baby’s heart rate is under 140 beats per minute, you may be having a boy; while a heart beating faster than 140 beats per minute indicates a girl.
Sympathy weight gain
If your spouse is also gaining pregnancy weight, legends say that this means you’re carrying a girl.
Bad morning sickness
If you have terrible morning sickness, particularly in the first trimester, this indicates you’re having a girl. If you’re not sick at all, you’re having a boy.
Keyed up
Get a friend to place a key in front of you. If you pick it up by the top part, you’re having a boy; while picking it up by the notched bottom part means you’re having a girl.
Face up to it
If your face gets fuller and rounder while you’re pregnant, you’re having a girl, but if it looks long and narrow, you’re having a boy.
Garlic
This one is a little bit weird. Eat a clove of raw garlic. If you can smell it on your skin later, it’s a boy. If you don’t smell it, you’re having a girl.
The legs have it
If you gain weight in your legs, you’re having a boy; but if they stay slim, it’s a girl.
Moody blues
If you’re happy and cheerful when you’re pregnant, you’re having a boy; but if you’re moody and grumpy, it’s a girl.
Grace for girls
If you’re graceful and move easily throughout pregnancy, this means you’re having a girl, while becoming clumsy and unwieldy indicates a boy.
Side by side
Which side do you prefer to lie on? If it’s your left side, you’re having a boy; while if you rest on your right side, you’re having a girl.
Hairy legs
If you find the hair on your legs is growing faster or thicker than usual, you might be having a boy.
Sweet or sour
If you’re craving chocolate, lollies, and sweet things, this means you’re having a girl (“sugar and spice and all things nice”, apparently). If you crave salty or sour foods, this means you’re having a boy.
More On Pregnancy From BUMP&baby:
Can I Colour My Hair During Pregnancy?
Boy Or Girl? Can Your Hormones Tell?
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BUMP & baby is New Zealand’s only magazine for pregnancy and early babyhood. Our team of mums and mums-to-be understand what it’s like to be pregnant in this connected age, and that’s why BUMP & Baby online is geared toward what pregnant women and new mums really want to know.
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