Gender prediction myths: Debunked

Pregnancy is full of surprises, and so are the myths surrounding baby gender predictions. From cravings to morning sickness, people have long believed that certain symptoms can reveal if you're having a boy or a girl.  

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular myths and see if they hold up.

What are gender prediction myths 

Gender prediction myths are quirky fables that claim to reveal whether you’re having a boy or a girl based on things like cravings, mood swings or even how you’re carrying your baby. While these myths are fun, they’re usually not backed by science (but they’re still fun to read about). 

Where do these myths come from? 

Gender prediction myths stem from old wives' tales or superstitions that claim to be able to predict the sex of a baby based on various signs, symptoms or behaviours during pregnancy. These myths have been passed down through generations long before ultrasounds and blood tests were invented, so do they hold any truth?  

Let’s get into it!

Myth

Feeling sleepy during pregnancy? It’s a girl!

Reality 

Many believe that if you're constantly yawning and craving naps, you're carrying a girl. The reasoning behind this myth is that girls supposedly take more energy from the mother. But honestly, feeling sleepy is pretty common in pregnancy, no matter the gender. So, don't rely on this one to help you pick out your baby’s names. 

Myth 

Blocked nose in pregnancy? It’s a boy! 

Reality 

This myth suggests that a blocked nose means you're having a boy. The idea is that a boy's presence in your belly supposedly triggers more nasal congestion. However, what’s really going on here is pregnancy-induced rhinitis, which affects many expecting mothers regardless of their baby’s gender. So, it’s not necessarily a clue to the baby's sex. 

Myth 

Gas problems? It’s a girl! 

Reality 

A common myth says that if you're experiencing extra gas, it’s likely a girl. The theory goes that girls are responsible for causing more bloating and gas during pregnancy. In reality, gas and bloating are simply part of the pregnancy package due to hormones relaxing your digestive muscles. So, it’s more about the pregnancy process than the baby's gender! 

Myth 

Insomnia in early pregnancy? It’s a boy! 

Reality 

Some say insomnia during pregnancy signals that you’re having a boy. The idea is that boys cause more restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns. But in reality, insomnia can occur in any pregnancy, especially in the early stages when your body is adjusting to changes. Hormones are the main culprit, not the baby’s sex. 

Myth 

Piles? It’s a girl! 

Reality 

This myth claims that haemorrhoids (or piles) mean you're carrying a girl. Girls are said to cause more pressure on your lower body. However, piles are more related to pregnancy as a whole: the weight of the baby and hormones cause blood vessels to swell. So if you're dealing with piles, it doesn't mean you're having a girl - it’s just part of the experience of pregnancy. 

Myth 

Itchy legs during pregnancy? It’s a boy! 

Reality 

Itchy legs are often thought to be a sign of carrying a boy. This myth suggests that boys cause a particular kind of skin change that leads to itchiness. In reality, itchiness is a common side effect of pregnancy, often due to stretching skin or hormonal changes. So don’t let the itching make you think you know the gender. 

Myth 

Swollen legs during pregnancy? It’s a girl! 

Reality 

Some believe that swelling in the legs indicates a girl is on the way. The myth suggests that girls cause more fluid retention. However, swelling in pregnancy is pretty common regardless of the baby’s gender, and it happens due to the growing uterus pressing on blood vessels, causing poor circulation. So, this myth doesn’t hold much weight when it comes to predicting gender. 

Myth 

Nosebleeds in pregnancy? It’s a boy! 

Reality 

Here’s one that says if you’re dealing with frequent nosebleeds, you’re expecting a boy. The idea is that boys supposedly trigger more nosebleeds due to their higher testosterone levels. But guess what? Nosebleeds are typically caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which affect the blood vessels in your nose. So, no need to decide on boy names just yet! 

Myth 

Sweet tooth during pregnancy? It’s a girl! 

Reality 

Craving sugary treats? Some believe this signals a girl. According to this myth, girls cause more cravings for sweets and chocolate. While cravings are a normal part of pregnancy, they don’t have a direct correlation with gender. Pregnancy hormones can make you crave just about anything, whether it’s a boy or a girl. 

At the end of the day, gender prediction myths are mainly just for fun and a little extra excitement during your pregnancy. Don’t take them too seriously - whether they’re spot on or completely off the mark, it’s all part of the adventure.