Search results
Oct 2, 2024 · Curious about whether pregnancy symptoms can predict your baby's sex? Discover the myths and facts about boy vs. girl pregnancy symptoms, and what science says about gender predictions.
- Overview
- Proven ways to tell if you’re having a boy
- Six common myths
- Takeaway
Medical tests can tell a pregnant person if they are having a baby boy or a baby girl. Scientific research does not support using symptoms during pregnancy to guess the sex of the fetus.
According to folklore, everything from the position of the bump to the severity of symptoms can indicate the fetus’ sex.
Blood test
Doctors primarily use this test to detect issues with chromosomes. Pregnant women can take this test at 10 weeks, and results are usually available within 7–10 days. The test is typically reserved for pregnant women over the age of 35 years. A doctor may also suggest it if they suspect an issue with the fetus’s chromosomes. Any pregnant woman can request the test, but some insurance plans do not cover the cost.
Amniocentesis
During this procedure, a doctor will insert a thin needle through the skin into the uterus. They will remove some amniotic fluid, which is the fluid that protects the baby during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid contains cells and chemicals that can indicate genetic abnormalities, fetal infection, and the fetus’ sex. An amniocentesis is usually available from week 15 onward, but a doctor will only perform it if there are concerns about the presence of genetic conditions. An amniocentesis carries various risks, including a very slight risk of pregnancy loss.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
Similar to amniocentesis, CVS involves using a needle to retrieve tissue from the placenta. This test can indicate if a fetus has Down syndrome or another chromosome-related condition. It can also determine the fetus’ sex. CVS is available from week 10 of pregnancy, and it carries approximately the same risk of pregnancy loss as amniocentesis. Women should only get CVS tests if there is an increased risk of chromosomal issues.
Morning sickness
More than 50% of pregnant women feel sick during the first trimester. Some people believe that more severe morning sickness indicates that the baby will be born female. The reasoning is that women carrying girls have high hormone levels, which worsens morning sickness, while women carrying boys have less nausea because hormone levels are lower. There is very little research into this theory, and the studies that do exist have reported conflicting findings. For example, an older study from 1999 supported the idea that women carrying female fetuses had more severe morning sickness. However, a 2013 study of 2,450 births suggested a slightly higher rate of nausea and vomiting among women carrying boys compared with those carrying girls. Among the study population, 79.5% of women carrying male fetuses reported nausea and vomiting, while only 72.3% of women carrying female fetuses reported the symptoms.
Salty and savory cravings
A study from 2014 reported that 50–90% of pregnant women in the United States have cravings. The desired foods range widely. One myth claims that women expecting boys crave salty and savory foods, such as potato chips, and those carrying girls prefer sweet foods, such as ice cream and chocolate. However, cravings are more likely to represent a woman’s nutritional needs. Authors of the same study suggest a similarity between the foods a woman craves immediately before a menstrual period and those craved during pregnancy.
Healthy hair and skin
Another misconception is that a female fetus causes dull skin, acne, and limp hair during pregnancy, while a male fetus results in no changes in appearance. Realistically, the extensive hormonal changes that occur throughout pregnancy affect the skin and hair of most women, regardless of the sex of the fetus. One study reported that more than 90% of pregnant women experienced changes in their skin and hair.
While it can be exciting to guess at the fetus’ sex, only medical testing can accurately identify it.
However, these tests are not always entirely accurate, and they are only an option after the 10th week of pregnancy.
- Jayne Leonard
Most common early signs of pregnancy. As we’ve explored, everyone is different, but there are some symptoms that many women experience when pregnant. As well as a missed period, some of the very early signs of pregnancy can include nausea, breast tenderness, and spotting.
Sep 7, 2021 · Learn how this second trimester sonogram works and how to tell if the images you see indicate that a baby boy or girl is on the way.
- Lauren Gelman
- 1 min
- Sore Breasts. Sore breasts are common in very early pregnancy. Breasts swell and begin to feel sore due to fluctuations in hormones. Your breasts may be extra tender as early as one or two weeks after conception.
- Cramping, Backaches, and Pelvic Discomfort. Many people understandably mistake cramping, pelvic discomfort, and backaches during early pregnancy for PMS symptoms.
- Implantation Bleeding. When a fertilized egg implants into the plush lining of the uterus about six to 12 days after conception, you might experience light vaginal spotting.
- Fatigue. During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your body is working extra hard 24/7 to support your growing embryo, and fatigue is a normal response.
Mar 30, 2020 · According to some, having an anterior placenta means you’re having a girl, whereas a posterior placenta means you’re having a boy. But is this an accurate way to predict biological sex? Let’s...
People also ask
Do early pregnancy symptoms overlap with PMS symptoms?
Do premenstrual symptoms overlap with early pregnancy symptoms?
Why is my Baby Not getting a good fetal look?
Does carrying a high or low fetus mean a male?
Can pregnancy symptoms tell the sex of a fetus?
Jun 26, 2023 · Pregnancy signs and symptoms. If you’re pregnant, you may notice common early indicators. These can include: mild cramping and spotting. missed period. fatigue. nausea. tingling or sore...
