15 Signs You Might Be Having a Girl (And Why They’re Fun to Spot!)
Waiting to find out your baby’s gender can feel like the longest wait of your life, right? With my first pregnancy, my husband Kevin and I decided to wait until the delivery day for the big reveal.
Let me tell you, those months were filled with endless guessing games, family bets, and me analyzing every single weird pregnancy symptom. I spent hours online, falling down the rabbit hole of old wives’ tales and gender prediction myths. Kevin thought I was nuts, but I found it all so much fun.
My name is Amanda Erin, and I’m a firm believer that the journey of pregnancy is meant to be enjoyed, quirks and all. While we all know that the only way to be 100% sure about your baby’s gender is through medical testing or, you know, actually meeting them, where’s the fun in being patient?
These old tales have been passed down for generations, and while they aren’t backed by science, they make for great conversation and help pass the time. So, let’s dive into some of the most popular signs that might just point to a little girl on the way.
Food Cravings and Morning Sickness: Is Your Tummy Trying to Tell You Something?
One of the most talked-about predictors is what you’re eating and how your stomach is handling it. The theories here are all over the place, but they’re some of the most common ones you’ll hear from well-meaning grandmas and aunts.
The Sweet Tooth Takeover
Legend has it that if you can’t get enough sugar, you’re probably having a girl. Craving chocolate, ice cream, pastries, and fruit? The old wives’ tale says that’s a clear sign of pink in your future. If you’re raiding the pantry for anything and everything sweet, you might just fit the bill.
With my first, I wanted nothing but donuts. I’m not even a huge donut person, but suddenly, I was dreaming about them. I’d send Kevin on late-night runs for a specific kind of jelly-filled donut from a bakery across town.
He’d joke, “This little one is already a diva.” Of course, we had a boy, so that theory went right out the window for us! But for my best friend, her pregnancy was all about chocolate milkshakes and gummy bears, and she welcomed a beautiful baby girl. It’s so interesting how different every pregnancy can be.
Sour and Salty for a Boy?
The flip side of this tale is that cravings for salty and sour foods (think pickles, potato chips, and pretzels) supposedly point to a boy. So, if you’re reaching for the salt shaker instead of the sugar bowl, tradition says you might be expecting a little man.
But again, these are just for fun! Pregnancy cravings are more likely linked to hormonal changes and nutritional needs than your baby’s gender. Still, it’s fun to see where your cravings fall, isn’t it?
The Severity of Morning Sickness
This is a big one. The theory goes that if you’re experiencing extreme morning sickness, or hyperemesis gravidarum, you’re more likely to be carrying a girl. The reasoning? Allegedly, hormone levels (specifically hCG) are higher when carrying a girl, leading to more intense nausea.
Some small studies have actually suggested a potential link here, which makes this tale a bit more compelling than others. But IMO, it’s still far from a guarantee. I had pretty mild morning sickness and had a boy.
My sister-in-law was sick as a dog for her entire pregnancy and also had a boy. It really seems to be a roll of the dice. If you are suffering from severe nausea, please talk to your doctor. Don’t just assume it’s a sign of a girl and that you have to tough it out!
Physical Changes: What Your Body Might Be Saying
Beyond what’s happening in your stomach, many of the old tales focus on the physical changes you see in the mirror. From your hair to your skin to the way you carry your baby, there are tons of “signs” to look for.
Carrying High vs. Carrying Low
You’ve probably heard this one a million times. “You’re carrying so high, it must be a girl!” The tale says that if your baby bump sits high and wide, you’re having a girl. If it’s low and pointy, it’s a boy.
This is one of the most classic gender prediction myths out there. From a practical standpoint, the way a woman carries is determined by her muscle tone, uterine shape, and the baby’s position, not its gender. But that doesn’t stop everyone from your mom to the cashier at the grocery store from offering their two cents. I carried high and everyone was convinced I was having a girl. Surprise!
The “Beauty Thief” Theory
Here’s a slightly less flattering one. An old saying goes, “a daughter steals her mother’s beauty.” According to this myth, if you’re having a girl, you might experience more acne, oily skin, and dull, limp hair. The idea is that the baby girl is “stealing” your good looks. A little dramatic, don’t you think?
If you’re having a boy, the tale suggests you’ll be blessed with the legendary “pregnancy glow,” clear skin, and shiny, thick hair. Hormonal fluctuations are the real culprit behind changes in your skin and hair during pregnancy, but it’s another fun one to track. Did you suddenly break out like a teenager? The old wives might be whispering, “It’s a girl!”
Hair and Nail Growth
How are your hair and nails holding up? Some people believe that if your hair becomes dull and thin and your nails become brittle, you’re expecting a girl. If your hair is growing thick and lustrous and your nails are stronger than ever, it’s supposedly a boy. Again, this ties back to the “beauty thief” idea. It’s all about those wild pregnancy hormones, which can affect everyone differently.
Heart Rate, Mood Swings, and Other Fun Tales
This next batch of “signs” is a mixed bag of popular myths that have been around for ages. They range from the slightly more logical to the downright bizarre, but they’re all part of the fun.
The Baby’s Heart Rate
At one of your first prenatal appointments, you’ll get to hear your baby’s heartbeat for the first time an absolutely magical moment. And as soon as it’s over, someone will likely ask, “What was the heart rate?”
The theory is:
- A heart rate above 140 beats per minute (bpm) suggests a girl.
- A heart rate below 140 bpm suggests a boy.
This is a persistent myth, but unfortunately, it has been debunked by several studies. A baby’s heart rate changes constantly. It will be faster at the beginning of pregnancy and slow down as you get closer to your due date.
It also fluctuates based on the baby’s activity level. When Kevin and I first heard our baby’s heartbeat, it was 155 bpm. My mom was immediately certain it was a girl. We just smiled and nodded, treasuring the sound more than the number.
Moody vs. Mellow
How are your emotions holding up? Are you bursting into tears during a sappy commercial one minute and feeling perfectly fine the next? According to folklore, experiencing extreme mood swings is a sign you’re having a girl. The idea is that the extra dose of female hormones from a baby girl adds to your own, creating an emotional rollercoaster.
If you’re feeling more mellow and even-keeled, the tale says you might be having a boy. Of course, pregnancy is an emotional time for everyone, regardless of the baby’s gender. Your body is going through immense changes, so being a little (or a lot) moody is completely normal.
The Ring Test
Ready to try a little party trick? The ring test is a classic. Here’s how you do it:
- Take off your wedding ring (or any ring).
- Tie it to a piece of string or a strand of your hair.
- Lie down and have your partner (Hi, Kevin!) dangle the ring over your baby bump.
- Watch how it moves.
The prediction goes:
- If the ring swings in a circular motion, it’s a girl.
- If it swings back and forth in a straight line, it’s a boy.
Is there any science to this? Absolutely not. But is it a fun little ritual to do at home or at your baby shower? Definitely! We did this, and the ring swung in a circle. Another point for “Team Girl” that turned out to be “Team Boy.” 🙂
Which Side Do You Sleep On?
This is a new one to me, but apparently, the side you prefer to sleep on can be a clue. If you find yourself consistently preferring to sleep on your right side, some say you’re having a girl. If you favor your left side, it might be a boy. Doctors recommend sleeping on your left side during pregnancy for optimal blood flow, so maybe this one isn’t the best to test out. Comfort is key!
Graceful or Clumsy?
Are you gliding through pregnancy with grace, or are you bumping into walls and tripping over your own feet? An old tale suggests that if you maintain your usual grace, you’re having a girl.
If you’ve become noticeably more clumsy, it might be a boy. Your center of gravity shifts dramatically during pregnancy, so a little clumsiness is completely normal for everyone.
Dad’s Weight Gain
Here’s one that gets your partner involved! It’s called sympathetic pregnancy weight gain, or Couvade syndrome. Some myths claim that if the father-to-be gains weight right alongside you, it’s a sign you’re having a girl. If his weight stays stable, it’s a boy.
Kevin definitely packed on a few sympathy pounds from all those late-night donut runs, so this was another tally for “Team Girl” in our house. FYI, this is more likely due to changes in lifestyle and eating habits (hello, leftover donut halves!).
Chinese Gender Predictor Chart
This ancient method involves a chart that supposedly predicts your baby’s gender based on the mother’s lunar age at conception and the lunar month of conception. It’s been around for centuries and is a fun tool to play with.
You can find these charts all over the internet. Just plug in your details and see what it says. It’s said to have a high accuracy rate, but scientifically, it’s about 50/50 just like any other guess!
Your Urine Color
Okay, this one is a little weird, but let’s go there. Some people believe the color of your urine can predict the baby’s gender. The tale says that dull, dark yellow urine points to a girl, while clear or bright yellow urine suggests a boy.
The color of your urine is actually determined by your hydration level. The darker it is, the more dehydrated you are. So, if your urine is dark, please drink more water instead of planning a gender reveal!
Skull Theory
This one has gained popularity in online parenting forums. The skull theory suggests you can determine the baby’s gender from your 12-week ultrasound scan by examining the shape of the skull.
- A rounder, smaller jaw and a less-defined brow ridge supposedly indicate a girl.
- A squarer jaw and a more prominent brow ridge supposedly indicate a boy.
This is another one that’s just for fun. Even ultrasound technicians will tell you that it’s nearly impossible to tell the gender this early based on skull shape alone. But it is fun to pull out your ultrasound pictures and play detective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Guessing
While playing the gender prediction game is harmless fun, it’s easy to get a little carried away. Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep it lighthearted.
- Don’t Take It Too Seriously: This is the most important rule. None of these methods are scientifically proven. Getting your hopes set on a specific gender based on whether you’re craving sweets or carrying high can lead to disappointment. Remember, the goal is a healthy baby, not a specific gender.
- Don’t Announce the Gender Based on Old Wives’ Tales: Imagine telling everyone you’re having a girl because a ring swung in a circle, only to have the 20-week ultrasound show a boy. It’s best to keep your predictions as a fun secret between you and your partner until you have confirmation.
- Don’t Let It Influence Your Purchases: It’s so tempting to start buying tiny pink dresses or little blue onesies based on a “feeling” or a myth. Try to stick to gender-neutral items until you know for sure. This will save you the hassle of returns and ensure you’re prepared no matter what. Kevin and I painted our nursery a lovely neutral gray, and it worked out perfectly.
- Avoid Arguments: Believe it or not, couples can get into disagreements over these myths. You might be convinced it’s a girl, while your partner is sure it’s a boy. It’s not worth fighting over. Laugh about it and enjoy the mystery together.
Conclusion: The Fun is in the Guessing
The nine-month wait to meet your little one is filled with anticipation, and these old wives’ tales are a wonderful way to bond with your partner, family, and friends over the shared excitement. From analyzing your cravings to dangling a ring over your belly, these rituals connect us to generations of expectant parents who have done the exact same thing.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if the ring test was right or if your cravings pointed in the wrong direction. The real magic is in the journey itself. So, embrace the stories, have fun with the predictions, and cherish this special time.
What about you? Did you try any of these prediction methods? Were they accurate for you? Share your stories in the comments below I’d love to hear them
