Curious about the sex of your baby? Have fun guessing with these old wives’ tales from around the world…
Baby myth 1: It’s all in the stomach shape
In Indonesia, it’s said that if your stomach sticks out, the baby is a boy. If it’s flat, then it’s a girl. There are lots of versions of this myth – for instance, if your belly is low, you’re carrying a boy, but if it’s high then it’s a girl.
Baby myth 2: Your looks give it away
In Chinese culture, healthy, glowing skin and hair means you’re carrying a girl, while rough skin means it’s a boy. But in some countries, the superstition goes that carrying a baby girl steals your beauty – so if you’re not looking so great, maybe that’s why!
Baby myth 3: Belly lines
Many mums-to-be develop a dark line on their belly during pregnancy. It’s called the linea nigra, and one old wives’ tale says that if it goes upwards to your ribs the baby is a boy, while if it goes from your navel to your pubic bone, you’re having a girl.
Baby myth 4:The pendulum test
According to this superstition, to reveal the sex of your baby, take your wedding ring or a needle, tie it to some cotton and hold it above your belly. If it goes back and forth, it’s a girl. If it circles, it’s a boy.
Baby myth 5: Uneven breasts
This has to be one of the strangest baby gender myths. Apparently, if your right breast is bigger than the left, you’re expecting a baby boy. Bigger left breast? It’s a girl!
Baby myth 6: Food cravings
Craving sweet foods? The baby’s a girl. If it’s salty or sour foods you want, then it’s a boy. Another version of this says that if you want to eat lots of vegetables, you’re expecting a boy; fruit means it’s a girl.
Baby myth 7: Round face or round bottom?
Has your face got rounder during pregnancy? You might be having a girl. But if the extra pounds have gone to your bottom, it’s a boy.
Baby myth 8: Dad’s weight
Take a good look at your baby’s dad. Has he put on weight since you’ve been pregnant? Then your bay is a girl. If he’s stayed trim, it’s a boy.
Baby myth 9: Cold feet
Are your feet feeling a little chilly? It might mean you’re carrying a boy, according to this Chinese old wives’ tale.
Baby myth 10: Your first baby’s hairline
A Ukrainian old wives’ tale says that if you already have a baby, the hairline at the back of their neck could be a clue to the sex of the next one. If it’s straight, it’s a boy. If it’s pointed, you can expect a little girl.
Just found out you’re expecting? Read about what happens in month 1 of pregnancy.
