Knowing the gender of the baby and revealing it in front of the world are the two most exciting things for the would-be parents. But you will have to eagerly wait at least until 12 weeks of pregnancy to confirm the gender of the baby on board (1). However, there are some signs according to old wives’ tales that can predict you are pregnant with a girl.
With the help of these signs, you can guess whether you will have a baby boy or a baby girl. You can even argue with your partner, friends, and family based on these signs and your gut feeling. Surely it is going to be a fun time with lots of healthy debates and curious anticipations.
Video of Top 11 Signs You’re Pregnant With a Girl
Things To Remember
Before guessing the gender of the unborn baby, you must remember these key things:-
- These are non-scientific. That means, no research has proved that if you have one of these signs, you are pregnant with a girl baby. It also does not prove that if you have none of these symptoms, you will not have a girl.
- Consider this as a fun exercise. Since the gender of the baby is big suspense, it will be fun to use this list to guess the gender.
- Understand there is no way you can be sure of gender, unless through an ultrasound scan, which is illegal.
17 Signs To Know You Are Pregnant With a Girl
There are certain signs based on folktales, traditions, and age-old beliefs that can ensure you are pregnant with a girl. Although there is no scientific backup confirming these myths, they are fun to observe. So let’s see some of these myths about when you are pregnant with a baby girl and the facts behind them.
1. Your Baby has a Faster Heart Rate:
Myth: This is a popular myth that if the BPM or beats per minute of the fetus’ heart is more than 140 then it is a girl.
Fact: The heart rate of the fetus revolves typically around 110 bpm to 160 bpm (2). So, depending on the activities and responses to conditions inside the uterus the fetal heart rate can fluctuate. So next time you go for an ultrasound scan, you know what to watch out for.
2. You are Carrying High:
Your tummy’s position is a big giveaway! This is how most ladies from the older generation predict gender after having one fleeting look at you.
Myth: If people are telling your bump to sit high on your stomach then it is probably a girl. In contrast, if the bump looks low or close to the pelvic bone then it can be a boy.
Fact: The appearance of the baby bump will vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. In the early stages, the bump will look low as the uterus has not expanded to its maximum extent. Later on, it will look high as the size of the uterus grows along with your baby inside.
3. Pregnancy Glow:
Myth: There is this popular belief that oily skin and acne during pregnancy mean there is a baby girl inside you. So if you get a sudden outburst of acne just like your teenage then the possibilities are you are having a girl.
Fact: Oily skin and acne are directly linked with hormonal changes during pregnancy. A surge in the pregnancy hormones leads to increased sebum production which can heighten the chances of acne outbursts (3).
4. You have Thinning Hair:
One of the best news during pregnancy is that you tend to have little to no hair fall.
Myth: However, if your hair loses its luster and shine and your nails get weak and brittle then chances are that it is a girl. In the case of boys, your hair and nails will get healthy, shiny, and strong.
Fact: Lack of biotin, a complex vitamin, in the regular diet, can cause hard and brittle nails (4). Excessive use of soaps and shampoos can also reduce the natural luster of your hair and nails.
5. You are Moody:
All pregnancies come with mood swings, no doubt. However, did you know that your “prominent mood” might be indicative of your baby’s gender?
Myth: According to the myths if you are having a turbulence of behaviors then a baby girl is on board.
Fact: Mood swings are very common during pregnancy and occur mainly because of hormonal imbalances (5). Mood swings can equally occur irrespective of the gender of the baby.
6. You Sleep on the Right:
For a healthy pregnancy, your doctor might advise you to sleep, especially on your left side.
Myth: But, if you tend to sleep on your right more, or if you are more comfortable when you are lying on your right side, then get ready to paint the room pink!
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that sleeping on the right side results in a female baby. Doctors advise you to sleep on either of your sides which comforts you the most. Avoid sleeping on your back and belly as it can put pressure on your spine and uterus.
7. You Crave Sweets:
During your pregnancy, you are sure to crave a lot of food items. The kind of food you crave might give away your child’s gender.
Myth: If you feel more in love with chocolates and sweets then the old wives say it can be a baby girl. But if your appetite is for salty snacks then it is a boy.
Fact: Our body craves deficient food substances to fill up the deficiency. Hence, a craving for sweets may indicate a deficiency of glucose in your body (6).
8. You Pass the Garlic Test:
This is one very popular old wives’ trick. Eat a clove of garlic and wait.
Myth – If after one or two hours you do not smell like garlic then it is a girl. But if it smells like garlic especially if your sweat smells like it then it is a boy.
Fact: During the time of pregnancy your sweat glands get hyperactive and even your composition of sweat also changes (7). This may lead to changes in body odor. You can even smell like garlic without eating it!
9. You have Bad Morning Sickness:
While feeling nausea in the morning is part and parcel of pregnancy if you have really bad morning sickness,
Myth: The myth says if you are experiencing severe morning sickness then it is going to be a girl.
Fact: Morning sickness depends on hormonal imbalance and low levels of blood sugar, which are common during the initial phase of pregnancy (8). There is no scientific proof indicating severe morning sickness with the birth of a baby girl.
10. You do the Baking Powder Test:
Another trick right from your kitchen. Take a disposable glass, add a tablespoon of baking powder, and add to your urine.
Myth: In this test, you will have to put your urine in a cup and then add two tablespoons of baking soda to it. The myth says if the mixture stays flat then it is a girl but if it goes fizzy then it is a boy.
Fact: Urine is acidic and when it reacts with baking soda aka sodium bicarbonate it releases carbon dioxide (9). This gas can release tiny bubbles which can cause the fizz.
11. Breast Size:
Another myth says that changes in breast size can predict the sex of the newborn baby.
Myth: If the breast size increases in proportion with your overall body then it is a girl. If the breasts increase disproportionately large then it can be a boy.
Fact: Breast changes are one of the early signs of pregnancy and a result of hormonal changes like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin (10). It has nothing to do with the gender of your baby.
12. Urine Color:
Urine color is not linked to the sex of the baby, but it tells about your health condition.
Myth: Conventional wisdom says that dull yellow-colored urine indicates the signs you are pregnant with a girl’s baby.
Fact: The color of the urine depends on fluid intake, hormonal changes, infection, diet, and medicines. You can even notice changes in the color of your urine at different times of a single day. Dull or clear urine color could be due to the hydration of your body, whereas dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Supplements, foods, and medications may change the color of urine also.
13. Length of Linear Niagra:
Some of them believe that the dark line (linea niagra) that appears on the baby bump can also indicate the sex of your baby. The Linea Niagra is the black line on your belly that appears only during pregnancy.
Myth: If that line continues to stretch above your belly button, it is a boy baby. If it is shorter and starts below your belly button then it is a girl.
Fact: Surge in the pregnancy hormones can cause rapid production of melanin in your body. This excess melanin can cause Hyperpigmentation which causes Linea Nigra (11). So its length depends on your rate of melanin production and it can not determine the sex of your baby..
14. Weight Gain All Over The Body
Myth: If you are gaining extra weight all over the body, especially in the lower body such as the thighs and bottom area then chances are it is a girl. Whereas for boys the weight gain can be specific to the area around your belly.
Fact: Pregnancy weight gain entirely depends on the individual body types, eating habits, and prepregnancy weight. The family history or tendency of obesity can also influence your pregnancy weight gain (12).
15. Flat Baby Bump
Myth: A wide or flat baby bump indicates the arrival of a baby girl whereas a perfectly oval and pointed baby bump may indicate a boy inside.
Fact: The shape of your baby bump often depends on the position of your baby inside the uterus and the amount of amniotic fluid (13). If the baby prefers to lie sideways then your bump will look flat and wide.
16. Your Partner Is Also Gaining Some Weight
Myth: If your partner is also giving you competition in weight gain then there are chances of having a baby girl.
Fact: This can happen as a result of dietary changes in your family through your pregnancy days. How can your partner restrict himself from having some extra protein and fat when you are munching on them? Besides a condition named the couvade syndrome can also cause this problem (14).
17. High Blood Pressure
Myth: If you are experiencing high blood pressure that was not usual before pregnancy then it is a girl.
Fact: High blood pressure is common during pregnancy but it doesn’t indicate the gender. High blood pressure can occur due to stress and lead to gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (15).
It is difficult to count each day up until the final verdict of whether you are going to have a baby girl or a baby boy. Till then these signs you are pregnant with a baby girl will help you to make some predictions. Though there is no factual confirmation of these old wives’ tales, they are fun to explore.
FAQ’s
1. Are the Signs of a Baby Girl Real?
Although it’s fun to guess the gender of the child before birth, scientists say that there is no such thing as signs of a girl baby or a boy baby.
2. What are the Signs of a Baby Girl in Pregnancy?
There is no fact but only gender myth when it comes to guessing the gender of the unborn child. Still, as per old wives’ tales, early morning sickness, high belly, bright yellow urine, pregnancy acne, and sweets cravings are symptoms of a girl baby in pregnancy.
3. Is there any Actual Sign of a Baby Boy or Baby Girl?
The game of guessing the gender of the child begins as soon as the test of pregnancy comes in as positive. But a proper medical test like an ultrasound can only determine the child’s gender and that too after a few months of pregnancy.
4. Is Nausea a Sign of a Baby Girl?
Nausea is one of the signs of being pregnant in a few women. However, it is not a scientifically proven symptom of being pregnant with a baby girl.
5. Is Continuous Vomiting a Sign of a Baby Girl?
Again no! Continuous or repeated vomiting is not a confirmed sign of carrying a female fetus. Only medical tests can determine the gender of an unborn child.
While it is fun to guess the gender of the baby, please remember that what matters is that you have a strong and healthy child, gender is only secondary. In India, it is illegal for radiologists to disclose the gender of the unborn baby. It is also illegal for you to ask.
6. Do You Feel More Tired When Pregnant With a Girl?
According to a study done by Ohio State University, it is identified that women carrying girls experience more nausea and fatigue during pregnancy.
7. Does White Discharge During Pregnancy Mean Boy or Girl?
Your baby’s gender is usually identified only during ultrasounds. However, if you are having leukorrhea or vaginal discharge during pregnancy, it could also mean you are having a baby boy. But, vaginal discharge is also a common pregnancy side effect, and you must ensure to consult your doctor if you observe what is more than normal.
Good luck with your pregnancy!
References
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- John Hopkins Medicine, Fetal Heart Monitoring – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/
- NHS, Acne – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/causes/#
- Saleem F, Soos MP. Biotin Deficiency. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547751/#
- NCT, motions during pregnancy – https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/how-you-might-be-feeling/
- Hill AJ, Cairnduff V, McCance DR. Nutritional and clinical associations of food cravings in pregnancy. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2016 Jun – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5054961/
- Dermnet, Skin changes in pregnancy – https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-changes-in-pregnancy
- Better Health Channel, Pregnancy – morning sickness – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/
- Senewiratne NL, Woodall A, Can AS. Sodium Bicarbonate. [Updated 2024 Feb 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559139/
- Alex, A., Bhandary, E., & McGuire, K. P. (2020). Anatomy and Physiology of the Breast during Pregnancy and Lactation. Advances in experimental medicine and biology – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32816256/
- Cleveland cLinic, Linea Nigra – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23488-linea-nigra
- Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes in Relation to Body Mass Index in Asian Indian Women
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5477449/ - Bhavadharini B, Anjana RM, Deepa M, Jayashree G, Nrutya S, Shobana M, Malanda B, Kayal A, Belton A, Joseph K, Rekha K, Uma R, Mohan V. Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes in Relation to Body Mass Index in Asian Indian Women. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Jul – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16708416/
- Klein H. (1991). Couvade syndrome: male counterpart to pregnancy. International journal of psychiatry in medicine – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2066258/#
- National Heart, Lunga and Bird Institute, High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy-
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/pregnancy
