The Gender Prediction Game: Old Wives’ Tales About Baby’s Sex

1. High Fetal Heart Rate

Many expectant mothers believe that they can predict the gender of their unborn child based on the fetal heart rate. It is assumed that a heart rate below 140 beats per minute indicates a boy, while a rate above 140 beats per minute suggests a girl.

However, this notion is completely unfounded, according to TS. BS Bui Chi Thuong, Lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City. He asserts that a normal fetal heart rate can range from 110-150 beats per minute, or even 120-160 beats per minute, regardless of the baby’s gender.

Therefore, Dr. Thuong advises that pregnant women who notice an unusually fast or slow heart rate should consult a specialist promptly to avoid potential risks to the fetus, such as fetal heart failure or miscarriage.

Thus, the belief that a high fetal heart rate indicates a male fetus lacks scientific basis and is inaccurate. An abnormally fast or slow heart rate is a cause for concern and warrants regular medical check-ups to ensure timely support and monitoring.

2. Cravings for Salty Foods During Pregnancy

It is a common belief that pregnant women who crave sour foods are carrying a girl, while those who crave sweet or salty foods are expecting a boy. But is there any truth to this?

According to TS. BS Bui Chi Thuong, “The gender of the fetus is not determined by the mother’s preference for salty or sour foods. Associating fetal gender with specific food cravings is unscientific. Changes in a pregnant woman’s taste buds are due to hormonal fluctuations and are unrelated to the baby’s gender.”

In general, regardless of cravings, pregnant women should strive for a balanced and nutritious diet. Excessive consumption of sweets can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, while a high-sodium diet may lead to hypertension and edema, affecting both mother and child.

Additionally, expectant mothers should refrain from excessive consumption of stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and beer, as these can be harmful to the developing fetus.

3. Glowing Skin During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of the hormone beta-melanocyte, which stimulates skin pigmentation. Some mothers may notice dark spots or patches on their skin due to increased skin sensitivity, unrelated to the gender of the unborn child.

Generally, changes in skin pigmentation during pregnancy are primarily influenced by the mother’s physiology and lifestyle habits, rather than the gender of the fetus, which has minimal impact on hormone levels.

4. Slim Pregnancy Belly

According to old beliefs, a slim pregnancy belly indicates a boy, while a high and round belly suggests a girl. However, TS. BS Bui Chi Thuong explains that this is merely a superstition from a time when medical knowledge was less advanced.

He states, “The shape of the belly, whether round, pointed, or high, depends on the position of the fetus. A longitudinal position results in a long and slim belly, while a transverse position creates a round belly. Both male and female fetuses can assume any position, so belly shape is not indicative of gender.”

The appearance of a slim or high belly also depends on the mother’s height, muscle tone, and abdominal strength. Women with a slender build and strong abdominal muscles may have a more pronounced belly as their muscles effectively support the growing fetus.

5. Prominent Belly Button During Pregnancy

Some expectant mothers believe that a protruding belly button indicates a girl, while a slightly recessed navel suggests a boy. However, these changes in the navel are due to pressure from the growing uterus.

Initially, the navel may be weak and the skin thin, causing it to protrude under the increased abdominal pressure. This is a mild hernia and has nothing to do with the gender of the baby. However, mothers should consult a doctor if the navel protrudes excessively, as it may indicate that the intestines are being compressed.