It’s a question every pregnant mom gets asked when she walks into a room with her baby bump: are you having a boy or a girl?
But even if you and your partner have decided you don’t want to know your baby’s gender until the birth, it’s still lots of fun trying to guess baby’s gender.
Moms swear these old wives tales are accurate gender predictors:
Sweet or salty?
If you crave all things sweet – it’s a girl. Cravings for salty or protein-rich food, like biltong and cheese means it must be a boy. The thinking? Men like meat, so boys must like meat, so you’ll crave meat if you’re having a boy. Simple really…
The garlic test
Apparently if you eat a lot of garlic, but you don’t smell like it, it means you’re carrying a girl.
Morning sickness
Sorry moms, but this pregnancy symptom doesn’t seem to discriminate. But if you’re suffering from excessive nausea and vomiting, the old wives say you’re expecting a girl.
ALSO SEE: Moms share their morning sickness remedies
Pregnancy glow
If your complexion is bright and your hair is thick and glossy, you could be having a boy – if you’re breaking out, chances are you’re having a girl – it’s said a girl steals her mom’s good looks. (We’ve also heard that if your face gets rounder you’re having a girl.)
The ring test
Tie a ring on a string and have it hang over your tummy – if it moves in a circular motion, it’s said you’re going to have a girl, but if it swings side to side in a rocking motion, it means you’re having a boy.
Chinese gender predictor
Place one finger at the age you were before you conceived, and the other on the month of conception. Where your fingers meet in the middle will predict if you’re having a boy or a girl. You can dowload a Chinese predictor chart here.
Carrying high or very low
According to pregnancy lore, if you’re carrying high it means you’re having a girl, while carrying low means you’re having a boy. We’re not sure if the latter has anything to do with the impatience to be born, but we like to think so.
ALSO SEE: Boy-girl recipe – can you choose your baby’s gender?
The cabbage test
Just in case you haven’t had enough of peeing on sticks, the cabbage test suggests you urinate on a boiled cabbage. Does the vegetable turn pink? You’ve got it – you should be checking out girls’ names. If it turns purple, you’re expecting a boy.
Cup size
It’s a girl if…your boobs have suddenly taken on DD proportions. While some of us might like a cup-size boost, we’re almost certain breasts swell during pregnancy….
Your partner’s growing dad bod
If it seems your partner has gained a few kilos around his midline since you’ve heard the news you’re expecting, it’s a girl. But don’t shoot the messenger, that’s just what we’ve heard.
Editor of Living and Loving. She is responsible for developing the brand’s overall content and business strategy.
She has worked on various newspapers and magazines as a journalist and editor over the years. Passionate about health and wellbeing, she has won several respected industry awards for writing and editing. She’s featured on radio and television as a health and parenting expert numerous times and has judged the Pfizer Mental Health Journalism Awards on three occasions.
Outside of work, she enjoys trying out recipes, reading crime mysteries and thrillers, practicing yoga, and exploring new destinations.
Learn more about Sonya Naudé.
