Medical tests can tell a pregnant person if they are having a baby boy or a baby girl. Scientific research does not support using symptoms during pregnancy to guess the sex of the fetus.
According to folklore, everything from the position of the bump to the severity of symptoms can indicate the sex of the fetus. However, various medical tests can confirm this information.
This article sheds light on some of the myths and looks at the proven methods of identifying the sex of a fetus.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Doctors primarily use a blood test called a cell-free DNA (cfDNA) prenatal screening test to detect issues with chromosomes.
Pregnant people can take this test at 10 weeks, and results are usually available within 7–10 days.
The test is typically reserved for pregnant people over the age of 35 years. A doctor may also suggest it if they suspect an issue with the fetus’s chromosomes.
Some people also refer to this test as the “gender test” as it can also tell the sex of the baby.
Any pregnant person can request the test, but some insurance plans do not cover the cost.
During an amniocentesis, a doctor will insert a thin needle through the skin into the uterus. They will remove some amniotic fluid, which is the fluid that protects the baby during pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid contains cells and chemicals that
- genetic abnormalities
- fetal infection
- the sex of the fetus
An amniocentesis is usually available from
An amniocentesis carries various risks, including a very slight risk of pregnancy loss. It is important to discuss this and any questions about the test with the doctor beforehand.
Similar to amniocentesis, CVS involves using a needle to retrieve tissue from the placenta. This test can indicate if a fetus has Down syndrome or another chromosome-related condition. It can also determine the fetus’ sex.
CVS is available between
A person should only get CVS tests if there is an increased risk of chromosomal issues.
An ultrasound is a noninvasive way to determine the sex of the fetus.
This is only effective from
The ultrasound technician may not always be able to tell the sex during the scan, especially if the fetus is not in an ideal position or the pregnancy has not yet sufficiently progressed.
Scientific research does not support the following ways of guessing the sex of a fetus.
Morning sickness
Some people believe that more severe morning sickness indicates that the baby will be born female.
The thought behind this is that people carrying girls have high hormone levels, which worsens morning sickness, while those carrying boys have less nausea because hormone levels are lower.
There is very little research into this theory, and the studies that do exist have reported conflicting findings.
For example, an older study from 1999 supported the idea that women carrying female fetuses had more severe morning sickness.
However, a 2020 study of data from 4,320 pregnancies reported a higher rate of nausea and vomiting during the first trimester among people carrying girls compared with those carrying boys.
More research into whether severe morning sickness can indicate the sex of the baby is necessary. At present, there is not enough research to fully support this.
Discover tips for relieving morning sickness.
Salty and savory cravings
One myth claims that people expecting boys crave salty and savory foods, such as potato chips, and those carrying girls prefer sweet foods, such as ice cream and chocolate.
However, cravings are more likely to represent a person’s nutritional needs. A 2024 study of 500 pregnant people found that 75% experienced cravings during pregnancy, with 40.6% having an iron deficiency and 29.1% a vitamin D deficiency.
The study also noted that there was no significant link between food cravings and the sex of the baby.
Skin and hair changes
Another misconception is that a female fetus causes dull skin, acne, and limp hair during pregnancy, while a male fetus results in no changes in appearance.
Realistically, the extensive hormonal changes that occur throughout pregnancy affect the skin and hair of most people, regardless of the sex of the fetus.
Up to 90% of pregnant people experienced hyperpigmentation, while up to 70% had melasma, which refers to patches of pigmentation on the skin, usually the face.
Hair changes, including hair loss, can also happen during pregnancy. However, there is no information to suggest that the severity of hair loss can indicate the sex of the fetus.
Learn about skin conditions that can occur during pregnancy.
Mood changes
One myth suggests that pregnant people who do not experience mood swings are carrying boys, while those who do experience noticeable changes in mood are carrying girls.
The truth is that it is common to have mood swings during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
There is no research to suggest that mood swings are more common if a person is carrying a boy or a girl.
Fetal heart rate
A fetus’s heart will start beating at approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy. A fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm), though it may be higher or lower than this.
One suggestion is that a fetus with fewer than 140 bpm is male, while female fetuses have more rapid heartbeats. However, a
Similarly, a
Feeling tired
Some people believe that a person will feel more tired during the pregnancy if they are carrying a boy. However, there is no research to support this.
Feelings of tiredness and fatigue are common during pregnancy, particularly early in the pregnancy.
Increased gas
A person may experience an increase in gas when pregnant. Some people suggest that this means that a person is expecting a boy.
However, one reason for the increase in gas may be due to indigestion, which is common during pregnancy. It most likely happens due to hormonal changes and the position of the fetus pressing against the stomach, rather than due to the sex of the fetus.
Position of the bump
Some people believe that carrying low indicates a male fetus while carrying high indicates that the fetus is female. However, there is no truth to this belief.
Factors that determine the shape and size of a pregnant person’s bump include the size of the fetus and its position.
Does a pregnancy belly with a girl and boy differ?
Some people believe that a low baby bump indicates that they are carrying a baby boy, while a higher bump indicates a baby girl. However, there is no scientific research to support this. Each person’s pregnancy belly will be different, and there is no research to indicate that it can depend on the sex of the fetus.
Is my baby a girl or boy?
The only way to find out whether a baby is a boy or a girl is with medical testing, Blood tests and ultrasound can determine the sex of the fetus. Other methods, such as the severity of morning sickness or changes in mood, are unreliable. The only way to find out whether a baby is a boy or a girl is with medical testing,
Is there a higher chance of having a boy than a girl?
The chance of a pregnant person having a boy or girl is roughly the same. Around 51% of deliveries are boys, meaning that around 49% are girls.
Certain medical tests can determine the sex of a fetus. These include the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) prenatal screening test, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and ultrasound.
Scientific research does not support some ways of determining the sex of the fetus. These include the severity of morning sickness, the position of the bump, food cravings, and more.