Boy or Girl? 34 Old Wives’ Tales for Predicting a Baby’s Gender

For generations, parents have turned to old wives' tales to guess whether they're having a boy or girl—from how they carry their bump to what foods they crave. But can these traditional gender predictors and gender prediction tests really tell you the truth, or are they just fun to try?

Coming up: We dive deeper into the most popular old wives’ tales and uncover if any have even a hint of truth behind them!

What’s an “Old Wives’ Tale”?

In today’s world, the phrase and idea of an “old wives’ tale” is certainly outdated, but the origins are quite interesting. “Wives” actually refers to women in general, as it comes from the English word wif and the German word weib, both meaning “women.” The idea is that older women passed down stories, myths, superstitions, legends, and the like to younger generations, with many of these legends existing for centuries before writing, print, and literacy became the norm. 

Some of these tales are based on morality and were published as fairytales and fables, while others center on women’s health and related themes, including pregnancy, puberty, and nutrition, for example. 

These stories are part of our culture and shared human history. Though medical advances have proved many wrong, it’s fun to learn about old wives’ tales about gender prediction, especially as a distraction if you’re always wondering, "Am I having a boy or a girl?"

How Do Old Wives’ Tales “Predict” Gender?

Many old wives’ tales were thought to work as gender prediction tests, and you might have already heard of a few. Maybe someone has told you how the shape of your baby bump is a sign you’re having a boy or that your intense morning sickness means you’re having a girl. Of course, science has debunked these myths, but they’re still fun to hear! 

So, no, old wives’ tales can’t really predict gender, but these legends were once the only way to try. Now we have a better shot at knowing the biological sex of a baby before birth. But, if you’re wondering how to predict the gender

of your baby and you haven’t quite made it to that ultrasound yet, read on for some unscientific but entertaining ways to predict whether you’re having a girl or boy!

Old Wives’ Tales Gender Prediction: Pregnancy Symptoms

Many old wives’ tales for gender prediction center on typical early pregnancy symptoms or those symptoms you feel in your second or third trimesters. According to these stories and myths, morning sickness, cravings, heartburn, and even your blood pressure levels may reveal the gender of your baby!

Old Wives’ Tales Gender Prediction: Body Changes

Wondering how to predict the gender of your baby by looking at the changes to your body? Some old wives’ tales look at body changes—both yours and your developing baby’s—to predict genders. So, keep an eye on the size of your adorable belly bump and pay attention to changes in your breasts and your baby’s heart rate.

Old Wives’ Tales Gender Prediction: Methods

In addition to looking at pregnancy symptoms and body changes, there are other gender prediction methods you could try. You could take your chance on one of the most popular methods, the Chinese gender prediction chart, or give the legendary Mayan gender predictor a shot. 

Unlike the baby gender predictor methods above, most of the following aren't accompanied by medical facts to set you straight, as these methods are totally for fun!

Old Wives’ Tales for Gender Prediction: Tests

How to predict the gender of a baby? Besides the myths above, other stories and traditions use a simple gender prediction test to reveal if you’re having a boy or girl. From eating garlic to the classic wedding ring gender test, these old wives’ tales are all just for fun and don’t come with any revealing truths. Enjoy!

Signs You’re Having a Boy vs. Girl: Involve Your Partner!

Of course, you can involve your partner in any or all of the silly old wives’ tales for gender prediction above, but here are a few methods that require your partner's participation to predict your baby’s gender.

When Can an Ultrasound Show Your Baby’s Sex?

“Am I having a boy or girl?” is an exciting question to ponder during your pregnancy journey. For many, the mid-pregnancy ultrasound at about 18 to 20 weeks reveals the big news. Waiting this long can be tough if you're super eager to know if it’s a boy or girl!

Using old wives’ tales to predict your baby’s gender can be a fun and lighthearted way to pass the time while you wait. However, it's important to note that these gender prediction tests and tales are not accurate, medical, or scientific. While ultrasounds can also be misinterpreted, they remain your best option for determining the baby's gender. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider in advance if you would like to know the baby’s sex, so they can ensure they don’t forget or accidentally reveal it if you prefer not to know!

Of course, the only way to know for sure is to wait until the big day. But until then, if you’re in the mood for a fun, alternative guess, don’t miss the Chinese Gender Predictor Tool!

The Bottom Line

How to tell if you’re having a boy or girl? Learning the sex of your baby is an exciting pregnancy milestone, so, understandably, you're eager for that ultrasound! To keep your mind occupied while you wait, have fun with some of these old wives’ tales and tests for gender prediction. 

Though a unique part of our history and storytelling traditions, these gender myths are now just for fun and entertainment. Enjoy them!  

One thing that’s definitely not a myth is how many diapers a baby uses, which might surprise you! Reward yourself for those diapers and wipes purchases by downloading the Pampers Rewards app—the perks you’ll earn are the real deal, not an old wives’ tale.