Old Wives’ Tales About Pregnancy

Is there truth to old wives’ tales about pregnancy?

 Old wives’ tales about pregnancy have been passed down for generations. They can be fun to share and funny to hear, but is there any truth to them? Our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs break down a few of the most well-known pregnancy myths to find any facts.

Boys have a slower heart rate, while girls’ heart rates are faster

 One of the most common pregnancy myths relates to a baby’s heart rate. It’s said that a slower heart rate, under 140 beats per minute, means the baby is a boy. A faster heart rate, higher than 140 bpm, indicates a girl. Not true. There’s no correlation between a baby’s heart rate and sex. In fact, a baby’s heart rate changes throughout the pregnancy and can even fluctuate minute to minute. 

The shape of the belly bulge indicates gender

 Tradition says that if a woman is carrying her baby low, it is a boy. If the baby bump is higher, it’s a girl. The truth is, the shape and placement of a woman’s belly doesn’t indicate sex. The biggest factors in how a woman carries her baby are the strength of her abdominal muscles and how many previous pregnancies she’s had. 

Morning sickness means it’s a girl

 Many women who experience significant morning sickness are assured by friends that they’re expecting girls. Again, this well-intentioned information turns out to be false. There is no correlation between morning sickness and a baby’s sex. 

Heartburn during pregnancy means your baby will have a lot of hair

 This pregnancy myth is the first to have a chance of being true. A very small medical study by Johns Hopkins indicated a relationship between women who experienced severe heartburn or reflux during pregnancy and babies with an above average amount of hair at birth. But, based on the size of the study, we’re not convinced. 

Pregnancy cravings reveal whether you’re having a boy or a girl

 If you believe old wives’ tales about pregnancy, then craving salty, savory foods means a woman is having a boy, while women expecting girls crave sweets. We agree that pregnancy cravings are legitimate, but they are unique to each woman and don’t reveal a baby’s sex. 

A full moon causes women to go into labor

 If you ask a labor and delivery nurse, she might say this pregnancy myth is true. But don’t use moon phases to predict the end of your pregnancy, because there’s no scientific proof that a full moon induces labor. 

Don’t rely on pregnancy myths

 Is there truth to old wives’ tales about pregnancy? They may be fun for baby shower speculation, but at the end of the day, most don’t hold up to science. Enjoy your pregnancy and all of the traditions that come along with it. But, for accurate information about your pregnancy, bring your questions to our Austin and Dripping Springs OBGYNs. Contact Hill County OB/GYN Associates for a prenatal appointment.