If a woman is carrying a girl, an ultrasound can reveal this, typically around week 20 of the pregnancy. Signs of having a girl are very effective. Other tests, like as amniocentesis, can also yield a conclusive response. There are also unfounded myths regarding indicators that someone is having a girl, however science refutes them.
Although most of the indicators of a girl or boy being born are likely based more on tradition than science, friends and relatives may nonetheless point them out.
The best method to determine the sex of a baby is to have an ultrasound performed 20 weeks into the pregnancy.
This article addresses some of the conventional indicators of a girl’s pregnancy and examines whether these indicators are supported by science.
Seven Signs of Having a Girl
1. Severe morning sickness
Severe morning sickness is sometimes interpreted as a girl’s pregnancy indicator. Indeed, new studies indicate that the baby’s sex may have anything to do with pregnant women’s health issues.
According to a 2017 study, women pregnant girls had higher levels of inflammation in their immune systems than women carrying boys when exposed to microorganisms.
This distinction might affect how morning sickness affects women who are pregnant with girls. They might feel worse than women who are expecting boys.
To completely understand whether there is a connection between morning sickness and a baby’s sex, more research is required.
2. Extreme mood swings
Mood swings during pregnancy are frequently brought on by hormonal changes. Some believe that women who are pregnant are moodier because they are producing more estrogen. However, research does not back up this theory. Extreme mood swings are signs of having a girl.
Regardless of gender, hormone levels increase during pregnancy and decrease after giving birth.
3. Weight gain around the middle
Some people believe that a woman carrying a girl is carrying a lot of weight around her belly when she accumulates a lot of weight during her pregnancy. Additionally, they can think that growing weight only at the front of the body denotes a boy.
Once more, scientific data contradicts this theory. The location of a pregnant woman’s weight gain is determined by her body type.
4. Sugar cravings
Pregnant women often develop new appetites. Some believe a woman may be carrying a girl if she craves sugar, whereas a woman may be carrying a boy if she craves salt.
There is no scientific proof that a pregnant woman’s dietary preferences can reveal the sex of her unborn child.
5. Stress levels
Preconception stress levels in women may have an impact on the sex of their unborn child. A 2012 study (Trusted Source) discovered a connection between the male to female birth ratio and cortisol levels, a stress hormone.
According to this study, women who had higher cortisol levels were statistically more likely to give birth to a girl.
A 2013 investigationAccording to a reliable source, the male birth rate decreased in the two years after an earthquake struck the Greek island of Zakynthos. Researchers hypothesized that the birth ratio was impacted by elevated stress levels in the island’s population.
To fully comprehend the connection between stress and the sex of unborn children, more research is required.
6. Oily skin and dull hair
Some individuals think that dull hair and greasy skin could indicate a girl is being carried.
There is no scientific basis for this notion.
However, variations in hair texture or oil production during pregnancy may be linked to dietary or hormonal changes.
7. Baby’s rapid heartbeat
Some people think the baby might be female if their heart beats quickly.
Decades ago, a study dispelled this myth by demonstrating that there was no discernible difference in the heart rates of male and female fetuses.
How Doctors Test For The Baby’s Sex
When the doctor does an ultrasound scan at 20 weeks, it is the optimum time to find out the sex of the unborn child.
During the scan, the baby’s genitalia will be examined by the doctor to ascertain their sex. While many objects can obstruct the ultrasound image, this is typically correct but not always.
- aminocentesis
- chorionic villus sampling
- noninvasive prenatal testing
Takeaway
Most anecdotal evidence of having a girl is false and has to be disproved.
A woman may be more likely to have a girl if she experiences excessive morning sickness and preconceptional stress, but further research is required to completely understand how these factors affect a baby’s sex.
Asking the doctor during the 20-week ultrasound for their professional opinion is the most helpful technique to find out the sex of the baby.