Old wives tales about pregnancy have existed for centuries. Some people laugh these old adages off while others take them very seriously. We have all heard at least one old wives tale. However, it is noticed that there are so many old wives tales about pregnancy. Here are the most popular ones that you may have heard over the years and a few that you will be surprised about!

In this Article You Will Learn:

1.What is an old wives tale?

2. 44 old wives tales examples about pregnancy.

What is an old wives tale?

An “old wives’ tale” is a term used to describe a traditional belief or superstition that is passed down through generations, typically by word of mouth. These beliefs often lack scientific evidence or a rational basis but are often presented as if they were factual. Old wives’ tales are typically used to explain natural phenomena, offer advice on health or home remedies, or provide guidance on various aspects of life.

The term “old wives’ tale” is sometimes used pejoratively to indicate that the belief is outdated, unproven, or superstitious. It’s important to note that while some old wives’ tales may be based on some semblance of truth or wisdom, many of them have been debunked or are not reliable sources of information. People may still hear and share old wives’ tales as a form of folklore or as a way to pass down cultural knowledge, even if they aren’t scientifically accurate.

What are old wives tales about pregnancy

There are numerous old wives’ tales and superstitions associated with pregnancy. While many of these beliefs are not based on scientific evidence, they have been passed down through generations as a form of folklore. Here are 44 old wives’ tales about pregnancy:

Gender Prediction:

Carrying high means you’re having a girl, while carrying low means it’s a boy. b. The shape of your baby bump can predict the baby’s gender. c. If you’re craving sweets, it’s a girl; if you crave salty or savory foods, it’s a boy. d. The Chinese gender prediction chart can reveal the baby’s sex.

Heartburn and Hair:

If you have a lot of heartburn during pregnancy, your baby will be born with a full head of hair. b. If you don’t experience heartburn, your baby will be bald.

Morning Sickness:

Severe morning sickness means you’re having a girl. b. If you have mild morning sickness, you’re carrying a boy.

Baby’s Movement:

If the baby moves a lot, it’s a sign of an active baby. b. If the baby’s movements are more gentle, it’s a calm baby.

Wedding Ring Test:

Dangle a wedding ring over your belly; if it swings in circles, it’s a girl; if it moves back and forth, it’s a boy.

Cravings:

Craving sour foods means you’re having a boy. b. Craving sweets means it’s a girl.

Foot Growth:

Your feet will grow larger during pregnancy if you’re having a boy.

Hair and Skin Changes:

If your hair becomes thicker and shinier during pregnancy, you’re having a boy. b. If your skin becomes dry and dull, it’s a girl.

Breast Changes:

Larger, fuller breasts indicate a girl. Smaller breasts suggest a boy.

Swelling:

Swelling in the hands and feet means you’re having a girl. No swelling indicates a boy.

Mayan Gender Prediction:

Based on the mother’s age at conception and the year of conception, this ancient Mayan prediction can reveal the baby’s gender.

Pregnancy Glow:

A radiant pregnancy glow is a sign of a boy. b. Dull or no glow means a girl.

Cat and Dog Behavior:

If your cat or dog is more affectionate during pregnancy, it means you’re having a girl.

Moon’s Phase:

Conceiving during a certain moon phase can determine the baby’s gender.

Ring Test:

Thread a needle through your wedding ring and hold it over your palm; if it swings in a circle, it’s a girl, and if it moves side to side, it’s a boy.

Crack in the Pavement:

Stepping on a sidewalk crack while pregnant can cause your baby to have a cleft palate.

Linea Nigra:

The way the linea nigra (a dark line that can appear on the abdomen) is shaped can predict the baby’s gender.

New Moles:

Developing new moles during pregnancy can indicate a boy.

Hair Growth Rate:

If your hair grows faster, it’s a boy.

Heart Rate:

A faster fetal heart rate (above 140 bpm) means a girl. b. A slower fetal heart rate (below 140 bpm) means a boy.

Tummy Shape:

If your tummy is round and wide, you’re having a girl. b. If it’s pointy and narrow, it’s a boy.

Nail Growth:

Fast-growing nails indicate a boy.

Acne:

Breakouts during pregnancy suggest a girl.

Nesting Instinct:

Feeling the need to nest and organize means a girl. b. Not experiencing nesting means a boy.

Lunar Eclipse:

Conceiving during a lunar eclipse can predict a boy.

The Key Test:

Drop a key; if you pick it up by the round end, it’s a girl, and if you pick it up by the long end, it’s a boy.

Dry Hands:

If your hands become dry during pregnancy, you’re having a boy.

Baby’s Position:

If the baby is positioned low in the pelvis, it’s a boy; high in the abdomen, it’s a girl.

Age at Conception:

Conceiving during specific ages can predict the baby’s gender.

Ring Test (Alternative):

Thread a strand of your hair through your wedding ring; if it moves in circles, it’s a girl, and if it moves back and forth, it’s a boy.

Allergies:

Developing allergies during pregnancy can indicate a girl.

Food Handling:

If your pregnancy cravings make you want to eat the food raw, it’s a girl.

Baking Soda Test:

Mix your urine with baking soda; if it fizzes, it’s a boy.

Dad’s Weight Gain:

If the dad gains weight during the pregnancy, it’s a sign of a girl.

Ring Test (Alternative 2):

Tie your wedding ring to a piece of string and hold it over your palm; if it moves in a circle, it’s a girl, and if it moves side to side, it’s a boy.

Swinging Pendant Test:

Hold a pendant or necklace over your palm; if it swings in a circle, it’s a girl, and if it moves back and forth, it’s a boy.

Carrying Baby High or Low:

Carrying the baby high in the abdomen suggests a girl, while carrying low means a boy.

Leg Hair Growth:

If your leg hair grows faster during pregnancy, it’s a boy.

Spoon Test:

Place a spoon under your pillow; if you find it facing down in the morning, it’s a girl, and if it’s facing up, it’s a boy.

Cracked Teeth:

Some believe that if you lose a tooth or experience dental issues during pregnancy, it’s a sign of having a girl.

Rising Body Temperature:

If your body temperature rises during pregnancy, it’s a girl.

Pregnancy Weight Gain:

If you gain weight all over your body, it’s a girl. If you gain weight only in your belly, it must be a boy.

Have you heard of all of these old wives tales? There are so many that exist from all over the world. There are many reasons why these came to existence and why many people believe them. It stems from culture, beliefs and so much more.