Pink or Blue? Unravelling the Myths Around Non-Scientific Baby Gender Predictions

It’s no secret that Ireland is no stranger to superstition. Whether you’re expecting your first or third child, you’ll soon discover that every aspect of pregnancy is filled with old wives’ tales, especially concerning the sex of your baby. From the downright weird to the strange yet digestible, countless non-scientific methods can supposedly tell whether you will have a pink or blue bundle of joy. 

This article outlines some of the most passed-down old wives’ tales about predicting the sex of unborn babies and the accuracy behind the stories. From the shape of the bump and the garlic test to whether you crave sweet or salty foods and excessive morning sickness – keep reading as we unpack some of these tall tales. 

Sweet VS Salty Cravings 

According to old wives’ tales, if you display a fondness for either during your pregnancy, it can determine whether you’ll paint the nursery pink or blue. If you reach for some of your favourite traditional Irish sweet treats like shortbread, Guinness cake, porter cake etc., it’s a sign that you’ll have a pink bundle of joy. 

On the other hand, if you’re craving everything salty, it’s a sign that you’ll have a blue bundle of joy. 

While it’s fun to think that the types of food you enjoy the most play a part in determining the sex of your baby, there is no correlation between your cravings and your baby’s gender. 

Experts believe they pinpoint nutritional deficiencies like dairy, gluten, caffeine etc., all of which can be highlighted through DNA tests from providers like AlphaBiolabs. Whether you’d like to discover food intolerances or the sex of your baby through a prenatal paternity DNA test, they can help you perform various DNA tests to produce multiple results. 

If you’re ready to turn to science-backed methods of gender affirmation, consider visiting their website to learn more about their prenatal paternity testing and how they could dispel the old wives’ tales once and for all. 

Excessive Morning Sickness 

We’re sure many parents can testify that morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Yet, generally, every single parent suffers from morning sickness – it doesn’t discriminate whether you’re having a little boy or a girl. However, many old wives’ tales state that if you’re suffering from excessive morning sickness, it’s a sign that you’re having a little girl. \

While you cannot tell for sure if you’re having a boy or girl based on how much you need to empty your stomach in the morning, many health professionals have found a correlation between extreme morning sickness and factors like twin pregnancies, first-time pregnancies, and the presence of a female foetus, which may have perpetuated the old wives’ tale. 

Pregnancy Glow 

If you’re pregnant, there’s a chance you’ve heard remarks about your complexion; whether you believe them or are bewildered about how your sweat-slicked hair/skin could ever be perceived as a glow – you best believe that there is an old wives’ tale about it. 

Supposedly if your hair resembles a Herbal Essence advert and your skin is glowing, it means you’re having a baby boy. On the other hand, if your hair is limp/lifeless and you seem to be breaking out in spots every day, it means you’re having a little girl. While it may bust your bubble, experts say if you experience this so-called ‘pregnancy glow’, you can thank the hormones rushing around your body and not the gender of your child.