All Posts Pregnancy and Superstitions: Do Old Wives Tales Hold Any Truth?

Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of advice. From well-meaning relatives to endless posts online, you’ll find guidance on what to expect, how to prepare, and what to avoid. But sprinkled among the useful tips are countless old wives tales and superstitions—some funny, some bizarre, and some that make you stop and wonder if there’s actually any truth to them.

While these beliefs have been passed down for generations, their origins are often unclear and rarely grounded in science. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most popular pregnancy superstitions and old wives tales, explore where they came from, and find out which ones are backed by fact and which ones are just folklore.

1. Carrying High or Low: Gender Prediction Myth

One of the most enduring pregnancy superstitions is that the way you carry your baby determines the gender. The belief says if you’re carrying high, it’s a girl, and if you’re carrying low, it’s a boy.

Fact or Fiction? This is a myth. The way a pregnant belly looks is influenced by muscle tone, the baby’s position, and your body shape. It has nothing to do with whether you're having a boy or a girl. Only medical tests like an ultrasound can give you an accurate answer.

2. Heartburn Means a Hairy Baby

Many pregnant women have heard that experiencing heartburn means their baby will be born with a full head of hair.

Fact or Fiction? There is actually some truth to this one. Studies suggest that higher levels of pregnancy hormones may both relax muscles (leading to heartburn) and promote fetal hair growth. Still, it’s far from a guarantee—some moms with no heartburn deliver babies with tons of hair, and vice versa.

3. The Ring Test: Jewelry That Knows All?

According to this old wives tale, tying your ring to a string and holding it over your belly can reveal your baby’s gender. A circular swing means a girl, back and forth means a boy.

Fact or Fiction? There’s no science to support this superstition. The ring’s motion can be influenced by subtle hand movements. It’s fun for a baby shower, but not a reliable method of gender prediction.

4. Craving Sugar Means a Girl

Another common pregnancy superstition says that if you’re craving sweets, you’re having a girl. Salty or savory cravings mean it’s a boy.

Fact or Fiction? Cravings are influenced by hormonal changes and nutritional needs, not the baby’s gender. Every pregnancy is different, and food preferences don’t predict what you’re having.

5. A Wider Nose Means It’s a Boy

This superstition claims that if your nose widens during pregnancy, you’re carrying a boy.

Fact or Fiction? Hormonal changes can cause swelling and fluid retention during pregnancy, which may affect your nose slightly. However, this happens to some pregnant people regardless of the baby’s gender, so it’s not a dependable sign.

6. Ring on a String Predicts Labor Timing

A variation of the ring test says the motion of the ring can also predict how soon you’ll go into labor.

Fact or Fiction? This is purely a guessing game. Labor is influenced by medical and physiological factors. No ring or charm can foresee the timing of birth.

7. Don’t Raise Your Arms Above Your Head

Some old wives tales warn that lifting your arms over your head can cause the umbilical cord to wrap around your baby’s neck.

Fact or Fiction?

This one is a complete myth. There is no link between reaching overhead and cord complications. Movement and stretching are part of a healthy pregnancy—just listen to your body and avoid anything uncomfortable.

8. The Shape of Your Belly Reveals the Baby’s Sex

According to this superstition, a pointy belly means a boy, and a round belly means a girl.

Fact or Fiction? Like the high vs. low myth, belly shape is affected by many factors, including your frame, muscle tone, and baby’s position. It’s not a reliable gender indicator.

9. Avoid Scary Situations or You’ll Have a Fussy Baby

In many cultures, it’s believed that fear or stress during pregnancy will lead to a baby with a difficult temperament.

Fact or Fiction? There’s no evidence that stressful events cause permanent personality traits in newborns. However, managing stress is important during pregnancy for both your health and your baby’s development. Practices like rest, breathing exercises, and emotional support can be helpful.

10. Glowing Skin Means a Girl

Some old wives tales say that glowing skin indicates a girl, while dull skin or acne means a boy.

Fact or Fiction? Skin changes are common in pregnancy, often due to hormone levels and increased blood flow. Whether your skin is glowing or breaking out, it has no connection to your baby’s gender.

Are These Superstitions Just for Fun?

Most old wives tales about pregnancy are harmless and add a little fun to your journey. They reflect generations of storytelling and the natural human curiosity to understand and control the unknown. While they’re not grounded in science, they’ve become part of pregnancy culture around the world.

Still, it’s important to know the difference between fun folklore and actual medical advice. When it comes to your health and your baby’s development, always rely on evidence-based guidance from healthcare providers.

So go ahead and enjoy the stories. Try the ring test if you like. Laugh at the idea that your cravings could predict your baby’s gender. But also trust your instincts, listen to your body, and focus on what’s right for you.

Pregnancy is a personal and powerful experience. Whether you follow traditions or blaze your own trail, remember that the most important thing is doing what makes you feel confident, supported, and healthy.