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I know some people like a surprise and if you’re strong enough to wait then you have my respect but personally, I couldn’t wait until my 20 week scan to find out, so after my 12 week scan I tried quite a few of the old wives’ tales out. Now that I know the gender I’m able to tell you which of the ones I tried worked for me and which didn’t.
The Nub / Skull Theory
You can find a lot of information about this online but the gist is that the nub (a white mark on many 12 week scan pictures, although unfortunately not always visible) should be at an angle of 30% of less for a girl, and over 30% for a boy. The skull theory is not thought to be as accurate but says that boys have a forehead that curves from lower down when viewed in profile.
My result: girl (nub was horizontal).
The Baking Soda Theory
Put a teaspoon of baking soda into a clean cup (ideally a disposable one – I used a sample pot!) followed by some urine. If it fizzes or bubbles the theory is you’re having a boy and if it stays flat it’s a girl. Some believe there to be a scientific basis to this in that your urine is more acidic if you’re carrying a boy.
My result: boy.
The Ring Theory
This is one of the oldest and most popular theories out there. You simply tie your wedding ring to a thread 20-30cm in length and hold it steadily over your belly while lying down. If the ring moves in circles your baby will be a boy and if it moves from side to side you’re having a girl.
My result: girl.
The Morning Sickness Theory
Basically the theory is, if you get sick a lot it’s a girl, and if you don’t it’s a boy.
My result: boy (I didn’t get any morning sickness at all).
The Cravings Theory
If you crave sweet things, the theory is it’s a girl and if you crave salty / savoury things the theory is you’re having a boy.
My result: boy (I craved salted peanuts in the early days).
My baby, I’ve had confirmed with 99.9% certainty at my 20 week scan, is a girl. Of course, nobody can be 100% sure until their baby is born (although if mine turns out to be a boy, he’s going to be dressed in a lot of pink clothes!). So overall, judging from personal experience I’m afraid I have to conclude that these old wives’ tales should not be taken seriously and can’t really be used to prove your baby’s gender at 12 weeks. Still, they’re fun to try and kept me entertained while waiting for my 20 week scan to come around!
Please feel free to comment adding your own results and thoughts on these theories, and any more you’re aware of. |
