12 Old Wives Tales for Pregnancy | The Spoiled Mama

Old Wives’ Tales: Pregnancy Myths, Gender Predictions, and What’s Actually True

Old wives’ tales have been passed down for centuries. Many are fun to share, yet most are not grounded in science. Below, we explore popular myths about getting pregnant and predicting baby’s gender, add quick evidence notes, and share when to talk to your provider.

A gentle reminder

This article is for education only and not a substitute for medical advice. If you have concerns about conception or pregnancy symptoms, contact your OB/GYN or midwife.

Old Wives’ Tales to Tell If You’re Pregnant

Heard these before? They are common, sometimes charming, and mostly anecdotal. Timing, overall health, and luck still matter most.

Raw honey and cinnamon

Claim: amino acids and circulation support fertility. Evidence note: there is no high-quality research showing honey or cinnamon improves conception rates. Enjoy in recipes if you like, but do not rely on this as a fertility strategy.

Cough syrup with guaifenesin

Claim: thins cervical mucus to help sperm. Evidence note: research is limited and inconsistent. Always confirm medication use with your provider when trying to conceive.

Orgasm

Claim: uterine contractions help sperm travel. Evidence note: there is no proven effect on conception, but there is no harm. Consent and comfort always come first.

Eating a big breakfast

Claim: a larger morning meal supports ovulation. Evidence note: a small study suggested metabolic benefits for some people with cycle irregularity. Lifestyle patterns overall matter more than one meal.

Appendix removal

Claim: people with prior appendectomy get pregnant more easily. Evidence note: observational data cannot prove cause. Do not pursue surgery for fertility. Always discuss personal history with your clinician.

For ideas on how to announce your pregnancy, read our post here.

Old Wives’ Tales for Gender Prediction

These are fun to guess with, not to diagnose with. Genetics and ultrasound are the reliable tools. Enjoy the folklore while trusting the science.

1) Sweet vs. salty cravings

Tale: sweets mean girl, salty means boy. Evidence note: cravings vary by person and trimester. There is no proven link to baby’s sex.

2) Morning sickness severity

Tale: more nausea means girl. Evidence note: some studies note patterns in severe cases, yet this does not reliably predict sex. If nausea affects hydration or nutrition, talk to your provider. Explore gentle supports like our pregnancy nausea tea.

3) The garlic test

Tale: eat garlic; if you do not “smell,” it is a girl. Evidence note: not supported by research. Body odor changes in pregnancy are common and vary widely.

4) Partner’s weight gain

Tale: if your partner also gains, it is a girl. Evidence note: shared routines and snack runs are more likely explanations. Not predictive.

5) Pregnancy glow and acne

Tale: glow means boy; breakouts mean girl. Evidence note: skin changes are hormone related, not sex related. For bump-safe care, see our Pregnancy Acne Kit.

6) The eye test

Tale: dilating pupils mean boy. Evidence note: no supporting evidence. Vision can shift in pregnancy for many reasons unrelated to sex.

7) Carrying high vs. low

Tale: high means girl; low means boy. Evidence note: bump shape depends on uterus position, core tone, baby position, and gestational age. Not predictive.

8) Fetal heart rate over 140

Tale: faster heart rate means girl. Evidence note: normal fetal heart rate varies and changes with activity and gestational age. Not a sex test.

9) The ring test

Tale: circle swing means girl; line swing means boy. Evidence note: a classic party trick, not diagnostic.

10) Pre-conception blood pressure

Tale: higher readings 6 months before pregnancy mean boy. Evidence note: observational associations do not prove cause. Follow your clinician’s guidance for heart health.

11) Chinese gender chart

Tale: age plus conception month predicts sex. Evidence note: historically interesting, not scientifically reliable. Fun to try, not for decisions.

12) Mood swings

Tale: more moody means girl. Evidence note: hormones, sleep shifts, and daily stress drive mood changes for all pregnancies.

Quick takeaways

• Old wives’ tales are fun, not diagnostic.
• Genetics and ultrasound determine sex. Timing and overall health impact conception.
• See your provider for severe nausea, bleeding, strong abdominal pain, fever, or decreased fetal movement.

Caring for your skin while you wait for the big reveal? Explore bump-safe favorites like Happy Legs, Tummy Butter, and our Pregnancy Acne Kit.

What myths did your family share? Did any turn out to be right for you? Share your story in the comments.