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From fun predictions to quirky old wives' tales, find out whether these pregnancy myths are fact or fiction with a little help from our midwife.
Reviewed by Christine Lane, Midwife & Consultant, on the 24.09.2025
There are plenty of Old Wives' Tales relating to pregnancy, especially when it comes to predicting the gender, however is there any truth to any of them? Let's find out with Louise, The Honest Midwife...
Midwife's verdict: There have actually been some studies exploring the link between morning sickness and a baby girl, but the results were inconclusive. Therefore I would hold off decorating the nursery pink between bouts of vomiting, as you may need to get your paintbrush back out when Little Boy Blue arrives!
It has long been mentioned that if your baby’s heart rate is under 140 beats per minute, a little boy may be on the way. Faster heartbeats could indicate a baby girl.
Midwife's verdict: Although there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this, when looking after women in labour, I do use this as a tool to guess! However, anyone who has had me looking after them will confirm I am absolutely useless at guessing a baby’s gender. So, I guess it really is just an Old Wives’ Tale!
Midwife's verdict: Absolute tosh! Sleeping position is important and women should avoid sleeping flat on their back while pregnant. The optimal position is lying on your left-hand side, however, please do not worry if you find yourself on the right side – both positions won’t predict your baby’s gender.
An oldie but a goodie and a great one to try at your baby shower. Thread a ring that you wear through a necklace and get your friend to hold it still above your bump. Round and round and you need to get practicing your plaits and pony tails. Side to side means grubby hands, fingers and toes when your little boy is playing rough and tumble!
Midwife's verdict: This is another one that I enjoyed trying when I was having my babies. Did it work? Nope! It predicted 2 boys and I have 1 boy and and 1 girl! It was fun trying it out though!
Midwife's verdict: Although there are a couple of (really small) studies that back this theory, up to 45% of women will suffer with significant heartburn during their pregnancy. During pregnancy, a hormone called progesterone acts as a muscle relaxer to aid your growing baby. This can result in your oesophageal sphincter not closing as it should, allowing acid to travel the wrong way. Burn baby burn. So, you may have a hairy baby, you may not, but there is a high chance you will have a little bit of heartburn during your pregnancy!
One thing is for sure: girl or boy, heartburn or no heartburn, exciting times are ahead!
