One of the most common old wives’ tales about pregnancy is that how a woman carries her baby can predict the gender. Specifically:
- Carrying low = Boy
- Carrying high = Girl
But is there any truth to this belief? Let’s explore the science, myths, and real factors that determine baby bump shape.
What Does It Mean to Carry Low vs. High?
- Carrying low = Baby bump sits closer to the pelvis, sometimes making the belly appear to “droop.”
- Carrying high = Bump is positioned closer to the ribcage, giving a rounder, more elevated look.
Old Wives’ Tale: Does Carrying Low Really Mean a Boy?
For centuries, people believed:
- Low belly = Boy (Because boys are “heavier” and settle lower)
- High belly = Girl (Because girls “sit lighter”)
However, there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim[^1].
What Actually Determines How You Carry?
Several anatomical and pregnancy-related factors influence belly shape, including:
- Muscle Tone – Women with stronger core muscles may carry differently.
- Body Type & Height – Shorter women often show earlier and may carry differently than taller women.
- Baby’s Position – Some babies naturally settle lower due to their position (e.g., head-down vs. breech).
- Number of Pregnancies – First-time moms may carry higher, while those who’ve had multiple pregnancies may carry lower due to looser muscles.
- Placenta Location – An anterior (front) placenta can make the bump appear more spread out.
Conclusion: How you carry is not a reliable predictor of gender[^2].
How Can You Accurately Find Out the Baby’s Sex?
If you’re curious about your baby’s gender, reliable methods include:
✅ Ultrasound (Anatomy Scan, ~18-20 weeks) – Most common method.
✅ NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, ~10+ weeks) – Blood test that checks fetal DNA.
✅ Amniocentesis or CVS – Medical tests for genetic conditions (also reveal sex).
Fun Gender Prediction Myths (No Science Behind Them)
While carrying high/low isn’t proven, other old wives’ tales include:
- Cravings: Sweet = Girl, Salty/Sour = Boy
- Heart Rate: >140 BPM = Girl, <140 BPM = Boy
- Morning Sickness: Severe = Girl, Mild = Boy
Spoiler: None of these are scientifically accurate either![^3]
Final Verdict: Does Carrying Low Mean a Boy?
❌ No. While it’s a fun guessing game, belly shape does not determine gender. The only way to know for sure is through medical testing.
Did you carry high or low? Was the old wives’ tale right for you? Share in the comments!
Sources (Footnotes)
[^1]: American Pregnancy Association – “Predicting Baby’s Sex: Myths vs. Facts”
[^2]: Mayo Clinic – “Does Belly Shape Predict Baby’s Gender?”
[^3]: Healthline – “Old Wives’ Tales About Baby Gender”