Before we got pregnant, Joe and I promised each other not to find out the gender of our children until they are born. But the moment we got pregnant we were like ‘TELL ME NOW DOCTOR IF IT’S BOY OR A GIRL’

No willpower guys, nada, ZERO.

In today’s modern age, you can find out the sex of the baby by the time you’re 4 months pregnant. When the time came for us, the Dr. asked if we wanted to know the gender. We were like YES THIS IS IT. So while he scanned my tummy I turned my head to the screen and there it was, it was right there staring at all of us, it was so obvious.

It’s a BOY!

Then I realised how un-shy my child was, with his legs sticking out as if he wanted to show the world his manhood. Finally, the mystery is no longer a mystery!

But throughout my first trimester, I heard there are other ‘ways’ and old wives tales that can be used to determine the sex of the baby. No dancing around bonfire was required, but basically I’ve summed up the things that I’ve heard when people wanted to guess if I was carrying a girl of a boy.

Morning sickness

If it’s a Girl: Terrible, bad, projectile vomiting and excessive nausea. Cannot even smell food or the food people are cooking in the kitchen.  Not just morning, the whole day.

If it’s a Boy: Not too bad. Head not stuck in toilet for most parts of the day.

Verdict: Not true lah. Sure, I’ve heard from most moms that had girls had really bad morning sickness but I’ve heard carrying sons can be just as daunting.

Hands

If it’s a Girl: Dry, cracked hands

If it’s a Boy: Soft, smooth hands

Verdict: Probably true, my hands were annoyingly dry throughout the pregnancy but maybe I’m not moisturizing enough?

Food cravings

If it’s a Girl: Sweet food

If it’s a Boy: Sour and protein -rich food (and probably all food you can find under the sun)

Verdict: Well, based on my experience this is probably true, no cravings whatsoever for sour-ish food but I did crave a lot of meat.Once, I dreamt finding a piece of steak on a BBQ grill, and nothing else.

Sleeping position

If it’s a Girl: You tend to sleep on your right side

If it’s a Boy: Left side

Verdict: Hard to tell (actually how to tell unless you record yourself sleeping for a long period of time?!). I start by sleeping on the right side and end waking up either facing the left of upwards. God knows.

Your Face

If it’s a Girl: Pregnancy ‘glow’ is MIA

If it’s a Boy: Pregnancy ‘glow’ not MIA

Verdict: Nonsense. According to legend, moms who are expecting boys tend to ‘glow’ more compared to moms carrying girls. Word has it that girls steal their moms beauty during pregnancy. Someone told me I was glowing during my first trimester – the lady predicted that I must be carrying a boy because I didn’t look like I was throwing up 40 times a day. I’m pretty sure it was just sweat (or make up) – and to top it off this lady had 4 sons.

Mood

If it’s a Girl: Moms tend to be a bit more moody and emotional when carrying girls

If it’s a Boy: Quite mellow

Verdict: Hormones are hormones. You’ll get moody regardless whether you’re carrying a girl or a boy. Some days are good, some days are bad. I’d like to think I was pretty chilled but honestly, ask my husband. He’ll know better.

The way you’re carrying

If it’s a Girl: Your tummy looks higher

If it’s a Boy: Lower compared to moms carrying girls

Verdict: No Idea. I heard that boys tend to make their moms tummy a bit more pointy compared to girls.

In conclusion, you can never rely on these myths and old wives tales to tell the sex of your kid but it’s definitely a fun way of guessing what you’re carrying. I’ve heard of people having dreams and instincts on what gender they’re carrying but while you’re waiting for your baby to reveal whether it’s a he or a she, have fun remembering the little details that make your pregnancy unique!