Myths about the characteristics of conceiving a boy are still widely circulated in the community, ranging from the shape of a pregnant woman's stomach that is not too round to cravings for salty or sour food. Let's explore the medical truth of these myths.

The emergence of the myth of the characteristics of conceiving a boy has actually been developing for a long time, and is still circulating for generations. This may be related to the limited medical facilities and equipment at that time.

However, along with the times, there is now a better and more accurate way to detect the sex of the baby in the womb, namely through an ultrasound examination. In fact, studies say that ultrasound examinations at 18–22 weeks of gestation have an accuracy rate of up to 98% in detecting the sex of the fetus.

The Facts Behind the Myth of Pregnant Boys

Even though there is already an ultrasound examination which is claimed to be more accurate in detecting the sex of the fetus, it doesn't hurt to know what the myths surrounding the characteristics of a boy's pregnancy are circulating as well as medical evidence.

Here are some of them:

1. The shape of the belly of pregnant women

Pregnant women whose stomachs look less round are often considered to be carrying a baby boy. On the other hand, if her belly looks rounder or more oval, it means she is carrying a baby girl.

In fact, the sex of the fetus is completely unrelated to the appearance and shape of the pregnant woman's stomach. This is because the appearance of the abdomen of pregnant women is very varied, and this depends on the shape of the body and the stage or age of pregnancy.

2. Fetal heart rate

If the fetal heart rate is below 140 per minute, this indicates a male fetus. And vice versa, a fetal heart rate above 140 per minute indicates that the fetus is female.

In fact, no studies have shown that heart rate is a marker of fetal sex. Fetal heart rate may vary according to fetal movement and age. What is clear, a normal fetal heart rate is in the range of 120–160 beats per minute.

3. Pregnant woman's leg hair

If the leg hair of a pregnant woman grows rapidly, it means that the fetus in her womb is a boy. In fact, nails and hair in women who are pregnant can grow faster. This is due to hormonal changes in the body. However, this hormone is not related to the sex of the fetus. So, the amount of hair or hair that grows during pregnancy cannot be a determining factor for the sex of the fetus, yes.

4. Color of urine of pregnant women

There is a myth that says that the urine of pregnant women is light in color indicates that the fetus in the womb is male. Conversely, if the urine is dark in color, the fetus is a girl.

In fact, the color of urine has absolutely nothing to do with the sex of the fetus. The color of urine can change from clear, yellow, or dark yellow, depending on the amount of body fluid intake or how much water or other beverages pregnant women drink. In addition, certain foods or drugs can also cause side effects in the form of changes in urine color.

5. Morning sickness

If a pregnant woman experiences nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) throughout the day, it means that the fetus is female. Conversely, nausea and vomiting will be less common if you are pregnant with a boy. The hormone hCG, which triggers morning sickness, tends to be higher in female fetuses. However, pregnant women with male sex can still experience morning sickness, really.

Read Too : How to Overcome Morning Sickness Naturally

6. Craving

Pregnant women who crave salty or sour foods are considered to be carrying a male fetus, but if what they crave is sweet food, it means that they are carrying a female fetus. In fact, until now there is no scientific evidence that can explain the link between certain food cravings and the sex of the fetus. When pregnant with a baby boy or girl, pregnant women can crave any food.

Things that affect the formation of a baby boy

Although not entirely successful, there are several factors that can increase the chances of pregnant women to have a baby with a male sex, including:

1. Having sex at a certain time

The best time to have sex for a boy is at the beginning and end of the fertile period, including the 2 to 4 days before ovulation. This is because the sperm carrying the male gene is smaller and has a shorter tail, so it will be easier for them to reach the egg at this time.

2. Eating healthy food

Several studies reveal that pregnant women who consume more calories are considered more likely to have a male fetus. This is because nutritional deficiencies tend to prevent the formation of a male sex. In addition, nutritional deficiencies also make it difficult for male fetuses to survive in the womb. However, regardless of the sex of the fetus, pregnant women still need to eat a healthy and balanced diet, before and during pregnancy, yes.

Read Too : Don't Believe These 5 Pregnancy Myths Guess The Baby's Gender

However, the tips above cannot absolutely be used as a benchmark so that pregnant women can get pregnant with a boy. This is because the determinants of fetal sex are complex and all depend on genetic factors.

After understanding the explanation above, it is no longer easy to believe in various myths about the characteristics of pregnant boys circulating in the community, OK? To be able to determine whether the pregnant woman is a boy or a girl, it is better for pregnant women to have routine pregnancy checks with a gynecologist.

When you have entered a certain gestational age, the doctor can perform an ultrasound examination to detect the sex of the fetus, as well as monitor the health condition of the fetus.