As an expecting parent, one of the most anticipated moments is finding out the gender of your unborn baby. While most turn to medical imaging to learn more, in some cultures it is believed that the production of phlegm during pregnancy can indicate the gender of the baby. This post will explore the origins of this belief, examine any scientific evidence that supports it, and provide guidelines on how to interpret the results.
It’s important to note that this post is not intended to replace any medical advice, but rather to serve as an informative guide for those who wish to explore this topic further. As with any method of gender prediction, the results are not 100% accurate, and should not be taken as a definite answer. However, many people find that the results obtained through the use of this method can be intriguing and thought-provoking.
#5 Your Feet Have Been Cold
Theorem: If your feet are icy cold, you’re having a boy.
The truth: There are many reasons why your feet might feel cold while you’re pregnant. If it’s cold outside or inside your home, you might experience cold feet. Your feet’s lower temperature is most likely the result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy can have an impact on the autonomic nervous system, which can result in decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, particularly the feet.
Other less common causes of cold feet could be:
If you think you might be suffering from any of these conditions, consult your doctor.
Of these conditions, Anemia is the most prevalent, with approximately 14% of American women experiencing anemia during their pregnancy When the baby is growing quickly in the second or third trimester, anemia is most likely to develop. But don’t worry; throughout your pregnancy, your doctor should check for anemia.
The Verdict: Cold feet do not reveal the gender of your unborn child. Cold-feet pregnant women give birth to both boys and girls So, if you think the change is unusual, put on a pair of fuzzy socks and keep an eye on your symptoms.
Can a Cough During Pregnancy Hurt Baby?
The good news is that while it may be annoying, coughing alone won’t hurt baby, says Kjersti Aagaard, MD, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. And, no, it won’t cause you to go into labor either. Related Video
“Baby is protected inside the muscle of the uterus and is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which acts as a buffer against movements associated with coughing,” explains Nancy Phillips, MD, director of the Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Of course, while this is reassuring, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re entirely in the clear. As Aagaard points out, left untreated, an illness that causes a cough during pregnancy could potentially hurt baby. For example, pregnant women are at a higher-than-normal risk of developing serious complications of viral illnesses that cause coughs like COVID-19 and the flu, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is why it’s important to figure out why you have a cough, and begin treating the underlying cause, if necessary.
#3 Lower Fetal Heart Rate Indicates a Baby Boy
Theorem: You can determine a baby’s gender by monitoring its heart rate. You’re having a boy if the bpm (beats per minute) is lower than 140.
The Facts: Since taller adult bodies typically have lower resting heart rates, this theory also connects to the myth that “boy babies are bigger.” But when science is involved, this myth is debunked twice.
Numerous studies have revealed that infant heart rates, irrespective of gender, typically tend to be the same. You can read our blog post on gender prediction based on heart rate for more information about these studies. However, depending on the stage of development, a baby’s heart rate does alter.
For some context, an adult’s typical resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 bpm. Though it may seem like your baby’s heartbeat is beating a little too quickly, it’s common for those tiny hearts to beat a little faster. However, they are certain that your baby’s gender has no bearing on the wonderful, quick heartbeat. Scientists are still trying to understand why babies’ heart rates fluctuate in the uterus.
The baby’s heartbeat alone won’t reveal whether you’re having a girl or a boy, but it is a wonder to listen to your child’s fluttering heart, especially with the aid of our at-home Baby Heart Monitor.
FAQ
What are pregnancy signs of having a boy?
- You’re carrying low. …
- You’re only gaining weight around your belly. …
- Your partner isn’t gaining weight. …
- Your skin is clear and glowing. …
- Your morning sickness isn’t that bad. …
- Your urine is a dull yellow. …
- Your feet are always cold. …
- Your baby’s heart rate is low.
Why do I have so much phlegm pregnant?
What are the first signs of a girl being pregnant?
- Missed period. If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. …
- Tender, swollen breasts. …
- Nausea with or without vomiting. …
- Increased urination. …
- Fatigue.