Many myths about pregnancy are circulating for generations and are believed by some mothers in Indonesia, including one of them about speculation about determining the sex of the baby in the womb. Then, what about the facts? Come on, see the review of the myths and facts about the sex of the baby below!
Ultrasonography (USG), amniocentesis test, chorionic villous examination (part of placental tissue where baby DNA is present), to DNA testing of maternal blood is an accurate way to detect the sex of the baby in the womb. Ultrasound examination to determine the sex of the baby can be done from the age of 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on the position of the fetus in the womb, the level of accuracy reaches 80-90%. DNA examination, including the examination of amniocentesis and chorionic villi, is an examination that is not routinely performed because it is expensive and only available in specialized laboratories.
However, long before the technology emerged, many signs are believed by some people in determining or guessing the sex of the baby. The myth of pregnancy has been hereditary among people who are still trusted by some people.
Myths and Facts About the Sex of the Baby that the Mother Needs to Understand
Prospective mothers, especially those who are pregnant for the first time, are very vulnerable to rumors about pregnancy that are not necessarily true. So, it is important for you to know the facts, so that you are not mistaken in applying information during pregnancy.
Morning Sickness
Myth: Often experiencing severe morning sickness during pregnancy is said to be a sign that you will have a baby girl.
Fact: This myth can be true. A study has found that women who experience severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum tend to give birth to girls. This is because pregnancy hormone levels that trigger morning sickness tend to be higher in mothers who are pregnant with baby girls. However, this cannot be used as an accurate reference for determining the sex of the fetus, because even a woman who is pregnant with a baby boy can also experience severe morning sickness. The research also found that the ultrasound examination is much more accurate to determine the sex of the baby, even though the examination cannot provide 100% precise results.
Heart rate
Myth: It is said that if the heartbeat is less than 140 times per minute, it is a sign that the mother is pregnant with a baby boy.
Fact: Mother, this speculation is only a myth, yes! Due to the fact, there is no significant difference between the heart rate of male and female infants during early pregnancy. The average heart rate for a baby boy in the first trimester is 154.9 times per minute (can be more or less 22.8 times per minute). And for baby girls is 151.7 times per minute (can be more or less 22.7 times per minute). So the baby's heartbeat cannot be used as a benchmark to determine the sex.
Round and Oval Stomach Shape
Myth: In Indonesia there is a myth that a rounded abdomen during pregnancy is a sign that Mother is pregnant with a baby girl. Meanwhile, if the mother's abdomen looks oval or down, it means that she is carrying a male baby.
Fact: Mother, this speculation is also pure myth. Body shape factors and the shape of the stomach during pregnancy are influenced by body weight during pregnancy, not because of the sex of the baby.
Cravings for Sweet or Sour Foods or Drinks
Myth: Women who contain baby girls are said to crave sweets more often, whereas when pregnant with boys will tend to crave acidic or salty foods or drinks.
Fact: There is no scientific data that proves the truth of this myth. If you feel cravings for sweet foods or drinks, maybe it's because of changes in pregnancy hormones that can increase the sensitivity of your sense of smell. There are many reasons why pregnant women crave or feel like something sweet, one of which is low blood sugar levels, lack of energy, fatigue, and lack of sleep.
In addition to myths and scientific signs during pregnancy, there is a lot of debate about ways that can increase the likelihood of having a baby of a certain sex. For example, specific dietary recommendations for consuming acidic foods can help conceive baby boys, and alkaline foods to help conceive girls. In fact, there is no scientific evidence in this recommendation. Varied and nutritious food is very important for the health of mother and baby, limiting nutritional intake or undergoing a certain diet while pregnant is not a good idea. And there is no scientific evidence regarding the routine suggestion of having sex before ovulation to conceive a baby girl, although this is based on the fact that the sperm of the female baby's sex seems to last longer than the male baby's sperm. Likewise with the myth of having sex after ovulation tends to produce a male fetus.
Humans are born with 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs. The X and Y chromosomes determine a person's sex. Normally, female chromosomes are 46XX and male chromosomes are 46XY. The sex of the baby in the womb is regulated as soon as the sperm meets the egg in the process of fertilization. Fetal genitals have not developed in early pregnancy until 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Generally, at 4 or 5 weeks' gestation, doctors can detect the sex of the baby in the womb of the mother with several prenatal tests such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, and other examinations. The position of the baby during an ultrasound examination is the most important aspect in detecting the sex of the baby, especially to ensure that the baby is a baby boy.
The most accurate way to determine the sex of the baby in the womb is by DNA examination. This examination can determine the sex of the baby from about 9 weeks' gestation. In the medical world, the main purpose of examining a baby's DNA is actually not to find out the sex of the baby, but to detect whether there are congenital abnormalities in the fetus to determine whether the baby is healthy or not. This inspection has not been routinely carried out because the price is expensive and not available in all regions. And no less important, to find out gender and of course maintain the health of mothers and fetus, do routine pregnancy control at the doctor or midwife to get prenatal checks, information, and supplements that are useful to support optimal pregnancy.
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