Ladies' Room

Is it a boy or a girl?

Pregnancy What could be more fun than trying to guess the sex of your baby-to-be?

For those counting on a girl it seems all they needed to do was live over in the tropics according to a recent study from US scientists.

Whether it's down to the hotter weather or longer days the research showed that more girls were born in hotter climates than boys, while male babies were more likely for parents who lived in colder conditions in other parts of the world.

But for hundreds of years, expecting mums have relied on traditional methods that have stood the test of time to guess their baby's sex. Even though these old wives' tales are far from foolproof, they are certainly more fun than their more reliable successors, amniocentesis and ultrasound.

It's likely everybody wants to get in on the game as well. Don't be surprised if someone you've never met stops you at the local shop, offering a prediction of your baby's gender such as:

It's a boy if -

You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the extra weight out front
Your belly looks like a basketball

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You are carrying low
You are craving salty or sour foods
You are craving protein - meats and cheese
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy
Your hands are very dry
Dad-to-be is gaining weight, right along with you
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever
Your urine is bright yellow in colour
You hang a ring over your belly and it moves in circles
You are having headaches

It's a girl if -

You had morning sickness early in pregnancy
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear
Your hair develops red highlights

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You are carrying high
Your belly looks like a watermelon
You are craving sweets
You are craving fruit
You crave orange juice
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy
Your face breaks out more than usual
Your breasts have really blossomed!
Your urine is a dull yellow colour
You hang a ring over your belly and it moves from side to side