Craving Salty Foods? The "Old Wives' Tale" for Predicting Your Baby’s Gender (And What Science Says)

Craving Salty Foods? The "Old Wives' Tale" for Predicting Your Baby's Gender (And What Science Says)

Pregnancy comes with plenty of surprises—including strong food cravings. One of the most talked‑about pregnancy myths is that your cravings can predict your baby's sex. The most popular version? Salt vs sweet: if you crave salty foods, you're having a boy; if you crave sweets, you're having a girl.

It's a fun idea, and many families enjoy guessing games during pregnancy. But what does science actually say about gender cravings? Below, we break down the myth, the biology behind cravings, and what really matters for your health and your baby's health—using credible medical knowledge and common language.

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The Old Wives' Tale: Salt vs Sweet

This belief has been passed down for generations:

• Salty cravings = boy
• Sweet cravings = girl

You may hear variations, like craving pickles or chips means a boy, while ice cream or chocolate means a girl. These ideas appear across cultures and family traditions, which helps explain why they feel so convincing.

But traditions aren't the same as evidence.

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What Science Actually Says About Gender Cravings

There is no scientific evidence showing that craving salty or sweet foods can predict a baby's sex.

Medical organizations and researchers agree on these points:

• A baby's sex is determined at conception by chromosomes (XX or XY).
• Food cravings develop later in pregnancy and are influenced by hormones, metabolism, and nutrient needs, not fetal sex.
• Studies comparing cravings with fetal sex show no reliable pattern.

In short, pregnancy myths about food cravings are interesting but not accurate predictors.

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Why Do Pregnancy Cravings Happen at All?

Cravings are real—even if their meaning is misunderstood. Here's what science suggests may be behind them:

1. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone can:

• Change taste and smell sensitivity
• Make certain foods more appealing or more repulsive
• Increase appetite at certain stages

These shifts happen in all pregnancies, regardless of baby's sex.

2. Energy and Calorie Needs

As pregnancy progresses:

• Your body may crave quick energy (often sweets)
• Or foods that feel satisfying and filling (often salty or savory)

This is about fueling pregnancy—not predicting gender.

3. Nutrient Needs

Some cravings may reflect mild nutrient shortages, such as:

• Sodium
• Iron
• Calcium

That said, cravings are not a reliable diagnostic tool, and nutrient deficiencies should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

4. Cultural and Emotional Factors

What you crave can also be shaped by:

• Foods you grew up eating
• Comfort foods linked to emotions
• Stress, fatigue, or lack of sleep

Again, none of these are tied to whether you're carrying a boy or a girl.

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Why the Salt vs Sweet Myth Persists

If science doesn't support it, why does the myth stick around?

• Confirmation bias: People remember when the myth "worked" and forget when it didn't.
• Limited outcomes: With only two possible sexes, guesses will be right about half the time.
• Emotional comfort: Predicting gender early can feel exciting and bonding.

There's nothing wrong with enjoying the guessing game—as long as it doesn't replace medical facts.

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Are Certain Cravings Ever a Health Concern?

Most cravings are harmless. However, there are times when they deserve attention:

Salty Cravings

Occasional salty snacks are normal. But excessive salt intake may:

• Worsen swelling
• Affect blood pressure
• Be a concern if you have conditions like gestational hypertension

Sweet Cravings

Enjoying sweets in moderation is fine, but frequent intense sugar cravings may:

• Affect blood sugar levels
• Be worth discussing if you have risk factors for gestational diabetes

Non-Food Cravings (Pica)

Craving non-food items (ice, clay, dirt) is not normal and may signal anemia or other issues.

If cravings feel extreme, disruptive, or unusual, it's important to speak to a doctor.

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Emotional Health, Cravings, and the Bigger Picture

Pregnancy affects both body and mind. Stress, past experiences, and emotional health can all influence eating patterns.

For some people, pregnancy may resurface difficult memories or emotional challenges. If you've ever experienced past trauma, pregnancy can sometimes intensify feelings around body autonomy or safety—often without you expecting it.

If you're experiencing symptoms that may be related to past experiences, Ubie offers a free AI-powered Sexual Trauma symptom checker that can help you better understand what you're going through and whether seeking additional support might be beneficial.

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it's a health decision.

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How to Actually Find Out Your Baby's Sex

If you want a reliable answer, science does offer accurate options:

• Ultrasound (usually around 18–22 weeks)
• Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) via blood test
• Diagnostic tests like amniocentesis (done for medical reasons)

Cravings simply don't compare in accuracy.

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Practical Tips for Handling Cravings in a Healthy Way

Rather than focusing on what cravings mean, it's more helpful to manage them well:

• Balance, don't restrict: Enjoy cravings in moderation.
• Pair foods wisely: Combine sweets with protein or fiber to steady blood sugar.
• Stay hydrated: Thirst can sometimes feel like a craving.
• Listen to your body: Hunger, fatigue, and stress all influence cravings.
• Check in with your provider: Especially if cravings feel extreme or concerning.

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The Bottom Line on Pregnancy Myths and Gender Cravings

Let's sum it up clearly:

• The salt vs sweet myth is fun but not factual.
• Gender cravings are not supported by medical evidence.
• Cravings are driven by hormones, nutrition, emotions, and culture.
• Your baby's sex is determined at conception, not by what you eat.
• Most cravings are normal, but some patterns deserve medical attention.

Enjoy the traditions if they bring joy—but rely on science for decisions about your health.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

Always speak to a doctor or qualified healthcare professional if you experience:

• Severe or sudden changes in appetite
• Cravings for non-food items
• Symptoms of high blood pressure or blood sugar issues
• Emotional distress that feels overwhelming
• Anything that feels life-threatening or serious

Your care team is there to support both your physical and emotional health throughout pregnancy.

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Final Thought

Pregnancy is full of questions, stories, and advice—some helpful, some outdated. Understanding the difference empowers you to enjoy the journey without unnecessary worry. Crave the pickles, savor the chocolate, and let science—not myths—guide your health decisions.