By Next Biosciences
16 September 2026
Boy or girl? From the moment you find out you're pregnant, everyone has guesses or a theory about your baby's sex. From cravings to bump shape, old wives' tales have been passed down for generations.
But not everyone wants to wait until the 16–20-week scan to find out for sure. Many parents-to-be are eager for an answer as early as possible, and that's where the old wives' tales come in!
But how accurate are those old wives' tales really? And is there an earlier, more reliable way to find out?
Here are some of the most popular pregnancy myths:
Sweet or savoury cravings?
Craving sweet foods means you're having a girl, while savoury cravings mean you're having a boy.
The truth: Pregnancy cravings are common and can be influenced by hormonal changes, appetite, and nutritional needs. They aren't a reliable way to predict your baby's sex.
Carrying high or low?
Carrying high means a girl, while carrying low means a boy.
The truth: The way you carry your bump depends on factors such as your body shape, muscle tone, previous pregnancies, and your baby's position, not their sex.
What about your baby's heart rate?
A heart rate above 140 beats per minute means a girl, while a lower heart rate means a boy.
The truth: Your baby's heart rate naturally changes throughout pregnancy and can vary depending on gestational age and activity. It cannot reliably predict sex.
The ring test
A ring is tied to a piece of string and held over your bump. If it swings one way, apparently, it's a boy; another way, it's a girl.
The truth: It might be fun to try at a baby shower, but there's no scientific evidence that the ring's movement is connected to your baby's sex.
So, how can you find out?
There's nothing wrong with having a little fun with pregnancy myths and making your own prediction. But if you want to know for sure, you'll need a science-based method.
The MiniMi Early Fetal Sex Test can determine your baby's sex from as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy. It's a simple blood test taken from the mother's arm, with 98% accuracy and results available within 5 working days of your blood draw arriving at our lab in Midrand.
Knowing your baby's sex early can make the pregnancy feel even more real, whether you're starting to think about names, planning the nursery, or simply excited to finally say "he" or "she" instead of "the baby".Keep the old wives' tales for fun. Choose MiniMi for the answer.