Pregnancy cravings and your baby's sex: the myth

In short: No. Craving sweet, salty or sour food cannot tell you whether you will have a boy or a girl. It is a popular old wives' tale, and it is only a myth. Cravings come from changing hormones, your body's need for extra energy and nutrients, and comfort. Sex determination before birth is also illegal in India. If you crave non-food things like clay, chalk or soap, or feel dizzy and unwell, see your doctor.

Pregnancy cravings can be wild. One moment you’re munching on pickles dipped in ice cream, the next you’re dreaming of hot, cheesy pizza at 3 a.m. Alongside these cravings often comes the chorus of well-meaning friends and relatives proclaiming, “You must be having a boy if you’re craving salty food!” or “All that chocolate? A girl!”

But is there any truth to this? Can the foods you crave reveal your baby’s sex? The short answer: no.

The idea that cravings can predict a baby’s sex is one of the most popular old wives’ tales out there. According to tradition:

• Sweet cravings: You are expecting a girl.
• Savory or salty cravings: You’re having a boy.

It sounds convincing, especially if it matches your own experience or stories you’ve heard, but this belief doesn’t hold up under scientific scrutiny. It is only a myth.

What does the research say?

While cravings are incredibly common, there’s no credible scientific evidence linking the type of cravings to your baby’s sex.

Cravings are usually driven by a mix of hormonal changes, nutritional needs, cultural influences, and psychological factors, not your baby’s sex.

For example: Hormones: Rising levels of estrogen and progesterone can heighten your senses of taste and smell, making certain foods irresistible (or repulsive). Nutritional gaps: Some cravings may reflect your body’s need for extra calories, iron, or other nutrients. Emotional comfort: Familiar or nostalgic foods can soothe pregnancy stress.

There is no proven link between craving patterns and your baby's sex. In other words, your craving for chocolate does not mean a girl is on the way, and your love of pickles does not guarantee a boy.

An important note: In India, sex determination before birth is illegal under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, and Femease does not support it in any form. Your cravings tell you nothing about whether you will have a boy or a girl, and there is no need to try to guess.

Meanwhile, here’s what you should watch for:

• Sudden or extreme cravings for non-food items (like clay or soap): This could be pica, which requires medical attention.
• Cravings accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms: Always check with your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy cravings are real and often intense, but they don’t have a secret code for predicting whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Instead of worrying about what your cravings mean, try to enjoy this unique time (and maybe keep some snacks handy).

Questions women ask

Do salty cravings in pregnancy mean a boy?

No. The idea that salty or savoury cravings mean a boy is a myth. Your cravings depend on hormones, hunger and comfort, not on your baby. Many mothers who craved salty food had girls, and many who craved sweets had boys.

Do sweet cravings in pregnancy mean a girl?

No, this is also a myth. Wanting chocolate, mithai or ice cream simply means your taste and smell have changed with pregnancy hormones. It tells you nothing about whether you are carrying a boy or a girl.

Does craving rice, tamarind or tomatoes say anything about the baby?

No. Cravings for rice, tamarind, tomatoes or anything sour are common and harmless in most cases. They do not predict your baby's sex. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and speak to your doctor if cravings are making it hard to eat well.

Is pica in pregnancy a sign of a boy or girl?

No. Pica means craving things that are not food, like clay, mud, chalk, ice or soap, and it has nothing to do with the baby's sex. It can be linked to low iron, so tell your doctor soon. Do not eat these things, as some can harm you and your baby.

When should I worry about pregnancy cravings?

See a doctor if you crave non-food items, cannot keep food down, or feel dizzy or faint. Go to hospital straight away if you have bleeding, severe tummy pain, fainting, or a bad headache with blurred vision, and see a doctor the same day for fever.