Is it true that heart rate can indicate the gender of the baby?

Apart from the health and development of the fetus, one of the most frequently asked questions during pregnancy examinations is gender. Uniquely, heart rate can be said to be a marker of the gender of the baby at birth. So, is this assumption true?

The relationship between heart rate and sex of the fetus

Many people believe that the heart rate can determine the sex of the baby. This assumption creates joy for many expectant mothers, because the gender of the baby is always a question that they look forward to answering.

A heart rate below 140 bpm (beats per minute) is said to indicate male gender. Meanwhile, a faster heart rate is believed to be a sign that the fetus is female.

Several studies have been conducted to prove this claim. Previous research was conducted in 2006 on 477 pregnancies. The result, the average heart rate of female fetuses is 151.7 bpm, while male fetuses are 154.9 bpm.

Seeing that the difference between the two is very small, it can be concluded that there is no relationship between heart rate and the gender of the baby.

It did not stop there, in 2016 the researchers conducted research again. Again, the results were similar.

Among the 655 pregnancies studied, the average heart rate of female fetuses was 167 bpm, while that of male fetuses was 167.3 bpm. This difference is even smaller, so it can be concluded that heart rate is not related to the sex of the fetus.

How to find out the sex of the fetus

The sex of the fetus has been determined since the sperm fertilizes the egg. A fetus with an XX chromosome will be female, while a fetus with an XY chromosome will be born male.

The heartbeat cannot provide a picture of the fetal chromosomes that determine its sex. In addition, fetal genitals are not fully formed in the first 4-6 weeks of pregnancy. The new genitals can show the difference when the fetus is 10-20 weeks old.

Although heart rate cannot be used as a benchmark, there are several methods you can use to find out the gender of the baby, namely:

1. Blood test

The main purpose of a blood test is not to determine gender, but to detect genetic disorders. However, this test can also show the type of fetal chromosome that determines its sex.

2. Genetic testing

Genetic testing has the same purpose as blood testing, but is done at an older gestational age. Keep in mind that this test carries risks for pregnancy. So, you must consult a doctor before undergoing it.

3. Ultrasonography (USG)

Ultrasound is the safest examination because it does not have to take samples of blood or amniotic fluid. This examination produces images that show the body parts, heart rate, and sex of the baby to be born.

Heart rate has not been shown to indicate the sex of the fetus. This assumption is a myth, because the heart rate does not describe the fetal chromosomes which are the determinants.

The sex of the fetus in early pregnancy can only be determined through DNA testing and genetic testing. If the fetus's genitals have formed, you can find out its gender with a safer method, namely through an ultrasound examination.

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