A new nationwide survey of 2,000 parents and parents-to-be reveals that many Americans still believe some of the most common — and unproven — pregnancy myths. Nearly a third (29%) think heartburn means a baby will be born with a full head of hair, while 21% believe that spicy foods can induce labor.
The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of SneakPeek, an early pregnancy gender detection test, found that even in 2025, superstition still plays a role in how parents think about pregnancy.
Top Pregnancy Myths Americans Still Believe
From old wives’ tales to regional folklore, the study uncovered a variety of curious pregnancy beliefs that continue to circulate today:
- Heartburn predicts a hairy baby (29%)
- Spicy foods induce labor (21%)
- Seeing certain animals can reveal a baby’s gender
- Thunderstorms can trigger labor
- Babies born on their side will grow up to be geniuses
One respondent shared, “If we dream about fish, someone is pregnant in our family,” while another claimed, “If I break a mirror, my baby will be cursed with bad skin.”
While these beliefs add a touch of fun and mystery, experts note that most have no scientific basis.
Do Parents Still Rely On Old-Fashioned Gender Predictors?
Despite the persistence of myths, most parents today lean toward modern methods to learn their baby’s gender.
According to the survey, 69% of parents either did or plan to find out their baby’s gender before birth, with results split evenly between boys and girls.
Interestingly, dads were more accurate than moms when guessing the gender before confirmation — 70% versus 63%.
Among the 43% who had a gender preference, more hoped for a boy (59%) than a girl (41%). Nearly one in five (16%) said they even considered moon phases when trying to conceive their preferred gender.
Common Gender Prediction Myths Debunked
When it comes to pregnancy “symptoms,” the survey revealed little truth behind the supposed predictors many expectant parents still reference:
- Craving sweets is often associated with being a girl, but the results showed nearly identical cravings among mothers of boys and girls (29% vs. 28%).
- Severe morning sickness occurred equally in both groups (around 25%).
- Glowing skin — thought to signal a boy — was actually more common among girl moms (18% vs. 17%).
- Carrying low, typically associated with boys, was reported by 14% of boy moms and 12% of girl moms.
- Only 10% of girl moms reported heart rates above 140 bpm, a popular “girl” myth.
Why Parents Want To Know The Gender Early
“Pregnancy is full of unknowns and anticipation,” said Melissa Gonzales, president of SneakPeek Women’s Health at Myriad Genetics. “That’s why 76% of parents who found out or will find out their baby’s gender will do so before 20 weeks. It’s one piece of knowledge they can trust to amplify their joy, prepare for parenthood, and reduce anxiety.”
More than half of respondents said picking a name (53%) and buying clothes or toys (51%) were their main reasons for learning their baby’s gender early. Others wanted to share the news with family (32%), feel more connected to their baby (22%), or amplify their excitement (21%).
Gender Reveal Parties Remain A Popular Tradition
Even as some parents move away from superstition, the desire to celebrate milestones is stronger than ever.
Nearly 22% plan a large gender reveal party, while 17% prefer smaller gatherings. Despite the mixed opinions surrounding the trend, parents were more likely to describe these parties as “fun” (47%) than “cringey” (31%).
When it came to who hears the big news first, grandparents topped the list (65%), followed by best friends (11%) and siblings (9%).
Modern Technology Meets Traditional Curiosity
Dr. Dallas Reed, OBGYN and geneticist at Tufts and a medical advisor for SneakPeek, noted that today’s parents are more proactive than ever in tracking and understanding their pregnancies.
“More pregnant patients are taking steps to feel informed and empowered,” said Dr. Reed. “Thirty-six percent track movement and sleep with apps, 36% create birth plans, 19% use at-home tests, and 18% work with midwives.”
Even with access to modern tools, only 4% discovered their baby’s gender through an at-home DNA test, though such methods can now accurately detect gender as early as six weeks.
As technology has continued to progress, doctors have also leveraged these advancements, as highlighted by our week-by-week pregnancy guides, which showcase many of the tests doctors use throughout pregnancy to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby.
Balancing Science, Superstition, and Parenthood
While it’s clear that technology has replaced many old pregnancy myths, this survey suggests that expectant parents still find comfort — and a bit of fun — in age-old beliefs.
Whether it’s guessing based on cravings or turning to DNA testing, one thing is sure: pregnancy remains as full of wonder as ever.