Using the Ring Test During Pregnancy to Predict Your Baby's Sex

PDF download Download Article
A simple guide to performing a ring test and how to interpret the results
PDF download Download Article

You’re dying to know your baby’s sex, and you just can’t wait any longer for an ultrasound. What about the ring test? What is it? Does it work? There are a number of old wives tales and superstitions that claim to be able to predict the gender of your baby, and we’re here to help you sort the reliable from the less-than-accurate. We’ll show you how to do the ring test and other fun myths (and let you in on if they really work), plus some more accurate ways to tell the sex of your baby.

Things You Should Know

  • Perform the ring test by dangling a wedding band over your belly—if it swings back and forth, it’s said you’ll have a boy. If it swings in circles, you’ll have a girl.
  • Keep in mind that the ring test is only a myth, and doesn’t provide scientifically accurate results, but is a fun old wives’ tale for you and your family to try.
  • Visit a medical professional to have an ultrasound or an NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test), which are more accurate ways to determine a baby's sex .
Section 1 of 4:

How do you perform the ring test?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This test is often done with the woman’s wedding ring, and if you’re unmarried, the ring doesn’t have to be a wedding band—any ring that belongs to the participant will do. You might also use yarn, thread, or even a strand of hair instead of string. [1] Make the loop long enough for the wedding band to dangle over your stomach.
    • Many people also use a sewing needle instead of a wedding ring, with the string threaded through the needle’s eye (the test is done in the same way with a needle as with a ring).
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Lay flat on your back and let the ring dangle so that the string is taut. Wait for a moment, and observe how the band moves. [2]
    • Note that you don’t have to be pregnant to try this test! It’s a fun activity for anyone who plans to have kids.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some say the motion of the ring as it hangs over your stomach tells you if you’re having a boy or a girl. [3] Others say the reverse is true–that if the ring moves from side to side, you’re having a girl, and vice versa. [4] Opinions differ, so remember: it’s only a myth!
    • Another version of the myth swings the ring over your hand. This variation claims that each swing of the ring predicts another baby you’ll have, as well as that baby’s sex, and the test is only over when the ring stops swinging.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Is the ring test accurate?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Like many other tests of its kind, the ring test has no scientific basis for its results. [5] The outcome of the test is most likely caused by ideomotor movements, which are the subconscious motions people make because of prior notions or preconceptions. While you may not realize it in the moment, you’re actually causing the movement of the ring yourself. Otherwise, the ring may be responding to the minute trembling of your arm or hand.
    • Statistically, the ring test is just as likely to indicate someone is having a boy as it is to indicate they’re having a girl. Still, it’s a fun tradition to take part in.
    • It might not tell you the sex of your baby, but your ideomotor movements might reveal which sex you subconsciously want!


Section 3 of 4:

Other Myths

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some say that you can tell a baby’s sex by how the pregnancy “carries.” If the fetus is high in the belly, they say it’s a girl, and low in the belly means it’s a boy. Others say horizontal protrusions indicate a girl, and protruding more outward means it’s a boy. [6] Both of these are only hearsay, and shouldn’t be relied on to give an accurate indication of a fetus’ sex. Still, it doesn’t hurt to speculate.
  2. 2
    The heartbeat test One of the most common pregnancy myths that you can tell the sex based on the baby’s heartbeat . If the fetal heart rate is less than 140 bpm, then it’s a boy, right? Not quite. It’s true that a girl’s heart rate is often faster than a boy’s, but that’s only after the onset of labor, and there’s no significant difference at every other moment of pregnancy. [7]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There's a myth that cravings during pregnancy can predict the baby’s sex. If you crave sweets, some might say you’ll have a girl. Craving salt? That’s an indicator of a male baby. [8] Pregnant people crave all sorts of things for a number of reasons, but these have more to do with the fetus’ own growth, and perhaps even the cultural environment of the parent, than the baby’s sex. [9]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Another old wives' tale claims that morning sickness can indicate a baby's sex. While probably not the most accurate test, the jury’s still out on this one. There could be some correlation between more intense and frequent instances of morning sickness indicating a female baby, but the research can’t say for certain just yet. [10]
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Accurate Tests

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When performed by a professional in an appropriate environment, ultrasounds are incredibly accurate, and have a very low chance of getting the sex of a baby wrong. [11] Ultrasounds are typically performed at 18-20 weeks during a pregnancy, but may be performed earlier depending on the condition of the pregnant person. [12] If you’re curious about you’re baby’s gender, consider getting an ultrasound .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Do-a-Ring-Test-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Non-invasive prenatal testing uses a small amount of blood from the pregnant person to analyze a fetus’ DNA. Though more commonly used to test for chromosomal abnormalities and other conditions, NIPTs can also accurately indicate the sex of an unborn baby. [13]
    • CVS and amino tests are 2 additional, accurate tests for your baby’s sex, however these tests are invasive and not typically done for sex prediction, primarily, and aren’t recommended over ultrasounds or NIPTs. [14]
    3. Advertisement

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is a Boy Or a Girl?


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Rick Simpson Oil
      A Complete Guide to Solfeggio Healing Frequencies
      How to
      Test Iodine Levels
      How to
      Activate Rose Quartz Crystal
      How to
      Use the Chi Machine
      What Are the Benefits of Black Obsidian? How to Make the Most of This Glassy Gem
      How to
      Do the Surya Namaskar
      How to
      Perform Gua Sha
      A Guide to Type B Blood’s Personality Traits & Compatibility
      How to
      Fix Knuckle Pain
      How to
      Create a Wellness Plan
      How to
      Know if a Chakra Bracelet is Real: 9 Things to Look For
      How to
      Use Acupressure for Weight Loss
      The Ultimate Guide to Charging Your Crystals for Healing
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://easydna.co.uk/knowledge-base/baby-gender-old-wives-tales/
      2. ↑ https://easydna.co.uk/knowledge-base/baby-gender-old-wives-tales/
      3. ↑ https://www.romper.com/p/i-tried-old-wives-tales-to-predict-babys-gender-this-is-what-happened-413
      4. ↑ https://utswmed.org/medblog/gender-prediction/
      5. ↑ https://utswmed.org/medblog/gender-prediction/
      6. ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/the-most-popular-gender-predicting-old-wives-tales-of-all-time
      7. ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Old-Wives-Tales
      8. ↑ https://easydna.co.uk/knowledge-base/baby-gender-old-wives-tales/
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4172095/
      1. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33098451/
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530251/
      3. ↑ https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/ultrasound-during-pregnancy.aspx
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29553638/
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00038393.htm

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 18,444 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement