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| - Last Updated on June 7, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Using baking soda to test the gender of a baby is a popular misconception spread by many youtubers, media houses and social media influencers. We did extensive research to conclude that there is no scientific evidence and hence it is false.
The Claim
A YouTube video claims that if you mix baking soda with your morning’s first urine and it creates a fizz afterward, then it’s a boy. Alternatively, if nothing happens, it means you are having a girl. There is a belief that a baby boy makes a mother’s urine more acidic, causing a vigorous fizz; whereas a baby girl does not affect her mother’s urine pH much, causing less or no reaction. There are several other old wives’ tales like the wheat and barley test, position of the baby ー right side means male and left side means female, kind of food cravings ー salty food cravings mean there’s a boy, and sweet food cravings mean it’s a girl.
Fact Check
Does baking soda gender test really work?
No, baking soda gender test is not a reliable method. The thing is, this gender test has an accuracy of 50%, which is the same as chance! Baking soda has absolutely nothing to do with the identification of a baby’s gender. So, anyone who says it worked for them, it is pure coincidence and chance. As per the claim, baking soda (basic) reacts with the mother’s urine (acidic) to cause a chemical reaction (acid-base reaction), and the strength of fizz decides whether it’s a girl or boy.
According to a popular notion, a boy makes his mother’s urine more acidic causing a strong fizz, and a girl does not do so. This claim holds no scientific basis. The acidity of a woman’s urine will depend much more on what she ate or drank that day, her hydration levels, and any ongoing medications than on the gender of her baby. We found no research papers to justify this popular claim.
What decides the gender of a baby?
The sex of a baby is already determined at the moment of conception. The biology behind this is the fact that the father has 44 autosomes + XY (sex) chromosomes, while the mother has 44 autosomes + XX (sex) chromosomes. Every egg (ovum) contains a single X chromosome, and a sperm can contain either an X or a Y chromosome. So, if a sperm containing an X chromosome fertilises the egg, the baby will be a girl; conversely, if a sperm containing a Y chromosome fertilises the egg, the baby will be a boy. Therefore, we can say that the father has a role in the sex of their baby. But we should keep in mind that they do not have any control over it.
What do the doctors think about determining the gender of a foetus?
We have an expert opinion on the sex determination of a foetus from Dr Saumya, a Gynaecologist from ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Patna. She says, “In India, it’s unfortunate to say that even today people have a bias for a baby boy. It’s important for patients to understand that determining the gender of the baby before birth is illegal. This is due to legal regulations to curb the gender-based foeticide and ensuring ethical medical practices.”
Dr Saumya further continues, “As healthcare professionals, we prioritise the health and well-being of both the mother and the child. Therefore, I encourage patients to avoid seeking illegal gender determination methods. Ultrasounds and blood tests (prenatal tests) are safe methods to carry out regular checkups. These methods provide accurate information about the baby’s development while adhering to legal and ethical standards. It’s essential for patients to follow legal guidelines and seek proper prenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Also, I would like to point out that there are various home remedies or superstitious tips and tricks which claim that they can influence the gender of the baby. I advise everyone to stay away from those. Gender is determined at conception and cannot be affected by DIY remedies from the outside.”
We also interviewed another experienced Gynaecologist, Dr Pooja Luthra (MBBS and MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology). She advises, “Foetal gender determination is not allowed in our country legally. So please do not try that, because the clinics may not be following safe practices. I am saying it again that it is illegal. One should focus on the well-being of the mother and the baby rather than the gender of the baby. For that, we have non-invasive prenatal tests, which are safe, ethical, and legal, and the doctor keeps the sexual identity of the baby confidential, as per the law. Follow your gynaecologist’s instructions, stay away from unsafe and unreliable superstitions which may claim that they can help you with a baby boy, because that’s not possible and may prove to be dangerous for the mother and the foetus.”
How can I increase my chances of having a girl/boy?
While it is natural to have personal preference towards a particular gender (here, we are referring to the Sex Assigned at Birth) ー having either a girl or a boy. Unfortunately, you do not have a say in that. Whether you will conceive a girl or a boy depends upon the sperm that fertilises the egg. Your monthly cycles, diet, the day you have sex, sexual position do not affect your likelihood of having a girl or a boy! There is always a 50% probability for both the outcomes.
Note
We want to clarify that when we refer to “gender”, we mean the commonly understood identification as either a boy or a girl based on the sex assigned at birth. However, we recognize that gender and sex are not always the same. We strive to be respectful and inclusive in our language and discussions, acknowledging the sensitivity of these topics.
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