Craving Sweets Boy or Girl? Myth, Science & My Story … decoding pregnancy sweet cravings with real experiences and research.
When I got pregnant, the very first strange thing I noticed was… I started loving sweets way too much. Chocolates, gulab jamun, donuts, halwa, ice cream … the list just wouldn’t end! And everyone around me kept saying, “Oho, looks like it’s going to be a girl!” This made me reflect on Health & Mindfulness, realizing how paying attention to cravings and eating habits can help maintain balance during pregnancy.
That’s when I thought, “Really? Does craving sweets mean it’s a baby girl?”
It made me wonder if there’s an interesting Health & Mindfulness angle to this … how deeply our cravings and emotions are connected!
This curiosity led me straight to the search bar… I too typed: craving sweets boy or girl. And I realized thousands of moms were asking the same question. So today, I’m sharing both my story and what research says … an honest blend of myth, science, and emotion.
My First Craving & The Magic of Old Wives’ Tales
Every culture has its version of this old saying:
“If you crave sweets during pregnancy, it’s a girl. If you crave salty or tangy foods, it’s a boy.”
I still remember my grandmother smiling and saying, “A girl is on her way, just look at how much you want sweets!”
These beliefs have been passed down for generations … not just in Pakistan, but all around the world: Europe, India, the Middle East… everywhere there’s some version of it.
Maybe because these beliefs make pregnancy feel a little more magical and fun.
And honestly, I loved that phase. Every craving turned into a new guessing game, as if every tiny sign of pregnancy held a “hidden message.”
What Science Says … A Reality Check
Now let’s talk a little about science and research to understand the truth.
According to research, there’s no proven connection between cravings and a baby’s gender.
In one study’s data, 49.7% of women who craved sweets had boys, and 48.6% had girls … such a tiny difference that it’s statistically meaningless.
So what does this mean? Simple … the “craving sweets boy or girl” theory is a myth, not a scientific rule.
Science explains that pregnancy cravings mostly happen due to:
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone alter your sense of taste and smell.
- Nutritional needs: When the body needs more energy, the brain sends “sugar signals.”
- Mood and stress: We often prefer sweets for emotional comfort … the “comfort food effect.”
So if you feel like eating chocolate or dessert, it doesn’t mean you’re having a girl … it’s just your hormones in a sweet mood!
My Story … When Every Day Was a Chocolate Day!
I was in my first trimester when I started craving chocolate every single day. Double sugar in coffee, Nutella with biscuits at night.
I thought I was the only one, but when I went through online forums, I saw moms everywhere posting:
“Craving sweets boy or girl? I’m wondering the same!”
Some moms shared:
“I craved sweets all pregnancy … had a baby girl.”
“I only wanted salty chips … had a baby boy.”
That’s when I realized … the pattern is different for everyone. I loved sweets, and I had a baby boy.
So I understood … these beliefs are cute, but every mom’s experience is unique.
The Mix of Science and Emotion
What I love most is that science doesn’t just explain numbers … it helps us understand feelings too.
During pregnancy, both our body and mind go through major changes.
Sometimes, a craving is your body’s way of hinting at what it needs. For example:
- Sweet cravings → a need for energy.
- Salty cravings → balancing sodium or minerals.
- Tangy cravings → a need for vitamin C or freshness.
But emotional cravings are real too … sometimes we just want that happy feeling, and sweets become the shortcut to it.
The Cultural & Local Angle … Our Grandmothers’ Wisdom
Our grandmothers always turned pregnancy experiences into little stories:
“If you crave sweets, it’s a girl. If you crave pickles, it’s a boy.”
Is it scientifically accurate? No.
But is it emotionally comforting? Absolutely yes.
These beliefs create an emotional connection … between the mom and her family.
When a pregnant woman hears these stories, the home fills with laughter, joy, and bonding.
That’s why I feel “craving sweets boy or girl” is not just a myth … it’s a beautiful cultural bonding tool too.
Real Moms’ Voices (From Forums)
When I scrolled through Reddit and pregnancy forums, I found countless different experiences:
“Craved sweet food my entire pregnancy and had a boy.”
“I’ve been craving sweets and still have nausea… I’m having a girl.”
“Loved both sweet and salty … ended up with twins, a boy and a girl!”
In short, there’s no pattern … just personal stories that connect moms everywhere.
Research and Myths Side-by-Side
| Belief / Myth | Scientific Explanation |
| Craving sweets means it’s a girl | Cravings are due to hormones and sugar levels, not gender. |
| Craving salty or tangy means it’s a boy | Salt cravings can be caused by mineral imbalances. |
| Cravings can predict gender | No … there’s zero research linking the two. |
| “Craving sweets boy or girl” works | Just a fun guessing game, not a fact. |
Fun Fact:
One study observed that moms who consumed more sugar during pregnancy sometimes had babies with slightly higher birth weights … but again, no connection to gender.
So if you’re looking for answers to craving sweets boy or girl, remember … it’s a myth with a smile, not a medical formula.
A Balanced View … Feel the Myth, Understand the Science
I believe every myth holds a bit of emotion.
If you like sweets and people say “It’s going to be a girl”, then enjoy!
Just don’t limit your thoughts to this.
Pregnancy is already an emotional rollercoaster … treat your cravings as cute signs, not predictions.
And remember to focus on your health and nutrition too.
“Every craving has a story … but not every story is science.”
Emotional Takeaway
I’ve learned that cravings are not just about food … they’re part of the journey.
When I was eating ice cream at 11 p.m., it felt like my baby was happy with me. Maybe that’s why every craving became a sweet memory.
So if you’re currently searching “craving sweets boy or girl”, remember … your experience is uniquely yours. Every craving is an emotion, a small connection with your baby.
Quick Tips for Pregnant Moms
- Notice your cravings, but don’t overeat.
- Try healthy alternatives … fruits, yogurt, dark chocolate.
- Stay hydrated – Sometimes thirst feels like a sugar craving.
- Manage stress, as it can increase sugar cravings.
- And most importantly, enjoy the journey … pregnancy is not a test!
Key taking
Even today when someone asks, “Craving sweets boy or girl … is it true?”
I smile and say:
“I loved sweets, and I had a baby boy.
Maybe the myth was wrong … but the sweetness was absolutely right.”
So next time you crave mithai, ice cream, or chocolate, don’t feel guilty …
it’s just your body’s sweet signal. Enjoy it, but keep it balanced.
Does craving sweets mean it’s a girl? Maybe.
Does craving salty foods mean it’s a boy? Maybe.
But the real truth is: every pregnancy writes its own story.
Additional Resources
- Baby Gender Predictions: Fun Old Wives’ Tales – Pampers: Explains the folk belief that sweet cravings mean a girl and salty/savoury cravings mean a boy … and why it’s just for fun.
- Gender Prediction Myths: Are You Having a Boy or Girl? | Healthline: Explores old wives’ tales about pregnancy cravings and confirms that research does not link specific cravings to baby gender.
