There is a popular belief that the fetal heartbeat can indicate the gender of the baby. It is commonly said that if the heartbeat is above 140 beats per minute (BPM), then it's a girl, and if it's below 140 BPM, then it's a boy. However, this is just a myth and has no scientific basis.
The truth is that the fetal heartbeat can vary depending on various factors, such as gestational age, fetal activity, and maternal heart rate. It is normal for the fetal heart rate to fluctuate between 120 and 160 BPM during different stages of pregnancy. The fetal heartbeat can also increase when the baby moves or is stimulated by external factors.
While the fetal heartbeat cannot accurately determine the gender of the baby, there are several other ways to find out the sex of the fetus. These include:
1. Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan is the most reliable method of determining the sex of the baby. It can be done from as early as 18 weeks of pregnancy and is up to 95% accurate.
2. Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a prenatal test where a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus to test for genetic disorders. It can also reveal the gender of the baby with 99% accuracy.
3. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): NIPT is a blood test that analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood. It can accurately determine the sex of the baby as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy.
In conclusion, the fetal heartbeat cannot predict the gender of the baby. It is important not to rely on myths and old-wives tales for such crucial information. Instead, consult a healthcare professional and use reliable methods to accurately determine the sex of the fetus.