There is no clear evidence to suggest that either boys or girls are inherently more active in the womb.
While many people might believe that boys kick harder than girls, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG 2019) and Tommy's (2018) clarify that the strength of a baby's kicks is not an indicator of sex. Here is a summary of how activity in the womb is understood:
Factors Affecting Perceived Fetal Movement
Several factors influence how much a pregnant person feels their baby moving, and it's not solely related to the baby's sex:
- Maternal Activity: You're less likely to notice your baby's movements when you're active or busy. This is because your focus is elsewhere and you may not be as attuned to subtle movements (RCOG 2019, Tommy's 2018).
- Placenta Position: The position of the placenta can impact how movements are felt. An anterior placenta (one located at the front of the uterus) may cushion movements, making them less noticeable.
- Amniotic Fluid Level: The amount of amniotic fluid can affect the space available for the baby to move.
- Baby's Position: The baby's position in the uterus can also influence how the movements are felt.
- Individual Sensitivity: Each pregnant person is unique, with different sensitivities to fetal movements.
Understanding Fetal Movement
- Patterns Vary: Fetal movement patterns vary from baby to baby, and even from day to day. There's no set rule for how much or how often a baby should move.
- Pay Attention to Changes: It’s essential for pregnant individuals to become familiar with their baby's typical movement pattern. Any significant change in this pattern should be reported to healthcare provider.
- No Sex-Based Difference: The idea that one sex is more active than the other in utero is a myth. Individual differences are far more significant than sex in determining movement patterns.
Practical Insights
Here's a practical takeaway: Instead of focusing on whether the baby's movements suggest the sex, focus on paying attention to your baby’s unique pattern of movement and informing your doctor of any significant changes. This is important for monitoring the baby's well-being.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Boys kick harder than girls in the womb. | The strength of kicks is not a reliable way to determine sex. Many factors impact movement. |
| One sex is inherently more active than the other | Both boys and girls have variations in activity levels in the womb. |
