The idea that either boys or girls kick harder is a common myth, particularly during pregnancy, and there's no reliable evidence to support it. The strength of a baby's kicks isn't determined by its sex.
Here's a breakdown of why the perceived kicking strength isn't related to gender:
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Individual Variation: Kick strength varies greatly from baby to baby, regardless of sex. Factors like the baby's size, position in the womb, activity level, and even the mother's body type influence how strongly kicks are felt.
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Perception vs. Reality: What one mother perceives as a "strong" kick might be different for another. The sensitivity of the mother's abdominal wall and the placement of the placenta can also affect the perceived intensity of the kicks.
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Source Reliability: The assertion that boys kick harder than girls (or vice versa) often stems from anecdotal evidence and old wives' tales, rather than scientific studies. The reference cited even refutes this idea in the context of prenatal kicks.
In conclusion, while there are plenty of stories and beliefs surrounding fetal movement and gender, there's no solid data to suggest that boys kick harder than girls, or that kicking strength can accurately predict a baby's sex.