Carrying low in pregnancy

Pregnant women are often exposed to stories based on the shape of their belly, usually by old aunties and nosy neighborhood ladies. One of the most popular stories assumes that carrying low means carrying a baby boy. the science has proven ages ago that baby’s sex has nothing to do with the shape of the belly. However, there are always those who insist on such old wives’ tales.

The myth and the facts

There are dozens of theories about baby’s sex and about baby’s future life based on the shape of the mother’s belly. Some women carry low and some high, some have a wider and some a more narrow shape of the belly. A special, almost magical significance can be associated with any possible belly shape.

It is believed that if a woman carries low it is a sure sign that the baby is a boy. If she carries high, then it is a girl. Some women believe this, and of course, there is a 50%chance they are right.

The fact is that the shape of a pregnant woman’s belly is determined only by the position of the fetus. Position of the fetus is based on the placement of uterine and pelvic muscles. If a woman carries high, the fetus is located at the upper part of the womb, and if she carries low the baby is at the bottom part, closer to the pelvis.

Women who have stronger and tighter uterine and abdominal muscles usually carry high, sometimes just below the breasts, while those whose muscles are somewhat weakened, probably due to age, tend to have a lower baby bump.

Also, women who have a short torso have wider belly, and those with long torso usually have a narrower belly.

What carrying low really means

Carrying low basically means that the baby is located closer to the pelvis. This means that pregnant women who carry low need to be extra careful, because that particular location carries certain risks, like premature birth or even miscarriage. Women who carry low should refrain from physical strain, like heavy lifting and sudden movements, because they can push the baby closer to the pelvis and increase the risk of complications.

On the other hand, since the baby is close to the pelvis, it means that he or she has a shorter way to go on the way out of the womb, which can mean faster and less painful delivery.

After this information, it should be added that the only way to know the baby’s sex is to do tests and screenings, like ultrasound or amniotic fluid test.