by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: August 09, 2008

Beliefs vary across the globe, from city to state, and from person to person. Here in the deep south, "old wives tales" are as common to many people as breathing. That doesn't mean that they are right or wrong, it all depends on what you believe in. As for me, I don't believe that predicting the sex of an unborn baby could be as accurate as picking the next celebrity that will have a scandal. It is merely a chance you take or a guess you make.

Predicting a child's sex is something that many people think that they can do. The truth is, that isn't always the case. In fact, sometimes, even the ultrasound can be wrong. The only sure fire way to know what you are having, is to have it and look for yourself.

When I was pregnant, an elderly lady I know, told me she could tell me the sex of my baby just by swinging a piece of thread (attached to a sewing needle) over my stomach. The way this worked is that if it swung from side to side, I was having a boy. If it swung from front to back, I was having a girl. I was game so she began swinging the needle. It swung front to back, alerting me that I would have a girl. I was elated.

The next week, I had an ultrasound at the doctor's office. The nurse confirmed what the lady had told me. I was indeed having a girl. I was literally tickled pink, although really, all I wanted was a happy baby regardless of the sex. I rushed out and bought all sorts of pink things. I decorated my baby's room in princesses and other little girl things.

Finally, the day came when I went into labor. After the process was said and done, the doctor handed me my daughter. The only problem was it was a boy. I was shocked. After I realized that there was no mix up and no one had switched my baby, I also realized that I was silly to have had believed in something so petty. I was tickled to have my son but for the first few weeks, he slept in a princess bed and wore pink sleepers that I was unable to return.

Now days, I have come to realize that accuracy is only a guess away. It can be as simple as flipping a coin, in many instances. Things such as sporting events and weather are predicted constantly and often, the professionals in those fields get their predictions wrong.

The world is full of tarot cards, psychics, fortune-tellers, superstitions, and other ways to discover what the future holds. In many cases, these things can be based on gut instincts and deep-rooted emotions. These things may not be for everyone but we all need something to believe in.

In conclusion, if you want to hold on to hope for something, then you should. I just don't think the general idea of the sex of your baby is what you should hold onto. As I stated above, it is pretty much fifty-fifty when it comes to predictions. I also wouldn't advise picking out baby clothes just yet. You can get some very odd looks from people who comment on how pretty your daughter is all dressed in pink once you correct them and tell them it is your son. Trust me, I know.

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