- New research out of Canberra says ‘perceived wealth’ influences baby’s gender
- The ACT has highest number of boys born relative to girls than other states
- Study proves theory that good maternal conditions result in more males born
We have heard the stories that diet, timing and even sex position can influence the gender of your baby, but a recent study by the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra has taken it to a whole new level.
Researchers say expectant mothers who see themselves as rich are more likely to give birth a boy.
Sounds crazy, right?
Expectant mothers who have the perception of prosperity are more likely to have boys, says the study.
The study looked at a data sample of 5000 births across Australia over 12 years.
Lead researcher Dr Alison Behie, Head of ANU Biological Anthropology, said the study’s results were related to the Trivers-Willard hypothesis – a theory that good maternal conditions will result in an increase of males born.
Dr Alison Behie was the lead researcher for the study.
‘Our study looked at a range of maternal characteristics to see if any were an accurate indicator of whether mothers will give birth to boys or girls,’ she said.
‘We tested maternal education, age, body weight, income, but the only one that proved to be a reliable predictor was a measure known as ‘perceived wealth’,’ she continued.
‘Having the perception of prosperity is potentially more important than actually having the money or resources.’
Internationally, fewer boys are being born in industrialised nations such as Canada, the UK and the US, but the trend is reversed here in Australia.
Just thinking you’re rich can influence the gender of your child, according to researchers.
”In the ACT there is frequently a higher number of boys born relative to girls compared to other states or territories,’ said Dr Behie.
In most states around the country about 105 boys will be born for every 100 girls, but in the ACT this is slightly higher at around 110 boys.
The results have been published in a paper for the Journal of Biosocial Science.