   Carrying High vs. LowSouthern Pregnancy FolkloreA Southern old wives’ tale and pregnancy superstition: if an expectant mother carries the baby high, it’s said to be a girl; if she carries low, it’s said to be a boy. Hillbilly Dude Says...  This 'carryin' high/low prediction' is still something' you hear down here. Hillbilly Dude Says... This 'carryin' high/low prediction' is still something' you hear down here. OriginThis superstition has been passed down in the South and Appalachia for generations. Women compared how a mother "carried" her baby long before medical scans existed. Versions of this belief appear in many cultures, but Southerners made it part of their rich body of pregnancy folklore, alongside other gender predictions like the wedding ring test or cravings for sweet versus salty foods. NotesEven today, you’ll hear folks say: "She’s carrying high, must be a girl." For some families, it’s playful guessing, while for others it was once taken seriously. This old wives’ tale has been repeated so often it’s nearly as common as asking about baby names. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |