Q: I'M pregnant and carrying my baby low – does that mean it'll be a boy, or is that just an old wives' tale?
A: Midwife Clare Livingstone, from the Royal College of Midwives (rcm.org.uk), says: "The way a pregnant woman carries her baby is determined by her gestation and the number of pregnancies she has previously had. There are many old wives' tales surrounding pregnancy and this is one of them.
"The gender of an unborn baby can only be discovered via an ultrasound scan. The size and shape of a woman's bump naturally changes and grows as she moves through her pregnancy.
"Carrying a baby low can be uncomfortable for some expectant mothers, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments that support her growing uterus are stretched.
"As the baby drops down, there will be pressure on her lower back, bladder and symphysis pubis, which is at the front of the pelvis and can become very uncomfortable for some women.
"Every woman is, of course, different and that's why midwives personalise care to each woman's individual needs. If pregnant women have any concerns they should contact their midwife or their GP for advice and some support."
