At 24-25 Weeks: The Pencil Test

Just got back from the long weekend. I'm not really used to going to the cemetery during the All Saint's day season because our relatives live far from Manila and also because my grandparents are still alive..oh, except for my grandfather (father side) who died only a couple of years ago. However, when I'm with my husband's family, I get to experience a trip to the cemetery.

Honestly, I just couldn't wait for the holiday to end and for the OB clinic to open again. It's because this is the month that we're suppose to have an ultrasound to find out the baby's sex. Unfortunately, my OB suggested that we reschedule it on my 7th month. She said that at that time, the doctor will be able to see more, like what will come out first- the baby or the placenta and of course, we'll know the baby's gender.

Today, we just went on with the usual prenatal check-up. I am now 24-25 weeks. My blood pressure is 90/70 and I weigh 126 lbs. Fundal height measures 20 cm and the fetal heart rate is RLQ. I also had my first dose of Tetanus Toxoid. The doctor also gave me new set of vitamins called Iberet Folic (500 g).

When we got home, we received a message saying that our friend from church, Klaris already gave birth to a healthy baby girl and that she didn't have a hard time bringing her out. She did it with only 2 pushes! Isn't that amazing? I pray the same for me, too! Haha!

Because of the news, my husband and I felt envious and the more we wanted to know if we're having a boy or a girl. So, we did the pencil test to make up for not having the ultrasound. We know that it's just an old wives tale and doesn't have any scientific proof for accuracy. However, our Chinese friend swear by it because her mom used it on their family and got accurate results. Just for fun, we tried it and the pencil predicted that we're gonna have a baby girl. Hahaha!

How To Predict Baby's Gender Using The Pencil Test


The pencil test is believed to have originated from Hungary during the time when ultrasounds haven't been invented yet. It eventually became one of the most popular gender prediction methods used by women today. It's not accurate of course, but anyone can try it just for fun!

• First, you'll need a pencil, a piece of thread, and a needle. Make sure that the pencil is sharp to help you see the movement easily.
• Thread the needle. Allow the thread to be long enough for you to hold on to something while dangling the pencil above your wrist.
• Pin the needle through the pencil eraser.
• Position your hand on a flat surface with your palm facing upward. Be still and stay away from any source of wind that could affect the movement of the pencil. 
• Hold the pencil by the thread over your wrist, with the sharpened tip facing downward and touching your skin. 
• Observe closely as the pencil starts to move. If it moves vertically, it means that you're having a baby boy. A horizontal movement indicates that you're having a girl.