What Is Ramzi Theory?

One of the most anticipated moments in pregnancy is learning the sex of your baby. Using the Ramzi theory (also called the Ramzi method) is an alternative way some people try to predict a baby's gender before the fetus is far enough along to test with traditional methods.

It's important to note that this theory is not a proven method of determining the sex of your baby.

Learn more about the background and accuracy of the Ramzi theory, along with other ways to determine the sex of your baby.

Ramzi Theory Explained

Ramzi theory suggests that a healthcare provider can use ultrasound images to detect the fetus's gender as early as six weeks' gestation.

The creator of the Ramzi theory, Saam Ramzi Ismail, claims the placement of the placenta in the uterus can reveal the sex of the baby. The theory suggests that:

• If the placenta implants on the right side, the baby's sex is male.
• If the placenta implants on the left side, then the baby's sex is female.

The ultrasound poses no risk to the mother or baby.

Accuracy of Ramzi Theory

Proponents of the Ramzi theory suggest there is a high accuracy rate. However, the accuracy of the Ramzi theory is not proven. There have been limited studies on its effectiveness, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) doesn't support it.

Fetal sex organs begin developing around nine weeks' gestation. A primary problem some experts have with the Ramzi theory is it claims to detect a child's sex at six weeks' gestation, which is before the sex organs are even formed.

Other Ways to Determine Gender

The most accurate ways to determine the gender of your baby before birth is through:

• A prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening: This can detect gender with high accuracy if you can't wait until your second trimester ultrasound.
• An ultrasound: Once the genitals are fully developed, they can be viewed via ultrasound.

Blood Tests

During a prenatal cell-free DNA screening, DNA from the mother and fetus is extracted from a maternal blood sample and screened for the increased chance of specific chromosome disorders, such as Down syndrome.

People can opt for this test in the latter part of the first trimester (about 10 weeks of pregnancy or later). As a bonus, the cell-free DNA screening test picks up small pieces of the male sex chromosome in the mother's blood, which indicates if the baby is a boy or not.

It takes about a week to get the results.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is another option to reliably tell the sex of a baby. Pregnant people normally have an anatomy ultrasound at 20 weeks' gestation. The doctor checks to ensure the following:

• The baby's organs and body structures are normal.
• The baby is growing at a normal rate.
• The placenta appears healthy and well-positioned.

You can also most likely learn your baby's gender—if you choose—on the spot since by then the genitals are formed.

While neither test is a foolproof way to detect gender, they are highly reliable and well-regarded among gynecologists.

Summary

The Ramzi theory is not a proven method of determining the sex of your baby. If you want to find out the sex of your baby, a blood test or ultrasound once the genitals are developed are the most accurate methods.

A Word From Verywell

Determining the sex of your baby can be important for curiosity or medical reasons. While some believe in the Ramzi theory, be sure to check with your ob-gyn to ensure you are getting the most accurate test for your circumstances.