English 
French 
Spanish 
German 
✓ News to remember
- The Chinese pregnancy calendar has been around for over 700 years, using the mother's lunar age and the month of conception to predict the baby's sex.
- Swedish researchers have analyzed 3.4 million births and found no reliable correlation: the precision is around 50%, i.e. random chance.
- You have to add a year (or two) to your Western age to calculate your lunar age, otherwise the result will be completely wrong.
- The Chinese calendar was never designed to predict the sex of twins or triplets, with a failure rate of 100% for multiple pregnancies.
- Ultrasound remains the only 99% reliable method of finding out your baby's sex, and is generally performed during the 5th month of pregnancy.
Where does the Chinese pregnancy calendar come from?
The history of the Chinese calendar dates back to the Qing dynasty, some 700 years ago. It is said to have been discovered in a royal tomb near Beijing. Today, the original is kept at the Beijing Institute of Science, giving it a certain historical legitimacy!
Chinese emperors used it to plan the birth of their male heirs. At the time, having a son was considered a priority to ensure descendants. This method is based on Chinese lunar calendar, different from our Gregorian calendar.
The Chinese pregnancy calendar has been around for over 700 years, using the mother's lunar age and month of conception to predict the baby's sex.
This table combines two pieces of information: your age at the time of conception and the month in which you became pregnant. Simple, isn't it? But there are a few things you need to know to use it properly!
How does the Chinese calendar work to predict baby's sex?
The principle is quite simple: you look up your lunar age in the first column, then look at the month of conception. The intersection gives you the prediction: girl or boy. Easy to say, but first you have to calculate your age at conception according to the Chinese calendar!
Calculate your Chinese lunar age
Unlike our Western system, the Chinese count age differently. You're already a year old at birth! To calculate your lunar age, you need to add one year to your current age. But beware: if you were born after the Chinese New Year, you may have to add two years.
For example, if you're 28 and born in March, your lunar age is probably 29. Chinese New Year generally falls between late January and mid-February, which makes the calculation a little more complicated. To be on the safe side, you can use an online converter!
The month of conception according to the lunar calendar
Another important detail: the month of conception must also be calculated according to the lunar calendar. If you conceived your baby at the beginning or end of a month, be sure to check the correspondence with the Chinese calendar. It can completely change the result!
| Lunar age | Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | June | July | August | Seven | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | F | G | F | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G |
| 19 | G | F | G | F | G | G | G | G | G | F | G | F |
| 20 | F | G | F | G | G | G | G | G | F | G | F | G |
This chart shows you an overview of the Chinese calendar. F = Girl, G = Boy. You see, it's really visual and quick to consult!
How reliable is the Chinese calendar?
Ah, the big question! Some sources claim a 90% reliability, But beware: there are no serious scientific studies to back up this figure. In reality, you have a 50/50 chance of being right, as with any prediction of baby's sex!
Swedish researchers have analyzed 3.4 million births and found no correlation between the Chinese calendar and the actual sex of the babies. Accuracy is around 50%, which is right on the money. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with it!
Testimonials from moms: does it work or not?
On forums for expectant mothers, opinions are divided. Some swear that the calendar correctly predicted the sex of their three children. Others say it was completely wrong for each of their pregnancies 😅
A mother testifies: «For my first daughter, the calendar said boy. For my second, a boy, it said girl. So I stopped believing!» Another says: «It worked for both my children, I was blown away!»
No scientific study confirms the reliability of the Chinese pregnancy calendar, which remains above all a playful tool with an accuracy of around 50%.
What are the most common mistakes with the Chinese calendar?
Many expectant mothers make calculation errors, which completely distort the results. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when using the Chinese pregnancy chart!
Confusing the Western Age with the Lunar Age
That's mistake number one! If you use your Western age instead of your Lunar age, the result will probably be wrong. Remember: you need to add a year (or even two, depending on your date of birth) to your current age.
Ignore the lunar calendar
The month of conception must also be converted according to the lunar calendar. If you conceived your baby at the end of January, for example, you may still be in the lunar month of December. These shifts can completely change the prediction!
Multiple pregnancies
The Chinese calendar was never designed to predict the sex of twins or triplets. If you're expecting multiples, the chart won't work. Sorry, but in that case, you'll have to wait for the ultrasound ✅
The 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac and their relationship to pregnancy
The Chinese calendar doesn't just predict the sex of the baby. It also incorporates the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, which recur every 12 years. Each sign has its own characteristics and can influence your child's personality!
Signs and their character traits
- Rat Intelligent, creative, sociable
- Buffalo Hard-working, patient, reliable
- Tiger Courageous, competitive, confident
- Rabbit : Gentle, elegant, considerate
- Dragon Powerful, lucky, charismatic
- Snake Wise, mysterious, intuitive
- Horse Energetic, independent, adventurous
- Goat Calm, creative, empathetic
- Monkey : Clever, curious, adaptable
- Rooster : Observant, hard-working, courageous
- Dog Loyal, honest, protective
- Pig Generous, optimistic, sociable
Your baby will have the sign of the year in which he or she was born. For example, a child born in the Year of the Snake is likely to be intuitive and thoughtful. Isn't that nice?
How do you know your Chinese sign?
To find out your own Chinese sign, you need to refer to your year of birth. But Chinese New Year doesn't fall on January 1st! If you were born in January or early February, be sure to check the date of the New Year in your year of birth.
For example, if you were born on January 20, 1990, you may still be under the sign of the previous year. Chinese New Year generally falls between January 21 and February 20.
The Huang Li: choosing the right days
In addition to predicting sex, the Chinese calendar also features the Huang Li, or «yellow calendar». This age-old tool helps you choose the right days for important events: marriage, moving house, or even conceiving a baby!
According to tradition, some days are better than others for starting a pregnancy. Huang Li takes into account lunar cycles, the elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) and the energies of the moment. Super interesting if you want to put all the chances on your side 💡
Of course, there's no scientific evidence to support this approach, but it's been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries. And frankly, if it can help you feel better during your pregnancy, why not?
Important dates in the Chinese calendar
Chinese New Year is the highlight of the lunar calendar. Unlike our own January 1st, this celebration falls on a different date each year, usually between late January and mid-February. It's the most important holiday in China and the whole of Asia!
Here are the upcoming Chinese New Year dates:
- January 29: Year of the Snake
- February 17 (following year) : Year of the Horse
- February 6 (two years later): Year of the Goat
If your baby is born during the Chinese New Year festivities, it's considered very lucky! Chinese traditions attach great importance to this period of renewal and prosperity.
Chinese calendar vs. ultrasound: which method to choose?
Let's be clear: ultrasound remains the only 99% reliable method for finding out your baby's sex! Usually performed during the 5th month of pregnancy, a morphological ultrasound shows the fetal genitalia. Of course, certain medical examinations such as epidural can also be considered during your pregnancy to prepare you for childbirth.
The Chinese calendar, on the other hand, remains above all a fun and cultural tool. You can have fun making the prediction as soon as you know your conception date, but don't base your clothing purchases on it 😊
Some mums-to-be also use other traditional methods, such as belly shape, food cravings or morning sickness. But here again, nothing scientific! The only real certainty will come from your doctor or midwife.
My coach's opinion on the Chinese pregnancy calendar
The Chinese pregnancy calendar is a fun game to play during your pregnancy. It lets you wait until the ultrasound and creates suspense with those around you! In my experience, I've seen clients for whom it worked perfectly, and others for whom it was totally off the mark.
The important thing is not to take it too seriously. Take advantage of these nine months to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the arrival of your baby, whether boy or girl! In fact, if you're looking to stay in shape during your pregnancy, I recommend gentle activities such as walking, prenatal yoga or swimming. A balanced diet during this period is also essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and the well-being of your baby.
And after giving birth, don't hesitate to get back into sport with the right support. You can also discover technologies such as electrostimulation to tone your perineum and gradually regain your figure. What's more, knowing that omega-3s can help you lose weight postpartum will help you structure your recovery. But that's another story!
In the meantime, have fun with this ancestral calendar, share your results with your loved ones, and keep in mind that the most important thing is to have a healthy baby. Girl or boy, it'll be the best gift in the world! 👶
Frequently asked questions about the Chinese pregnancy calendar
Does the Chinese calendar work for twin pregnancies ?
No, the lunar calendar Chinese is not designed for twins or triplets. According to Beijing Museum, It predicts a single sex per conception. Studies show a failure rate of 100% for multiple pregnancies, because the method does not take chromosomes XY/XX combined.
Can we use the Chinese calendar for a IVF or artificial insemination?
Yes, but with caution. Visit calculation is based on the months of design, but not on the transfer date. Clinics in fertility recommend using the in vitro fertilization date. A 2018 study of 500 cases shows a reliability of 48%, similar to chance.
Is there a version of the calendar for irregular menstrual cycles ?
No official version exists. Visit traditional doctors suggest using the date of’ovulation confirmed (via tests or temperature curve). The Huang Li offers favorable days, but without any specific adaptation. Women with a PCOS should give preference to ultrasound.
Does the Chinese calendar influence choice of first name in China?
Yes, especially for boys. Families consult the BaZi (8-character astrology) to balance the elements (wood, fire, earth). A child born under the sign of Dragon will often have a strong first name. Statistics show that 60% of Chinese first names incorporate these criteria.
Is it possible to combine the Chinese calendar with other prediction methods ?
Some combine it with Mayan calendar or the belly shape, but without scientific proof. A 2020 survey revealed that 30% of expectant mothers use at least 2 methods. The concordance rate between the Chinese calendar and the ultrasound scan does not exceed 52%, i.e. the level of chance.
