Baby Sex Prediction: Does the Ramzi Theory Actually Work?

From the moment that second pink line appears on a pregnancy test, many expecting parents begin to wonder: “Is it a boy or a girl?” While ultrasound scans at 18–22 weeks can provide a medical answer, theories promising earlier gender prediction are often sought eagerly.

Among the most popular is the Ramzi Theory, an idea claiming that a baby’s sex can be determined as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy based on the placement of the placenta on an ultrasound image.

The Ramzi Theory, also known as the Ramzi Method, was first introduced online around 2011 by Dr. Saad Ramzi Ismail, who claimed that the location of the placenta or chorionic villi in early ultrasound images could predict the baby’s sex with over 97% accuracy:

These conclusions were allegedly drawn from a retrospective analysis of more than 5,000 cases using transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound images taken between 6 to 8 weeks of gestation. The theory gained traction on parenting forums, social media, and even in commercial ultrasound services, but not without controversy.

Despite its popularity, the Ramzi Theory has not been validated by peer-reviewed research in any credible international medical journal. A review of academic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AJOG) shows no published study by Dr. Ramzi Ismail in recognized journals. Most references to his work exist only in online articles, blog posts, or promotional ultrasound sites.

In contrast, authoritative organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have never endorsed the Ramzi Method. According to ACOG:

“Foetal sex cannot be determined by ultrasound before 12 weeks with reliable accuracy, and even then, confirmation is usually reserved for anatomy scans between 18–22 weeks.”

When it comes to accurate baby sex prediction, the following methods are evidence-based:

Available from 9–10 weeks of gestation, NIPT involves analysing cell-free foetal DNA in the mother’s blood. These tests are 99% accurate in determining foetal sex and are routinely used for screening chromosomal abnormalities.

Referenced in: Obstetrics & Gynecology, ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 226 (2020).

Between 18–22 weeks, the genitalia can be visualized on a standard 2D ultrasound. When performed by a skilled sonographer, this method has above 95% accuracy.

Referenced in: International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) Guidelines.

These are done for genetic diagnosis, and foetal sex is often determined as a byproduct of karyotyping. However, they are not performed solely for sex determination due to procedural risks.

Believing in an unproven theory can lead to emotional attachment to a predicted gender, which, if proven wrong later, may cause disappointment, guilt, or disconnection. In extreme cases, gender disappointment can even lead to anxiety or depression.

Some ultrasound boutiques charge money for early “Ramzi predictions” without disclosing the unverified nature of the method. Vulnerable expectant parents, eager to know the baby’s sex, may be misled into spending money on non-medical, unregulated services.

In regions where sex-selective practices are prevalent, early sex prediction based on pseudoscience may open dangerous doors. In India, for instance, prenatal sex determination is illegal under the PCPNDT Act (1994) to prevent female foeticide. Using or promoting such methods could constitute ethical violations or even criminal offenses.

Cited from: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India: PCPNDT Act Guidelines (2021).

While the Ramzi Theory has gained fame in the world of online parenting, its claims are unsupported by science, lacking medical credibility, and potentially risky when taken seriously. Curiosity about your baby’s sex is natural, but it’s best to rely on evidence-based tools and medical guidance rather than speculative methods. In a world full of information, not all of it is safe or accurate, especially when it comes to your baby. Always consult your OB-GYN or licensed foetal medicine expert before making decisions based on any early prediction claims.