The Chinese pregnancy calendar is a traditional chart that combines two pieces of information:
-
The mother’s lunar age
-
The lunar month of conception
By matching these two details, the chart predicts whether you’re expecting a boy or a girl. Its origins date back more than 700 years, to the Qing dynasty, where it’s said to have been discovered in an imperial tomb. Some claim it has up to a 90% accuracy rate, though it’s important to note that there’s no scientific evidence to support this.
So how can you know for sure? The most reliable answer will always come from your gynecologist, usually during an ultrasound, once your baby’s anatomy is clearly visible.
Still, the Chinese pregnancy calendar can be a sweet and exciting way to imagine what’s to come. And of course, whatever the result, our baby gift sets, like the thoughtfully curated Bonhomia Gift Sets and Newborn Skincare Sets are designed with babies in mind, offering essential care items from the very first days.
So, How Does the Chinese Pregnancy Chart Work?
Using the Chinese pregnancy calendar is simple in theory. You only need:
-
The mother’s lunar age
-
The lunar date of conception
The tricky part? These don’t always match up with the Western (Gregorian) calendar we use every day.
In the Chinese calendar, you’re generally considered one year older than your Western age, which can make calculating your lunar age a little confusing at first. To help, we’ve included a reference table below where you can find your date of birth and determine your age according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
Photo from Huffington Post
Chinese Pregnancy Calendar 2026
Once you know your lunar age, you’re ready to give it a try. Simply:
-
Find your lunar age in the left-hand column
-
Match it with your lunar month of conception along the top row
Photo courtesy R for Rabbit
If you’ve been tracking ovulation or used assisted reproductive technology, you may have a more precise conception date, making the chart easier to use. If your pregnancy came as a surprise (as many wonderful ones do!), you can estimate the conception date by counting about two weeks after your last period, just keep in mind that this may affect accuracy. If your baby is due in 2026, be sure to use an up to date chart, as the first month of the 2026 Chinese lunar year begins on January 30, 2026!
What do you think of the Chinese pregnancy calendar? Would you try it or have you already? Was it accurate for you? At Suavinex, we love hearing your stories, traditions, and little pregnancy rituals. Feel free to share your experience with us on our social media channels!
Sources:
