How Long Are Sims Pregnant? A Comprehensive Guide to Sim Pregnancy

The age-old question for any aspiring Sim parent: how long are Sims pregnant? The answer is straightforward: a Sim pregnancy lasts for approximately three in-game days, regardless of the lifespan setting you’re using. This translates to 72 Sim hours. So, buckle up, because even in the fast-paced world of The Sims, pregnancy is a relatively short but eventful journey!

Understanding the Sim Pregnancy Timeline

While the duration is fixed, the experience is rich with detail. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during those three Sim days:

• First Trimester: Marked by the “Pregnancy Test Positive” moodlet. Your Sim might experience morning sickness, indicated by frequent trips to the toilet to vomit. Cheat codes can force your Sim into the first, second or third trimester.
• Second Trimester: The baby bump becomes more visible, and your Sim might experience food cravings. This is also the trimester where you can learn the baby’s gender, either through a doctor’s visit (requires the Get to Work expansion pack) or by consuming strawberries (for a girl) or carrots (for a boy).
• Third Trimester: Expect increased discomfort and the “About to Pop!” moodlet. This signals that labor is imminent. Keep an eye out – your Sim will soon be heading to the hospital (or, if you have the Growing Together expansion pack, delivering at home).

Keep in mind that labor is a non-playable event in the base game so your Sim will disappear from the lot to give birth at the hospital. With the Growing Together expansion pack, you can choose to have them stay at home and call a midwife for a home birth.

Speeding Up the Process

Impatient to meet your newest Sim? Several methods can expedite the pregnancy journey:

• Cheat Codes: As detailed in our initial summary, specific cheat codes can advance your Sim through trimesters instantly. The code sims.add_buff buff_pregnancy_inlabor will immediately trigger labor.
• Game Speed: While not directly shortening the pregnancy duration, playing at a faster game speed can make the three days feel shorter.

Factors Influencing the Pregnancy Experience

While the core duration remains constant, certain factors can influence the overall pregnancy experience:

• Traits: A Sim’s traits can affect their mood and how they handle pregnancy. A Sim with the “Active” trait might find it more difficult to cope with the reduced mobility of late pregnancy.
• Career: Some careers are more accommodating to pregnant Sims than others. The “Double Diamond Agent” career, with its demanding 15-hour shifts, might prove challenging during pregnancy.
• Lot Traits: The “On Ley Line” lot trait significantly increases the chances of twins or triplets.
• Reward Store Potions: You can purchase the “Fertile” reward from the aspiration rewards store to increase your chances of having twins or triplets when trying for a baby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sim Pregnancy

Here are some of the most common questions asked by players about pregnancy in The Sims 4:

1. Can I choose the gender of my Sim baby?

While not guaranteed, there are methods to influence the baby’s gender. Eating strawberries increases the likelihood of a girl, while eating carrots increases the likelihood of a boy. Visiting the hospital with the Get to Work expansion also lets you pay to learn the baby’s gender.

2. How many babies can a Sim have at once?

Without cheats or mods, a Sim can naturally have up to triplets. Using cheats, you can force your Sim to have up to seven babies at once. However, be mindful of the household limit of eight Sims.

3. Can teens get pregnant in The Sims 4?

No, teen Sims cannot actively “Try for Baby.” While coding exists that allows for teen pregnancies, the interaction is not available in normal gameplay. They must age up to Young Adult to actively become pregnant.

4. Can two female Sims have a baby together?

Yes! With the “Discuss Expanding the Family” interaction, two female Sims with a high relationship can have a baby together. One Sim will become pregnant, and both will be listed as parents.

5. Can I force a miscarriage in The Sims 4?

No, the base game of The Sims 4 does not include any mechanics that allow for a Sim to have a miscarriage. The game also does not have any mechanic for abortions.

6. How can I speed up labor in The Sims 4?

The cheat code sims.add_buff buff_pregnancy_inlabor will immediately trigger labor.

7. Can I have a home birth in The Sims 4?

Yes, with the Growing Together Expansion Pack, you can choose to have a home birth with a midwife.

8. How do I get twins or triplets in The Sims 4?

The “On Ley Line” lot trait increases the chances of multiple births. The “Fertile” reward trait, purchased with aspiration points, also boosts the likelihood of twins or triplets.

9. What happens if my pregnant Sim dies?

If a pregnant Sim dies, the unborn baby is also lost. This is a permanent consequence and cannot be reversed without reverting to a previous save.

10. Do Sims babies age up on their own?

Yes, newborns will automatically age up into Infants after approximately one Sim day. You can also manually age them up by clicking on the bassinet.

11. What is the best job for a pregnant Sim?

Jobs with flexible schedules or work-from-home options are ideal. The Freelancer career, the Gardener career, or the Style Influencer career offer more control over working hours.

12. How do I make my Sim uncomfortable during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can cause discomfort, but specific interactions can trigger it. For example, making a pregnant Sim do strenuous exercise or eat spicy food can lead to negative moodlets.

13. Can Elders get pregnant in The Sims 4?

While technically Elders can use the “Try for Baby” interaction if they have the “Become Pregnant” option enabled, it’s rare and often unsuccessful. The game favors younger Sims for pregnancy.

14. How much does it cost to have an abortion in Sims 4?

This is a bit of a trick question! The original article alludes to an Axios article but as stated previously, the base game does not include any mechanics that allow for a Sim to have an abortion.

15. Is The Sims 4 appropriate for children?

The Sims 4 is rated for teens (13+) because it allows the player to explore themes such as death, aging, relationships, birth, divorce, etc. The Sims franchise’s age rating allows tweens and teens to simulate real-life scenarios in a safe, creative, and engaging environment. Consider your child’s maturity level and comfort with these themes before allowing them to play. The game’s PEGI rating is 12.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey!

While a Sim pregnancy only lasts three in-game days, it’s a packed experience with lots of opportunities for storytelling and gameplay. Whether you embrace the natural course of pregnancy or use cheats to speed things up, the joy of welcoming a new Sim into your virtual world is undeniable. Remember to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights on gaming and learning.

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