“We don
‘t mind, as long as it’s healthy.” Say expectant parents. It is true that you are going to love your little bundle no matter what comes out. But it’s no secret most parents have a preference, especially if it’s not the first pregnancy.
Over the decades, there have been dozens of debunked wives tales. While there is no surefire way to promise a baby girl in your future, science has made strides in helping mothers-to-be to stack the odds in favor of pink over blue.
1. Timing is everything
Anyone trying to conceive knows that timing is everything, but many don’t know that timing can even predict the gender of your future child. According to the Shettles method, a couple is more likely to conceive a girl if they have sex 2-3 days before ovulation. female sperm has a significantly longer lifespan than male sperm, so all or most of the male sperm would have died off before reaching the egg. This method claims an 85% success rate.
2. Shallow sexual positions
This is another tip inspired by the fact that female sperm lives longer than males. The more shallow the sex position, the longer the sperm must travel to reach the egg, meaning the competing male sperm are more likely to die off.
3. No orgasm
An orgasm will change the pH balance in a woman’s cervix, making it more alkaline, and more hospitable for male sperm than female.
4. Make changes to your diet
Male sperm tend to survive best in an alkaline environment, and female sperm in a more acidic one. Changes to your diet which include an intake of more acidic foods, such as tomatoes, pickles, or pineapple, will heighten the chance of conceiving a girl. Be sure to speak to your doctor about any drastic changes in your diet prior to conception and during pregnancy.
5. Put up with that stuffy nose
During ovulation, a woman’s body creates a cervical mucus to help move things along. Again owing to the structural difference between the male and female sperm, male sperm tend to have a harder time penetrating the mucus. Medication designed to thin mucus will give male sperm a higher chance of fertilization, and should be avoided if you’re trying to conceive a girl.
There is no certain method for choosing the gender of your child But there are scientific differences between male and female sperm. Everything from timing, to diet, to sexual positioning can effect the gender of your baby. These tips should bring you the little princess you’ve been dreaming about!