Nature offers no method to ensure that you'll give birth to a baby girl, regardless of preference; gender selection is a 50/50 proposition, with the exception of artificial insemination. However, there are many theories on how you can tip the odds in your favor, if you decide you'd like to try for a girl.
Methods for Conceiving a Girl
The Shettles Method
Based on the theory that sperm containing Y chromosomes move faster than X chromosome bearing sperm, the Shettles method of gender selection recommends couples hoping to conceive a girl have sex frequently from the end of the woman's period until approximately three days before ovulation.
While the Shettles method says the time of intercourse is most important, Dr. Shettles also recommends couples make love in the missionary position to deposit sperm farther from the entrance of the of vagina. In addition, he cautions against women having an orgasm during sex because he believes this makes the vaginal environment too favorable for the Y sperm.
To learn more about how to conceive a girl using the Shettles method of gender selection, you can read Dr. Shettles's book How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby: The Method Best Supported by Scientific Evidence.
The O+12 Method
The O+12 method, developed by a mother who was trying to conceive a baby girl after giving birth to six sons, recommends intercourse about 12 hours after ovulation to conceive a girl. She had followed the Shettles method during her previous pregnancies with no success. Instead of becoming frustrated, she used her data to develop her own gender selection hypothesis. On her seventh and final pregnancy, she gave birth to the daughter she had so desperately wanted.
The Whelan Method
In addition to being less popular than the Shettles method, the Whelan method of gender selection offers advice that contradicts what you'll read in Dr. Shettles's best-selling book. According to Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, the Shettles method bases its assumptions on research related to artificial insemination. She believes that couples who conceive the old-fashioned way will be more likely to have daughter when intercourse is timed closer to ovulation.
To learn more about how to conceive a girl using this method of at home gender selection, you can read Dr. Whelan's book Boy or Girl?.
Chinese Conception Chart
The Chinese Conception Chart, also known as the Chinese Gender Chart or Chinese Birth Chart, is another popular method of at-home sex selection for couples wondering how to conceive a daughter. First discovered in a royal tomb near Beijing more than 700 years ago, the chart cross-references the baby's month of conception and the mother's age to predict gender. Some studies claim the chart is more than 90% accurate, but there is still no conclusive proof this method is superior to other techniques.
If you'd like to use the Chinese Conception Chart to conceive a daughter, remember that the mother's age is calculated using her lunar age, and the month of conception is calculated by using the Chinese lunar month. Depending upon when you were born, your lunar age can be as much as two years more than your chronological age. Lunar month calculations can also be off by several months.
To learn more about conceiving a girl using this method, review the LoveToKnow Pregnancy article on the Chinese Birth Chart.
Dietary Supplements and Over-the-Counter Medications
There are many people who believe certain dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications can help you conceive a baby girl. For example, Lydia Pinkham's Herbal Compound is thought to help women conceive daughters, since it creates an acidic environment that makes it harder for sperm containing Y chromosomes to survive in the vagina.
Another theory regarding at-home gender selection says that women who wish to conceive daughters should take calcium and magnesium supplements in the months before conception. There are others who believe taking Sudafed the day before intercourse will reduce cervical mucus to create an environment more favorable to sperm containing X chromosomes.
If you decide to use dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications to help you conceive a baby girl, it's a good idea to discuss your plan with your healthcare provider. Many over-the-counter supplements can cause unintended side effects or interactions with other prescription medications.
Biorhythm Method
The biorhythm method of gender selection is based on the theory that human bodies are governed by natural biorhythm and circadian patterns. The theory suggests that at specific times in a woman's cycle, she is more likely to be hormonally receptive to nurturing the X sperm and conceiving a girl. Likewise, there may be times of the month when she is more likely to be receptive to Y sperm. The system uses a calendar based on your current age to determine the best times for you to have sex in order to conceive a specific gendered baby.
MicroSort Sperm Sorting
MicroSort sperm sorting is done in the doctor's office. Sperm is sorted with up to 90 percent accuracy into X or Y groupings, and the desired sperm is injected either via Invitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). This method is costly and is not covered by most insurances. Speak to your OBGYN about what options may be available to you.
Following Urban Legends
Although most experts insist urban conception legends are false, there's really no harm in trying some of the following tips if you have your heart set on a baby girl:
- Make love in the afternoon.
- Schedule your lovemaking for the even numbered days of the month.
- Try to have sex during the full moon.
- Eat lots of fish and veggies, following by a chocolate dessert.
- Surprise your partner. Legend says women who initiate sex are more likely to give birth to daughters.
Putting Emphasis on Gender
It is not uncommon for parents to express an opinion about what gender they want their new baby to be. It is also not uncommon for those parents to be temporarily disappointed if they conceive the opposite gender. Remember that regardless of whether or not you conceive a baby girl, you will love and bond with your baby once he or she is born.
