Determining the sex of your baby
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When you're making a baby, what natural things can you do to give you more chance of having a boy or a girl? It's a subject steeped in superstition and one that has scientists disagreeing, too.
Natural ways
Speedy vs strong sperm
There are two types of sperm: the 'male' sperm, which carries the Y chromosome, and the 'female' one, which carries the X chromosome. In 1970, an American professor of gynaecology, Dr Shettles, published his book, How To Choose The Sex Of Your Baby, which introduced the theory that male sperm are fast but weak and that female sperm are slower but more resilient. Nearly 40 years on, the Shettles Method remains the most popular natural technique for conceiving a particular sex and claims a 75% success rate.
The theory relies on timing and knowing when you're ovulating. To boost your chances of conceiving a girl, you need to have sex two to three days before ovulation, as female sperm have more staying power. To increase your chances of having a boy, it's best to have sex as close to ovulation as possible.
- Next: So does it really work?
More help and advice
- Tips on understanding your cycle
- 10 things you need to know about ovulation
- Expert advice on how weight can affect your fertility
By Hilary Pereira
- Next: So does it really work?
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Where to next?
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10 things to do before trying for a baby
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All you need to know about ovulation
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Ovulation calculator
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Ovulation date calculator
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Print out and keep ovulation chart
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Things to do before trying for a baby: Dentist and folic acid
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Things to do before trying for a baby: Eat and know your cycle
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Things to do before trying for a baby: Have sex and check your man
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Things to do before trying for a baby: The Pill and your doctor
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Understanding your cycle
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What is the best age to have a baby?
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cheryl, about 1 year
me and myboyfriend we have trying make babe but cant dont know why plase help me
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edna barros, 6 months
does its really works................ i guess its works .
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