When I started to dream about becoming a mother, I secretly hoped for a female.
It’s not that I didn’t want a girl, but instead, I had visions of long coffee dates and conversations about life with a young daughter. It’s the kind of relationship that I have with my mum. I could not help but think of the bond we’ve formed, from sharing fashion advice to heartfelt tears. Tricks to Conceive a Son
Life had other plans for me. As you may know, IVF is not a “conceive a girl” or old tale. Guess what? Two beautiful and healthy boys were born to us. We welcomed two loud, happy, and loving boys. Now? I can’t imagine my life in any other way.
The way boys love their mothers is unique. It’s both fierce and soft. My boys may not book mani-pedis with me (yet), they fill my life with dinosaur facts, dirty shoes, and cuddles that I never imagined.
Still, I get it. You’re not the only one who is TTC and has a slight preference for a boy. Nothing is guaranteed. We’re not talking about certainty, but odds. There are some theories and lifestyle changes that people use to try and sway the boys’ direction.
Here are eight tips that might just tip the scales in favour of blue booties. Some tips are based on old science, and others are based on newer studies. Some of these are folklore, but all are safe to try.
1. We’re Talking about Sex Positions: Tricks to Conceive a Son
The Shettles method has been around for decades. According to this popular theory, male sperm (carrying Y-chromosomes) are fragile but fast, while female sperm (carrying X-chromosomes) are slow and stable.
Imagine the tortoise and the hare, but in this case, you want the hare to win.
The theory is that if boy sperm can be delivered close to the cervix, they will have a better chance of reaching the egg. Deep penetrating is the solution. It is believed that positions like straddling, standing, and even doggy-style will help sperm get an early start on the race to fertilise the egg.
Gravity is a friend or foe here, but it can spice up the game a bit.
You may also like: Signs That Youre Ready for Another Baby
2. Bananas and Potatoes are Delicious!
Researchers have discovered that a diet high in sodium and potassium can increase the chances of you conceiving.
In a study published in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online, researchers examined women’s diets. They found a correlation between higher potassium intakes and the chances of having a son. What should you be eating then?
You can add more to your plate by:
- Bananas
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
Think of “Sunday Roast” with more yellow and green. This is a simple tweak, and it’s also good for you.
3. Reduce your Intake of Acidic and Dairy Foods
It’s more murky in the science department, but it is still worth investigating. Some people believe that male and female sperm are more sensitive to acidity, while the alkaline environment in vaginal fluids is preferred by male sperm.
Some theorists recommend reducing the intake of foods that increase your body’s acidity. This includes:
- Citrus fruits
- Vinegary or spicy food
- Dairy products (milk, cheeses, yogurts, ice-cream)
Instead, lean into alkaline-promoting foods like:
- Avocados
- Almonds
- Sprouts
- Pine Nuts
- Cherries
- Whole grains and bread
It’s not necessary to completely overhaul your diet. You can simply be more aware of what you’re eating in the weeks before ovulation.
4. Timing Is Everything Literally
The timing of the intercourse concerning the ovulation, as per the Shettles Method, is key.
The theory is that because male sperm do not live as long, having sex nearer the time of ovulation could favour conception of a boy. If you have sex just a few days before ovulation, the stronger female sperm may outlast the male sperm and win the race for the egg.
It’s all in the timing. Experts recommend having sex within 12 hours of the start date or on the day. The sperm will die before the egg has even formed if you have sex too early.
Apps, ovulation-predictor kits, or basal body temperature monitoring can help you pinpoint that fertile period to the letter.
5. Let Him Go Commando (Kind of)
It’s about the men. Some people believe that the underwear worn by your partner could influence the process of conception.
Tight briefs can increase the temperature of the testicles. This is not ideal for the production of sperm. Higher heat = fewer swimmers.
Boxers, on the other hand, keep the area cooler and more spacious, which may promote healthier, stronger sperm, especially the fragile Y-chromosome type.
Can science be proven? Not definitively. If your partner is willing to give up the tighty-whities, then it may be worth switching.
6. Ladies First–Yes, Orgasm Might Help
There’s an old wives’ tale that states women who orgasm in front of their partners are more likely to have a son.
Why? The female orgasm is thought to produce an alkaline vaginal secretion that makes the environment more favorable for male (Y) Sperm.
It’s true that science has not confirmed this yet, but it’s worth a shot.
You’ll at least enjoy yourself more. At best? You’re on the right track to choosing boy names.
7. Give his Sperm a Little Kickstart (With Caffeine
A little caffeine could help your partner get through the event. Some people think that caffeine gives male sperm an energy boost, allowing them to race faster towards the egg.
Consider giving him a cup of coffee or a piece of dark chocolate before you start baby-making. This is a simple change, but hey, you’ll likely get a thank-you from him.
If you are about to go to bed, it is best not to drink the double espresso.
You may also like: Pregnancy Symptoms Reveal a Baby Gender?
8. Try Evening Primrose oil
Women who are trying to get pregnant often use evening primrose oil because they believe it improves the quality of their cervical mucus and makes it more sperm friendly.
Theoretically, better quality cervical mucus is a more conducive environment for boy sperm. Some women supplement it during the first half of their cycle, from menstruation until ovulation.
Studies have not confirmed its connection to gender selection, but it is often recommended as a fertility aid in general. If you are trying it anyway, you may want to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
It can be fun to try for a certain gender. You can feel a sense of control over a journey that is often unpredictable. Remember that at the end, we all want a healthy child, regardless of whether you choose pink or blue.
It’s impossible to know the gender of your child without medical assistance, such as IVF and genetic screening. These old-school methods are still used today. These methods are harmless, helpful at times, and can be a lot of fun.
From one mother to another, no matter who you hold in your arms in nine months, your heart is going to be stolen.
