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Want to have a baby boy? This is what you need to know

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How to conceive a boy child
How to conceive a boy child

Are you dreaming of a bouncing baby boy? 

Whatever your reasons are for wanting a boy child in particular, it's a fact that there are no guarantees that you will conceive a baby of a pre-selected gender.

Also, it's worth noting that it's dad who influences the gender of the baby, not the mom.

Sperm, provided by the male, has an X (girl) or Y (boy) sex-linked chromosome. The Y chromosome from the father’s sperm combines with the mother’s X chromosome (in her egg) to result in a male child (XY). 

Note: The only way to choose your baby’s gender, would be to go for in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where the egg is fertilised with the man’s sperm in a laboratory. Doctors are able to check the gender of the embryos before re-implanting them in the mother.

However, this is illegal in South Africa.

In March 2012, the Minister of Health passed regulations relating to the National Health Act of 2003 to make social sexing officially illegal in South Africa.

Also read: Designer babies: Can you choose your baby's gender?

So how to up your chances of having a son?

But, it seems that there are some scientific ways to up your chances of having a boy, so if your heart is set on baby blue we have some ideas for you.

The Shettles Method

Dr. Landrum Shettles, famous for the "Shettles Method", says that the male sperm cells (carrying the Y chromosomes) are smaller, lighter, faster and more fragile than the female sperm cells (carrying the X chromosomes), which are thought to be bigger, heavier and slower, but more resilient.

Therefore, timing intercourse as closely to ovulation as possible means you will have a better chance of conceiving a boy, because a healthy male sperm cell will probably reach the egg first.

Also read: How to conceive a baby girl 

The Whelan Method

Dr. Elizabeth Whelan devised the Whelan Method based on the research of Dr. Rodrigo Guerrero which showed that the odds of conceiving a boy were slightly higher if sexual intercourse occurred many days before ovulation.

The Whelan method directly contradicts the Shettles Method, and it is worth noting that it seems that following this sex-selection method could actually decrease your chance of getting pregnant because you're not having sex when you’re most fertile.

Other ways to improve your chances of falling pregnant with a boy

Timing: You have sex on your peak day (the day you are most fertile) or the day after. Your peak day usually occurs the day before you ovulate or the day of ovulation itself.

AI: You use artificial insemination (AI), as the procedure is usually done as close to ovulation as possible.

Age: Younger men generally have a higher sperm cell count, increasing their chances of a male sperm cell reaching the egg, while younger women have more copious, alkaline-quality cervical fluid, which also favours the conception of boy.

How to conceive a boy child

Some un-scientific methods that parents have tried include:

  • Eat lots of red meat, potassium, and salty foods
  • Have sex standing up or doggy style
  • The woman should climax first

Speak to your doctor

It's best to speak to your doctor to ensure you aren't risking your health or sabotaging your efforts to fall pregnant. At the end of the day, it's more important to have a healthy mom and baby, and the gender doesn't really matter. 

Happy baby making!

Did you use one of these methods to fall pregnant with a boy? Or do you have a sure-fire tip to share?

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