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Tricks to Conceiving a Girl

When it comes down to it, you only have a 50/50 chance of conceiving a girl; however there are lifestyle and intercourse changes you can make to increase your odds of having a girl. Getting to know your body and understanding the difference between the X chromosome (female chromosome) and Y chromosome (male chromosome) are the first steps to having a girl.

  1. Intercourse Timing

    • Intercourse timing, also known as The Shettles Method after Dr. Landrum Shettles, who introduced the method, is quite possibly the most effective way to increase your chances of having a girl. Studies suggest that because the X-chromosome sperm (female) swim slower but survive longer than the Y-chromosome sperm (male), you should have intercourse no closer than 2 days before ovulation. Shettles suggests having intercourse every day from the time you finish your period until 2-3 days before your expected ovulation. In order for intercourse timing to be effective, you will need to know when you ovulate based on your cervical mucous pattern, basal body temperature and ovulation predictor kits.

    Chinese Lunar Birth Calendar

    • The Chinese lunar birth calendar reportedly dates back 700 years and is rumored to show what gender a woman will conceive based on her age and the month of conception. For instance if a 30-year old woman conceived in July, the gender of her baby might be a girl according to the calendar. To increase your chances of conceiving a girl with the calendar, have unprotected intercourse only during the months in which the calendar suggests you will have a girl. If you will be 25 during the conception, you want to have intercourse in January, April, May and July.

    Dietary Changes

    • One theory to conceiving a girl involves changing your diet in the weeks leading up to ovulation and conception. Studies have shown that changing your diet also changes your PH balance and thus affects which gender you will have. Highly acidic foods are said to improve your chances of conceiving a girl as the high acid content kills the male sperm much more easily. A diet high in calcium and magnesium is also suggested. Foods with a high acid content include lemons, oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes.

    Intercourse Position

    • Shettles has also approached the subject of your sexual position during intercourse. The Shettles Method suggests that having intercourse in the missionary position can increase your chances of having a girl. This is because the entrance to the vagina is more acidic which may kill male sperm quicker. Female sperm have been known to withstand the acidity, so having intercourse in a "shallow" position such as missionary might help.

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