Tips to conceive a baby boy or a girl

If you wish to conceive and have a gender preference for your future baby, you will be glad to know that advice and tips exist that could have an impact on having a boy or a girl.

Timing

First of all; timing is crucial. According to research, the girl chromosome - X, has a tendency of travelling slower than the boy chromosome - Y. For this reason, if you want to conceive either a boy or a girl, this first step is to check our ovulation calculator link. Male spermatozoa are faster. To enhance your chances of conceiving a boy - have sex as close as possible to your ovulation day. On the other hand, if you wish to have a baby girl, it is advised to make love three days before you ovulate and then wait patiently until the end of your ovulation period. Male spermatozoa will tend to tire faster. They will be less resilient and may die off, leaving more female spermatozoa to fertilise the egg when released, leading to higher chances of having a girl.

Leafy greans

Don’t underestimate the effect of leafy green vegetables. Increasing the quantities of spinach, broccoli and other green vegetables to your diet can have a favorable impact on your pregnancy. Green vegetables have a high level of foliates. A vitamin that can improve your ovulation and can reduce chances of having a miscarriage. Men, please don’t think you can pass up on this diet, joining your partner will improve your spermatozoa health which is vital to fertilization. Studies have shown that men eating dark green vegetables on a daily basis have 20% less abnormal spermatozoa than other men.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really choose to have a boy or girl naturally in the UK?

There is no scientifically proven natural method to guarantee the sex of your baby. While theories like the Shettles Method suggest timing intercourse around ovulation may influence gender, the NHS and HFEA do not endorse these approaches as reliable. Natural conception always results in roughly a 50/50 chance of having a boy or girl.

Is sex selection legal in the UK?

Under UK law regulated by the HFEA, sex selection through fertility treatments like IVF is only permitted for medical reasons, such as avoiding serious genetic conditions that affect one sex. Choosing your baby's gender for social or personal preference reasons is not allowed in the UK, though some couples travel abroad for this purpose.

Does the timing of intercourse actually affect baby gender?

The theory suggests that male sperm (Y chromosome) swim faster but die sooner, while female sperm (X chromosome) are slower but more resilient. However, scientific evidence supporting this method is limited and inconclusive. Most fertility specialists, including those following NICE guidelines, advise focusing on regular intercourse throughout your fertile window rather than precise timing for gender selection.

Can changing my diet help me conceive a boy or girl?

Some studies have suggested links between maternal diet and baby gender, but the NHS does not recognise any dietary approach as an effective method for sex selection. However, eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and folate is recommended for all couples trying to conceive, as it supports overall fertility health and reduces the risk of neural

tube defects.

When should I see my GP if I'm struggling to conceive in the UK?

The NHS recommends visiting your GP if you haven't conceived after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, or after six months if you're over 36. Around 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, so seeking help is completely normal. Your GP can arrange initial tests and refer you to a fertility specialist if needed, though NHS funding criteria vary by local Integrated Care Board.

Are there any fertility supplements that can help me get pregnant faster?

While supplements containing folic acid, vitamin D, and nutrients like myo-inositol may support overall reproductive health, they cannot guarantee conception or influence your baby's sex. The NHS recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily when trying to conceive and during early pregnancy. Always consult your GP before starting any new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

What does the NHS say about natural gender selection methods?

The NHS does not provide guidance on natural gender selection methods because there is insufficient scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Healthcare professionals recommend focusing on overall fertility health rather than attempting to influence your baby's sex. If you have concerns about passing on genetic conditions linked to a specific sex, speak to your GP about referral for genetic counselling.