Does your heart melt every time you see a teeny tiny pink frilly tutu? Of course it does, that’s why you’re here – you’re wondering how to conceive a girl!
First, a disclaimer – gender swaying theories aren’t guaranteed for success and aren’t always backed by science.
But if you’re keen, it can’t hurt to try – you have a 50% chance either way.
At the end of the article, I’ve included details of a more recently published, which is based on current scientific research.
As far as BellyBelly is concerned, we believe the very best outcome is getting to welcome a baby, regardless of their sex.
So, it’s important to bear that in mind as you read about how to conceive a girl (or how to conceive a boy).
However, we do understand that couples around their world have their own personal reasons for wanting to try for a baby girl.
It is also extremely important to note that it is the male’s sperm which impacts the sex of the baby. While a variety of methods suggest different things women do impact a baby’s sex, it is ultimately determined by which sperm reach the egg. Sex is fully determined by the male contribution to conception.
How To Conceive A Girl
Ready to find out how to conceive a girl? Here are 9 tips to get you started:
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #1: The Shettles Method
The Shettles Method has been around since the 1960s, and claims a 75% success rate for couples hoping to conceive a girl. Dr Shettles believed the most important factor was timing.
The baby’s sex is determined by the chromosome carrying sperm.
Boy sperm swim faster, but survive for shorter periods of time than their female producing counterparts.
Girl sperm are stronger and more resilient, yet swim slower than boy sperm.
According to the Shettles method, you should have sex two to four days before ovulation if you are hoping to conceive a girl.
By the time ovulation occurs, only the girl sperm should be left to fertilise the egg.
Dr Shettles advises that if you wish to conceive a girl, you should avoid intercourse when you have clear, egg-white like vaginal mucus, as this is a sure sign of ovulation.
It should be noted, however, that avoiding intercourse during this time can reduce your likelihood of conceiving at all. If your desire is to conceive, while also just hoping for a girl, it can take longer to conceive any baby with this method.
If you’re content to conceive a boy or a girl, and you don’t conceive within a few cycles, it may be time to switch methods.
It’s also important to note that the Shettles Method does tout some decent anecdotal success rates. However, the theories it was based upon have been disproven.
“The sixth edition of Your Baby’s Sex: Now You Can Choose provided data from updated studies that showed a seventy-five percent success rate for couples that tried for females and an eighty percent success rate for couples that tried for males. However, after the sixth edition was published, another study was conducted on the shape of sperm cells that demonstrated that there were no shape differences between sperm carrying X or Y chromosomes. That study negated Shettles’s original research, which set the foundation for his method.” – wrote Alysse Bright of the Embryo Project Encyclopedia.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #2: High Tech Options
As mentioned above, we strongly believe simply welcoming a baby is the best outcome regardless of sex. However, we do understand that there are reasons some families hope for a certain sex.
For those able to conceive naturally, seeking high tech methods to conceive a certain sex is often seen as extreme.
However, if you’re someone who may need high tech assistance to conceive you might choose these options. Two high tech options for conceiving a girl include:
- IVF with PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) – when IVF created embryos reach a certain stage in development, a small biopsy can be taken to test their genetics. This is typically done to check for chromosomal abnormalities but can also provide their sex. It’s important to note this is not available in all countries
- Sperm Sorting – Less invasive than IVF with PGT, sperm sorting can be done prior to an IUI. It is only available in some countries and with different sorting methods approved. It’s more likely to produce the desired sex compared to natural conception, but less likely than PGT.
Both of the above methods are somewhat invasive, often expensive and not available everywhere. They’re typically only used by couples already needing high tech reproductive assistance.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #3: Positions
According to different methods, including the Shettles Method, positioning impacts which sperm reach might reach the egg.
To conceive a boy, deep penetration during sex is considered key, but for a girl, the opposite is true.
Some methods suggest you could increase your chance of conceiving a girl by opting the missionary position. This limits the depth of penetration.
As a result, this restricts how close to the cervix the sperm are ejaculated.
Boy sperm swim very fast for short periods before tiring out.
So by preventing deep penetration, you may be able to prevent the boy sperm from reaching and fertilising the egg.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #4: No Orgasm
Avoiding orgasm may be key to conceiving a girl, according to some gender swaying experts.
The female orgasm releases an alkaline secretion which may help boy sperm to survive longer, by creating a less hostile environment.
Without these secretions, boy sperm may find it harder to survive, and have less chance of reaching the egg.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #5: More Sex
Rather than restricting your sex life to specific times, when trying for a girl you should aim to have more sex.
In the days leading up to your key conception time, you should have as much sex as possible.
This will reduce your partner’s sperm count, and mean there are less fast-swimming boy sperm available to join the race for fertilisation.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #6: What Foods Help Conceive A Girl?
According to one study, eating more fruit and vegetables can improve your chances of conceiving a girl.
Some people believe a vegetarian diet can help you to conceive a girl, especially if you eat foods such as spinach, nuts and broccoli.
Choose foods naturally high in calcium and magnesium, such as leafy greens, fruits and rice, which are also said to be good for conceiving girls.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #7: Acid House
Another food related tip, is to eat acidic foods in the days leading up to ovulation.
Male sperm are less able to survive in acidic environments, and eating acidic foods can actually alter the pH of your vagina.
However, bear in mind that it’s actually unhealthy for your body to be in an acidic state.
If you still want to try, stock up on soda, vinegar and chocolate.
Some people believe you should also avoid eating alkaline foods such as apples, almonds, cucumbers and avocado (all very important foods nutritionally) in the run up to ovulation.
Having a healthy baby and enough folate in your body to avoid neural tube defects should be more important.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #8: Low Salt
If you want to conceive a girl, salt is out. A low salt diet is said to improve your chances of conceiving a girl.
According to the same research indicating more fruits and vegetables help conceive a girl, a diet high in sodium and potassium favoured male sperm.
Therefore, you should cut out salted meats, olives, blue cheeses and processed foods while you’re trying to conceive a girl.
You should also restrict the amount of salt used during cooking. Though it is important to note that many people do not alter their diets while trying to conceive except for overall health. Focusing on overall nutrition is important while trying to get pregnant regardless of sex preferences.
How To Conceive A Girl Tip #9: Bath Time
Some people believe that boy sperm are heat-averse, so having a bath prior to sex may help to weaken the male sperm awaiting release.
A soak in a hot tub would work just as well too.
For most couples, the most important factor for conception is reaching the birth of a baby.
If you long for a girl, you can try the above methods, but remember there is little to no scientific evidence for most. It seems while some studies do show certain outcomes, when repeated later, the results sometimes vary.
While there may be plenty of anecdotal evidence about, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will work for you.
Some of them, particularly the timing methods, may actually reduce your chances of conception.
Bonus Tip: How To Conceive A Girl #10: The Babydust Method
The Babydust Method
is a more recent book on the market and claims to be based on the latest, scientific research.
If you want to know how to conceive a girl, this book is an essential read, according to raving fans!
The Babydust Method author, Kathryn Taylor, has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. In her book, Taylor discusses egg polarity, pH, and acidic/alkaline/ion diets.
Taylor’s approach involves a combination of precise timing and frequency, which has been proven to work in a published clinical study.
Here are some of the many rave reviews from readers:
“I read several books on sex selection and this book was my favourite. It was easy to follow, to the point, and made the most sense. I followed the instructions in this book to help increase my chance of conceiving a girl. I got pregnant on the first try, and ultrasound and blood tests have confirmed we’re expecting a baby girl! So thrilled!!” – Lauren
“I purchased this book and my husband and I decided to try it out. We nailed it the first time we tried. After 3 healthy boys we are expecting our little girl in July. My family and I can not thank you enough for helping us make our dream come true. Cannot wait to hold Emily Rose in our arms!” – Jennifer
You can grab a copy from Amazon, or the Book Depository.
You can also check out Dr. Shettles best selling book, How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby.
If you’re curious about what’s recommended for conceiving a boy, see our article, How To Conceive A Boy.
Q: How do you avoid an extremely faint line pregnancy test result?
A: If you want to avoid getting an extremely faint line on your pregnancy test, then two things are most important. Firstly, you should test your urine only a day or two after missing your period, and not before. Secondly, take the test first thing in the morning, when the pregnancy hormone, hCG, will be more concentrated in your urine.
Q: How do you increase your chances of having a boy?
A: If you want to increase your chances of having a boy, one thing you can do is to eat foods that contain potassium and sodium. In addition, have intercourse right before the day of ovulation, to give the male sperm an advantage.
Q: When does a baby start talking?
A: As early as 11 months is the expected age for a baby to start saying his or her first words. They usually are ‘dada’ and ‘mama’. They could also be other words your baby always hears a lot at home.
Q: Is it ok to drink hot tea while pregnant?
A: Are you curious if it’s safe to consume hot tea while pregnant? A woman who is pregnant can still drink hot tea, but it’s best to opt for a herbal one. Teas that contain caffeine, such as black tea and green tea, should be avoided during pregnancy.
At the end of the article is a link to a book which we recommend, based on the latest scientific research. It would be inappropriate for us to share what’s in the book. You don’t have to buy it, but a lot of people want to get as much information as they can about the topic. I recommend clicking the study links and deciding for yourself if it’s accurate or not 🙂
I am really happy to hear your simple tips to have a girl. The contributors should be appreciated. Thank you bellybelly
Hi guys! I just gave birth to happy healthy baby a few days ago. And guess what? She is a happy healthy baby girl named Alice Marie Rose Morgan(10/15/18) I used the Shettles method. It may not have been fun with no orgasam or penetration but me and my husband are proud happy parents.
I used the Shettles Method and it perfectly worked. I wanted a boy and I got a boy. Now I am looking forward to getting a girl through the same method.
It’s a girl! Thanks to these tips. We would of loved our boy just as much. Is it safe to have intense sex once 4 months.
My husband and I used the Shettles method FOUR times to make girls and ALL four times…we made a baby girl.My husband comes from a family of ALL boys!! So genetically I thought we’d have boys no matter what LoL.
I also took it a step further and douched with a water and lemon juice mix before intercourse to make it ruff for male sperm. (I realize it’s not great to use lemon juice “down there.” I’m just sharing what worked for me . Use with caution . )
Happy baby making everyone! Remember a healthy baby girl OR boy is really what matters!
Am very happy having read this tips am about to get married in 3 weeks time and i would love my first born to be a girl i’l do as the tips say and after getting a baby girl i’l be the happiest person thanks.
Hi all, it worked for me 3 times or maybe just luck I don’t know. My first is a girl which we tried right after my period then every day or two before ovulation. My two boys were either on ovulation timing or just after, so it seemed like it worked and I do feel the deep desire for another girl! My daughter is 5 next month, son is 3 & other son is 6 months old! But March I really want to try for a girl due for next Christmas but then again it’s a bit fast yet I can’t restrain that desire of missing the whole pregnancy and baby girl! Ect. Absolute love my boy Louis who is only 6 months old though and my other two are great with him were just have to see what next years brings. Good luck to you all
I have 5 kiddos and I have used these methods to determine the gender of 4 of them. All 4 were the gender we were trying for. I would like to add, I took vitamins to make sure I had enough magnesium and calcium (for a girl) and potassium and zinc (for a boy). Good luck ladies!!!
I have updated the article, as I do know that citrus creates an alkaline ash in the body 🙂 Thanks for spotting it, must have missed it prior to publication.
My husband and I definitely swear by some of these (ie: not ejaculating very deep) and also to have sex very often. We have 3 beautiful children and used gender methods with our last baby extremely successfully. We want our baby girls to be close in age and this will probably be our last baby, and while some of you may not subscribe to this, we chose to try again immediately. Not only did I get pregnant right away, but we used the shallow ejaculating and made sure to have sex several days before ovulation. As for positions we like to switch things up but are fond of doggy style and spooning during his climax. I also do not climax as that can help the male sperm reach the finish line faster and that was not our goal. As of yesterday we found out we are pregnant with a second daughter and I encourage anyone to try these methods. It was easy to conceive and loads of fun trying. Hmmm…perhaps a 5th is in the future after all….lol.
Enjoy all!!!