As unnatural as it sounds, more and more experts are claiming that there’s strong anecdotal evidence that it’s possible to pre-determine the gender of your child. We say, if you’re game for it, there’s no harm in trying them, as there are methods which are barely intrusive.

Here’s a round-up of some natural gender selection methods which were found to be successful in the past.

The timing theory

Sperm containing the female chromosomes (female sperm) are heavier, but tend to live longer than ones with the male chromosomes (male sperm). Hence, having intercourse a few days before ovulation, when the vaginal mucus is thick and sticky, then abstaining (while the male sperm die), should increase the chances of conceiving a girl.

On the other hand, male sperm are lighter and are found to move faster than their female comrades, so are also able to reach the egg first in the right conditions. Therefore, having sex on the day of ovulation, when the consistency of vaginal mucus is thin and clear, should increase the chances of conceiving a boy.

Sexual positioning (deeper for a boy, shallower for a girl)

Male sperm are more vulnerable and fare better in an alkaline environment than in an acidic one. Since the vagina becomes less acidic closer to the cervix, a deeper penetration (via a woman-on-top or man-behind position), will give the male sperm a better chance of ending up in the more alkaline environment, improving its chances to survive long enough to fertilise the egg.

Shallow penetration should favour your chances of conceiving a girl – the slower female sperm are hardy enough to withstand the acidic conditions at the entrance to the vagina so could make it through to the egg after the male sperm have died off.

Food factors

Could the food you eat help in a bid to produce a male or female offspring? Some experts think it does. The minerals in your diet could affect your metabolism and the environment of your eggs.

To conceive a boy

Consuming more alkaline foods is thought to be the key to conceiving a baby boy. This includes foods that have low acidity such as red meats, eggs, beans, peas, bread, corn, and raisins. The theory behind this conception diet is that male sperm thrive in a more alkaline environment, so if a woman can change her body pH (including vaginal pH) to be more alkaline, a baby boy is more likely to be conceived.

Eat a diet that includes foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas. This theory actually has some scientific evidence from a 2008 medical study that supports potassium gender selection for boys. Sodium is also a factor when one is trying for a boy, so salty foods may help.

It has been found too that women who ate breakfast regularly, especially those who ate cereals every morning, are more likely to conceive boys.

To conceive a girl

If you’re trying for a baby girl, a diet rich in acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits, and citrus juices is said to help. This is essentially the reverse of the diet for a baby boy. Female sperm favors a more acidic environment.

Calcium and magnesium are also said to help in conceiving a girl, so eat foods that are high in these minerals. Magnesium rich foods, include spinach, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Calcium rich foods include milk, yogurt, and cheese.