Exploring the Myths and Facts About Gender Selection in Pregnancy

Revealing the baby’s gender is the most exciting part of pregnancy. Is it a boy or a girl? Nine months of waiting is too long, making gender selection myths and facts a good way to hint at the child’s gender. It is up to the parents whether they wish to know it or leave it as a surprise.

Generally, science does not guarantee myths are 100% true. Some studies can agree with the myths as an age-old trick in gender selection. For instance, knowing the tips on conceiving a boy makes a difference in pregnancy; some parents even believe there is no bad in trying.  

This post will teach popular myths and facts about gender selection. It is made for parents itching to know the baby’s gender before conception. 

Myths About Gender Selection During Pregnancy 

The following are based on old tales of predicting the child’s sex in pregnancy. Perhaps you have heard some of these myths from close relatives. However, each myth is not science-based and does not guarantee you will carry a baby boy or girl. 

Myth #1. Sexual Positions 

It is believed that sexual positions can affect gender selection, whether a boy or a girl. The intercourse position does not influence the baby’s gender. 

Myth #2. Eating Particular Foods

Women will crave certain foods during pregnancy. According to myths, this will determine the baby’s gender.  If the soon-to-be-mom wants to eat salty and spicy food, it could be a boy; and girl for sweet cravings. A pregnant woman typically has a weird sense of smell and taste and hormonal changes, resulting in food cravings. 

Myth #3. Timing of Intercourse

If intercourse happens before ovulation, there is a higher chance of conceiving a specific gender. It is not true with science, as the baby’s gender will depend on the fertilization process and not on the timing of intercourse. 

Myth #4. Accuracy of Fertility Treatments

Even in vitro fertilization cannot guarantee precise gender selection. However, some individuals believe it is 100% accurate. 

Myth #5. Belly’s Shape 

Another myth about gender selection is you will know it by looking at the woman’s belly, whether it is carried low or high. The shape of the belly relies on the abdominal muscles and cannot predict the baby’s gender. 

Myth #6. Face Or Skin Glow 

Conceiving a baby girl might steal the woman’s beauty while carrying a boy produces a special glow. It is a complete myth. The physical changes are mainly hormonal causes and not because of the baby’s gender.  

Myth #7 Taking Herbal Supplements 

People desperate to conceive a child with a specific gender in mind will do everything to make it happen. Herbal remedies are popular in the market. They are advertised to be effective, which has deceived many parents. Then again, it has no scientific evidence that there are supplements to decide on the baby’s gender. 

Facts About Gender Selection

It may confuse soon-to-be-parents guessing the baby’s gender using myths. They need to know the facts to be 100% accurate in conceiving a specific gender. These include:

Fact #1. Preimplantation Genetic Testing or PGT

This treatment works with IVF to increase the success rate during embryo transfer. The experts will plant embryos of the desired gender in the woman’s uterus. It can be costly, as it demands couples undergo genetic testing to detect any gene abnormalities. Doctors may suggest family balancing by letting parents choose a specific sex of the baby. 

It is nearly 100% accurate, giving a higher chance of giving birth to a specific gender. Plus, the science approves. 

Fact #2. Shettles Method 

This pertains to the timing of intercourse, which can result in a 50-50 chance of carrying a desired gender. It has short medical evidence. 

It is based on the ovulation period, wherein having sex two or three days earlier might end up with a baby girl. Getting pregnant with a baby boy is more likely if there is intercourse closer to the ovulation period. 

Fact #3. Sperm Sorting 

Sperm sorting is much less accurate compared to PGT. The method is also not widely available as gender selection with IVF. 

This technique will involve a man’s and a woman’s sperm, and the latter has more DNA. It uses the flow cytometry method, in which experts select from the separated sperm the desired sex to be inserted into the uterus. 

Fact #4. Sex Chromosome Abnormalities 

Genetic disorders can be beneficial in conceiving a specific baby’s gender.  It is done by professionals for soon-to-be-parents with existing medical conditions, making it more intentional than the other methods. Nonetheless, it can be riskier compared to the previous techniques.  

Final Thoughts 

Overall, the folk methods to ensure gender selection lack scientific evidence. It is best to undergo an IVF or PGT process backed up with reproductive technologies to deliver the desired gender of the baby. It is not wrong to have a child’s sex in mind before pregnancy; it is a personal choice. 

Either myths or facts support gender selection in pregnancy. In conclusion, consulting an expert is still the right thing to do to avoid confusion and putting the parent’s and child’s life at risk. It is better to wait long to know the child’s gender and not rush things.