Have sex to get the baby you want

Are you desperate to have a boy, or gagging for a girl? Try our tips to outwit Mother Nature - but remember, we don’t offer any guarantees! So follow our tips and let us know how you got on in nine months time!

Want a boy?

• Have sex the day you ovulate or the day before. Male sperm move faster but die more quickly, so if they can get to the egg first, you’re in with a chance of having a boy.
• Bin your partner’s skin-tight pants and get him into boxer shorts. The baggier the shorts, the higher the sperm count and the greater the chance of a boy.
• Avoid sex three to five days before ovulation. This should also raise the sperm count.

Want a girl?

• Have lots of sex! Lots of sex reduces sperm count and increases the chance of having a girl.
• Avoid sex until a couple of days after ovulation. This will ensure most of those male sperm have died out.
• Eat foods which contain lots of magnesium, such as such as green vegetables and nuts.

If you suffer from a genetic disease or condition, there are doctors who can help reduce the chances of you having a certain sex of baby and therefore reduce the chance of the child either having the condition if it passes only to one sex, or being a carrier for their own children. Your own GP knows your medical history best and will give the best advice in this case.

Don’t forget our Trying for a baby discussion board if you want to share any tips or look for support.

Where to next?

• Countdown to conception
• The foods of love
• Get ready with our pre-pregnancy checklist
• Read all about conception success stories