CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Gender Selection Theories?

We've heard tons of different ideas about different ways to 'naturally' select your baby's gender. What kind of theories have you heard?
save article
profile picture of Paula Kashtan
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

First, some of the suggestions we have been given over the years…

For a boy — have rear-entry  sex standing up, when you’re both stressed out, at night, on an odd day of the month, when there’s a quarter moon, with mom’s head pointing north, and make sure dad’s testicles are warm. Lay down afterwards… and make sure it’s to the left of dad!

For a girl — have missionary sex with mom on top, when you’re both relaxed, in the afternoon, on an even day of the month, when there’s a full moon, and make sure dad’s testicles are cool.

For a boy — eat red meat, salty stuff, calcium and magnesium-rich food. (Dads, drink soda — especially cola.)

For a girl — eat chocolate, sweets, potassium, and (both mom and dad) lots of  fish and veggies.

For a boy — dad should suggest sex, climax first and be the dominant partner in the relationship.

For a girl — mom should suggest sex, climax first and be the dominant partner in the relationship.

Some of the theories our users have heard…

“The rule is this: On top = a girl, missionary = a boy.” -elevendiamonds

“Doggy style makes boys.” -Bonzer

“I’ve heard that if your DH is ‘pretty’ then you will have a girl first, and if he is handsome (more rugged or not as pretty) then you will have a boy first. We are having a boy…” -Bridey1

“I heard it’s the ‘type’ of sex you had when conceiving. Wild = boy, tame = girl.” -littlecindy

“I have heard about for a boy, doing it day of or after ovulation. My FIL always tells us that my DH was his ‘best swimmer.’ We are going to try it actually! We have a DD, so now we are on for DS.” -Mandy8

Related Video

“Someone asked me the other day if I had a ‘feeling’ one way or the other on the gender. I said I was leaning towards boy. She asked, ‘Oh, did you eat a lot of oranges before you conceived?’” -Dobie_Mama

“We went for a sports theme: My husband wore sports equipment (shoulder pads and a football helmet) and I wore my old cheerleading uniform… Not! Role playing is one thing, believing that it will determine the sex of your child is another.” -Doodlebugz

“Our mom group leader has a theory — it was true for her five kids, our DD and a friend. She said that if you have sex before you ovulate it will be a girl, and if you have sex when or after you ovulate it will be a boy. She said that girl sperm live longer than boy sperm but boy sperm swim faster than the girl sperm.” -mommycj

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

doctor talking to patient about fertility process
10 Crazy Fertility Myths—Debunked
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
illustration of sperm moving towards egg
Calculating Your Fertile Window: When Are You Most Fertile?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
husband hugging worried wife
How to Deal When Everyone Else Is Pregnant (and You’re TTC)
Fact Checked by Denise Porretto
ADVERTISEMENT
happy young couple eating breakfast at home
10 Things to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman taking ovulation test on toilet at home
8 Best Ovulation Tests to Find Your Fertile Days, Based on Our Testing
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Frida Fertility
Frida Launches New Line of No-Nonsense Fertility Products
By Wyndi Kappes
woman tracking her menstrual cycle on calendar
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
woman looking at contraceptive pills and calendar on phone
How to Get Pregnant Fast: Tips for Trying to Conceive
By Stacey Feintuch
young couple enjoying breakfast at home
New Study Suggests Intermittent Fasting Could Have Impact on Fertility
By Wyndi Kappes
illustrative image of a woman's menstrual cycle
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
By Rose Walano
ADVERTISEMENT
10 slides
Now Eat This! the 10 Best Foods for Boosting Fertility
Now Eat This! the 10 Best Foods for Boosting Fertility
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
12 Fertility-Boosting Yoga Moves in GIFs
12 Fertility-Boosting Yoga Moves in GIFs
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of baby bump in black and white
Why I Can’t Be There: an Open Letter to My Pregnant Friends
By Natalie Dale, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
IUI: Your Guide to Intrauterine Insemination
IUI: Your Guide to Intrauterine Insemination
By Maggie Overfelt
How to Choose the Type of Artificial Insemination That’s Right for You
How to Choose the Type of Artificial Insemination That’s Right for You
By Maggie Overfelt
Serious woman at home in her bedroom.
What to Know About Ovulation Pain When You’re Trying to Conceive
By Lexi Dwyer
8 Shocking Facts About Trying to Get Pregnant
8 Shocking Facts About Trying to Get Pregnant
By Kylie McConville
ADVERTISEMENT
young woman smiling coyly and and walking through city streets
8 Signs of Fertility to Look for Each Month
By Temeka Zore, MD
Getting Pregnant Checklist
Getting Pregnant Checklist
By The Bump Editors
couple cooking together in kitchen
9 Common Fertility Mistakes When Trying to Conceive
By Laura Schocker
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List