From ancient folk tales to modern social media charts, many expectant parents have come across claims that specific sex positions during conception or pregnancy can influence a baby’s gender. Terms like “sex position pregnancy gender chart” or “best sex position for boy or girl” are frequently searched—but is there any truth to these ideas?
In this blog, we debunk popular myths, explore the science behind gender determination, and help parents focus on what truly matters during conception and pregnancy.
The idea that sexual positions can determine gender likely stems from traditional beliefs that certain factors—like depth of penetration or time of intercourse—can influence which sperm reaches the egg first. These theories often rely on the Shettles Method, developed in the 1960s, which suggests:
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Deep penetration favors male (Y chromosome) sperm.
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Shallow penetration favors female (X chromosome) sperm.
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Timing intercourse close to ovulation increases the chances of a boy.
However, numerous scientific reviews have failed to support these claims with consistent data.
Biological sex is determined at the moment of conception by the sperm:
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Sperm carrying a Y chromosome results in a male fetus.
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Sperm carrying an X chromosome results in a female fetus.
This is purely a matter of chance and genetics. The egg always carries an X chromosome, so it's the sperm that makes the deciding move.
There’s no peer-reviewed scientific study confirming that sexual position, timing, or orgasm influences the sperm’s success rate in determining gender.
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A 1995 review in Human Reproduction found that attempts to influence sex using timing and position had no reliable success rate.
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More recent fertility studies highlight that cervical mucus, pH levels, and even sperm motility have far more influence than position—but even those factors do not guarantee a desired sex.
The American Pregnancy Association explicitly states: “There is no evidence that sex position can influence gender.”
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Cultural Influence: In some cultures, particularly in parts of Asia and the Middle East, there is historical preference for male children. This creates a market for pseudoscientific gender selection techniques.
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Confirmation Bias: When a position “works” once, people are more likely to believe in its efficacy.
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A Desire for Control: Parents often want to feel agency over their experience, especially in uncertain times like pregnancy.
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Disappointment or guilt if the child’s sex doesn’t match the expected outcome
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Unrealistic expectations that can affect marital or emotional harmony
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Spread of misinformation, particularly in communities where scientific access is limited
It’s crucial to approach these beliefs with a rational, evidence-based mindset.
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Prenatal health and nutrition: A balanced diet supports fetal development more than any gender prediction method.
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Regular antenatal check-ups: Monitoring fetal growth, heartbeat, and development are critical.
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Emotional connection: Building a loving and secure environment is what truly matters—regardless of gender.
In India, sex determination is legally banned to combat gender-based discrimination. Despite this, old wives’ tales persist in many households:
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Agar pet upar hai toh ladka, agar neeche hai toh ladki.
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Agar cravings meetha hai toh ladki, agar namkeen hai toh ladka.
These are not medically valid. Focusing on a healthy pregnancy and mental well-being of the mother is far more valuable.
There is no scientific evidence that sex positions during conception or pregnancy influence a baby’s gender. While myths like the Shettles Method persist, modern research debunks these ideas. What truly matters is a healthy pregnancy, open communication with your doctor, and emotional preparedness for the journey of parenthood.
Forget the charts and predictions—embrace the wonder of new life, no matter who they grow up to be.