Can what you eat before pregnancy influence whether you have a boy or a girl? It’s a question that has fascinated future parents for generations. From eating bananas to increase your chances of having a boy to craving sweets if you’re carrying a girl, pregnancy myths have been passed down for centuries. But what does the science say? According to obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Danie Schneider, the sex of a child depends on whether an ovum is fertilized by an X or a Y carrying sperm. It is therefore the sperm that determines the sex of an offspring. While some studies have explored whether a mother’s diet could influence embryo survival, experts agree that there is no reliable natural way to choose your baby’s biological sex.
Why Do So Many People Believe Diet Can Influence Baby’s Sex?
As soon as friends and family hear you’re trying for a baby, the advice often starts flowing. You may hear suggestions such as:
- Eat more bananas if you want a boy.
- Consume dairy products if you’re hoping for a girl.
- Eat salty foods to conceive a boy.
- Avoid certain foods to improve your chances of having a daughter.
These recommendations have been shared across generations, but most are based on old wives’ tales rather than scientific evidence. The appeal is understandable. If something as simple as changing your diet could influence your baby’s biological sex, many hopeful parents would gladly give it a try. Unfortunately, research has not found convincing evidence that any specific eating pattern can reliably affect whether you conceive a boy or a girl.
The 2008 Study That Started the Debate
Interest in diet and the gender of a baby increased after a 2008 study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The University of Exeter explained the study which found that mothers who consumed more calories—particularly those eating breakfast cereals rich in potassium, calcium and sodium —were slightly more likely to give birth to boys. The researchers suggested that maternal nutrition might influence which embryos are more likely to survive during the earliest stages of pregnancy, rather than changing the baby’s gender itself.
Although the findings attracted worldwide attention, they also generated considerable criticism. Subsequently no major medical organisation recommends dietary changes as a method of gender selection.
How Is Your Baby’s Biological Sex Actually Determined?
From a biological perspective, determining your baby’s biological sex is remarkably straightforward. Every egg released by the mother contains an X chromosome. Sperm produced by the father carry either an X chromosome or a Y chromosome.
- X sperm + X egg = Female (XX)
- Y sperm + X egg = Male (XY)
This means that the sperm that fertilises the egg determines the baby’s biological sex. According to reproductive specialists there is currently no convincing evidence that eating particular foods, changing your body’s pH, timing intercourse, or trying specific sexual positions can consistently influence which sperm fertilises the egg.
Can Pregnancy Cravings Predict Your Baby’s Biological Sex?
Another popular belief is that pregnancy cravings reveal whether you’re expecting a boy or a girl. According to old wives’ tales:
- Sweet cravings supposedly mean you’re having a girl.
- Salty or savoury cravings supposedly indicate you’re having a boy.
Although these stories are entertaining, scientific research does not support them.
Pregnancy cravings are thought to result from a combination of hormonal changes, altered taste perception, nutritional needs and emotional factors. Every pregnancy is unique, and cravings vary widely from one person to another. In other words, craving chocolate probably says more about your hormones than your baby’s biological sex. A healthy pregnancy diet will promote your baby’s growth and development. Mayo Clinic explains which nutrients you need most and where to find them.
Are There Any Natural Ways to Choose Your Baby’s Sex?
Many natural methods claim to improve your chances of conceiving either a boy or a girl. These include:
- Following specific diets.
- Timing intercourse around ovulation.
- Changing sexual positions.
- Using supplements.
- Altering vaginal pH.
Despite their popularity online, reviews of the scientific evidence have found that none of these methods consistently works. If you’re trying to conceive, the healthiest approach is to focus on preparing your body for pregnancy rather than attempting unproven gender-selection techniques. Fedhealthsupports preconception health to give both mother and baby the strongest possible start. Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, taking folic acid before conception and avoiding smoking and alcohol remain among the most effective ways to support a healthy pregnancy.
What About IVF Gender Selection?
The only medically recognised method of selecting a baby’s biological sex is in vitro fertilisation (IVF) combined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). During IVF, embryos are created in the laboratory before being genetically tested. This allows doctors to identify embryos with XX or XY chromosomes before implantation. This technology is sometimes used to prevent the inheritance of serious genetic disorders. In some countries it may also be available for family balancing, although laws vary considerably.
Gender selection through IVF remains ethically complex and raises medical, religious, legal and social questions. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine agrees that sex selection should not be encouraged for non-medical reasons. For this reason, many countries regulate or restrict its use.
Biological Sex and Gender Are Not the Same
It’s also important to understand the difference between biological sex and gender.
Biological sex refers to the chromosomes, reproductive organs and physical characteristics present at birth. Gender, however, relates to a person’s identity and how they experience and express themselves. For many people, biological sex and gender align, while for others they do not. Understanding this distinction helps promote respectful, inclusive conversations about pregnancy and families.
Focus on What Really Matters
Whether you’re hoping for a little boy or dreaming of a daughter, it’s natural to wonder whether there’s anything you can do to influence the outcome. However, the current scientific evidence is clear: diet cannot determine your baby’s biological sex.
Rather than focusing on pregnancy myths, invest your energy in habits that truly support your growing baby. Fedhealthprovides structured maternity and childhood benefits across options like flexiFED and myFED. Key features include prenatal scans, consultations, and the Fedhealth Baby Programme. Life with a newborn can be challenging. Eat a varied, nutrient-rich diet, stay physically active as recommended by your healthcare provider, attend regular prenatal appointments and follow professional medical advice throughout your pregnancy.
Bottom Line
Although myths about choosing your baby’s sex continue to circulate online, the scientific evidence remains clear: diet cannot determine whether you’ll have a boy or a girl. The best way to support your future child is not by following unproven gender-selection advice, but by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking regular prenatal care and making informed decisions based on reliable medical guidance.
At the end of the day, the greatest gift isn’t choosing pink or blue—it’s welcoming a healthy baby into the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eating certain foods help me conceive a boy?
No. There is currently no reliable scientific evidence that changing your diet increases your chances of conceiving a boy.
Can pregnancy cravings predict my baby’s sex?
No. Cravings are believed to be influenced by hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy rather than your baby’s biological sex.
Is IVF the only reliable way to choose a baby’s sex?
Yes. IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing is currently the only medically recognised method of selecting a baby’s biological sex, although it is regulated differently around the world.
Who determines a baby’s biological sex?
The father contributes either an X or Y chromosome through the sperm. Because every egg carries an X chromosome, the sperm determines whether the baby will be XX (female) or XY (male).
Should I change my diet if I’m trying to conceive?
Yes—but not to influence your baby’s sex. Eating a balanced diet, taking folic acid, maintaining a healthy weight, and following your healthcare provider’s advice can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
References:
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (n.d.). Use of reproductive technology for sex selection for non-medical reasons: An ethics committee opinion. https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/ethics-opinions/use-of-reproductive-technology-for-sex-selection-for-nonmedical-reasons-an-ethics-committee-opinion-2022/
- Dr. Danie Schneider. (n.d.). Gender selection. https://schneidermedical.co.za/gender-selection/
- Fedhealth. (n.d.). Life with your newborn. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/life-with-your-newborn/
- Fedhealth. (n.d.). Maternity and childhood benefits on myFED, flexiFED, and maxiFED. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZOOM-on-Maternity-and-Childhood-Benefits-2024.pdf
- Fedhealth. (n.d.). Pre-pregnancy health checklist: Preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/pre-pregnancy-health-checklist-2/
- Mayo Clinic. (2025). Pregnancy diet: Focus on these essential nutrients. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082
- University of Exeter. (2008, April 23). You are what your mother eats. https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/2008/april/title_626_en.html
- Wisner, W. (2024, October 10). What to know about pregnancy cravings. Parents. https://www.parents.com/what-to-know-about-pregnancy-cravings-7507166
