With regular intercourse, you have a 50/50 chance of conceiving a boy or girl obviously, but what if you could increase those odds and influence the gender of your baby? Would you want to do it?
There’s a lot of information out there that suggests diet, body chemistry, and timing can determine the sex of your baby, and there is some truth to it.
Many parents will swear by gender selection through a variety of at-home methods.
But reproductive experts will tell you there is no foolproof method for conceiving a boy or girl at home, but you might be able to sway the odds in your favor.
With that being said the Shettles Method worked for us. Not once but three times!
Timing sex around ovulation is the most well-known natural gender swaying method for choosing the sex of your child and this is known as the Shettles Method.
The Shettles method is very popular and was developed in the sixties by Dr. Landrum Shettles, MD, Ph.D.
He had the idea that timing intercourse to a woman’s cycle and assuming certain sexual positions can influence gender. He Was Right.
Dr. Shettles believed that the X sperm that creates a girl were slow swimmers but survived longer, while the Y sperm that creates a boy were faster swimmers but had lower stamina.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
He believed conceiving a girl was done by having sex a few days before ovulation, and conceiving a boy was done by having sex the day of or after ovulation.
Dr. Shettles shows that the environment affects the survival of sperm too.
The female sperm survive better in acidic environments whereas male-producing sperm perform better in a high alkaline environment.
Women’s secretions are most alkaline as ovulation approaches and become more acidic further away.
Dr. Shettles felt that the timing of intercourse was the most crucial part of determining gender selection. Intercourse that occurs near ovulation, more times than not, will produce a male offspring.
Amazing Right?
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re wanting to conceive a boy it’s important you know your ovulation cycle and have intercourse as close to ovulation as possible and with deep penetration.
The idea is that since the Male Y sperm is faster it’ll get there first and fertilize the egg.
To improve your chances of a boy you’ll want to refrain from having intercourse for 5 days prior to ovulation and have intercourse just before and at the time of ovulation.
This timing is thought to be the most crucial part of gender selection. You should choose a position that allows for deep penetration such as “doggy style” so the sperm will be deposited closer to the cervix.
The “boy sperm” will have less distance to travel and is more likely to survive.
When you are trying to conceive men should avoid wearing tight clothes. Although heat can kill both types of sperm, it kills off the smaller “boy sperm” faster.
Women should have an orgasm which increases the alkaline in the vagina and creates an ideal environment for conceiving a boy.
If possible, the male should try to have an orgasm right before or at the same time.
Dr. Shettles claims an overall 75 percent success rate when using his method for choosing gender.
So if you want to have a boy or want a girl you should try the Shettles Method!
In The End….
The Shettles Method is a fun and easy way to try to sway the gender of your baby.
Like I said before, The Shettles Method Worked For us not once but every time we got pregnant. So it is absolutely worth a try.
Once you go into labor you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next move.
It all just seems to hit you at once even though you felt prepared before. These are very common feelings.
But knowing this and doing everything you can to prepare will help make things go much more smoothly when the big event starts!
Below is a quick and easy list that will help you get those last couple of things done that you may have not thought of.
Check it out below.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
9 Things To Do RIGHT Before Going To The Hospital Once Labor Starts
Take care of the odds and ends
Before labor starts there’s a small list of things that I always recommend you get done early.
It’s best to get a head start on all the ‘stuff’ so that you can focus on what’s important when the time comes. Here’s that list.
Arrange care for your other children, aging parents, or pets.
Recruit a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
Post phone numbers for labor and delivery of the hospital and your doctor or provider.
Check your bag. Again
Ideally, you’ve packed a bag for the hospital weeks ahead of time; you can’t predict labor so early is better, you don’t want to be caught off-guard and not have the things you need with you.
Go ahead and check it again. This will make you feel more prepared and you can grab any extras that come to mind. Here are a few things you may have overlooked.
An extra-long phone charger. Hospital rooms don’t always have outlets in ideal places. A longer cord will allow you to keep your phone charging where you can reach it.
Hair ties.Delivery is hard, hot, and sweaty and babies tend to curl their fingers around anything in reach. Plan to tie your hair back at some point. If you have longer hair, you’ll be so glad you brought this.
A small amount of cash. Don’t leave yourself without funds for vending machines and odd items. If anything comes up, you’d rather be prepared.
Dry shampoo. Depending on your personal situation you might not be able to shower right away. You’ll want to wash up best you can, and dry shampoo can leave you feeling clean and refreshed even though you might not be.
Make it a habit of filling up the car more often during those last months.
The last thing you want is to be in active labor and having to stop for gas. If it’s a time of day where you’ll run into traffic that gas will be even more important.
Not a bad idea to plan out an alternate route, too.
Eat Some Good Food
Before labor gets really intense you should eat a really good meal.
Once you’re in labor and at the hospital, you likely won’t be able to eat.
This is standard so eat a fantastic meal before you go.
Labor can last SO long and you’ll be famished afterward so indulge yourself and enjoy!
Tidy up the house
Nobody wants to come home to a messy house. Recruit help if needed but get the house done and ready.
You’ll want to be able to tidy up quickly and get ready to get out the door when those contractions begin.
This will allow you to come home to a stress-free zone, and that will be so very important, believe me.
Prepare for baby’s arrival
You’ll want to make sure that diapers, blankets, burpees, bottles all are out of the package, clean and accessible, and within reach.
Read directions and know how to use lights, monitors, and other items you purchased or were gifted.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all those things, all your baby needs is you and a car seat (it’s the law).
There are several local charities and government programs available if you need help acquiring a car seat. Just look it up on Google to find a local resource near you.
Charge your phone
Don’t get stuck on the highway without a phone if you can help it.
And because you’ll want to stay in contact with family and friends, charge ahead of time.
It could be several hours before you’re in your own room and if you’re in labor you sure don’t want to be digging chargers out of a bag and trying to hunt down a plug.
Call your team at home
Once contractions start, you’ll need to get everyone else squared away so you can focus on yourself.
Contact the neighbor that’s going to watch the house and the sitters taking care of your other children, pets, and any of your other responsibilities.
If you’ve decided to notify your parents, now’s the time.
Make THE call
After you’ve timed your contractions contact your provider. They’ll tell you when you should head to the hospital.
Confirm that they’re letting the hospital know that you’re on your way.
Call transportation if you need to, it’s time to get this done so that you can be on your way.
In the End…
Once you go into labor your head may start spinning with excitement and being prepared for the chaos will make you feel more at ease.
Doing these 9 things to do right before labor starts will make you feel happier and more relaxed once you get moving.
If you’re having any reservations or anxiety about the idea of getting an epidural that’s perfectly normal.
You may be wondering about how it would go and when you would get one or if you should get one at all.
It’s not a decision to take lightly, but if you think it will help you get through the experience, then go for it.
Many women make the decision to have one and it can create an easier, more pleasant birthing experience.
I had one for all three and I actually enjoyed the birth of my babes! I could even say it was fun.
In this post I want to help prepare you, alleviate some of the worries, and shed some light on what it’s really like to have an epidural.
***This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you.
What It’s Like to Get an Epidural During Childbirth | Things You Need To Know
It won’t happen right away
You should know upfront that you’re not going to get your epidural as soon as you ask for it.
It can take a few minutes or a couple of hours or more. How long it takes will depend on how many people are ahead of you for the procedure and when they can get the medicine in the room and the availability of the anesthesiologist.
Because it does take some time, don’t wait until the pain is excruciating to ask for it. There’s no prize for suffering through it.
Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
The anesthesiologist will numb the area first
Before the epidural is administered, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area a bit.
It’ll take effect within minutes and will make the procedure more comfortable.
Initially, you might feel the tube threading down your back and minor pressure and prodding but it shouldn’t be too painful.
So it doesn’t really hurt to get an Epidural unless they hit a nerve. If that is the case, you’ll feel quick, dull shooting pain, but it passes quickly.
Once the epidural is complete, you’ll feel relief right away. And because contractions and labor can be tiring, the epidural will help relax you enough so you can rest or get some sleep.
Resting is important because it will prepare you for pushing and the task of delivery.
An epidural can help you be more focused and present during delivery because you won’t be distracted by the pain.
You May Be Wondering If it Will Hurt When You Push With An Epidural
You might have heard that you’ll be completely numb after an epidural but that’s not always true; you’ll still feel sensation and the urge to push so you can deliver your baby.
You will also still be able to feel the baby come out with an Epidural but it will feel mostly like intense pressure rather than a burning pain.
It can make the experience much easier for you if this is the route you choose.
The epidural may not work
Although disappointing, it’s important you know that your epidural may not work.
It could fail entirely or only work a little bit. Depending on your unique situation you might have to go through the process more than once.
If your epidural fails it’s possible your doctor will adjust your position and try again, maybe even more than once.
If your epidural doesn’t take, don’t worry. There are other pain management options available for you.
Ask your doctor about your alternatives ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect if the epidural fails.
You might need a urinary catheter
Since the epidural numbs the lower part of your body, you may need a urinary catheter put in place if your labor lasts more than a few hours.
It’ll be removed once the epidural wears off, but you might feel some discomfort for a while after the catheter comes out.
Because the catheter wouldn’t be placed until after you are numb you shouldn’t feel any pain from the catheter being inserted.
Alternatively, they may do an ‘ in and out ‘ catheter several times during your labor.
When they do this they simply put a quick catheter in and let your bladder relieve itself, then remove it and get it out of the way.
Shaking or shivers is completely normal
After the epidural medication is administered some people experience shaking or what they describe as the shivers.
This is a physical reaction to the medication and although it feels strange and uncomfortable it is completely harmless.
This is not a health concern for you or the baby and should settle down after a while.
You should also be aware that shaking during childbirth happens too, with or without an epidural.
It’s a natural part of your body’s recovery process and it’s extremely important that you have a comforting and supportive environment to heal in.
An epidural can mean a severe headache for some
Although uncommon, epidurals do come with a risk of severe headaches.
This type of headache is referred to as a spinal headache because it can only happen after a spinal injection or epidural.
It can be dull and mild, or it can be severe and incapacitating. It occurs in the very front or back of the head and usually gets worse with sitting or standing up, while lying down flat may make it better.
These headaches are a rare side effect, but they do happen and can be debilitating.
Treatment is usually hydration, caffeine, and taking it easy for a couple of days. Your doctor may opt to prescribe an oral pain reliever.
It’s important to communicate any pain or concerns with your doctor.
They are here to help you deliver your baby safely but also to make you more comfortable and eliminate pain where they can.
Your epidural could last too long.
There is a chance that the epidural can last longer than expected and beyond when you want it to.
Once the medication is stopped and the catheter is removed you should expect to get back full feeling, but that doesn’t always happen.
Numbness from an epidural can linger. It can last for minutes, hours and in rare cases, days.
When this happens, there isn’t much you can do to speed up the process but it’s still important that you share any concerns about numbness or tingling with your doctor.
Epidurals Can Wear Off During Labor Too
Sometimes the epidural will wear off before you’ve even begun to push.
In this case, they can either give you another or give you another method of pain management.
Or you can rough it.
This leads to the next question..
When Is the best time to get an epidural during labor?
Experts have always said that it’s best to wait until active labor before getting your epidural.
They want you to wait because some believe if you get one too early it can slow your labor or even stop it.
This does seem to be true for many. It can also increase your chances of needing a C-section according to some doctors.
But you can have an epidural whenever you ask at most facilities. I do believe it’s best to wait until your labor progresses a bit though.
In The End….
Epidurals can be a wonderful option for many women but do come with a risk of side effects, most of which are rare.
An epidural offers pain relief, rest, and improved focus and concentration during labor and delivery.
You should keep in mind that anesthesiologists perform epidurals every day, and although it’s new for you it certainly isn’t for them.
If you’re considering an epidural talk to your doctor ahead of time.
They can answer any questions you have and prepare you for what to expect. Even if you decide now you don’t want an epidural, you can change your mind once you’re in labor.
Pain relief is available, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
If you told someone that you were going to specifically try to get pregnant with a girl ( or a boy ), by swaying the gender they would likely laugh and tell you that’s impossible.
But there’s actually a Science-based method that can help you accomplish just that.
It doesn’t always work because there are so many varying factors but it works a lot of the time!
It’s called the Shettles Method.
Keep reading to find out how to increase your chances of getting that baby girl you’ve been dreaming of.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How To Conceive A Girl
Pin It On Pinterest For Later!
The Shettles Method was created by Dr. Shettles and it’s been around since the 1960s.
Couples who use this method trying to conceive a girl have had a whopping 75% success rate!
So it really does increase your chances of getting the babe you want or so it seems.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
The Method
The Egg carries an X chromosome. A sperm may carry either an X or a Y chromosome.
So the sperm is the determining factor in the sex of your baby.
Dr. Shettles found that the male sperm could swim much faster than the female sperm but it would tire out quicker. The male producing sperm also die off quicker.
The girl sperm is tougher and bigger but swims at a slower pace. They also survive the longest.
The Shettles method suggests that certain vagina environments, sexual positions, and dates of intercourse related to when you ovulate will favor one sperm over the other, based on the sperm’s differences.
So what does this all mean and how can you sway the sex of your baby knowing what we know?
First, you’ll need to figure out exactly when you ovulate.
There are some really great kits out there that can help you determine this. Here’s a really good one with 50 ovulation test strips and close to 20,000 positive reviews.
Once you have a good view of when you ovulate each month, you’ll need to have sex two or three days before it happens.
That way the quicker male sperms will die off.
This gives the slower and more resilient female sperm time to swim up and make it just in time to meet your egg once it makes its way down into your uterus.
Dr. Shettles has also advised avoiding orgasm when trying to conceive a girl. he also recommends shallow penetration.
All of this helps keep the male sperm away longer.
Pretty crazy right? Some have tried to discredit this method over the years but with a whopping 75% success rate I’m guessing the Doc is onto something.
If you want a more in-depth view of the Shettles Method you can check out his book right here.
In The End…..
In the end, all you can do is try and it looks like the Shettles Method is not only fun but will really increase your chances of getting the baby you want.
But if you end up getting a surprise boy for whatever reason, I’m sure he’ll be just a perfect little angel too!
All that truly matters is a healthy bouncing babe that you can love.
I wish you all the luck in the world and lots of baby dust!
If you enjoyed this post and think it will help other mamas looking for answers, please share it with your friends or on Pinterest with the special images below.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant there’s nothing harder than that two-week wait.
It seems like the weeks stretch out into a month and you notice every little twinge in your body. You can think of nothing else!
Some will tell you there’s no way to know if you’re pregnant before the one month mark but that’s not true.
If you are really in tune with your body there will be signs.
I knew with all three of mine before I got my big fat positives and if you listen closely to your body you may be able to tell too!
Below is a list of very early signs that you’re pregnant.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
10 Very Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Pin it on Pinterest For Later!
You May feel Implantation Cramps
A few days after you’ve had sex you may get some strange cramping if you’ve conceived.
This is implantation cramping and it can happen anywhere from 4 to 12 days after.
They often feel different from regular cramping according to women who’ve experienced them.
You will often feel them in one place and on one side. It will feel like a slight stabbing feeling with little cramps.
It’s not unusual for women to feel them but it doesn’t always happen when you conceive.
But I can say that it did happen to me in all three of mine about 5 days after conception. It was very obvious and it would last about 24 hours then suddenly stop.
That’s when other symptoms would start to come in.
I told my obgyn that I knew when I was having implantation because I could feel it, and she told me NO, that’s not possible.
She even laughed at me. Pissed me off to tell you the truth.
She was wrong. I felt it each time and many women we have interviewed over the years for our blog have also said they felt implantation too.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
You May Have Spotting
This is in line with the implantation cramping.
You may get a few drops of blood with implantation that can indicate something is happening.
It happens to some women but not all.
So if you feel the cramping but don’t get spotting, don’t write that month of trying off just yet.
It’s still really early in the game before your actual period is due, but many women get little twinges of nausea.
It starts a few days after implantation occurs and usually happens when you get up at night from lying down.
This occurs once your ovum is implanted because your body begins to get flooded with hormones.
As with all of these other early symptoms, some women will experience this and some will not.
It is an individual and varied experience for all.
You’ll have A Lot Of Extra Discharge
Normally when no pregnancy has occurred you’ll get dryer as you move toward menstruation.
But when fertilization has occurred, you’ll get an increase in wet discharge.
This discharge is called leukorrhea which is the thin, milky white vaginal discharge that many women first experience in early pregnancy.
The discharge is related to the thickening of the vagina’s walls, which starts almost immediately after conception. The increased growth of cells lining the vagina causes the discharge and it is usually quite noticeable if you’re looking for it.
This is a good way to tell that something is going on.
Of course, you can get discharge for other reasons.
But if you’re following your cycle and trying to get pregnant and you suddenly get an increase in discharge about a week after your last sexual encounter, you may be pregnant!
Tingly Or Sore Breasts
Your breasts may feel heavier or extra sore a week or so before your period if you’re pregnant.
This is often a normal sign of PMS but it may seem more intense if you have conceived.
You may also get some tingling feelings as well as your hormones shoot up. It may be a new feeling you experience that you’ve never noticed before.
But again, some women have this symptom before their period comes so it can be hard to decipher the reason behind it.
Your Temperature Will Go Up A Degree
If you know about charting your temperature for fertility, you’ll already know that you get a small increase in temps after you’ve ovulated due to increases in Progesterone.
( If you don’t know about charting your temps you should check right here. )
This increase will last until right before your period gets ready to start when your Progesterone drops rapidly.
But if you have conceived you will have a one-day temp decrease while the embryo is implanting.
This dip would occur anywhere from 4 to 10 days or so.
Then your temps would go back up due to even more Progesterone production.
This is a really good way to see what’s going on with your cycle while trying to get pregnant ( or any time ).
You need to take your temp first thing in the morning before you get up to accurately chart what’s happening.
You’ll Likely Be Very Tired
Once your embryo has implanted and you’re officially pregnant you’ll start to feel more and more fatigued.
It will start off slow at first, but right around when your period is supposed to start it will get more intense.
Everyone gets tired around that time of the month but this will feel somewhat different and boy does it get worse from there.
Pregnancy fatigue is no joke, but at least those first days are not so bad and it gets much easier after the first trimester.
If you conceive you’ll notice that you are just feeling very exhausted.
You May Get Headaches
You may get headaches that increase as your hormones begin to rapidly increase.
Unfortunately, if you’re prone to these types of monthly headaches this can be pretty miserable.
They may feel more intense and piercing because of the changes that you’re going through.
Talk to your doctor if they become too much to bear.
Sensitivity To Smells
This is another weird sign that you may notice out of nowhere.
Things will smell really strong. Smells you wouldn’t have noticed before are suddenly assaulting your senses.
This will happen all throughout pregnancy but this symptom can start very early on as your hormones shift.
Things may smell off or offensive when they didn’t bother you before.
If you notice this during the third week or so of your cycle along with other signs we’ve listed above you may be pregnant!
And Last But Not Least……
The last big early sign that you’re pregnant is…..drum roll please…..
A big fat positive on an early pregnancy test!
Some of the tests they have today can detect pregnancy REALLY early compared to older ones.
The older ones would only detect pregnancy after the first or second day of your missed period.
So if you have sex around ovulation and you wait one more week, when implantation is likely to occur, right after that you can usually take a test and get your positive.
If you don’t right away you can take a test each morning until you do, but these tests are very good at detecting very early pregnancy hormones.
Here’s a box of three you can get from First Response that will detect your pregnancy 6 DAYS BEFORE YOUR MISSED PERIOD.
That’s awesome right?!
Baby Dust and good luck to you!!
If you loved this post please share it with your friends or save it to Pinterest with the images below!
Being a mom for the first time is super exciting. There’s no other feeling like it in the world.
But despite all your joy you will also be exhausted and hormonal like never before during those first months.
No words can really prepare you but I want to at least give you an idea of what’s to come.
Below is the raw emotional account of many first time mothers that we’ve interviewed as well as my own. I tell you exactly how it is without sugar-coating it.
Read on to get a view of what to expect in those first amazing days.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
What It’s Like To Be A First Time Mom
Pin It On Pinterest For Later!
You’ll Feel Out Of Control
Right after you have your baby you will have a lot of help. You’ll be in the hospital most likely for a couple of days and everyone will help you take care of any needs you have for you and your babe.
And then you go home… and there’s something about getting there that just hits you. The feeling of overwhelm is one of the heavest feelings you will ever feel.
It happened to me with all three and to ALL the women we interviewed. It’s a thing.
The first time is the hardest though, the feelings are just so intense.
I’m not telling you this to scare you or fill you with dread. It’s just better to know it ahead of time so you can do everything you can to prepare.
Nothing really helps, of course, it is what it is, but knowing it may give you some idea of what to expect, and that alone is comforting.
Hey, I’m Toni and I’m the mama of 3 Little Birds. I love Writing about all Things Mama. Learn more about me here. Grab a Tea or Coffee and come see what you find.
