ASK DR.MOORE May 7, 2004

Dr. Mark Moore, author of the gender selection book Baby Girl or Baby Boy--Choose the Sex of Your Child, answers readers' questions on pregnancy and pediatrics.

Diet and Baby’s Sex
Q: Does what I eat when I’m pregnant make it more likely to have a baby girl or baby boy?

Dr.Moore: The sex of the baby is determined at the moment of conception—when the sperm and the egg join. Nothing during pregnancy will change that. However, pre-conception gender selection, or the influencing of the sex of the baby before it is conceived (so as to make it more likely to have the baby of your choice) is getting a lot of press lately. After decades of research, there is still much controversy over the environmental factors which determine the baby’s sex. As related to what one eats, the consensus today is if there is any dietary influence, it is limited. Previous studies have shown a mother-to-be’s diet high in potassium and sodium including vegetables, bananas, fish and meat may favor the conception of a baby boy. A diet high in calcium and magnesium including milk, beans, cereals, cheese and nuts may favor a baby girl. Because of the minimal influence if any on the outcome of the sex of the baby, the best advice is to eat a healthy diet during the time you are trying to get pregnant and then all through pregnancy.

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Readers may send questions to our email address. This column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice.

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