Timing helps predetermine sex of baby

Press, 1 June 1985, Page 8

Timing helps predetermine sex of baby

PA Auckland Couples could have a two-to-one chance of predetermining their child’s sex, according to a five-year study nearing completion at National Women’s Hospital in Auckland. The head of the study, Dr John France, said results so far showed that male babies were more likely to be conceived if there was an interval of between three and four days between intercourse and ovulation. Females were more likely when intercourse occurred at ovulation. Dr France, an associate professor in steroid Biochemistry at the Auckland University postgraduate school of obstetrics and gynaecology, said that although it would be nine months before final results were known, he was sure the established pattern would continue. He advised couples wishing to test the theory to talk to their general practitioner first. They had to be sure pregnancy was their prime concern and the sex of the baby secondary in case the theory failed. Disappointment at birth if a child was of the other sex could be harmful to the child and the parents, he

said. Dr France considers the study, of 280 Auckland couples, to be the most up-to-date in the world. Although its results will be published internationally, he does not expect it to be used widely because the chances are only two-to-one. Dr France said it was important to note that the results contradicted the much publicised Shettles method but backed an older German theory. The study had provided important information on natural fertilisation, he said. It showed sperm survival rates of up to five days before ovulation, whereas it was previously believed sperm survived only a maximum of three days. When the study began in 1980 Dr France used the Shettles method as a starting point with couples. However, two-thirds of them failed to conceive the sex of child they wanted. By 1983, he said, it was clear the method did not work. He began using his present method, giving couples a two-to-bne chance. Recruitment of couples stopped in December. ; Most couples in the survey wanted girls, said Dr France. >