Can Diet Determine Baby's Sex? Myth vs. Science

No. Baby's sex is determined at conception by the sperm's sex chromosome (X or Y). Maternal diet cannot influence which sperm fertilizes the egg.

What Actually Determines Sex

• Egg always contributes X.
• Sperm contributes X (→ XX female) or Y (→ XY male).
• Probability ~50/50 per conception.

Why the Myth Persists

• Shettles method (timing, pH, position) – no robust evidence.
• Cultural traditions, confirmation bias.
• Confusion with sex selection via IVF/PGT (technological, not dietary).

What Maternal Diet DOES Affect

• Fetal growth, epigenetic programming, birth outcomes.
• Neural tube defects (folate), preterm birth (omega-3), allergies (diverse diet).