Can You Choose To Have A Boy or A Girl?

By Dr. Alagammai Ramanathan | Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital

For as long as we’ve been MAKING BABIES people have been exchanging ideas about how to increase their chances of having either a boy or a girl. Unfortunately there’s no medical evidence that any of them actually work. Having said that, there’ll always be a mum who tells you an old wives’ tale that worked for her. So if you fancy defying the experts and trying to tip the balance towards one sex yourself, why not try some of the suggestions below. People talk about positions, days, methods, massages and the list goes on and on.

Q1) Is there any proven method for me to choose to have a boy or a girl?

YES! There is a scientific way to get a particular sex. Fertility specialists have the ability to create and identify embryos of either sex. It is called PGD (part of IVF or the test tube babies). Only pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been approved as a technique which does this gender pre selection.

Q2) What are my chances of pregnancy with this method?

Well it is the same as having test tube or IVF babies. Most centers quote a success rate of about 30 to 40%.

Q3) How is it done?

Just like IVF. The fertility specialist will have to induce ovulation (by medication) and take the eggs out once matured and insert the sperm into the egg to await fertilization. Once it is at a certain stage transplant it back into the womb.

Q4) Is it done in Malaysia?

YES, at fertility centers with IVF facilities

Q5) Is it legal? Can anyone walk in and ask for it?

Legally you only allowed to choose your baby’s gender if you have a serious genetic condition that you risk passing on to your children. In other words you can’t medically intervene with conception

just to balance your family, or for social or cultural reasons.

FACTS OF LIFE

While it is very difficult to choose a boy or a girl, knowing some facts of life and conception may help. Men produce two types of sperm — X being female and Y being male (only men determine the sex of the baby).

Male sperm is smaller, weaker and faster than the female sperm which is bigger, stronger and slower. Sex of the baby depends on which sperm reaches the egg first, once a sperm penetrates the egg it forms a hard coat around the egg so that the other sperms cannot enter after that. So even though the Y chromosome is faster they are weak, if they do not penetrate in time the X will reach and as females are stronger they tend to fertilize the egg much easier.

1) Timing of intercourse (this is only if you can predetermine your ovulation time)

As the male sperms are faster,if you want to have a boy then it is advisable to have sex on the day of ovulation. For a girl baby, start early before ovulation. Ovulation is the time the egg is ready for penetration of sperm, so whichever sperm is there it will penetrate. For female, sex before ovulation will ensure adequate time for the sperm to travel up to the egg and once the sperms are around the egg, even if there are male sperms around the egg, the female sperm which is much stronger will be able to get in.

2) Vaginal pH

Usually the vaginal pH is acidic, on the day of ovulation it is alkaline. An acidic environment is more favourable for the conception of a girl. It’s apparently not as welcoming for male sperm. The acidic environment kills the weaker male sperm first. So if you want a boy then sex during ovulation may help.

3) Abstinence

For a boy- do not have intercourse for four to five days prior to ovulation. You should use a condom if you wish to have sex during this time. Sex during ovulation is important. For a girl- try daily intercourse from the end of your period until 2-4 days prior to ovulation, then no intercourse until 2-3 days after ovulation.

4) Sexual Position

Sexual position is said to help your chances of gender selection due to both depth of penetration and pH levels. The closer to the opening of the vagina, the more acidic the woman’s reproductive tract (vagina) is. Hence with deeper penetration (e.g. doggy-style)your chances of a boy go up. This will apparently place the male sperm closer to the egg, giving them a head start. Missionary position could be used when trying to conceive a girl.

5) Orgasm

To conceive a boy, the woman should try to achieve orgasm either before or at the same time as her partner. Multiple female orgasms can help! It is believed that the waves of the orgasm will help to draw up the sperm quicker to the egg, again giving the boys getting a head start on the girls. For a girl, it is recommended for women to avoid orgasm.

Here’s one for the men: if you’d like to try for a boy, the shettles method suggests that men try to keep their scrotal temperature cool. This means no hot spas or baths and no tight clothing or underwear. Boxer shorts are a good alternative. Avoid scuba diving and heated vehicles for extended durations (or other areas of high heat).

How about sex selection kits?

DIY kits which claim to help with sex selection are based on the Shettles theory. Separate girl and boy kits are available (overseas). They include instructions, a basal thermometer, ovulation predictor test sticks, supplement tablets, and douches that are supposedly gender specific.

In Malaysia we don’t have DIY kit but we do have ovulation kits and you will need to visit your gynecologist for the supplement medications. If you do have difficulty in conceiving both husband and wife will need to undergo some tests to ensure both partners are healthy and ready for a good pregnancy journey ahead.

For more information, please contact Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital at 088-518 888.Address: Riverson@Sembulan, Block A-1, Lorong Riverson@Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For Emergency, please call 088-518 911

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For the complete article about this subject can be read on this July to September issue of  Parents Avenue Magazine. Disclaimer: All information is for your general reference only. We do not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of such information.

Sex and Pregnancy

By Dr. Alagammai Ramanathan | Consultant Obstetric & Gynaecologist
Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital (Tel: 088-518 888)

Sex is considered a taboo subject especially for Asian community. Both women and men are just too shy to bring the subject up for discussion and hence do not get accurate information on this subject be it.

Most women wait at least six to eight weeks after giving birth to have sex again, according to a new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It may also be the absolute last thing in your mind especially while you are dealing with nausea and vomiting and later on with the baby, breast feeding and diaper changings through the night.

Most women avoid sex during pregnancy for the fear of losing the baby. It is good to take time and
discuss it with your partner as intimacy is an important part in life. Other women, however, may crave sex in pregnancy. And men, too, are split into different groups regarding sex during pregnancy. Some men may find nothing sexier than a pregnant woman, but other men may be too afraid of hurting the baby. But desire aside, is sex during pregnancy even safe?

Can I have sex during pregnancy?

A lot of times the male partners are more frightened to have sex than the women. In most cases, sex is 100% safe for mom and baby. During the first trimester most women needs to deal with nausea, vomiting and hormonal changes to the body so sex may be the last thing in your mind. During the second trimester women most feel better, there is more lubrication, and have engorgement in the genital area and the tummy is not so rounded yet. This is usually the best time.

As for third trimester the stomach grows and it becomes more tiring, sex may seem less attractive- not to mention physically difficult during the final weeks of pregnancy. There are some exceptions, which your gyny doctor will warn you about. Among other issues is, if you have an incompetent (or weakened) cervix, unexplained bleeding, diagnosed with placenta previa, frequent premature contractions with no known cause or rupture of the amniotic membranes. The best will be to discuss with your gyny doctor along with your partner. It is important for both partners to be there during this session.

Sex can hurt the baby?

Babies are well cushioned. Below the skin is our fat layer, followed by muscles, thick uterine muscles, amniotic fluid only then the baby. As there is water surrounding the baby, it is well cushioned and most movements do not harm the baby. So go ahead! babies are very safe inside the womb and the jolt will not affect the baby.

Can infection occur due to sex?

Well from below the cervix is closed and it has a mucous plug to seal and hence infection does not enter into the cavity. So it is safe. Same goes for swimming, it is ok to swim during pregnancy, the water does not enter the vagina and into the uterus and harm the baby, so there is no need to change your lifestyle. In fact swimming is a good form for exercise during pregnancy.

Can I develop contractions during sex and will that lead to delivery prematurely?

If you start cramping after sex, don’t jump. An hour or two of mild cramps isn’t unusual because both orgasm and the prostaglandins in semen can cause uterine contractions. Increased blood flow and congestion makes blood vessels more fragile on the cervix surface, and they may bleed a bit if
your partner’s penis rubs against the cervix.

However, heavy bleeding warrants call to your gyny because the placenta could be breaking away from the uterus and other causes needs to be looked into for example a cervical growth. But don’t worry - it’s all unlikely to happen. Having an orgasm causes the release of prostaglandins, which can theoretically cause contractions, unfortunately never been completely validated in scientific studies. Does it work? Well...if you’re ready to deliver, a little sex might jump-start the process.

Sexual positions during pregnancy.

This is by far the most difficult question to answer. Well usually what is good and comfortable for the baby is good and comfortable for you. The traditional man-on-top position is more uncomfortable for pregnant women and in the 3rd trimester it is not advisable for women to be flat on the back as the pregnancy can compress the blood vessels and cause a little fall in the blood pressure.

If possible avoid oral sex as bowing air into the vagina may predispose to air embolism though it is very rare.

You can have satisfying sex when pregnancy. You will need to find the most comfortable position, it is the time to explore and experiment together. Communication and openness are the keys to maintaining or improving sexual satisfaction during your pregnancy.

Riverson@Sembulan Block A-1, 
Lorong Riverson@Sembulan, 
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Tel: 088-518 888 
Website: www.gleneagleskk.com.my
Facebook: Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu
EMERGENCY 088-518 911

Pregnant Women Should Not Travel to These Countries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued an alert for travel to countries and regions experiencing Zika virus outbreaks.

Some of these countries include Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Thailand and the Philippines. (View the full list here.)

Recent reports from Brazil indicate that the virus, which is spread to humans through mosquito bites, is responsible for a birth defect that causes babies to have abnormally small heads. Expectant mothers infected with Zika virus while pregnant have given birth to infants with microcephaly, a condition defined by abnormal cerebrums and improperly developed brains, WSBTV reports.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC advises  all travelers to countries where the virus is ongoing to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites: wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets. The organization also recommends the following precautions specifically for pregnant women:

Consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant, or who are thinking about becoming pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas.

The Zika virus has been linked to one U.S. case of the birth defect, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. At this time, there is no medication to prevent or treat Zika.

Areas with Zika, click HERE.

For more information regarding this topic, please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website HERE.