This blew me away. And if true - how cool would that be.

It is said that the sperm carrying the Y chromosome uses energy faster than the sperm carrying the X chromosome. The energy utilization is said to be due to the speed in which sperm swim. Supposedly, the Y sperm is speedy or contains less mitochondria whereas the X sperm is slower or carries more mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy producing cellular components which are absolutely necessary for life.

Sperm contain, and can only produce, so much fuel for their journey. If one sperm type swims faster than another, the consequence of that, of course, is faster arrival - but also faster expiration.

That said, if a woman knows her cycle and when she ovulates, the odds of baby gender prediction can be in one’s favor.

Sperm can reach the fallopian tubes in about 20 minutes to 2 hours. Sperm are viable for about 4-7 days inside the woman. [This is dependent upon numerous factors - one main factor being the consistency of her cervical fluid.]

Given that the sperm carrying the X chromosome lives longer, then it is possible to gender predict.

How??

Let’s give an example of how this baby gender prediction or sex determination would work.

You want - a girl.

You know Sue ovulates 15 days into her cycle. You know you must deliver sperm no earlier than 4 days before ovulation. This way, the Y carrying sperm will likely be expired and the X carrying sperm still viable. When the egg is released at about 5 days after intercourse, the X carrying sperm will be in the fallopian tube waiting. Mrs. X chromosome sperm touches the egg and a little girl has begun!

The critical and perhaps not so obvious tip - don’t repeat intercourse again for a week! Make sure she has been fertilized with the ‘mature sperm’

To sum up:

If you want a girl - aim for earlier intercourse before ovulation - at least 4 days before she ovulates.

If you want a boy - aim for later intercourse before ovulation - say about 1 day before she ovulates.

Does older sperm mean less healthy? This is not known; however, it is not the genetic material that dies right away. It is the motility or movement of the sperm which is limited and also the fuel stores.

How do you know when Sue ovulates? She charts her cycle by temperature. In the morning, she takes her temperature before even getting out of bed. No alcohol use the night before or erratic schedule - like staying up till all hours. Recording the temperature will show normal slight variation of about +/- 0.2 points. When there is a ’spike’ in temperature she has ovulated. The upward spike is typically about 0.4-0.6 points of a degree. It will stay steady for a bit and then drop off gradually. If the temperature doesn’t drop off, she is pregnant!

Now is this baby gender prediction scientifically proven? I am not sure but I doubt it. The viability of sperm is proven. The difference of speed and viability of x vs y chromosomes is proven. So the information presented here is postulated and assumed based on that data.

Why not give it a shot? Baby gender prediction can only be fun! And if it works - how cool would that be?

We need to research this. Seriously. I wouldn’t think it would be that hard of a study to do. Anyone want to try it and let me know how it turns out?

In health,
Ben

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben’s natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Blog. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products.

Copyright 2005 by HealthE Goods and Benjamin Lynch. All rights reserved. Permission to republish this article or any of its parts must be obtained from the author.

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Q. What are some causes of normal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

A. There are a few normal reasons for vaginal bleeding.

* Implantation of your fertilized egg causes slight spotting in a minority of woman. If it happens, it will be near the time you would normally have your period. This bleeding should be very light spotting and last for a day or two. [Spotting: very light bleeding similar to the end of your period.]

* Cervix is more prone to bleed as blood flow is naturally increased during pregnancy. That said, anything that may touch or irritate the cervix can cause bleeding. Sex, gynecological exam, pap smear, physical work, exercise. This bleeding should only spot and last for a day or two.

* If you notice spotting after exercising or working, ease off a bit and see if the spotting stops. Keep a log of your workouts and spotting frequency. This way you know how much you can work or exercise.

* If you are spotting for more than two days, or see an increase in the amount, or do not see a cause of the bleeding, contact your health provider.

* At around 37 weeks, a mucous plug may come out tinged with blood. This is an early sign of labor.

Q. What are some causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy?

A. As the cervix is more engorged, STD’s or any type of vaginal infection may cause bleeding. Infections irritate the cervix causing bleeding or spotting for more than a day or two. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, Chlamydia, Herpes are some common infections that may cause prolonged bleeding. See your health provider. They will do a pap or wet mount slide prep to see if an infection is present and treat accordingly.

Spontaneous abortion is a cause of abnormal bleeding. Of the 10% to 25% of women who report spotting during the 1st trimester, 20% to 50% of those will spontaneously abort. If you cannot pin-point a cause of the spotting or it progresses, see your health provider.

Pain with spotting may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or early signs of miscarriage. Pain and spotting is not normal. An ectopic pregnancy must be terminated for the woman’s safety. Ultrasound can confirm or rule out an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs in the first trimester and occurs in 1.5% of all pregnancies.

Abnormal bleeding in pregnancy may indicate placenta problems (eg. placenta previa during any trimester which presents as painless bleeding) or premature labor. Again, if bleeding is more than spotting, increasing in amount or duration, call your health provider.

Q. What is too much bleeding?

A. Duration or quantity are the keys here. If spotting is happening for more than two days and you cannot pin-point a normal cause, contact your health provider.

If bleeding is increasing beyond spotting, it is necessary to contact your health provider. There does not have to be pain associated. If painless bleeding is present, do contact your provider.

If you think it is too much bleeding and you need reassurance, call. Relaxation is very important for a healthy mom and baby. One cannot relax when unsure. Don’t be tough. Call. Your health provider is there to assist and educate you during this amazing time.

GOOD NEWS!
An ultrasound that shows a heartbeat between 7 - 11 weeks, the chances of continuing the pregnancy are better than 90%

Disclaimer: This is information only. Seek the advice of a trained healthcare professional. Bleeding during pregnancy can be life-threatening to the woman and/or the baby. Do not delay professional assistance.

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben’s natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Blog. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products. Products described in the article are available at HealthE Goods.

copyright 2005 by Benjamin Lynch and HealthE Goods, Inc.

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