WHILE many potential parents figure that the sex of a baby is purely a surprise given by nature, others, especially those who subscribe to a famous researcher's beliefs, see much possibility for couples to decide on whether they get a girl or boy baby, rather than leaving things up to chance.

Though many gynaecologists do not share the belief, studies done by Dr Landrum Shettles, considered to be one of the most influential fertility experts in the United States, found that deciding on the gender of a baby is possible by using the 'Shettles method'.

Local obstetrician and gynaecologist at the University Hospital of the West Indies Professor Horace Fletcher, said this theory has not been proven, and there is no easy way to predict the conception of a boy or girl.

"There is no need really to pre-empt nature," Professor Fletcher said. "Take what you get and make the best person of him or her. Doing all this stuff just leads to resentment of your child. Love your children -- male or female."

But we figure Dr Shettle's suggestions couldn't hurt, and they are outlined below

Conception of a boy

For the conception of a boy, Dr Shettles recommends the following:

* Abstain from sex during the four or five days leading up to ovulation as this will help to build up your partner's sperm count.

* Have sex as close to ovulation as possible, ideally on the day of ovulation itself as this is a woman's most fertile time. As the Y-sperm are more nimble, when released just prior to ovulation they will reach and fertilise an egg much sooner than their X counterparts are able.

* The optimum vaginal environment for Y-sperm to thrive in is the alkalinity of the 'egg white' cervical mucus present just before ovulation. As Y-sperm are more fragile, they are less able to survive in more acidic conditions, hence the reason for having sex as close to ovulation as possible. Alkalinity is increased during the female orgasm so Dr Shettles recommends having one before, or at the same time as your partner if you want to conceive a boy. What's more the female reproductive system contracts during and after orgasm which gives the Y-sperm a helping hand in making their way speedily to the egg.

* Have sex in a position that allows for deep penetrations (Dr Shettles recommends doggy style) as this deposits the sperm further into the vagina and nearer the cervix where the environment is more alkaline and the Y-sperm have less distance to travel.

* Men who are accustomed to wearing briefs or other tight underwear should wear loose underwear only, as the testicles need cooler temperatures for sperm to survive. Thus the Y-sperm, since they are weaker, will be helped more than the X-sperms by this method.

* Shettles recommends a nice cup of caffeinated coffee for the man, right before sex. While not clear on how or why this works, it is believed it gives the Y-sperm a jolt.

* Right before sex, the woman should bathe in a solution of water and baking soda and the man should bathe in cool water to favour Y-sperm

Conceiving a girl

For the conception of a girl, Dr Shettles recommends that you:

* Have sex as much as possible on the days leading up to ovulation but then abstain for two to three days before and on the day of ovulation itself. This works on the principle that sperm are able to survive for up to six days in the female reproductive system and that by the time ovulation occurs, only the more resilient X-sperm will remain to fertilise the egg.

* Have sex in a position that allows for shallow penetration (such as the missionary) as this deposits sperm lower in the reproductive system where the environment is less alkaline and where there is a further distance to travel, giving the X-sperm a fighting change of outlasting the Y-sperm and reaching their target intact.

* Refrain from sex during the fertile period if you are trying to conceive a girl as the female orgasm increases the alkalinity of the vaginal environment making it more friendly to Y-sperm. Dr Shettles recommends that women who have sex should not have an orgasm.

* For a girl, the man is supposed to take a hot bath immediately before intercourse. This gives the X-sperm an advantage.

* Right before sex, the woman should bathe in a solution of vinegar and water.