Many couples ask for ways to get a boy or get a girl before they try to get pregnant. In a few cases, sperm separation is used. Male and female sperm are separated, and artificial insemination deposits the selected sperm in the woman. It's not a foolproof method, and it is expensive. This procedure may be done when there is a sex-specific problem, such as a family history of hemophilia.
Some women are concerned about the health of the baby's father.
In recent years, more attention has been given to the paternal contribution in pregnancy. We now believe if a father is older than 40, it may increase risk of Down syndrome, although there is not a great deal of evidence to support this theory. A father's drug habit at the time of conception may also influence the outcome of your pregnancy. Evidence is scanty, but there does appear to be an effect. Many women use artificial sweeteners.