Once you learn that you're pregnant, you may be eager to find out the gender of your baby. A baby's external sex organs typically develop around the fourth month of pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The fourth month of pregnancy begins at week 13, according to KidsHealth, but your doctor may ask you to wait until 18 to 20 weeks just to get a clear and accurate reading. Even if you wait it out, your baby may turn and the sex organs may not be visible.
Step 1
Prepare for the ultrasound. A full bladder ultrasound is best when determining the sex of your baby, according to MedlinePlus. Drink two to three glasses of water about an hour before the procedure and do not urinate until after the procedure. The doctor, nurse or technician performing the ultrasound may ask you to wear a paper gown to prevent the ultrasound gel from getting onto your clothing, or she may ask you to simply lift your shirt up to your breasts. In either event, avoid getting ultrasound gel on clothing as it is thick and wet, and can be hard to remove.
Step 2
Lie completely still while the technician is performing the ultrasound. Your baby will move around enough to make it difficult to take a good picture of the genital area. The technician will smear a clear liquid gel over your abdomen and lower pelvis area before placing a wand-like instrument on your abdomen. The technician will glide the wand over your abdomen and lower pelvis while taking pictures of your baby. An ultrasound is not painful, but you may feel pressure due to the pressing of the wand against your abdomen along with a full bladder. You may also feel the need to urinate. The gel used to perform an ultrasound feels cold when it is placed on the abdomen. Some doctors warm the gel with warming equipment to make your ultrasound more comfortable.
Step 3
Ask the technician or doctor if he can determine which gender you are carrying. Not all nurses or technicians are trained to read an ultrasound; instead, they are only trained to perform the ultrasound. Even if the doctor or technician supplies you with an answer, it may not be 100 percent accurate as the baby could be in a turned position or the reading may be misinterpreted. The only full-proof way of knowing the sex of your baby is waiting until birth.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not drink the water too much ahead of time to avoid the urge to urinate. Save all receipts of any gender-specific baby items purchased in case the reading is wrong.
Things You'll Need
- Two to three glasses of water
- Loose fitting shirt or gown
