Some parents still want to learn the sex of their baby the old fashioned way, by waiting until it arrives. Others are anxious to take advantage of modern technology to find out as soon as possible whether it's a boy or girl. How soon you can find out the sex of your baby depends on the type of procedure your doctor uses.
Types of Procedures
Tests that can determine the sex of your baby during pregnancy include ultrasound, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, or CVS. Some doctors routinely perform an ultrasound to screen for any potential complications. Others order an ultrasound only when they suspect there may be a problem or when there is uncertainty about how far along the pregnancy is. Amniocentesis and CVS are not routine screening procedures. Both are tests that can detect genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities and the risk of spina bifida. Doctors usually order these tests only when there is some complication with the pregnancy, but not for the sole purpose of identifying the baby's sex.
Time Frame
An ultrasound can often identify the sex of an unborn baby by 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, provided the baby turns to provide the technician a good view of the genitals, according to the American pregnancy Association. The National Women's Health Information Center advises that, when necessary, the doctor performs amniocentesis from 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, and CVS from 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, at which times you could know the sex of your baby.
Considerations
Although highly accurate, tests cannot predict the sex of your baby with 100 percent certainty. The accuracy of an ultrasound depends on the stage of pregnancy, the quality of the equipment used, the skill of the technician and the position of the baby.
Misconceptions
You're likely to hear of various "natural" methods of determining the sex of your baby, such as whether you carry the baby high or low. These old wives' tales can be fun to ponder, but there is no scientific evidence to support them.
Risks
An ultrasound is a relatively safe procedure and usually does not pose any danger to the mother or baby. Certain risks, however, are associated with amniocentesis and CVS. The most serious is potential miscarriage. According to information from the March of Dimes, both tests have about a one-half percent chance of causing miscarriage.
