If you have recently discovered you're pregnant, you've most likely already wondered when you can find out if you're having a boy or a girl. You are not alone. Elizabeth Pryor M.D., FACOG, writer for Parents.com notes that one of the most the most common questions she receives from parents-to-be is when they can learn the sex of their babies. Reasons for wanting to know range from wanting to choose a name, clothes and nursery colors to wanting to feel more bonded. There are several tests available to determine the sex of your baby.
Step 1
Search the Internet for a gender-predictor test called "Pink or Blue" made by the British company, DNA Worldwide. According to msnbc.com, this test can tell you your baby's sex six weeks into your pregnancy. The mom-to-be puts a spot of blood on a special card. After drying, she sends it to the DNA Worldwide lab and within 4 to 6 days, the gender of her fetus is revealed with up to a 98 percent accuracy, as noted by distributors of the test. The mother's blood sample contains the baby's DNA, and the test works by detecting the Y chromosome, if it's a boy.
Step 2
Purchase the "Boy or Girl Gender Predictor Test" created by IntelliGender. Urinate into a container and follow the package directions. Within 10 minutes, the specimen will turn orange, if you're having a girl, or green, if it's a boy. IntelliGender explained to CNN Health that science has isolated certain hormones and when a mom-to-be's urine is combined with a proprietary mix of chemicals, they will turn into one of two colors. IntelliGender boasts a 78 to 80 percent accuracy with this over-the-counter urine test.
Step 3
Schedule your ultrasound between 18 to 26 weeks, and if the baby cooperates and moves into the correct position, you will be able to see either a penis or vulva. An ultrasound at this time is a standard test to measure baby's organs, head, bones and other body parts to ensure that he is developing appropriately for his gestational age.
Step 4
Ask your doctor if you should have an amniocentesis if you are over 35 or suspect any type of genetic abnormalities. Most doctors won't perform this test just to find out the sex of your baby, as it carries a 1 to 1.5 percent chance of miscarriage and a 1 percent chance of causing infection, premature labor, injury to fetus, cord, placenta or bag of waters. This test involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid, which is tested for genetic abnormalities. The test also determines the sex of the fetus with virtually 99.7 percent accuracy, according to the University of South Carolina Medical Center. Amniocentesis can be done between 9 and 18 weeks gestation.
Things You'll Need
- Pink or blue test
- Boy or girl gender predictor test
