For some parents, finding out the sex of their baby during pregnancy is an exciting milestone. And thanks to advances in technology, you can find out the sex of your baby at various stages during pregnancy, ranging from 10 weeks to the day of delivery. Here's what expectant parents need to know about when they can find out the sex of their baby.

When and how you can find out the gender of your baby

Historically, parents had to wait until their baby was born to find out its gender, so it's no surprise that there's no shortage of stories from elders about ways to determine gender before birth. Today, however, there are many points during routine prenatal care when parents can learn the sex of their baby. In fact, it is so common to find out the sex of your baby before birth that parents who want the gender to remain a surprise often have to go to great lengths to avoid the information. So, if you'd rather wait until labor to find out your baby's gender, be sure to let your gynecologist know in advance (and they may need the occasional reminder, so don't be afraid to speak up!)

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) checks for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and offers the first opportunity to learn the sex of your baby. This test is usually done after 10 weeks of pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommends NIPT for all pregnancies, regardless of risk or age. NIPT analyzes blood taken from the pregnant woman and poses no risk to the fetus. The blood sample is analyzed for fragments of fetal DNA, called cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as it is found outside fetal cells. By analyzing cfDNA, NIPT checks for certain chromosomal disorders and can see how many copies of the X and Y chromosomes the fetus has, thus determining the biological sex of the baby.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis

Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are recommended in rare cases for some pregnant women to screen for genetic abnormalities in the fetus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, by checking the karyotype of the fetus, expectant parents can learn the sex of their baby. With amniocentesis, a needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid. The procedure carries a small risk of miscarriage, but is generally very safe. The procedure is usually done between 15 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. From  CVS, on the other hand, involves taking a tissue sample from the placenta for testing and also examines the fetal chromosomes. CVS is usually done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Ultrasound

Expectant parents can also find out their baby's gender during routine ultrasounds — but keep in mind that determining the baby's gender is not the primary goal of an ultrasound. Ultrasounds by your doctor are performed for medical reasons, and finding out the gender is usually a nice "bonus." For example, a second-level ultrasound, usually performed between 20 and 24 weeks, confirms the proper development of the fetus. The gynecologist takes a variety of measurements, calculates the weight of the fetus, examines the placenta, and checks the internal and genital organs. Parents can get a fairly accurate estimate of the baby's gender as part of the ultrasound if they wish. Unlike NIPT, CVS, and amniocentesis, which use fetal chromosomes to determine sex, ultrasound relies on the appearance of the fetus's developing genitalia, which can be misleading, particularly if it is in a position that obscures the genitals. In this case, a second ultrasound may be scheduled to reveal the sex.

Genetic testing with in vitro fertilization

If a couple conceives through in vitro fertilization (IVF) – a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg and sperm and then inserting the resulting embryo directly into the uterus – the baby's gender may be known from the start. You can thank preimplantation genetic testing, in which all of an embryo’s chromosomes are evaluated, usually to select the healthiest embryo for the implantation process. At that point, prospective parents can sometimes choose the sex of the embryo they want to implant. This is often referred to as “sex selection” and is only allowed in cases of sex-linked pathogenic genes.

Pregnancy is such a special time in your life, and finding out the gender of your baby can be one of the most exciting parts of the process. Most parents have a preference for the gender of the child they would like to raise. In reality, it doesn’t matter. You’ll love your baby either way, and you certainly wouldn’t want anyone else in their place. Every baby is unique – and that’s clear from the second you first lay eyes on them. If you’d like to learn more about your baby’s gender, contact our practice to schedule an appointment.