How do I find my baby’s sex?

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
This diagnostic test is usually performed between 8 and 11 weeks gestation, sometimes as late as 13 weeks. This is generally a test for people who have a high risk of genetic abnormalities. Test results are available within 7 to 14 days. Miscarriage rate from CVS is about 4%, recent studies indicate that if the CVS is done before 10 weeks gestation there is an added risk (.5% to 1.7%) of limb deformity, and about 3% CVS is associated with serious decline in amniotic fluid protection.

There is a greater incidence of false positives because of the differences between the cellular genetic material of the choirionic villi and the fetus. There is a small chance that the sex they determine is wrong as well.

Amniocentesis
This diagnostic test is performed as early as 9 weeks and for diagnostic purposes, 18 weeks gestation. There is a risk of 1–1.5% miscarriage and 1% chance of other pregnancy complications (infection, premature labor, injury to the fetus, cord, or placenta, rupture of membranes, etc.). The tests take about 2–4 weeks to run. There is a small chance that the sex they tell you is incorrect.

Ultrasound
While ultrasound can be performed at any stage of pregnancy for the purpose of finding out the sex it is best done between 18 and 26 weeks. Most care providers will not give an ultrasound for the specific purpose of finding out the sex, and the American College of OB/GYNs has issued a statement against routine ultrasound exposure during pregnancy. However, most physicians do not heed this warning. Adequate studies on ultrasound safety have not been done, but we do know that ultrasound exposure can change the way the cell reproduces and moves. There have also been studies indicating that ultrasound heats up the cells. This method is the most frequent for finding out the sex of a baby, however, it is the least accurate. Accuracy depends on several factors: baby’s cooperation, gestational age, technician’s ability, etc.

There are many decisions to be made and everyone has their “Reasons” for whichever way they choose. I will try and list a few:
Reasons to find out the Baby’s Sex

• Pick only one name.
• Buy sex specific clothes.
• Decorate the nursery.
• Bonding with a specific baby.
• Why not?

Reasons to Wait

• Like the surprise.
• Help make the last few weeks of pregnancy bearable, not knowing.
• Could have fantasies about either sex.
• To annoy relatives.
• Did not have the need for the technology.