Sex Selection

Ultrasound, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are the three main methods of gender prediction used by the medical profession. They are usually carried out in order to detect abnormalities in the fetus, but a by-product of them all is the ability to predict an unborn baby's gender more accurately then any other method. We will not look at gender ultrasound, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling tests in turn.

Ultrasound This is probably the most common way for the prospective parents to find out a gender prediction on the unborn baby. Ultrasounds are routinely carried out to detect birth defects such as spina bifida and others. After sixteen weeks gestation, the fetus should be fully developed enough to give an accurate prediction from a gender ultrasound.

Basically, on a gender ultrasound, the technician looks for the sexual organs of the fetus. There have been mistakes in this method of prediction as often not being able to see a penis is grounds for a gender prediction of a girl; there's a lot more to it than that - or there should be. The penis can be tucked away between the legs and therefore not seen; however, if it really is a girl, the ultrasound technician should be able to get a clear view of labia - proof positive (with a slight margin for error) of a girl.

Ultrasound scans are available to all women and they do not involve a risk to the unborn baby.

Amniocentesis The amniocentesis test is a diagnostic test which can be performed as early as nine weeks gestation. This test involves drawing off some of the amniotic fluid which surrounds the baby with a needle and therefore carries some risk of miscarriage. It is therefore usually only carried out on pregnant women where there is a suspicion of abnormality in the fetus, such as due to family history or the woman's age. Results can take anything from two to four weeks to arrive, but they can also be used for gender prediction.

Chorionic villus sampling This diagnostic test is usually performed at between eight and eleven weeks gestation, but can be carried out as late as thirteen weeks. A tiny tissue sample is taken from outside the sc where the fetus develops, which is then tested.

Results take two to three weeks to arrive. It is usually a test for pregnancies with a high risk of genetic abnormalities as there is a higher risk of miscarriage than there is with amniocentesis, but a by-product of this is that gender prediction is possible.

Gender ultrasound tests are the most common on these tests to be carried out, and the most common way of predicting the gender of the unborn baby - because it is quick, easy and safe for both the mother and baby.

Amniocentesis tests and chorionic villus sampling tests are likely to be offered in cases where there is an increased risk of abnormality in the fetus, but a pregnant woman will almost certainly be offered a gender ultrasound scan as routine, as ultrasound tests are carried out at different stages of the pregnancy, even after abnormality has been ruled out, in order to monitor the growth of the baby and ensure it is progressing well.