Finding out you’re pregnant is one of the most memorable experiences in a woman’s life. The news may come as a shock but once the enormity of what lies ahead sinks in, you have the thrill of telling everyone, and picking out names.
This becomes your new normal: you’re pregnant. A little human being is joining your family and becoming the center of your universe. You need a nursery, provisions and so much more. But before all of that, some parents want to know the sex of the baby as soon as possible.
When Can You See the Sex of the Baby
Going back to basics, all females have a pair of XX chromosomes, while all males have a pair of XY chromosomes. Therefore, the mother always provides an X chromosome (because that’s the only kind she can provide).
The sperm that enters the egg can carry either another X or a Y chromosome. Therefore, the baby’s sex is determined at the moment of conception. That being said, for the first few weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s genitalia will not show up during sonograms.
At around the 7th week, the internal organs of your baby’s sex start to develop, but you won’t actually be able to see what it looks like until around the midpoint of your pregnancy (between 18 and 20 weeks).
Before you get too excited, know that you may have to return for a second try if your baby is in a position that blocks his or her sex from view.
How clear the image will be will also depends on the type of ultrasound you get. Depending on your type of health insurance coverage, you may get 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasounds.
Another way to find out your baby’s sex is through amniocentesis. This requires taking a sample of the amniotic fluid through a long needle. This is the substance that protects your baby during pregnancy. That said, this type of procedure is typically done for genetic testing and carries several risks, such as needle injury, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, or miscarriage. Therefore, it should only be performed if recommended by your OB-GYN.
Contact OB-GYN Women’s Center for Ultrasounds and Other Services During Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a milestone in any woman’s life. You should have proper care from the time you miss that first period, through to the your delivery of your baby.
At OB-GYN Women’s Center, we’ll provide you with the best prenatal care during all stages of pregnancy, taking into account your individual medical needs.
Contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your baby.
