Tests for Gender of a Baby
Many parents would like to find out the gender of their baby before the birth. Several tests---some more reliable than others---can help determine the sex of the baby.
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Types
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The most common test that predicts the baby's gender is the level 2 sonogram. Another common test performed is the amniocentesis, which also evaluates for genetic diseases. The "Pink or Blue" test examines any fetal DNA that may have leaked into the mother's blood to predict the gender.
Time Frame
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The level 2 sonogram is performed between 18 and 22 weeks into the pregnancy. Amniocentesis is performed around the eleventh week of pregnancy. The "Pink or Blue" test can be performed around the sixth week of pregnancy.
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Considerations
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Unlike the level 2 sonogram and amniocentesis, which take place in a doctor's office, the "Pink or Blue" test can be done at home. However, this test's reliability is debated because it tests so early in the pregnancy.
Risks
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No serious risks are associated with sonograms, but medical rules caution against performing too many during pregnancy. Doctors usually limit the number unless the pregnancy is high risk. Amniocentesis involves a small risk of miscarriage. The "Pink or Blue" test has no significant risks.
Misconceptions
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No gender test is 100 percent accurate. Many people even use old-world traditions to try to predict gender, such as the month or season the baby was conceived as well as the sexual position during conception.
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