How to Prepare for Your Baby Gender Ultrasound

Don't forget your ultrasound photos so you can show off your baby.

An ultrasound is usually performed on pregnant women between weeks 18 and 20 of the pregnancy. The screening is primarily done to check the baby's health and look for any abnormalities, but many women look forward to the chance to peek at the gender of the little one. Your health care provider should give you all of the details, but there are a few things you might want to know before your appointment.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Orange juice
• Full bladder
• Security envelope (optional)
• Blank DVD (optional)

1. Ask ahead of time whether the ultrasound can be recorded on DVD. If so, be sure to put a blank disc in your purse before the appointment. Don't leave it to the last minute and risk forgetting.

2. Follow your health care provider's instructions about drinking water so that you have a full bladder when you go to the ultrasound. Allow yourself plenty of time to drink the needed amount, and expect to be a bit uncomfortable. Most technicians are sensitive to the plight of the pregnant woman and will allow you to visit the bathroom as soon as possible.

3. Sip orange juice for the last half hour before the ultrasound. The natural sugar should get your baby moving, making it easier for the technician to get a good view of all the necessary parts.

4. Decide whether you want to know the baby's gender. If your sweetie or other important people can't be at the appointment, take a thick envelope along and ask the technician to seal a note with the gender inside so you can open it together later. If you don't want to know, be sure to tell the technician at the beginning of the appointment.

5. Be prepared for gender letdown. Sometimes babies just decide to be modest and keep their parts hidden. If the ultrasound machine is in your health care provider's office, you may be able to get another peek later, but most insurance companies won't pay for an extra ultrasound unless there is a medial reason for it. You might have to wait for the birth day to hear "It's a ...." Just think of it as extending the surprise.

6. Don't forget to take home all the pictures that they give you at the ultrasound. These are your baby's first photographs and they deserve a place on the first page of the baby book. Friends and relatives will want to admire this preview of the little one, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wear a dress to the ultrasound appointment. Choose a comfortable, two-piece outfit that can easily be rearranged to expose your belly. The ultrasound gel might get on your clothes, so avoid garments that are expensive or easily damaged.