Finding out the sex of your baby
Are you having a blue or a pink one? Here's our guide to finding out the sex of your baby
The vast majority of mums-to-be find out their baby’s sex during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound scan (if this is something they choose to know). This usually takes place between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is also important to know that the scan may not be able to deliver clear results if the baby’s genitals are obscured or out of view. Be sure to mention to the ultrasound technician that you are keen to find out the gender and mention it before the scan begins as it is not looked for. Once the scan is finished another opportunity to find out the gender would not be routinely offered.
It's important to note that different NHS hospitals have different policies on identifying the gender on a mid trimester scan.
Although some DNA test that analyse X and Y chromosomes claim to determine baby's gender as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy, girl and boy babies look very similar on ultrasound scans until around 14 weeks. At this point it becomes more distinguishable but it isn’t obvious. Generally, by week 18, the ultrasound technician should be able to clearly identify the sex (if the positioning of the baby permits). However, if you’re still unable to find out for certain by the 18 week mark, you should be be able to easily find out the sex if you choose to have another ultrasound later on in the pregnancy.
Your baby’s sex is distinguished from a scan by identifying the penis or vulva. For more information on ultrasound scans, read our guide here.
Another method of finding out a baby’s sex is via noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which is a blood test that can be used to detect down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions.
NIPT can take place at the 10 week mark or later, you can learn about NIPT
here.
If you are interested in other pregnancy milestones and events during the first and second trimester, then be sure to head over to our trimester by trimester guide.