How Soon Can You Know the Sex of Your Baby on an Ultrasound Scan?

One of the most exciting moments during pregnancy is finding out whether you’re having a boy or a girl. For many parents, this revelation marks a significant milestone in their journey to parenthood. But how soon can you actually know the sex of your baby through an ultrasound scan? Let’s dive into the details and explore what to expect!

The Magic of Ultrasound Technology

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create images of your baby in the womb. Not only do these scans provide a glimpse of your little one, but they also help healthcare providers monitor your baby’s growth and development. And, of course, they can reveal whether you’re team pink or team blue!

When Can You Find Out the Sex of Your Baby?

The Anatomy Scan (18–22 Weeks)

The Big Reveal: The most reliable time to find out your baby’s sex is during the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, typically done between 18 and 22 weeks. By this point, your baby’s genitals are more developed, making it easier for the operator to determine the sex.
Accuracy: The anatomy scan is highly accurate, with a success rate of over 95% in determining the baby’s sex.

3D/4D Ultrasounds (Optional)

For a Closer Look: Some parents opt for a 3D or 4D ultrasound later in pregnancy (around 26–32 weeks) to get a more detailed view of their baby. These scans can also confirm the baby’s sex if it wasn’t clear during the anatomy scan.

Female sex on ultrasound scan

Factors That Can Affect the Results

While ultrasounds scans are a fantastic tool, there are a few factors that can make it harder to determine your baby’s sex:

Baby’s Position: If your little one is curled up or facing away, it might be difficult to get a clear view.
Timing: If the scan is done too early, the genitals may not be fully developed, leading to uncertainty.
Human Error: While rare, mistakes can happen, especially if the operator is inexperienced.

Non-Ultrasound Methods to Determine Baby’s Sex

If you’re too impatient to wait for an ultrasound, there are other ways to find out your baby’s sex earlier:

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): This blood test, usually done around 10 weeks, can screen for chromosomal abnormalities and reveal the baby’s sex with high accuracy.
Cell-Free DNA Testing: Similar to NIPT, this test analyzes fetal DNA in the mother’s blood and can determine the sex as early as 9 weeks.

Should You Find Out the Sex?

Deciding whether to find out your baby’s sex is a personal choice. Some parents love the surprise and wait until delivery, while others can’t resist the temptation to know sooner. Either way, the moment you discover whether you’re having a boy or a girl is sure to be unforgettable.

The Bottom Line

If you’re eager to know the sex of your baby, the anatomy scan at 18–22 weeks is your best bet for an accurate answer. However, if you’re willing to explore other options like NIPT, you might be able to find out as early as 9–10 weeks. No matter when you choose to find out, the journey to meeting your little one is filled with wonder and excitement at every step.