Back then, when medical science was not so advanced, there were plenty of old wives' tales to predict the gender of the baby. Even though there was no logic or scientific proof, it was blindly believed for several years, until medical technology was able to give us accurate information. In fact, these superstitions aren't dead yet! Many of them continue to exist in several parts of the world. If you're one of those who want to engage in some fun and guess the sex of your baby, you could try relating to some of these myths. But if you're really anxious to know your baby's gender, the best and most reliable way is to do it the scientific way.
Some of the common methods that doctors use to recommend the sex of the baby are:
Ultrasound
This is one of the most accurate methods to find out the sex of the baby. The ultrasound scan is usually done in the first and second trimester. High frequency waves which are inaudible to the human ear produce images of the baby while it's inside the uterus. The ultrasound which is done in the second trimester - around 18-20 weeks, will be able to determine the baby's sex. But here again, it depends on the position of the baby. If the baby's legs are crossed over, the ultrasound technician may not be able to get a clear view.
Amniocentesis
This is a blood test which is carried out on pregnant women with a high-risk of carrying a baby with a genetic or chromosomal disorder. This test, done around 16 weeks of pregnancy, involves removing a small amount of the amniotic fluid through a needle inserted into the uterus. It is during the course of the chromosomal study, that the sex of the baby is revealed. A Y chromosome means it's a boy, and the absence of it means it's a girl. This test is known to be 100% fool proof and can be done as early as 12 weeks. 12 weeks is also time when you will experience pregnancy symptoms like pigmentation of the skin due to a spike in the hormone levels, movement of the uterus from the pelvic to the abdomen area, a slight easing in morning sickness and an increase in the vaginal discharge.
Other gender predictor methods
The Chinese gender predictor is a fun way of finding out your baby's sex, based on the ancient Chinese gender chart. This chart, believed to be more than 700 years old uses your age at the time of conception as a reference to predict your baby's sex. Though there is no scientific proof to this chart, Rumors have it that this method is 90% accurate. However, it is better not to rely on it and use it only for entertainment purposes.
Get More About Pregnancy week by week Tips on Week by week pregnancy
Some of the common methods that doctors use to recommend the sex of the baby are:
Ultrasound
This is one of the most accurate methods to find out the sex of the baby. The ultrasound scan is usually done in the first and second trimester. High frequency waves which are inaudible to the human ear produce images of the baby while it's inside the uterus. The ultrasound which is done in the second trimester - around 18-20 weeks, will be able to determine the baby's sex. But here again, it depends on the position of the baby. If the baby's legs are crossed over, the ultrasound technician may not be able to get a clear view.
Amniocentesis
This is a blood test which is carried out on pregnant women with a high-risk of carrying a baby with a genetic or chromosomal disorder. This test, done around 16 weeks of pregnancy, involves removing a small amount of the amniotic fluid through a needle inserted into the uterus. It is during the course of the chromosomal study, that the sex of the baby is revealed. A Y chromosome means it's a boy, and the absence of it means it's a girl. This test is known to be 100% fool proof and can be done as early as 12 weeks. 12 weeks is also time when you will experience pregnancy symptoms like pigmentation of the skin due to a spike in the hormone levels, movement of the uterus from the pelvic to the abdomen area, a slight easing in morning sickness and an increase in the vaginal discharge.
Other gender predictor methods
The Chinese gender predictor is a fun way of finding out your baby's sex, based on the ancient Chinese gender chart. This chart, believed to be more than 700 years old uses your age at the time of conception as a reference to predict your baby's sex. Though there is no scientific proof to this chart, Rumors have it that this method is 90% accurate. However, it is better not to rely on it and use it only for entertainment purposes.
Get More About Pregnancy week by week Tips on Week by week pregnancy