There are a variety of methods that people have used over the years to try to determine the gender of a fetus. Some of these methods are based on old wives’ tales or folklore, while others are more scientific in nature. Here are some of the guaranteed ways to find out the gender of the fetus:
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): NIPT is a blood test that can be performed as early as 9-10 weeks into pregnancy. The test looks for fetal DNA in the mother’s blood and can determine with a high degree of accuracy whether the fetus is male or female.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the fetus in the womb. During an ultrasound, the sonographer can often identify the sex of the fetus by looking at the genital area. This method is most reliable after 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.
Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. The sample is then tested for chromosomal abnormalities, but it can also be used to determine the gender of the fetus. This procedure is usually only performed if there is a medical reason to do so, such as a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): CVS is another invasive procedure that involves taking a small sample of the placenta for testing. Like amniocentesis, it is primarily used to test for chromosomal abnormalities, but it can also be used to determine the gender of the fetus. This procedure is also usually only performed if there is a medical reason to do so.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): PGT is a technique used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before they are implanted in the uterus. This technique can also be used to determine the gender of the embryos, allowing parents to choose which embryos to implant based on gender.
It is important to note that while these methods are generally reliable, they are not 100% accurate. There is always a chance of error, and there are rare cases where the gender cannot be determined. Additionally, some parents may choose not to find out the gender of their baby until birth, and that is a personal choice that should be respected.