When Can You Determine Your Baby's Gender During Pregnancy?

The fetal sex can typically be determined through an ultrasound examination around 18 to 20 weeks of gestation?

Hello Dr.
Lu: I am currently about seven weeks pregnant, and I had an ultrasound yesterday where the fetal heartbeat was detected.
When can I find out the gender of the baby? Will I be able to know during the fetal anomaly screening at thirteen weeks? Also, is it common to feel nauseous during pregnancy? And is it normal to feel hungry easily?

rebecca, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/16

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The earliest ultrasound to determine the fetus's gender can be done at thirteen weeks, and you can try again at fourteen weeks.
During pregnancy, do you often feel nauseous? Do you find yourself getting hungry easily? It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals.
For those experiencing severe vomiting, medication treatment may be necessary.
Sincerely, Lu Lizheng.

Reply Date: 2005/03/16

More Info

Determining the gender of a fetus during pregnancy is a common question for expectant parents. Generally, the ability to accurately identify the sex of the fetus through ultrasound typically begins around the 18th to 20th week of gestation. However, some practitioners may be able to make an educated guess as early as 12 weeks, depending on the position of the fetus and the clarity of the ultrasound image. At 13 weeks, while some anatomical features are starting to develop, they may not yet be distinct enough for a reliable determination of gender.

During the early stages of fetal development, specifically around the 7-week mark, the fetus is still quite small, and the external genitalia are not yet fully differentiated. Both male and female fetuses have similar structures that can appear as a small protrusion, which can make it challenging to ascertain gender accurately. The external genitalia begin to differentiate more clearly around the 12th week, but it is often not until later that the differences become pronounced enough for a definitive identification.

Regarding your question about the 13-week anomaly scan, this is typically a more detailed ultrasound that can assess various aspects of fetal development, including the potential for identifying gender. However, the primary purpose of this scan is to check for any abnormalities in the fetus rather than to determine gender. If the fetus is positioned favorably and the ultrasound technician is experienced, they may be able to provide a guess regarding the sex, but it is important to understand that this is not guaranteed.

As for the symptoms you mentioned, feeling nauseous and experiencing increased hunger are common during early pregnancy. Nausea, often referred to as "morning sickness," can occur at any time of day and is thought to be related to hormonal changes, particularly the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen. Increased hunger can also be attributed to the body's heightened metabolic demands as it supports the developing fetus. It's essential to listen to your body and maintain a balanced diet to ensure both your health and the health of your baby.

In summary, while you may be able to get a preliminary idea of your baby's gender around the 12- to 13-week mark, a more accurate determination is typically made between 18 and 20 weeks. If you have concerns or questions about your pregnancy, including symptoms like nausea and hunger, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your specific situation and health history.

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