Is Gender Prediction Accurate at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy?

Is it accurate to determine the gender at four months of pregnancy?

Hello, doctor.
I am 15 weeks and 3 days pregnant.
During the ultrasound, the baby was in a prone position, and the obstetrician said it is a girl.
How accurate is this? Since the baby's legs were not open, should I buy girl clothes now? Thank you.

Oliver, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/11/21

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Generally speaking, doctors cannot disclose the gender of the baby to you.
Ultrasound examinations can also have inaccuracies.
It might be better to hold off on buying clothes to avoid making mistakes.

Reply Date: 2013/11/21

More Info

The accuracy of gender prediction through ultrasound at 15 weeks of pregnancy can vary, but it is generally considered to be relatively reliable at this stage, especially if the technician has experience and the baby is in a favorable position. However, there are several factors to consider when interpreting the results.

At 15 weeks, the external genitalia of the fetus is starting to develop, and in many cases, it can be visualized during an ultrasound. However, the accuracy of determining the sex can be influenced by the position of the fetus. If the baby is lying in a position that obscures the view of the genital area—like being face down or with legs crossed—it may be difficult for the technician to make an accurate assessment. In your case, since the baby was lying on its stomach and the legs were not open, there is a possibility that the gender prediction could be incorrect.

While many practitioners may feel confident in their assessments at this stage, it is important to remember that ultrasound is not infallible. Studies have shown that the accuracy of gender determination via ultrasound can range from 70% to over 90%, depending on the gestational age and the skill of the technician. Therefore, while your doctor may have indicated that the baby is a girl, it is wise to remain cautious before making any purchases, such as clothing, based solely on this prediction.

In addition, it is worth noting that some parents choose to wait until later in the pregnancy for a more definitive answer. Many practitioners recommend waiting until the 18-20 week anatomy scan, where the baby's anatomy can be assessed in greater detail, and the chances of an accurate gender prediction are higher.

As for your question about whether you should buy girl clothes now, it might be prudent to hold off until you have more confirmation. Many parents prefer to wait until the 20-week ultrasound or even until the baby is born to make purchases related to gender-specific clothing. This approach can help avoid the potential disappointment of buying items that may not be used if the gender prediction turns out to be incorrect.

In summary, while there is a reasonable chance that the prediction made at 15 weeks could be accurate, the position of the baby and the inherent limitations of ultrasound technology mean that it is not guaranteed. It is advisable to wait for further confirmation before making any significant purchases related to the baby's gender.

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