When Can You Find Out The Sex Of Your Baby?

Finding out your baby’s gender is an exciting milestone in pregnancy. It's a tidbit of real information during a period of anticipation and uncertainty. Knowing the baby's sex can make you feel more connected to your growing child.

But how early can you find out? While the technology isn’t quite there to know immediately, you can still discover the gender much earlier than you might think.

Two OB/Gyns share what you need to know about your baby's development. And when you can find out the sex of your baby.

Understanding fetal development

Dr. Michael Reed explains that gender formation in the womb is an intricate process that begins at conception. “The sperm and egg each contribute one chromosome—X from the egg and either X or Y from the sperm. If the combination is XX, the embryo will develop as female; if it's XY, it will develop as male," he says.

By about the seventh week, says Dr. Reed, the Y chromosome triggers the development of testes or ovaries, which produce hormones that further shape sexual differentiation.

From conception until the end of the first trimester (12 weeks), “The foundation of organs and structures is laid. By the end of this phase, the fetus is about three inches long and has tiny arms, legs, and a beating heart,” says Dr. Reed.

During the second trimester, growth speeds up, and the fetus starts moving. Between 16 and 20 weeks, you can see the baby's genitals on an ultrasound.

How to determine a baby's sex

How soon can you find out if your baby is a boy or a girl? It depends on the tests your medical provider wants to perform and when they are available to get you in for an appointment.

Noninvasive prenatal testing

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is one of the most popular methods for determining the sex of your baby. Dr. Christine Greves tells me, “Noninvasive prenatal testing examines fetal DNA using the pregnant woman’s blood." She adds that it's an easy test to do at any blood lab and because it's noninvasive, there is no risk of harm to the fetus.

In addition to determining gender, Dr. Greves says the test can detect chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other conditions like Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, and sex chromosome abnormalities such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome.

Keep in mind that while the NIPT test is available to everyone, it is especially recommended for mothers 35 years and older as well as women with high-risk pregnancies. Not all expecting mothers choose to do it for a variety of reasons.

“NIPT is relatively expensive (ranging from $200 to over $1,000), and not all insurance plans cover it—especially for pregnancies not classified as high-risk,” reveals Dr. Reed. “While highly accurate, NIPT is not a diagnostic test. A positive result indicates a higher risk but doesn’t confirm the condition. Abnormal findings often lead to follow-up diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or CVS to confirm.”

Chorionic villus sampling test and amniocentesis

The CVS (chorionic villus sampling) test and amniocentesis are other popular genetic tests that can determine gender. “CVS samples the fetal cells from the placenta; amnio samples the fetal cells in the amniotic fluid. Both are invasive and can increase the risk of miscarriage. These tests were used to determine fetal DNA before NIPT existed,” explains Dr. Greves.

During amniocentesis, an ultrasound is used to guide a thin needle into the amniotic sac. “A small amount of amniotic fluid (which contains fetal cells and other substances) is withdrawn for analysis,” says Dr. Reed.

In addition to sex, this test can determine chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13); neural tube defects like spina bifida; and genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. “Amniocentesis can also help assess lung maturity if there’s a risk of preterm birth or detect infections in the amniotic fluid.”

Are there data concerns with these tests?

While many people worry about data privacy with these tests, you don't need to worry. In the United States, HIPAA, and in Canada, PIPEDA laws prevent sharing this information and other medical data with unauthorized third parties.

These laws may not apply to at-home gender reveal tests, though. So, if data and privacy are a genuine concern for you, it’s best to stick to professionally administered tests.

How soon can you get a baby gender test?

How many weeks can you find out the gender of your baby? Many people find out their baby’s gender when they undergo the NIPT test between 10 and 13 weeks. So, if you plan on using NIPT to determine gender, it depends on your schedule as well as your medical provider’s availability. If you want to know as soon as possible, make sure to call your doctor and schedule the appointment for exactly ten weeks into your pregnancy.

There are ways to find out earlier, such as using at-home gender prediction tests. These tests, like the SneakPeek test, are available for those who can't wait until the 12-week mark. While not as accurate as professional tests, they can give you a preview of your baby’s gender much sooner. Results can come in just one to two weeks after your blood draw.

Ultrasounds and gender reveals

Another option for finding out your baby’s sex is through a standard ultrasound. Dr. Reed explains that while some gender reveals can occur at the 12-week ultrasound, it’s usually clearer around the 18 to 20-week mark. This is when the baby's external genitalia is well-developed and distinguishable.

If your ultrasound technician is experienced and the baby is well-positioned, you can usually find out the baby's sex. However, Dr. Reed notes, “Sometimes babies’ legs are crossed or in a position that makes gender identification difficult. If that happens, you may have to wait for a follow-up ultrasound.”

The gender reveal party

Once you know the gender, many parents host a gender reveal party to share the news with family and friends. This can be a fun way to mark the milestone and involve loved ones in the excitement of your pregnancy. While these parties can range from simple to extravagant, the goal is always to celebrate the upcoming arrival and the joy of the growing family.

Whether you opt for a traditional ultrasound, a blood test or an at-home kit, there are multiple ways to discover your baby’s gender. The most important thing, of course, is ensuring that you are prepared and excited for the arrival of your little one, no matter their gender.

Final thoughts

If and when you find out your baby’s gender is a personal choice. Whether you want to know early or enjoy the surprise at birth, every parent’s journey is unique. The technology available today allows you to find out as early as 10 weeks, but the most crucial part is the joy and anticipation of welcoming your new family member into the world.

Whatever you decide, enjoy the experience of discovering and celebrating this exciting part of your pregnancy.

Experts

• Dr. Michael Reed aka The Cosmetic Gyn at The Cosmetic Gyn
• Dr. Christine Greves, OBGYN at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies