For many parents, discovering the baby’s gender is an exciting and emotional moment that aids in bonding and preparations for the baby’s arrival. Some parents also use the information from the gender scan for gender reveal parties or announcements.
Our Gender scans are very popular and are typically performed from 16 weeks into the pregnancy. They offer an extraordinary glimpse into your womb where you can see your baby’s development and allow an opportunity for you to know their gender.
What is a Gender Scan
A gender scan is an ultrasound examination performed during pregnancy to determine the sex of the baby, typically conducted between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, although a private gender scan can be scheduled from 16 weeks.
This scan, similar to other pregnancy scans, involves placing an ultrasound transducer on your ‘bump’ to emit sound waves that create an image of the baby on a monitor. The sonographer examines specific markers to identify the baby’s gender while also providing crucial information about the baby’s overall development and health.
Our gender scans boast over 99% accuracy, which is exceptionally high. Whilst no scan is 100% though it’s important to note that factors such as the baby’s position, mother’s body mass index (BMI) and amount of amniotic fluid can influence the accuracy of gender determination.
What to expect during the Gender Reveal scan?
During a gender reveal scan, you can expect a series of steps and experiences designed to determine and reveal the sex of your baby.
Preparation for gender reveal scan
- You may be asked to drink water before the scan to ensure a full bladder, which may help to improve the quality of the ultrasound images. Sometimes it doesn’t and you may be asked to empty your bladder for better views.
- You will lie on an examination table, and a special water-based gel will be applied to your abdomen to help the ultrasound transducer make contact with your skin.
The Ultrasound Procedure
- The sonographer will look for very specific markers to determine the baby’s gender, such as the presence of male or female genitalia.
- In some cases, the baby’s position or other factors might make it difficult to see the genital area clearly. If this happens, you may be asked to move around, jump, go for a walk or drink water. In very rare circumstances you may be asked to return another day for a follow-up scan.
Seeing Your Baby
- You’ll have the opportunity to see your baby on the screen and often receive printed images of the scan.
- The sonographer may point out different parts of the baby’s body and explain what you’re seeing.
The Emotional Experience
- Discovering gender can be an emotional and exciting moment. You might want to share this experience with a partner or family members who are present.
- Some parents choose to keep the gender a secret until a planned reveal event. If this is the case, you can ask the sonographer to write down the gender and place it in an envelope.
After the gender scan
- You will have a chance to ask any questions you may have about the scan and the baby’s development.
- The sonographer will provide you with the gender scan results, and your healthcare provider will discuss any further steps or follow-up appointments if necessary.
What will I learn during a gender scan?
During a gender scan, you will learn several important pieces of information about your baby’s development and health.
Baby’s Gender
The sonographer will look for specific anatomical markers to identify whether you are having a boy or a girl.
Seeing your baby’s features
You will get to see images of your baby on the scan. The sonographer will point out various parts of the baby, such as the face, head and tummy!
Placental Position
The position of the placenta will be checked to ensure it is in a healthy location and not covering the cervix (placenta previa), which could complicate delivery.
Amniotic Fluid Levels
The amount of amniotic fluid around the baby will be measured. Adequate fluid levels are crucial for the baby’s movement and development.
Fetal Movements and Heartbeat
You will be able to observe your baby’s movements and see their heartbeat. The sonographer will measure the heart rate to ensure it is within the normal range.
Position of the Baby
The scan will show the baby’s position in the womb, which is important for understanding how the baby is developing and preparing for birth.
Keeping the Gender Secret for a Surprise
Finding out the sex of the baby at the scan is important for some parents, whilst others do not wish to be told during the scan as they may want to keep this a surprise for a later time such as a gender reveal party.
The Scan Clinic completely understands and respects the various choices made by our guests.
For those parents who wish to keep the gender a surprise, simply let the staff or sonographer know beforehand that you do not want to know the baby’s gender during the scan. They can then ensure that the information is not revealed during the appointment.
Gender Reveal Parties
Many parents choose to have a gender reveal party where the gender is revealed in a fun and memorable way. You can give the secret gender results to a trusted friend or family member who can organise the reveal without you knowing the gender until the big moment.
Communicate with Your Partner
Ensure that your partner and any family members present at the scan are aware of your wishes to keep the gender a secret. This helps avoid any accidental revelations during the scan.
After the Gender Reveal scan
Following your appointment the sonographer will discuss the findings, and you will receive the report and complimentary pictures of your baby to take home.
Should there be any concerns these will also be discussed with you and you will be advised on the next steps.
FAQs
Can I bring family or friends to the gender reveal scan?
Yes of course! Having a baby scan is a special moment at any time during the pregnancy, and sharing it with loved ones can make it even more memorable and exciting.
Feel free to bring your family or friends along for the appointment, however, we just request you let us know beforehand so we can follow any guidelines we might have on the number of people you can bring.
How long does the gender ultrasound take?
The duration of the scan can vary depending on your circumstances such as the baby’s position, how clear we can see the baby etc. Typically though, the appointment lasts around 20 minutes or so.
What should I do if the scan cannot determine the gender?
In the rare event we cannot determine the sex of your baby on the day of your appointment we will offer you a free follow-up scan to try again. Unfortunately due to factors beyond anyone’s control sometimes, babies don’t sit still for us and allow us to see, no matter how hard we try!
How accurate is the gender reveal ultrasound?
Our sexing scan is very accurate! We have an accuracy rate of over 99.9%. We have developed a Surescan™ Gender Protocol, developed exclusively in-house.
This allows us to be as accurate as possible so that you can be confident in the results we provide. In addition to finding out the gender of your baby, we can also provide you with 2 free scan pictures to show your baby to your family and friends.
How to book your pregnancy ultrasound?
A gender scan is a great way to check in on your baby and know if you’re having a boy or a girl.
The Scan Clinic has been part of thousands of pregnancy journies and has you covered throughout yours.
To schedule your pregnancy scan appointment book online or give us a call and our friendly customer care team will take care of the rest.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family into our London clinic.
