How to determine the gender of the fetus?
Fetal gender identification is an issue that pregnant women are particularly concerned about during pregnancy. How to accurately identify the gender of the fetus? The following is a detailed introduction from four aspects.
Ultrasound examination
Ultrasound examination is one of the most commonly used methods to determine the gender of the fetus. It is usually performed around the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy. Doctors use ultrasound to check the development of the fetus\’s legs, lower body, and genitals to determine its gender. The accuracy of ultrasound examination is relatively high, but if the baby is not blooming, the fetal position is not good, the volume is insufficient, etc., the accuracy may decrease.
In addition, in some countries, fetal gender identification is a non-medically required examination, so some hospitals do not provide this service.
Serological test
Serology test is a method to indirectly determine the gender of the fetus by detecting some substances in the blood of pregnant women. This test needs to be done at least twice to compare the concentrations of different substances in the same blood to determine the gender of the fetus. The accuracy of serological examination is high in the early stage, but the accuracy of the test will decrease as the gestational age increases. Because this measurement is directly affected by the pregnant woman\’s age, gestational age, gravidity and the three-in-one pregnancy test, it is not practical in practice. In application, other factors such as ultrasound need to be considered.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a method of obtaining the gender of the fetus by extracting amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman and screening fetal cells for examination. It is usually performed between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor uses an ultrasound instrument to determine the position of the fetus. A special fine needle is inserted into the amniotic fluid sac through the abdominal wall of the pregnant woman, and the amniotic fluid is withdrawn for examination. The accuracy of amniocentesis is relatively high, and it can detect other genetic diseases at the same time. However, this examination also has serious risks, such as causing fetal miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal inability to move. So choose carefully and only do it when necessary.
Gene testing
Genetic testing is currently one of the most accurate methods of fetal gender identification. It analyzes the fetal DNA in a drop of blood of a pregnant woman to obtain the gender information of the fetus. This technology is not afraid of the influence of gestational age and number of pregnancies, and theoretically the detection accuracy is extremely high. However, since this technology has not yet been widely used, there are many limitations and problems, such as the technology is expensive and the testing cycle is long. It is necessary to understand the relevant medical institutions and project qualifications before proceeding.
In short, identifying the gender of the fetus is a very critical decision. After understanding the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of various examination methods, pregnant women can choose the most suitable examination method according to the actual situation, while paying attention to examination safety and avoiding unnecessary risks.
