Proven ways to tell if you're having a boy
Medical testing can provide an accurate answer, and some methods can indicate the fetus' sex as early as the 10th week. Options include:
Blood test
Doctors primarily use this test to detect issues with chromosomes.
Pregnant women can take this test at 10 weeks, and results are usually available within 7–10 days.
The test is usually reserved for pregnant women over the age of 35. A doctor may also suggest it if they suspect that there is an issue with the fetus' chromosomes.
Any pregnant woman can request the test, but some insurance plans do not cover the cost.
Amniocentesis
During this procedure, a doctor will insert a thin needle through the skin into the uterus. They will remove some amniotic fluid, which is the fluid that protects the baby during pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid contains cells and chemicals that can indicate genetic abnormalities, fetal infection, and the fetus' sex.
An amniocentesis is usually available from week 15 onward, but it should only be done if there are concerns about the presence of genetic conditions.
An amniocentesis carries various risks, including a very slight risk of pregnancy loss.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
Similar to amniocentesis, CVS involves using a needle to retrieve tissue from the placenta. This test can indicate if a fetus has Down syndrome or another chromosome-related condition. It can also determine the fetus' sex.
CVS is available from week 10 of pregnancy, and it carries approximately the same risk of pregnancy loss as amniocentesis.
Women should only get CVS tests if there is an increased risk of chromosomal issues.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a noninvasive way to determine the sex of the fetus.
This is only effective from weeks 18–20 onward, after the external genitalia is clearly formed.
The ultrasound technician may not always be able to tell the sex during the scan, especially if the fetus is not in an ideal position, or if the pregnancy has not yet sufficiently progressed.
Takeaway
While it can be exciting to guess at the fetus' sex, only medical testing can accurately identify it.
However, these tests are not always entirely accurate, and they are only an option after the 10th week of pregnancy.
