Gender prediction is something every to-be-parent tries to do when the baby is due

The fact that a little new member is going to join the family is exciting enough. To add to this, all expecting parents are also curious about their baby’s gender. Where the entire family and group of friends are a part of the guesswork from day one, more reliable and scientific methods are available for gender prediction during pregnancy.  

Common techniques for gender prediction:

• Gender prediction using ultrasound:

Ultrasound is an easy and reliable method to detect the gender of the baby inside the womb. During the process, the woman has to lie flat on her back while a gel is applied to her abdomen. An ultrasound probe is held over the belly which transmits sound waves. The ultrasound machine uses sound waves to produce the image of the baby inside the womb. However, clear visibility of the genital area significantly depends on the movements of the baby during the actual procedure. The woman is asked to drink several glasses of water before the scan as it helps to obtain a clear image.

This procedure does not pose any risk to the mother or the fetus, and the mother may experience some discomfort due to full bladder and lying flat on the stomach. However, this resolves soon after the procedure.

This is one of the most accurate ways of gender prediction during prediction.

• Gender prediction from anomaly scan report:

Anomaly scan report and cell-free DNA report are 100 percent accurate tests that help reveal the gender of the baby. However, these tests are not indicated for sex-determination of the baby but to detect defects in the developing fetus. Several major genetic and developmental defects can be identified using this method.

Similarly, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are used to detect chromosomal defects in the baby. These tests can also accurately predict the baby’s gender.

Gender Prediction in India

In India, gender prediction has been banned since the introduction of the Pre-conception and Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act. Thus, determining the sex of your baby before it is born is illegal as per Indian law whether or not you plan to abort the child.

This act was put in place to improve the skewed sex ratio in the Indian population. Non-determination of sex before delivery has been brought into practice to prevent female infanticide in a population where a male child is preferred over a female child.

On a lighter note, here are some non-scientific, but old, hearsay methods of sex determination for curious parents.

• Gender prediction using ring: A ring suspended by a thread is held over the pregnant woman’s stomach. If the ring makes circular motions, it is said to be a girl. If it swings back and forth like a pendulum, you may expect a boy.

• Gender prediction using salt: A little salt is sprinkled on the woman’s head while she is asleep. On waking up, if she takes a man’s name, she may have a boy.

• Gender prediction by urine color: Sodium hydroxide found in common house cleaning agents is mixed with the mother’s urine. If the color changes to a darker shade, it indicates a boy. No color change indicates a girl.

Note that none of the above methods are tested or proven and should not be taken seriously.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

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