This is something that tends to divide people. People who find out the sex of their baby at their 20 week scan often can’t imagine waiting until the baby is born and people who don’t find out often wonder why people do!
And what if you’re a couple having a baby and one of you wants to find out the sex and the other doesn’t? What then?!
Obviously there is no right or wrong and it’s a personal choice.
In today’s blog we’re looking at the pros and cons of finding out if you’re on team pink or blue.
When can you find out the sex of your baby?
If you decide to find out the sex of your baby you will hopefully be able to during your anomaly scan which is offered between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. The scan looks in detail at your baby’s bones, heart, brain, spinal cored, face, kidneys and abdomen. You can also, assuming your baby is in a good position, find out the sex of your baby at this scan. You sonographer should ask if you want to know.
It’s important to remember that it’s not an exact science and mistakes can be made – although it’s rare to be told the wrong sex. Some hospital have a policy of not telling expectant parents what sex their baby is for this reason.
According to the NCT, around 70% of pregnant women surveyed wanted to know the sex of their baby before the birth.
Things to think about
Gender disappointment is a reality for some people. Is it best to find out so you can get used to the idea or is it best to wait until you’re lucky enough to have a healthy baby in your arms when you’re less likely to care about their sex.
Will you and your partner keep the news to yourselves or will you share with friends and family if you find out?
Do you and your partner agree on whether or not you should find out? If not will one of you find out and keep it to yourselves?
What if you don’t find out and change your mind after the scan? You can pay for a private scan or you could ask the sonographer to write it down and put it in an envelope. Would you be able to not look?!
Pros to find out your baby’s sex
It’s easier to plan if you know what you’re having especially if you plan on gender specific clothes or nursery styling.
It’s helpful if you have older children as you’ll know whether to keep the clothes your older child has grown out of or give them away. It can also help your child to prepare for the arrival of a baby if they know if they’re getting a little brother or sister.
It makes thinking of a name easier.
It’s one less thing to think about, especially if you’re impatient to know!
Pros for waiting until to birth to find out
You’ll get a pretty amazing surprise the moment your little is born.
Your friends and family will get a big surprise when you tell them.
You can choose gender-neutral clothes and décor for your baby’s nursery.
Gender-neutral clothes can be used for any future children you might have.
You won’t be disappointed if the sonographer can’t tell the sex of your baby at the scan.
The bottom line
Whatever your views on this pretty we’re sure that ultimately all anyone really wants is a healthy baby whatever their sex.
SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is expecting a baby.