Pregnancy Myths

MYTH: Ultrasound is 100% predictive of the baby's gender.
Shawn A. Tassone, M.D. (OB/GYN)

So what is the success rate of ultrasound in gender prediction? It really depends on the gestational age of the infant when the scan is performed and the skill of the technician performing the ultrasound. In the early second trimester, around fourteen to fifteen weeks, the sex of the fetus can be difficult to visualize because the penis and the clitoris have a similar developmental structure. An ultrasound done around eighteen to twenty weeks of gestation has a higher predictive value for gender. In fact, studies have shown that sex can be determined 100% of the time if the ultrasound is done after twenty weeks in at least one or two exams. In a review of multiple studies, the accuracy was shown to be 97%. Shawn A. Tassone, M.D. author of "Hands Off My Belly! The Pregnant Woman's Guide to Surviving Myths, Mothers, and Moods" Other Myths:

• Pregnancy Myths: Cramping in early pregnancy is a sign of miscarriage.
• Pregnancy Myths: If the fetal heart rate is below 140 beats per minute, it's a boy; if it's above 140, it's a girl.

	Comment from BabyMom » Posted Nov. 16, 2011 8:28am We was told we are expecting a Baby Boy at 17 wks... ;)
	Comment from dmpage » Posted Aug. 11, 2011 3:33pm We had a gender/anatomy scan at 21 weeks and was told "girl". Am soooo skeptical that we have decided to get a 3d/4d done at 26 weeks just to be sure! Can't wait!