Finding out whether you're having a boy or a girl is an exciting part of the pregnancy journey, and understandably, many parents-to-be are eager to find out the sex as soon as they possibly.
Here at First Encounters Ultrasound, we offer gender scans starting from 16 weeks gestation. We do not recommend attending a baby gender scan before this point, as your baby's body may not yet have developed enough for a reliable ultrasound-based gender assessment.
Why Can't I Have a Gender Scan Before 16 Weeks?
Although your baby's genetic sex is determined at conception, the physical development of the external sex organs takes time. In the earlier stages of pregnancy, these features are not usually developed enough to be clearly identified on an ultrasound scan.
By around 16 weeks, your baby's sexual characteristics are typically developed enough for a trained sonographer to assess them on screen. This is why 16 weeks is widely treated as the earliest suitable point for an ultrasound gender confirmation scan.
Before 16 weeks, it can be much harder to tell the difference accurately. Your baby may be too small, the relevant features may not be clearly visible, or their position may make things even more difficult. Nobody wants to come away from such a special appointment with an answer that turns out to be wrong later on!
Do Other Clinics Offer Gender Scans Before 16 Weeks?
Some ultrasound providers may advertise baby gender scans slightly earlier than 16 weeks. However, our advice is to wait.
We understand that the wait can feel long, especially when you're excited to start planning, shopping, choosing names, or organising a gender reveal. But when it comes to ultrasound gender confirmation, timing really matters. Waiting until at least 16 weeks gives the sonographer a much better chance of making an accurate assessment.
At First Encounters Ultrasound, our priority is always to provide clear, careful and professional information. That's why our gender confirmation scans are only available from 16 weeks onwards.
What If I Want to Find Out Earlier?
If you're eager to find out your baby's sex as early as possible, you don't necessarily have to wait until your 16-week scan.
First Encounters Ultrasound offers an early gender DNA test from just 6 weeks into pregnancy. This is a blood test rather than an ultrasound scan, and it can give you an earlier indication of your baby's sex before a gender confirmation scan would be possible.
This can be a great option if you'd like to know sooner, while still choosing a method that's suitable for the earlier stages of pregnancy.
When Should I Book My Gender Scan?
If you'd like to have your baby's gender confirmed by ultrasound, we recommend booking your appointment for 16 weeks or later. At this stage, your baby is more likely to have developed sufficiently for gender identification, giving you a clearer and more confident scanning experience.
Our friendly team will do everything possible to make your visit memorable, relaxed and special. Whether you want to find out in the room or keep the result sealed for a surprise reveal, we'll be happy to help.
