When Can You Find Out Your Baby’s Gender? Ultrasound vs. Early Gender DNA Testing
Wondering how early you can find out if you’re having a boy or girl? Learn the difference between gender ultrasound and early DNA testing, when each can be done, and which option may be right for you.
Finding out whether you’re expecting a baby boy or girl can be one of the most exciting moments of pregnancy. Whether you’re planning a gender reveal, choosing a name, or simply can’t wait to know, you may be wondering: How early can I find out my baby’s gender?
There are two popular ways expecting parents can find out early: an ultrasound gender determination or an early gender DNA blood test. Here’s what Houston parents should know about each option.
When Can You Find Out Baby’s Gender by Ultrasound?
Baby’s gender may be visible on ultrasound during the second trimester as the external anatomy becomes easier to identify.
At Baby Bliss Ultrasound in Houston, we offer elective gender determination ultrasounds beginning at 15 weeks of pregnancy.
During your appointment, we’ll take a look at baby and, when positioning allows, determine whether you’re expecting a boy or girl. If you’re planning a surprise or gender reveal, we can also keep the result hidden and place it in an envelope for you.
One of the best parts of choosing an ultrasound is getting to actually see your baby while finding out the gender. You can watch baby move, see their little profile, hands and feet, and share the experience with the people you love.
Can You Find Out Earlier Than 15 Weeks?
Yes. Parents who don’t want to wait for an ultrasound can choose early gender DNA testing.
Baby Bliss Ultrasound offers SneakPeek® Clinical DNA testing beginning at 6 weeks of pregnancy.
Instead of using an ultrasound image to determine gender, SneakPeek analyzes a small maternal blood sample for the presence of male DNA.
If male DNA is detected, the result indicates a boy. If male DNA is not detected, the result indicates a girl.
This makes DNA testing an option for parents who want to know much earlier in pregnancy.
Gender Ultrasound vs. Gender DNA Test: Which Should You Choose?
It really depends on when you want to find out and what type of experience you're looking for.
Choose an early gender DNA test if:
You want to find out as early as 6 weeks.
You don't want to wait until the second trimester.
You're planning an early gender reveal.
You want a simple blood test with results sent electronically.
Choose a gender ultrasound if:
You're at least 15 weeks pregnant.
You want to see baby during the experience.
You'd like to share the moment with family or loved ones.
You want ultrasound images to remember the occasion.
You'd like the gender placed in an envelope for a surprise or reveal.
Some families even choose both—early DNA testing to find out as soon as possible and an ultrasound later in pregnancy to see baby and celebrate the result.
Planning a Gender Reveal?
If you're keeping the gender a surprise, just let us know at your appointment.
We can keep the result hidden from you and prepare it for your gender reveal so you can experience the surprise alongside your family and friends.
If you're choosing DNA testing, your results are delivered electronically after the laboratory processes your sample, so you can decide whether you'd like to view the result yourself or have someone you trust handle it for your reveal.
What If Baby Isn't in a Good Position During the Ultrasound?
Babies don't always cooperate on command!
Their position, gestational age, and movement can all affect what we're able to see during an ultrasound. Your sonographer will use different angles and techniques to get the best possible view while keeping your experience comfortable.
This is also why waiting until the recommended gestational age for an elective gender ultrasound can be helpful.
Gender Ultrasound & Early Gender DNA Testing in Houston
Baby Bliss Ultrasound is a private, appointment-only elective ultrasound studio near Downtown Houston.
Our dedicated home-based studio provides families with a comfortable and intimate setting to connect with baby away from the feel of a busy medical office. Ultrasound sessions are personally performed by an ARDMS Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with over 10 years of ultrasound experience, using advanced GE ultrasound technology.
We offer both gender determination ultrasounds beginning at 15 weeks and SneakPeek Clinical early gender DNA testing beginning at 6 weeks.
Whether you want to find out as early as possible or wait until you can see baby on ultrasound, we're here to make the experience memorable.
Ready to find out if you're having a boy or girl? Explore our Gender Reveal Ultrasound and SneakPeek Clinical options and book your Baby Bliss experience in Houston.
Elective ultrasounds at Baby Bliss Ultrasound are for keepsake and bonding purposes and do not replace prenatal care, diagnostic ultrasound, or medical evaluation by your healthcare provider.
