From the moment you know that you were pregnant, you have been eagerly rushing the days until you reach the exact date when you can find out the sex of your fetus. But what are the ways through which you can know the gender of the fetus? When can it be known?

How do I know the gender of the fetus?

Here are ways of how you can know the gender of the fetus:

1- Sonar

Ultrasound is the common way to determine the gender of the fetus. It is an easy, safe, accurate, and inexpensive method. The doctor can see the reproductive organs of the fetus and accurately determine its gender. The ultrasound aims not only to know the gender of the fetus, but also to help the doctor evaluate how the fetus and its other organs are developing in the uterus. (1)


  • Timing:  The best time to perform an ultrasound is in the fifth month of pregnancy, i.e. between weeks 18 and 22. (1)
  • Accuracy: The accuracy of the test is nearly 100% when performed after the 14th week of pregnancy. However, the test may predict the fetus's gender with about 75% accuracy if performed early, between weeks 11-14 of pregnancy. (2)



Can ultrasound make a mistake in determining the gender of the fetus?

Yes, errors may occur in determining the gender of the fetus using ultrasound, despite the widespread use of ultrasound technology in determining the gender of the fetus. However, there is no method that reveals the gender of the fetus completely 100%. The most common error is determining the gender of male fetuses as female, and the chance of errors increasing in the following cases: (3)


  • If the examination was performed early in pregnancy (i.e. before week 14 of pregnancy).
  • If the baby’s position is inappropriate, such as the umbilical cord being wrapped between the fetus’s thighs.
  • If the fetus moves a lot.
  • If you suffer from obesity or excessive gas.


In this case, the doctor may ask you to come back again after several weeks for re-examination.


2- Blood analysis (NIPT) (noninvasive prenatal testing)

It is also a simple and safe test, which is done by analyzing a blood sample from the mother to accurately determine the gender of the fetus early, starting from the tenth week. (4)


  • Accuracy: It is also almost 100%, looks for parts of the child’s DNA in the mother’s blood, and determines his gender based on that. (1)


In addition to determining the gender of the fetus, you can also request that your fetus be tested for a genetic or chromosomal disorder, such as Down Syndrome, if suspected, using the same blood sample taken. (3)


3- Other methods

There are many other tests that can reveal the gender of the fetus, however These tests are not usually done for the purpose of knowing the gender of the fetus rather, to diagnose genetic and hereditary diseases in the fetus if their presence is suspected. These tests are an alternative option in some cases; Because it may be accompanied by a slight risk of miscarriage, in addition to its high cost compared to previous tests that are considered accurate, safe, and inexpensive. (3)


  • Amniotic fluid examination: A sample of the fluid surrounding the fetus is withdrawn using a very thin needle and examined in the laboratory. (5)
  • Risk of miscarriage: approximately 0.5%. (6)


  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): It is done by inserting a thin plastic tube through the cervix, or by a thin needle through the abdomen to take a sample of the placenta for analysis in the laboratory. (7)
  • Risk of miscarriage: approximately 1%. (6)

What about popular methods for knowing the gender of the fetus?

It is common among women to try some popular methods to determine the gender of the fetus, such as using sodium bicarbonate, urine, salt, chlorine, etc., but in reality, There is no scientific evidence to prove the validity of these methods; They are just myths circulating among women, and cannot be relied upon to determine the gender of the fetus.





Pregnancy is a special time in your life. Visit the Women's Clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital, where our dedicated team ensures your comfort and well-being, using the latest technology to monitor both your health and the health of your baby with precision and care.




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