Baby Gender Predictor – Baby Gender Ultrasound

Aug 21, 2009 by May Hammond

The first baby ultrasound appointment is certainly an exciting occasion for both parents and an opportunity for many early questions to be answered. Importantly the pregnancy can be confirmed and an early diagnosis of the general health of the baby can normally be provided. Also the presence of twins or other multiple conceptions can be quickly detected. However, by far the most common question obstetricians receive is regarding the gender of the baby. Whilst parents are certainly eager to hear that the baby is healthy, “Is my baby a boy or a girl?!” is still without doubt the question at the front of most mothers’ minds. 

This article explores the methodology of ascertaining baby gender using ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy, and also discusses the degree of accuracy and what mothers should expect.

How does the ultrasound identify baby gender?
As described in the previous post, ultrasound uses sound waves that are passed through the mother’s abdomen and return to the transducer where they are analyzed and portrayed as a real-time representation on the monitor display. The method of diagnosing baby gender is therefore a visual observation and assessment of the images returned. The medical professional conducting the scan will isolate the perineum (the genital region of the baby; i.e. the private parts!) and will assess the baby gender according to the form of the genitalia observed. The appearance of the ’3 lines’ indicator, which represents formation of the female labia, is the strongest denotation mark identifying the baby gender as female. The image should consistently show three short parallel lines between the legs. Similarly, a boy can be identified by the dome-shaped protrusion of the testes and the cylindrical shape of the penis.

How soon can an ultrasound identify baby gender?
Ultrasounds taken at 16 to 20 weeks have a strong likelihood of being able to identify baby gender. Studies have shown, however, that baby gender can be ascertained via ultrasound as early as 11 weeks. Nevertheless, most doctors will recommend that parents wait until the 20-week mark before expecting a reliable assessment of baby gender to be made. A degree of patience is advised as every scan is different and there are a number of factors that can affect the quality of the diagnosis. Some doctors may be disinclined to offer an early diagnosis of baby gender until after a period of scans, and a growing number of practices avoid baby gender diagnosis altogether.

How accurately can an ultrasound identify baby gender?
As mentioned above, a pregnancy ultrasound scan relies on the quality of the image and the visibility of the genital area. There are several factors that may affect this:

Age of the pregnancy:
Up until the eighth week of pregnancy, male and female babies’ external genitalia are actually indecipherable. During 12 – 14 weeks they are still not fully formed but are recognizably male or female.

Position of the baby:
The baby may be aligned in such a way that a clear and unobstructed view of the genital area is difficult to attain.

Amount of liquid:
The presence of liquid improves the conduction of the sound waves and improves the clarity of the image produced. Low volumes of liquid are normal during early pregnancy and therefore ultrasounds taken during this period are likely to be of poorer clarity.

Thickness of the abdominal wall:
Abdominal wall thickness varies from woman to woman and normally will increase as pregnancy progresses. Fat and muscle will likely reduce the clarity of the ultrasound image.

Position of the placenta or umbilical cord:
The placenta or umbilical cord can obstruct the view of your baby’s genitalia. Both the umbilical cord and the placenta will likely move during your pregnancy and even during the ultrasound itself. 

Any one of these factors could result in a pregnancy ultrasound being of insufficient clarity to accurately identify baby gender. In some extreme cases, a combination of repeatedly unfavorable conditions such as these over an extended period means baby gender still cannot be diagnosed even up to 28 weeks. Nevertheless, scientific tests studying the accuracy of ultrasounds at 12 weeks have reported levels of accuracy from 80 to 98%.
 
Conclusions
Ultrasound is an excellent and non-invasive baby gender predictor tool. However, remember that every scan, and every pregnancy is different. Although it is highly likely that an ultrasound at after 20 weeks will identify your baby’s gender, there is no set-in-stone guarantee. Also remember that the analysis of an ultrasound scan is mostly subjective. Even if your doctor is fairly confident of the gender diagnosis, they may feel inclined to withhold a definitive opinion until more scans have been conducted over the following weeks. It is recommended that you ask plenty of questions during the scan and ask your doctor to point out and describe all the features shown by the scan. If you are lucky to have a clear scan then you will likely be able to assess baby gender yourself without the help of the doctor. Remember that you can always arrange for a repeat scan if the conditions are unfavorable, and have the option to seek a second opinion if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis. If you are having an early ultrasound before 12 weeks, then adjust your expectations accordingly as scans tend to be less clear. Similarly, if you are less than 12 weeks into your pregnancy and wish to know the gender, you want to consider other baby gender predictor methods.

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Baby Gender Predictor – Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Jul 31, 2009 by May Hammond

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure that can be done during pregnancy to test whether your baby has any chromosomal abnormalities. The test involves taking a sample of part of the placenta called the chorionic villi. During your pregnancy, the placenta is essential as it supplies oxygen and nutrients to your baby, and also removes waste elements from your baby’s blood. The chorionic villi themselves are numerous small and feather-like protrusions and contain the same genetic structure as your baby.

When is chorionic villus sampling done?
A CVS test is normally conducted at around 10 to 13 weeks into a pregnancy when there is a need or desire to check for chromosomal abnormalities that indicate a condition such as Down syndrome or genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease. The analysis of the chromosomes present in cells from the chorionic villi will also indicate your baby’s gender.

How is the CVS procedure done?
An ultrasound is conducted as the first stage of the procedure and this is very important. A full bladder is normally required as this improves the quality of the images produced by an early ultrasound scan. The ultrasound confirms the age and position of your baby, and importantly locates the positioning of the placenta. Based on the positioning of placenta, the doctor shall decide the most appropriate method to take the sample, which will be either a transcervical or a transabdominal entry.

A transcervical chorionic villus sample is taken when your placenta is in low position and the doctor can take the sample through your cervix. Your vagina and cervix will first be cleansed with an antiseptic and then gently opened with a speculum. Your doctor will then insert a thin, hollow tube called a catheter. The catheter is eased upwards until it reaches the placenta. Gentle suction is then used to remove a small sample of tissue.

A transabdominal chorionic villus sample is taken when the placenta is positioned away from the cervix or if you have a cervical infection. First your abdomen is cleansed with an antiseptic. Then, under ultrasound guidance, a long, thin needle is inserted through your abdomen and into the uterus. On reaching the placenta a small sample is extracted using the syringe. Both procedures usually take up to an hour. The majority of this time is taken up with the ultrasound scan and the extraction itself may only be a few minutes.

What will I feel during CVS?
Although the CVS test is an invasive procedure, it is not as painful as it might sound. Before the actual test there will be consultations with your doctor where you and your partner can discuss and ask questions regarding the procedure. During the procedure you will be able to follow the scan on the monitor screen, and patience is advised as this will take some as your doctor makes absolutely sure of the positioning of the baby and placenta. Also you will need to lie still while the sample of tissue is removed. If you are having a transcervical CVS, there is not likely to be any pain as the catheter is inserted, although it may feel intrusive. You may feel some cramping as the actual sample of tissue is removed. If you are having a transabdominal CVS, then there is the option of having a pain-relief injection, however, the actual CVS injection is unlikely to be any more painful than anaesthetic injection. The CVS injection will likely sting a little at first and you may feel some cramping as the needle enters your uterus. The degree of discomfort varies but for most women it is not severe and similar in intensity to mild period pains.
 
After the test you may feel some further cramping and are advised to rest and avoid any heavy lifting. Some vaginal spotting is also possible, especially if you had a transcervical sample rather than one taken through the abdominal wall. If you continue to feel uncomfortable consult your doctor. It is extremely unlikely that your baby will be harmed during the procedure and your baby will naturally replace the small amount of placenta tissue removed. Nevertheless, know the risks and think carefully before choosing to take the test.

How does the CVS test detect baby gender?
After the sample is taken, the chorionic villi cells are studied which includes microscopic analysis of your baby’s chromosomes. Your baby’s 23rd chromosome pairing will clearly show the gender of your baby. A pairing of XX will mean your baby is a girl, whilst a pairing of XY means you are carrying a boy.
The primary chromosomal analysis shall test for the presence of genetic conditions such as Tay-Sachs disease, haemophilia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, or thalassemia. Results should be available within one to two weeks depending on the number and types of tests conducted.

How accurate are CVS results?
Chorionic villus sampling is an extremely accurate baby gender predictor with a greater than 99% level of accuracy to identify baby gender, and a similar level of accuracy to identify the presence of chromosomal abnormalities.

What are the risks of CVS?
You should carefully consider the risks of having a CVS test before taking the procedure. Chorionic villus sampling carries several risks of which you should be aware

• Studies suggest that a CVS has approximately a 0.01% risk of causing a miscarriage. Factors that may increase this risk slightly are if the test is transcervical, or if the size of the baby is smaller than what is expected according to its age.
• There is a small risk that the CVS procedure may trigger an infection of the uterus.
• The CVS procedure may cause some of your baby’s blood cells to enter your bloodstream. This is unlikely to be a risk unless you have Rh negative blood. If this is the case you will be provided a drug Rh immunoglobulin after the test which will stop your body from producing antibodies against your baby’s blood cells.
• According some studies CVS testing conducted before the ninth week of pregnancy involve a risk of causing growth abnormalities the baby’s fingers or toes.

Should I have a CVS procedure?
Common reasons for a mother to consider CVS are if you:

• Have had a prenatal screening test with abnormal results
• Have had a previous pregnancy where your baby had chromosomal abnormalities
• Are 35 years old or older.
• Have a history of genetic disorders in your family or your partner’s family
• Also note that chorionic villus sampling does not test for neural tube defects.  To test for conditions such as spina bifida, an amniocentesis test is a better option.

Conclusions
A chorionic villus sample procedure is an extremely accurate baby gender predictor. However, remember that identifying your baby’s gender is not the primary purpose of the test. CVS analysis can provide valuable details of your baby’s health which can significantly impact how you act and feel about your pregnancy. The decision to have a CVS procedure should be taken carefully, and you will need to weigh up the advantages of knowing about your baby’s genetic health against the risks of complications. If you are keen to discover your baby’s gender early, and have other independent reasons to take the CVS, such as more pressing concerns regarding your baby’s health, then the procedure is worth considering.

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Baby Gender Predictor – Amniocentesis

Jul 28, 2009 by May Hammond

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test involving an analysis of the mother’s amniotic fluid. It is a very effective baby gender predictor with over 99% level of accuracy. Amniotic fluid is the liquid surrounding your baby and both protects and nourishes your baby during its growth. However, note that the test is normally taken in order to determine whether or not a baby has any chromosome abnormalities or other genetic defects.

When is an amniocentesis done?
An amniocentesis test is normally conducted at around 15 to 22 weeks into a pregnancy when there is a need or desire to check for chromosome abnormalities that indicate a condition such as Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or Turner syndrome. The test can also identify the presence of neural tube defects or other health problems depending on the parents’ genetic history.

How is the amniocentesis procedure done?
The process uses a thin needle which is carefully inserted through the mother’s abdominal wall to extract about 3 to 4 teaspoons worth of amniotic fluid from around the baby. This is made as safe as possible by using ultrasound to locate a suitable area away from your baby where the liquid can be taken easily. Using the ultrasound is essential, and your doctor may take up to twenty minutes to make absolutely sure the best pocket of amniotic fluid is located. The area on your belly is then cleaned with alcohol or an iodine solution before the injection is made. The injection and extraction do not take long and are normally complete within one or two minutes. The ultrasound will be used throughout to help the process and you may be able to hear the recording of your baby’s heartbeat as well.

What will I feel during an amniocentesis?
Although the amniocentesis test is an invasive procedure, it is not as painful as it might sound. Before the actual procedure there will be a consultation with your doctor and plenty of time to discuss the details of the process, plus someone can accompany you during the procedure if you wish.
You may choose the option of a local anaesthetic to ease any pain, although this pain-relief injection is probably more painful than the amniocentesis injection itself.  During the amniocentesis injection you will feel a sting, like with any other injection, followed by possibly some cramping similar to period pains. The experience and degree of discomfort varies from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy, but bear in mind that the amniocentesis test itself is generally considered a routine and low-pain procedure.

After the test you may still feel some cramping and are advised to avoid strenuous exercise or lifting for the next couple of days. The wound itself heals quickly in about a day or so and the amniotic fluid removed is also replaced quickly. A very small percentage of women may experience more painful cramping, possibly some vaginal spotting or leaking amniotic fluid. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

How does amniocentesis detect baby gender?
The amniotic fluid extracted is analysed during a number of different tests including an examination of your baby’s chromosomes under a microscope. The chromosome analysis will clearly identify whether your baby is a boy or a girl as the 23rd chromosome pairing will either be XY or XX. An XY pair denotes a boy, whereas an XX pair is for a girl. The amniotic fluid is used because it contains cells that are shed from the baby’s skin, the amnion sac and also from the baby’s urinary tracts. All these cells will contain chromosomes that can be studied.

Other tests are conducted including a measurement of the quantity of a protein called alphafetoprotein. High quantities of this protein may indicate the presence of neural tube defects. This test of the quantity of alphafetoprotein will probably be conducted even if the test was taken to check chromosome health and confirm baby gender. Other tests can also be made that analyse DNA and enzyme presence to diagnose other possible genetic defects.

Results should be available within two weeks and possibly much sooner depending on the number of tests. All results will be sent directly to your doctor for their assessment before they schedule an appointment with you to discuss the findings.

How accurate are amniocentesis results?
The amniocentesis test has a greater than 99% chance of identifying your baby’s gender and a greater than 99% chance of identifying the presence of nearly all known chromosomal disorders including Down syndrome and Edward’s syndrome. Also be reassured that over 95% of mothers who take the test receive good news and that the chance for any couple to have a child with a birth defect or health problem is less than 3%.

What are the risks of amniocentesis?
The first thing to note is that direct injury to your baby during an amniocentesis is extremely unlikely with continuous and careful ultrasound guidance. However, you should know that the test does involve a small risk of miscarriage.  Studies state that there is approximately a 0.5% chance that the procedure may cause a miscarriage, and that the primary influencing factors are the skill and experience of the doctor or technician performing the process. Even though the risk is low, it is recommended that you make enquiries of the doctor and their practice to ensure they are experienced and competent with the procedure. If you are unsure, seek a second opinion. There is also a secondary risk of getting an infection of the uterus in the days following the test. The risk is low, less than 0.001%, however this may again lead to miscarriage and therefore consulting your doctor is recommended. Because of these risks, normally both parents are requested to sign a consent form before the procedure to confirm that you acknowledge the possible implications. 

Should I have amniocentesis?
When deciding whether or not to have an amniocentesis test, you will need to weigh your desire to know about your baby’s health against the small risk that the test could result in a miscarriage. Discuss the matter carefully with your doctor, partner and counsellor if necessary.  You may be more likely to consider having an amniocentesis test if you:

• Are to be 35 years of age or greater at delivery
• Have already had a child with a chromosome or other genetic disorder
• Have a chromosome or other genetic disorder yourself
• Have had an ultrasound that suggests possible foetal abnormalities
• Have had a maternal screen that indicated your baby may be at a higher risk to have health problem.
 
Conclusions
Whilst the amniocentesis test is an extremely accurate baby gender predictor, this is not recommended as the primary reason to take the test. If any of the situations described above apply to you, then you may want to consider an amniocentesis test. The test should hopefully put your mind at rest about any possible health problems your baby may have, and at the same time confirm your baby’s gender.

If you are less than 16 weeks into your pregnancy and wish to know the gender, you may want to consider other options such a baby gender predictor product.

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Baby Gender Predictor – Ring Test

Jul 26, 2009 by May Hammond

This particular baby gender predictor is a classic old wives’ tale to see whether your baby is a boy or girl. In fact, if you could herd together a cackle of the oldest and wisest of wives and ask them to decide on their tip-top tale for baby gender prediction then I bet after only a few moments of magic I’m sure they would pick out this little cracker.

So, how does it work? Well, there are a couple of different versions, but the most common one involves a gold ring (preferably of the wedding variety) a length of thread and the mother to be. Simply tie the ring to one end of the string and hold the other end above the mother’s stomach so the ring can swing freely above the surface. This is easy enough for the mother to do herself if she wants. Hold the string just for a few moments and observe the movement of the ring.
The gender depends on the movement of the ring above the stomach. If you see the ring sway backwards and forwards in a straight line then that means the baby is a girl. If you see the ring moving in a circle then the bump-to-be is a boy. Piece of cake!

There are some other versions along the same sort of theme. Some say you should follow the same steps but dangle the ring above the mother’s palm instead of the stomach. Another version uses a needle instead of a gold ring, similar to a compass. Nevertheless, all the versions have the same diagnosis; swaying back and forth means a girl and swinging in circles means a boy.

Many people have said that this method has produced very accurate results for them. I tried it myself for my first pregnancy and it worked for me too, but I knew I was having a boy and I’m not sure if I was subconsciously moving my pinched finders in minute circles because I already knew the answer. Another thing is that the longer the string the more the ring’s movement is affected by the tiny movement of your hand. Using a needle is a little different as it is much lighter. I think you are more likely to get a twisting affect (and a boy!), especially if the thread is quite thick.

Conclusions
I had three pregnant friends round with their partners and we conducted a little tongue-in-cheek home science experiment using rings and needles. I’m pleased to report that there were no injuries and our overall level of accuracy with rings was a healthy 61%. We swapped wedding rings around as well but this did not seem to change much.  The needle was less accurate at 45% and with a lot of spinning seemed to tell us that there should have been more boys about. We also noted that husbands were more accurate at predicting their partner’s baby gender (72%), and this held true even when we used blindfolds! Overall I would say that this baby gender predictor is worth a go for a bit of fun but doesn’t quite match up to more scientific methods.

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Baby Gender Predictor – Drano Pregnancy Test

Jul 24, 2009 by May Hammond

The Drano test is one baby gender predictor that sounds very scientific but is actually no more than another old wives’ tale. The only exception is that this time the old wives should be wearing safety goggles and thick rubber gloves as this method uses toxic substances that have the potential produce noxious fumes. Please therefore read this entire article before considering trying this method as it may be harmful if done incorrectly.

Drano is a brand name of a type of drain cleaner manufactured by S.C. Johnson & Son. It is understood to be made from a combination of ingredients including sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride and also aluminum. The product works at unblocking drains by means of a series of chemical reactions that take place when it is mixed with water. In solution the sodium hydroxide rips away at the aluminium rust releasing the aluminium shards underneath to react with the water to produce a nascent hydrogen which is a strong reducing agent. The mixture also boils up and releases a lot of pressure (much like many a mother during the third trimester). Hydrogen gas is very volatile but thank fully Mr.Nitrate steps in to reduce matters to merely the release of pungent ammonia fumes.

So, how is this potent mixture going to function as a baby gender predictor? Good question, but here is the methodology:

1. Take about 100ml of the mother’s early morning urine and place in a glass cup or beaker
2. Go to a well-ventilated space (preferably outside, but make sure the neighbors aren’t watching)
3. Mix in 2 to 3 tablespoons of Drano crystals to the liquid
4. Run away
5. Return about 10 seconds later and observe the color of the liquid

The gender of your baby is supposed to be identified by the color of the liquid:

Brown = boy
No change = girl

But hold on a second! Some propose that the following is true:

Bluish yellow = boy
Greenish brown = girl

In fact there are several different interpretations out there of what the different colors mean.

Conclusions

Stay away from this one! Yes all these old wives’ tales can be a bit of fun, but in this case we are dealing with something that is potentially toxic which is not good for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman. Also the guidelines on what the different colors mean are so varied that it is difficult to place any degree of accuracy on this baby gender predictor. As is the case with many urban myth type of tests, those who try it and are successful are more likely to spread the word than those who have had no positive result. Drano does contain salt and I think it is better to take the Drano test with a pinch of salt as well!

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Baby Gender Predictor – 3D Ultrasound and 4D Ultrasound

Jul 16, 2009 by May Hammond

You may have already read how a normal ultrasound is an excellent baby gender predictor, but the development of 3D ultrasound has literally added a whole new dimension to ultrasound scanning.
A standard ultrasound involves 2D scanning where the transducer emits sound waves straight down and which are then reflected back at the same angle. The image rendered on the monitor display is ‘flat’ and almost cross-sectional representation of the baby. 3D ultrasound is different because the sound waves are emitted at many different angles and when reflected back are analyzed by a sophisticated computer. The image displayed will be a reconstructed three dimensional ‘solid’ representation of your baby. This image can show a different variety and level of detail than an ordinary scan. A 4D scan takes this to the next level by rapidly displaying a sequence of the images produced. The effect is that the image appears to move in real time like a video.

What are the advantages of 3D or 4D Ultrasound?
A 3D ultrasound has numerous benefits similar to a normal 2D ultrasound, such as:
• Confirming the presence of a baby, or multiple babies
• Measuring the size and age of your baby
• Checking the position of the baby and placenta
• Checking your baby’s growth and development
• Determining baby gender

The main differences are that a 3D or 4D ultrasound portrays a solid image, and this has both advantages and disadvantages. The 3D ultrasound will show the skin surface as solid as well as the solid exterior of a baby’s organs. This provides a new level of detail that was not possible with the normal two dimensional scans. For example, you will likely be able to a representation of your baby’s face similar to how they would really look like. This is a remarkable and touching moment for any mother and influences the early parent and child bonding process. Also the photographs you may receive from the scan can be a precious keepsake. Also from a medical perspective being able to view solid images of your baby’s limbs, skin and organs provides your health care provider additional information to assess your baby’s condition. For example, identification of a condition such as a cleft lip would likely be improved by having a 3D or 4D ultrasound scan.

Is the procedure for a 3D or 4D scan different from a normal 2D ultrasound?
The procedure is essentially the same of that of a standard 2D ultrasound. Your health care provider will place a quantity of gel on your abdomen before gently gliding the transducer across your skin’s surface. The sound waves emitted and returned to the transducer will be analysed by the computer a represented by an image on the monitor. Most modern ultrasounds have the ability to switch between 2D and 4D imagery.

What are the risks of 3D or 4D ultrasounds?
Like its two-dimensional little brother, 3D and 4D ultrasounds are non-invasive and generally considered as routine and safe procedures. The frequency of sound waves emitted by the transducer are within the same range as a 2D scan and are not considered harmful to you or your child. Ultrasound is generally accepted as a routine, non-invasive and low-risk procedure. Nevertheless, please understand the differences and limitation of 3D and 4D scanning. The images rendered are unlikely to be ‘perfect’. It is common to see some anomalies with the image and understand that these are not necessarily anomalies with your baby, but rather with the representation on the monitor. As an analogy, think about when you might watch TV and the reception is not so good. The image may jump, blur, distort or fragment causing people to look abnormal. Ultrasounds can be similar and need time and repetition to show areas clearly. If you are not prepared for this you be unnecessarily disturbed by some of the things you see.

How accurate a baby gender predictor is a 3D or 4D ultrasound?
A 3D or 4D ultrasound is slightly better at determining baby gender than a standard 2D ultrasound. Particularly for identifying the presence of a boy, the solidification of the image makes the forms of the scrotum and penis more prominent. The three lines indicator that your baby will be a girl is stronger in a normal 2D ultrasound, however, as most modern multidimensional ultrasound systems have the ability to change to 2D imagery, a 3D or 4D scan always has an advantage. The 3D or 4D ultrasounds may therefore ‘fill the gap’ by providing a better option of identifying baby gender before 16 weeks. Bear in mind, however, that it is still not full-proof baby gender predictor. Factors such as the baby position, placenta position and possible umbilical cord obstruction all play their part. If genital regions are visible then the accuracy of gender predictions are above 90% at after 16 weeks. Your health care provider will often refrain from giving a conclusive diagnosis of baby gender until after the twentieth week.  
Should I have a 3D or 4D ultrasound?
You will have to weigh up the pros and cons of having a 3D or 4D ultrasound. Unless a specific reason to check for anomalies such as a cleft lip, a 3D ultrasound is normally just considered as something that is ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘must’. They normally incur an additional cost which can be expensive. Costs are often over a hundred dollars and vary according to whether diagnosis is provided and if video recordings are bought. On the positive side, some private clinics will offer the service with the offer of a free repeat scan if gender cannot be identified. Furthermore as technology advances and is standardized, scans which are expensive now will become more routine and therefore cheaper.

Conclusions

3D and 4D ultrasound developments have certainly added new scope and technology to the baby gender predictor landscape. Further enhancements in the future are sure to increase the likelihood of baby gender being identified accurately. However, what remains to be seen is whether the effectiveness of ultrasound in general can be improved during the early weeks of pregnancy. Until this time, mothers are likely to continue turn to other methods such as baby gender predictor products to bridge the gap.

 

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Chinese Pregnancy Calendar

Jul 10, 2009 by May Hammond

The rumor goes that around 700 years ago, during the Qing Dynasty, the Chinese pregnancy calendar was discovered deep underground in an ancient and long-forgotten tomb.
 
Closely guarded during times of turmoil, the Chinese pregnancy calendar was nevertheless eventually seized by the warring English at the twilight of the dynasty. The English nobility set scholars to the task of studying the find which led to the calendar’s translation and use by the West.

For a bit of fun to see if it works for you, find your age on the left and follow along to the month of your baby’s conception on the right.  Note that your age has to be your age from conception, not from birth (i.e. sorry because you just got older by 9 months!).

You can also test the Chinese pregnancy calendar by putting your mother’s age when you were conceived. Are you a boy or a girl?! Once finished, check out our statistical analysis of the Chinese pregnancy calendar.

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