Should I find out the sex of my baby?

It's your choice!

Choosing to find out whether you are expecting a boy or a girl is a very personal decision.

Some couples can’t wait to find out their baby’s sex and tell all the family their news. They love the fact that they’re able to shop for clothes and decorate the baby’s bedroom appropriately, as well as prepare a sibling for the birth of a baby brother or sister. However, others prefer to keep the secret and wait for the surprise at the end of pregnancy and labour.

If you do decide to opt for a Gender Scan, or a specialist Gender Reveal Scan it’s important you choose an ultrasound centre with the relevant expertise and experience and high levels of professionalism. While no centre can guarantee 100% accuracy in determining the sex of your baby, Ultrasound Direct prides itself on having one of the highest levels of accuracy, based on several decades of expertise and the skills of their obstetric sonographers.

How accurate are Gender Scans?

The latest published research in the Australian Journal of Ultrasound Medicine confirmed ultrasound baby scans can have a 100 % accuracy rate if performed after 14 weeks gestation. The accuracy rate for between 11 and 14 weeks was 75% and before 12 weeks it was 54%. Based on these results it's clear that you should choose importance of choosing a baby scan which takes place later – such as the Ultrasound Direct Gender Scan or Gender Reveal Scan which is carried out between 16 and 32 weeks. The Ultrasound Direct Gender Scans are 99.9% accurate. We pride ourselves on providing an accurate professional opinion about the sex of your baby, and will provide a rescan if another scan shows a different result to ours, if we are proven correct this scan will be chargeable. If we're proven wrong, we'll either provide you with a free of charge 4D Bonding Scan or a full refund - it's your choice.

Choosing a Gender Scan

Opting for a private Gender Scan is becoming  more popular. Some NHS hospitals have a policy of not revealing the sex of the baby to parents at the 20 week scan, and if the hospital will provide their opinion on the sex some parents want to find out earlier in the pregnancy.

A word of warning though, as there can be a lot of variation in the quality of baby scans on offer privately. Some companies will just offer a Gender Scan alone with no other tests or developmental measurements or checks. But the health of your baby should always be the focus of your scan. For example, the Ultrasound Direct Gender Scan and Gender Reveal Scan start with a full wellbeing check to make sure your pregnancy is progressing as expected. Some providers will offer a more comprehensive package or offer gender sexing as a complimentary element to other baby scans they offer (for example, Ultrasound Direct offer a free gender sexing option with the Anomaly, Growth, Presentation, 4D Bonding, Premium 4D Bonding and Babybond Scans).

What to look for in a Gender Scan

  • Gestation
    Gender Scans should be performed from 16 weeks gestation as this is when they'll be most accurate. Check whether the ultrasound provider provides a free of charge rescan if you book your appointment too early. Ultrasound Direct provides a free rescan if we can't complete the purpose of your scan.

  • Health check
    Your baby's wellbeing should always be the priority. Ultrasound Direct’s gender scans includes not just the sexing of your baby (based on the sonographer’s expert opinion), but a full 15-minute diagnostic appointment, which measures the heartbeat.

  • Flexibility
    If your baby’s position is not ideal for getting a clear view, Ultrasound Direct  sonographers will ask you to take a short walk to encourage the baby to move if there's time. If baby doesn’t switch to a good position for assessment, you’ll be offered a free rescan at a later date.

  • Multiple pregnancy charge
    Some providers charge more to scan twins, so check before you book. Ultrasound Direct can sex more than one baby in a multiple pregnancy, and never scans more for twins.

  • Guest policy
    Finding out the sex can be a moment you want to share! Most Ultrasound Direct clinics can accommodate up to 5 guests at your Gender Scan appointment.

  • Extras
    What's included in a 4D scan? You might want some special keepsakes to capture your memories, give as gifts or plan a gender reveal party. For example the Ultrasound Direct Gender Reveal Scan includes a Large Gender Cannon and five Gender Reveal Scratchcards. There are also photo frames, extra colour scan prints, keyrings and Pulsebeat Bears available at your appointment.

Book your Gender Scan