Baby gender test vs ultrasound

Baby gender blood tests are the most accurate and reliable way to determine a baby’s sex, offering up to 99% accuracy from as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy by analysing foetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream for the presence of a Y chromosome.

In contrast, ultrasound scans rely on visual interpretation which can be inconclusive, especially in early pregnancy. Blood tests for foetal sex determination provide early, definitive results, making them a reliable choice for expectant parents.

Let’s take a closer look at baby gender blood tests vs ultrasound scans.

Baby gender bloods tests vs ultrasound scans

While blood tests and ultrasound scans are widely used to determine the sex of a baby before birth, baby gender testing using a blood sample stands out as the most accurate and reliable option.

This method, offered by AlphaBiolabs, involves analysing the mother’s blood sample for traces of the baby’s DNA to determine whether a Y chromosome is present. If a Y chromosome is found, this indicates the baby is a boy. If no Y chromosome is found, this indicates the baby is a girl.

This method can be used from as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy to determine a baby’s sex.

In contrast, ultrasound scans rely on visual interpretation of a baby’s anatomy and cannot aways be relied upon to determine a baby’s sex with accuracy, especially during the early stages of pregnancy or if the baby is not in the right position to get a clear view of the genitals during the scan appointment.

Therefore, while ultrasound scans are an essential tool for monitoring the healthy progress of a pregnancy, they are not designed for gender prediction. Only a DNA test can provide an accurate, reliable result when it comes to finding out the sex of a baby before birth.

In fact, statistics show that ultrasounds can be wrong up to 10% of the time. That means up to 10 women out of 100 will be told that they’re having a boy or a girl, only to have quite a surprise at the birth!

Ultrasound more reliable after 18 weeks

The statement that gender predictions made by ultrasound have an accuracy rate of around 90% is backed up by Stephen Carr, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Until the 14th week of pregnancy, baby boys and girls look exactly the same on ultrasound. Beyond this point, noticeable anatomical differences in the genitals can show up on the scan. However, mistakes can be made when determining gender because it depends on the clarity of the images and the skills of the person interpreting them, he said.

According to Carr, it is preferable to wait until after 18 weeks of pregnancy to get a more reliable prediction of gender from an ultrasound scan. However, the baby will still need to be in a good position in the mother’s uterus (i.e. not in a breech or feet down position), and the legs will still need to be far enough apart to grant good visibility between them.

Order a Baby Gender Test

Baby gender testing from 6 weeks

Not only can a blood test be used to scientifically determine the gender of your baby, but it can also be performed at a much earlier stage of your pregnancy – from just 6 weeks.

The AlphaBiolabs Baby Gender Test offers a 99% accurate and reliable way of finding out a baby’s gender before birth, with only a blood sample required from the mother.

We are the ONLY laboratory in Ireland to offer the TinyTAP collection device for blood sample collection, allowing you to collect your sample in the comfort of your own home.

This convenient, fuss-free method means you can collect your sample with no additional collection fees, and no clinical appointments required, before returning it to our accredited laboratory for testing.

Our in-house geneticists then analyse your blood sample for a Y chromosome. As the Y chromosome is male-specific, the detection of a Y chromosome means the baby is a boy. If no Y chromosome is present, the baby is a girl.

The test can also be used in twin pregnancies and will tell you whether at least one foetus is a boy, or that both foetuses are girls.

Our Tiny TAP device offers the ultimate convenience, allowing you to collect your own blood sample at home. However, if you would prefer to have your blood sample collected by one of our specially trained clinicians, you also have the option to order a Clinical Baby Gender Test.

Order a Baby Gender Test

Where can I get a baby gender test?

Thanks to innovation from DNA testing laboratories like AlphaBiolabs, you can find out your baby’s sex from as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy.

Our At-home Baby Gender Test allows you to find out your baby’s sex, with no need to wait until your ultrasound scan, and only a small blood sample required.

Order your test kit online, and we’ll ship it out to you immediately. Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect your blood sample and return it to our laboratory for testing, including our innovative TinyTAP device and full instructions on how to use the device to collect your sample.

We are the only laboratory in Ireland to offer the easy-to-use, fuss-free and pain-free TinyTAP device for baby gender testing!

Your secure results will be emailed to you in just 3-4 working days*.

Alternatively, our Clinical Baby Gender Test gives you the option to have your blood sample collected for FREE by one of our professional sample collectors at one of our walk-in centres or at a time and location convenient to you** (via TinyTAP or venous blood draw).

Order your Baby Gender Test online now, call 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie for more information.

*From receipt of your samples at our laboratory, before 10am.

**Additional fees apply.