Pregnancy is a magical turning point in any woman’s life. It’s amazing to think that another human being is growing within a woman’s womb. Once pregnancy has been diagnosed, family members start the long bet on whether the baby is a boy or a girl. Fortunately, there are many ways available in order to determine gender of baby. It aims to end those battling discussions of whether the baby is a boy or a girl.
Ways to determine gender of baby is divided into two categories: tales and medical exams. Of course, the medical exams provide the most accurate results, but one cannot set aside the old wives’ tales which have been tested for a long time. The following are the various methods that can be used in order to know the gender of the baby:
Medical Diagnostic Examinations
Ultrasonography
This procedure uses high frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. The sound waves bounce back as it hit surfaces, making an image on the monitor. Ultrasound can be performed on the fifth month of pregnancy when the genital part of the baby is visible enough to differentiate a boy from a girl. 3D ultrasound is also on hand; it produces a clearer and more detailed view of the fetus.
Fetoscopy
This is a dangerous way of determining baby’s gender. It is an invasive procedure and it triggers abortion. An optical instrument is inserted on the abdomen to the uterus penetrating the amniotic sac. Through this, the fetus can be observed and photographed.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
In this procedure, chorionic cells on the side of developing fetus are obtained usually at 10-12 weeks. The sample is tested for genetic defects and gender could also be determined.
Amniocentesis
A sample of fluid from the amniotic sac is aspirated at 16-18 weeks. The sample is also tested for genetic abnormalities as well as the gender.
Tales, Beliefs and Myths
Chinese Gender Chart
This is a chart used by the Chinese in early times. The mother’s age and the date of conception are determined in Chinese calendar and a table is provided for the results.
Drano Gender Prediction Method
This method makes use of chemicals that produce toxic odor. The urine of the pregnant woman is collected and approximately two tablespoons of Drano crystal is added. This produces chemical reaction, count for ten seconds and observe the color. If it darkens up to brown color, it’s a boy. If nothing or little change of color happened, it’s a girl.
Even/Odd Number Method
The woman’s age at the time of conception is added to the number of month the pregnancy was conceived. If it’s an even number, it would be a baby boy. If it’s odd, it would be a baby girl.
The aforementioned tales and medical examinations are just some of the many ways to determine gender of baby. Even though the medical perspective must be preferred because of its accuracy, it’s not bad to try those myths and tales. In the end, you will find yourself laughing as you find out if these tales worked or not.