It is a topic that will probably always have some sort of a divide.
It is a topic that will probably always have some sort of a divide. There will always be families who want to know the gender of their baby and there will always be those who absolutely do not. It is actually quite an emotive topic. In any given couple one person may really want to find out the gender of their baby while the other person may be adamant not to. In the end, it may require some sort of compromise.
But does it really matter? At the end of the day, we all wish for a healthy happy baby. That goes without saying. In an ideal world, we wouldn't even be thinking about the gender but it is a very common question to pose at a scan. People want to know for many different reasons. Many women show up for their ultrasound only to be informed that the baby does not want to reveal the gender just yet. Sometimes the babies position can make it impossible to clearly see certain parts of their body. Playing games with Mammy and Daddy before they have even been born.
Many companies across Ireland provide gender reveal scans. The ultrasound.ie website states that from 18 weeks of pregnancy they can “determine the gender of the baby with an accuracy of 95%”. Many people will book in for such a scan with the sole purpose of discovering the gender. These scans can be expensive but for many people, it is an important piece of information to find out. Other may ask at their anomaly scan. This scan usually happens somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks. It is likely to take place at your maternity hospital and involves an in-depth look at your babies vital organs and how they function. This will be the scan that a lot of people will pose the question at. When I was pregnant I did ask and the sonographer promptly told me that she “did not have to” tell me that and that she would have a “quick look if there was time”. As you can see gender reveals are not on the list of priorities for the person carrying out your scan. Their focus is on the baby's health. Naturally, the response will depend on the individual and circumstances.
Did you know that many gender reveals have turned out to be incorrect? Few will guarantee 100% accuracy for this exact reason.
When it comes to making a decision about whether or not to inquire about your baby's gender, it is likely to be an instinctive thing. Perhaps you will follow the footsteps of your own parents or be influenced by a close friend. Perhaps your decision will be spur of the moment and the sonographer will ask you on the spot if you want to know? Some people like to find out for logistic reasons. It might be something practical such as deciding upon a name or decorating the nursery a certain way. On the other hand, there are those who emphasise the magic of it being a surprise on the big day. Women have spoken about how not knowing helped them during labour. It was the ultimate motivation.
Either way, it really is your own choice. There will be opinions from others regardless of the choice you make - a trend that will continue throughout parenthood.
But does it really matter? At the end of the day, we all wish for a healthy happy baby. That goes without saying. In an ideal world, we wouldn't even be thinking about the gender but it is a very common question to pose at a scan. People want to know for many different reasons. Many women show up for their ultrasound only to be informed that the baby does not want to reveal the gender just yet. Sometimes the babies position can make it impossible to clearly see certain parts of their body. Playing games with Mammy and Daddy before they have even been born.
Many companies across Ireland provide gender reveal scans. The ultrasound.ie website states that from 18 weeks of pregnancy they can “determine the gender of the baby with an accuracy of 95%”. Many people will book in for such a scan with the sole purpose of discovering the gender. These scans can be expensive but for many people, it is an important piece of information to find out. Other may ask at their anomaly scan. This scan usually happens somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks. It is likely to take place at your maternity hospital and involves an in-depth look at your babies vital organs and how they function. This will be the scan that a lot of people will pose the question at. When I was pregnant I did ask and the sonographer promptly told me that she “did not have to” tell me that and that she would have a “quick look if there was time”. As you can see gender reveals are not on the list of priorities for the person carrying out your scan. Their focus is on the baby's health. Naturally, the response will depend on the individual and circumstances.
Did you know that many gender reveals have turned out to be incorrect? Few will guarantee 100% accuracy for this exact reason.
When it comes to making a decision about whether or not to inquire about your baby's gender, it is likely to be an instinctive thing. Perhaps you will follow the footsteps of your own parents or be influenced by a close friend. Perhaps your decision will be spur of the moment and the sonographer will ask you on the spot if you want to know? Some people like to find out for logistic reasons. It might be something practical such as deciding upon a name or decorating the nursery a certain way. On the other hand, there are those who emphasise the magic of it being a surprise on the big day. Women have spoken about how not knowing helped them during labour. It was the ultimate motivation.
Either way, it really is your own choice. There will be opinions from others regardless of the choice you make - a trend that will continue throughout parenthood.
Written by Tracey Quinn staff writer at www.familyfriendlyhq.ie
