Fetal Echo & Sex Determination

stm510

Hi Ladies - I have a fetal echo scheduled for tomorrow (19 weeks) and my A/S on 12/23.  We did not get a gender guess at our NT (didn't ask for one either).  We have a history of congenital heart defects (my son and husband) so I expect multiple echos to be done throughout my pregnancy.  Anyways, do any of you have experience with being told gender at a non-anatomy scan appointment? I would love to find out tomorrow and ask the technician if she can check after she gets the medically necessary shots...we know this particular technician pretty well from my son's pregnancy and follow up.  What do you think the reaction would be?  It's not out of line to ask, is it?

baby3ob

i don't think it hurts to ask! You are 19 weeks so it should be easy for him/her to tell, i'd imagine.

mrspopsicle

I had a fetal echo as part of a study. I was 30 weeks at the time. The doctor asked what we were having, then peaked and confirmed DD was a girl.

CamrynnsMommy

I don't think it would be out of line to ask, especially if you already have a rapport with this tech.

Also, good luck, hope all turns out well!

ksyknelvr73

I don't think it's out of line to ask. My doctor actually asked me if I was okay with him taking a peek at my 15 week appt and I was. He usually tries to take a look early if he can, with DS1 he wasn't cooperating at all so I didn't find out earlier than my a/s.

stm510

Ok, l will be asking! Will check-in tomorrow with an update...hopefully a positive one!  Thanks.

buggywhips

A friend of mine had a son with CHD so she had fetal echos done during her subsequent pregnancies and they told her sex both times.  GL!!

mileswithmyles

We were told a "98% sure guess" at our NT scan and a confirmation at about 14 weeks.

I don't think it is out of line to ask! 

Good luck with the echo.  We are having one done as well(DH has VSD) when we get our A/S done at 20 weeks.

Lild09

How is the echo? Does it take long? We are going for one in the new year mid Jan as my hubby was born with a congenital heart defect and due to that plus other things was delivered at 26 w 2 days! Anyways, just curious what we are in for!

TaylorHam86

Piggy backing on @Lild09's question. I have one in January as well.

stm510

It is just an ultrasound of the baby's heart and blood flow. They spend time reviewing the heart structure, heartbeat, and blood flow to, within, and away from the heart. The fetal heart functions differently than it would outside of the womb so if there are any questionable issues noted, they will likely follow you through to baby's birth - especially with family history. They can take 30-60 minutes depending on baby's cooperation. If either f you have any further questions, let me know - I've been through several and a 4 week old that underwent heart surgery. Keep positive thoughts in mind - these type of defects are usually "fixable" good luck !

TaylorHam86

Thanks @stm510!

ABColeslaw

They tried to see for me at a non anatomy scan but baby girl wouldn't participate!

Lild09

Thanks @stm510

Luckily the hubs condition hopefully will never need surgery but there is that slight chance. My midwife doesn't seen all too worried about the kiddo having one, but hey , for our piece of mind we want things checked so that we know what to expect once they are here

83edwards

I found out at a perinatal center ultrasound with my last pregnancy.....they just volunteered the info, so I didn't have to ask!

stm510

Quick update - heart looked GREAT!!!! None of the indicators they saw with my first were present...still want to follow up at 34 weeks for a better picture but very positive so far. Also the tech was more than happy to tell me the gender - GIRL! We couldn't be more thrilled.