Elective ultrasound to find out gender early?

tessiedu · January 2015

So, I found a center that is legit (has a obgyn on staff, really positive yelp reviews, recommended by local news channels, etc) that offers 2D, 3D, and 4D us. They also can tell gender at 15 weeks (99% accuracy). It would be $100. Am a crazy to want to do this? It's in my budget but my sister thinks I'm crazy to spend the money just to find out month early.

EDIT- Corrected Title, lol word problems

WashingtonQueen · January 2015

If you want to spend your money on an elective scan and attempt to find out the sex, knock yourself out! Your money, your baby, your choice.

taylorharber1108 · January 2015

You are not crazy, it sounds like your excited!

reneewilliams · January 2015

Do what you think is right. I got an elective 3d ultrasound at 23 weeks because at my 20 week scan they were not *positive* it was a girl and I was ready to start shoping! Even at 23 weeks there wasn't much to see as far a cute baby face. The cute 3d ultrasounds do not come until fat starts developing on the baby..closer to 30ish + weeks. I'm glad I went, it was a great experience, just know that you might not be getting the pictures you are hoping for. That being said, they will probably offer you discounts on future scans. I would wait, but you do you!

mrspiatt · January 2015

I don't think you're crazy for doing an elective ultrasound to find out sex. Totally fun thing to do. Plus you get to see your baby an one extra time.

If you were throwing a fit to have your doc do genetic testing or spending a lot of money on tests that some of us are required to have for risk reasons, just to find out gender, then my opinion may be different.

Starynightsky24 · January 2015

Totally up to you.

If your budget allows I don't see a problem. Spend your money how you wish.

With DS we were on a strict budget so I decided against it and did maternity pictures instead. I'm glad I did.

emmacake08 · January 2015

Totally up to you! I know there have been really mainstream articles advising against any elective ultrasounds but the fact that they are trained professionals I think would defray at least one of the reasons it isn't advised. Sometimes baby won't cooperate for a good look but I know on my precious BMB people got to come in for another free look until they did get a good look. I think the suspense of baby's sex is fun though! My DH's family is all boys so waiting until 22 weeks to pretend like this maybe could be a girl (which it probably isn't) I'll take!

buffalove1211 · January 2015

Do it! In my opinion, how could you possibly regret it? Good luck to you!

wildermom · January 2015

I did it with DS and it was an awesome experience. They were completely sure at 16-17 weeks that we were having a boy. (I drank some OJ beforehand and we got the total money shot). My anatomy scan wasn't until 22 weeks and we were just way too excited to wait the extra 5-6 weeks. Also, we decided early on that we weren't interested in the 4D ultrasound (an extra expense usually) so we applied the money towards this one instead.

Like I said, it was the perfect choice for us. And we'll be doing the exact same with this pregnancy. My OB now actually offers a fun $50 gender scan at 16 weeks so it's cheaper AND at my docs office anyway.

It's totally your own decision based on what you'd enjoy and what kind of finances you have available.
Do keep in mind though that the earlier the scan is done, typically there is a greater margin for error.

tessiedu · January 2015

Thanks ladies

I appreciate it. I think that I'll go ahead and schedule the appointment. They did say that if I wasn't happy with the results or couldn't get a good reading, that they'd bring me back for free. And plus, it will be great to see the baby again and get some good pics

CaliforniaDream87 · January 2015

Meh, I'm doing it. Did it with my son and it was a great experience! Enjoy!

Heavenwhip · January 2015

I say do it! You sound super excited about it, who cares what your sister thinks, she's not the one having the baby. Make sure you let us know how it went.

Awigg14 · January 2015

Definitely worth it! I'm going to a place that does an early gender check at 13 weeks and they have been successful at it. I couldn't wait till 20 weeks, I'd go crazy!

malonc2 · January 2015

I'm doing this! I went with my sister in law since her husband was out of town and it was a unforgettable experience! The ultrasound is seen on a huge flat screen and the place around me is so cute and comfortable (unlike most doctors offices). They even give you a little stuffed animal with the baby's heartbeat recorded inside

. I think it's worth the money! Especially for the first.

dcopeland52 · January 2015

Yep I'm doing it at 16 weeks. I had a girlfriend who did it and had a great experience. Go for it!!!

daniellepanda · January 2015

I did it last time at 14 weeks and he could tell it was a boy within a few seconds. The place we went to also does NT scans etc for Ob offices and midwives so they are very trustworthy and the place was really nice. I will probably go to the same place again since it is in our budget and it was fun last time. Not sure if I can wait until 20 weeks either!

paigejenean · January 2015

I have our gender ultrasound scheduled for 14 weeks. We are both so anxious to find out we can hardly stand ourselves. A couple of my friends have gone to this place and it comes highly recommended on reviews. If they aren't able to get a clear view for whatever reason they will have you come back in at no cost at later date. I'm curious to see what all your results are and how it went for each of you!

KLB2T · January 2015

We did it at 14 weeks last time and will again this time. The place we go to offers it for $65 and they also bring you back for free if they can't get a good view.

Have fun!

kamarks08 · January 2015

I agree with everyone else. We're team green but if I was in your boat, I'd do whatever I want. Which sounds like going for it. Your money, your decision. Who cares if anyone else thinks you're crazy? They'll get over it.

paigejenean · January 2015

@KLB2T‌ if you don't mind me asking, are you located in Orange County? That's exactly what the place we are going to does and it's the same price.

KLB2T · January 2015

paigejenean said:
@KLB2T‌ if you don't mind me asking, are you located in Orange County? That's exactly what the place we are going to does and it's the same price.

No, I'm in Colorado Springs

love4yourlocks · January 2015

I'm doing it. It's only like $60 here though but I'd pay $100. It just depends if it's worth it to you. We will pay again later on to do a 3D as well.

paigejenean · January 2015

Haha well dang it! Sorry I got excited thinking about it now I'm sure a lot of places offer the same thing.

sandrabrooke · January 2015

I'm doing it! Actually got an early one too with the package deal. At mine.....they guarantee it at 16 weeks or refund or redo is given

divinemsbee · January 2015

I mean, meh, it's your money. Personally I'd wait until 20 weeks to get my A/S because I'm a little neurotic and I worry about them finding something then that might not have shown up before, and I want my medical professionals that I trust there to guide me through it. Even with an OB on staff, they wouldn't have my medical history in front of them and all they could do is refer me back to my doc anyway. But, knock yourself out.

If I'm going to spend the money, I'd do what PP said, which is my plan, and wait until the baby starts looking more baby-like closer to 30 weeks to get an elective scan and cute pictures. I'm more willing to spend the money to get better pictures than to find out the sex early.

Kmiller1105 · January 2015

We are also going to the co springs place to have ours done at 14 weeks. I can't wait til 20 weeks!!

KLB2T · January 2015

Kmiller1105 said:

We are also going to the co springs place to have ours done at 14 weeks. I can't wait til 20 weeks!!

First Glimpse?

LilPez · January 2015

We're doing one on Valentine's Day

it's our gift to each other! We did it at 17 weeks last time and literally the tech had the little probe thing on there for a split second and she said, I know what your having! She said, it's a..... Boy! He was very out there with his junk! Lol
I drank lemonade right before and he was moving all over. We got great pics at 17 weeks! I'll attach one just for fun (again this was last pregnancy with my son).

Edit: because I'm dumb and just realized all my info was on that pic

mrsb30 · January 2015

I wish we could do one! We don't have any elective places near us.

Kmiller1105 · January 2015

@KLB2T‌ yes! We find out (hopefully) on February 4th.

KLB2T · January 2015

Kmiller1105 said:

@KLB2T‌ yes! We find out (hopefully) on February 4th.

If this will be your first time, I just want to say that you are going to love it! The rooms are so cozy and homey feeling....and they project everything onto a big screen so you're not trying to see everything on a tiny monitor. Plus, they play such relaxing, sweet music during the session and you get printed pictures + a DVD/CD of the whole session! Be sure you go in with a full bladder and drink some orange juice on the way to encourage a more awake/active baby

Have fun! We're going at the end of February...gotta check my work schedule before I make an appt

kjandericka · January 2015

We are doing the Verifi by Progenity blood test (they draw mother's blood) at 12w6d. It can be done as early as 10 weeks (supposedly) and is said to be more accurate than any ultrasound because it tests for the XY chromosome. If it's there, it's a boy, if not, it's a girl. Some insurance companies completely cover the test but, if your insurance doesn't cover it, it's only $25. It's technically for genetic defects and some doctors don't offer it unless it's a high risk pregnancy but it seems like a good choice for us.

KLB2T · January 2015

kjandericka said:

We are doing the Verifi by Progenity blood test (they draw mother's blood) at 12w6d. It can be done as early as 10 weeks (supposedly) and is said to be more accurate than any ultrasound because it tests for the XY chromosome. If it's there, it's a boy, if not, it's a girl. Some insurance companies completely cover the test but, if your insurance doesn't cover it, it's only $25. It's technically for genetic defects and some doctors don't offer it unless it's a high risk pregnancy but it seems like a good choice for us.

Oh boy....

Unknown · January 2015

This content has been removed.

KLB2T · January 2015

knitttingmama said:

The FDA and several other agencies have spoken out recently about unnecessary "keepsake" u/s. I wouldn't do it. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095508.htm

That article is more geared toward the use of fetal dopplers at home instead of by a professional.

From that very same article: "Although there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, prudent use of these devices by trained health care providers is important."

JumpAroundBucky · January 2015

I did, and I was so happy I did. I'm too impatient. This time I did the Panorama test at 10 weeks.

kjandericka · January 2015

KLB2T said:

kjandericka said:

We are doing the Verifi by Progenity blood test (they draw mother's blood) at 12w6d. It can be done as early as 10 weeks (supposedly) and is said to be more accurate than any ultrasound because it tests for the XY chromosome. If it's there, it's a boy, if not, it's a girl. Some insurance companies completely cover the test but, if your insurance doesn't cover it, it's only $25. It's technically for genetic defects and some doctors don't offer it unless it's a high risk pregnancy but it seems like a good choice for us.

Oh boy....

I hope you weren't saying "oh boy" trying to be rude. We are high risk (due to previous mc history), that's why we are having it done & why I said it's a "good choice for us." Sex determination just happens to be an extra bonus & why I explained on this post. I really appreciate your encouragement though.

Unknown · January 2015

This content has been removed.

KLB2T · January 2015

KLB2T said:

knitttingmama said:

The FDA and several other agencies have spoken out recently about unnecessary "keepsake" u/s. I wouldn't do it. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095508.htm

That article is more geared toward the use of fetal dopplers at home instead of by a professional.
From that very same article: "Although there is a lack of evidence of any harm due to ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, prudent use of these devices by trained health care providers is important."

The article specifically states that they don't recommend "keepsake" u/s. It also says:
"The long-term effects of tissue heating and cavitation are not known. Therefore, ultrasound scans should be done only when there is a medical need, based on a prescription, and performed by appropriately-trained operators."

Health Canada also advises against them.

https://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/ultrasound-echographie-eng.php

Also is article talked about the FDA recommendation as well as a recommendation to avoid them from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/parents-to-be-urged-to-avoid-keepsake-baby-ultrasound-videos-and-pics-1.2150080

They are perfectly legal and lots of people like them, so it's your risk to take. OP asked for opinions and mine is that I wouldn't do it given that there are multiple govt/health organizations warning against them.

Sorry, mobile is breaking my formatting/links

Lol, okay.

ETA: I did a "keepsake" u/s twice, in fact, with DD and she's very happy and healthy today.

KLB2T · January 2015

kjandericka said:

We are doing the Verifi by Progenity blood test (they draw mother's blood) at 12w6d. It can be done as early as 10 weeks (supposedly) and is said to be more accurate than any ultrasound because it tests for the XY chromosome. If it's there, it's a boy, if not, it's a girl. Some insurance companies completely cover the test but, if your insurance doesn't cover it, it's only $25. It's technically for genetic defects and some doctors don't offer it unless it's a high risk pregnancy but it seems like a good choice for us.

Oh boy....
I hope you weren't saying "oh boy" trying to be rude. We are high risk (due to previous mc history), that's why we are having it done & why I said it's a "good choice for us." Sex determination just happens to be an extra bonus & why I explained on this post. I really appreciate your encouragement though.

Woah....

1.Sorry for your previous losses.

2. You said a few key words that would lead me to believe that you're only using that test to find out the sex, examples: "Technically for genetic defects" and "but it seems like a good choice for us", which translates to me "Its supposed to be used for that, however, we're using it for this instead"

3. Not sure how just saying "Oh boy" is rude.

4. You're welcome for the encouragement?

ETA: words

kjandericka · January 2015

KLB2T said:

KLB2T said:

kjandericka said:

We are doing the Verifi by Progenity blood test (they draw mother's blood) at 12w6d. It can be done as early as 10 weeks (supposedly) and is said to be more accurate than any ultrasound because it tests for the XY chromosome. If it's there, it's a boy, if not, it's a girl. Some insurance companies completely cover the test but, if your insurance doesn't cover it, it's only $25. It's technically for genetic defects and some doctors don't offer it unless it's a high risk pregnancy but it seems like a good choice for us.

Oh boy....

I hope you weren't saying "oh boy" trying to be rude. We are high risk (due to previous mc history), that's why we are having it done & why I said it's a "good choice for us." Sex determination just happens to be an extra bonus & why I explained on this post. I really appreciate your encouragement though.

Woah....

1.Sorry for your previous losses.

2. You said a few key words that would lead me to believe that you're only using that test to find out the sex, examples: "Technically for genetic defects" and "but it seems like a good choice for us", which translates to me "Its supposed to be used for that, however, we're using it for this instead"

3. Not sure how just saying "Oh boy" is rude.

4. You're welcome for the encouragement?

ETA: words

Yeah, sorry. I was having a rough night last night. I had a 24 hr stomach virus on top of the normal MS that I've been having and I was in rare form. I apologize for being so quick to jump back at your comment. I know that you didn't know my MC history and it wasn't fair for me to expect you to. With that said, I also believe that doing the genetics testing only to find out the baby's sex is unnecessary. If there is not a legitimate reason to do the test (other than impatience) I don't feel that it is the best option.

Want a personalized experience?

Elective ultrasound to find out gender early?

Re: Elective ultrasound to find out gender early?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards