A 12-week gestation scan, also known as a dating scan, can sometimes indicate the sex of the baby. By assessing the direction of the "nub," a structure visible on the ultrasound at this stage, a prediction can be made. A vertically pointing nub is often associated with a boy. However, it's important to note that this is not a definitive method for gender determination.
More accurate gender determination usually occurs later in pregnancy, during an anatomy scan (18-22 weeks). This detailed ultrasound provides a clearer view of the baby's anatomy, making gender determination more reliable. While often called a "gender ultrasound," its primary purpose is a comprehensive assessment of the baby's physical development.
Other types of scans, such as MRI scans or CT scans, can show a boy as the subject of the scan but do not directly reveal gender. These scans are used for diagnosing various medical conditions. For example, brain scans might be used to diagnose a brain tumor in a boy, but the scan itself doesn't determine gender.
Here's a summary of the different scans and their relation to identifying a boy:
- 12-week scan (dating scan): May offer an early, but not definitive, indication of the baby's sex through nub theory.
- 18-22 week scan (anatomy scan): Provides a more accurate determination of the baby's sex as part of a comprehensive fetal assessment.
- MRI and CT scans: These scans might show a boy as the patient, but they are not designed to determine the sex. They are used for medical imaging and diagnosis.
