No, a baby's gender cannot change. The sex determination happens during fertilization and remains constant throughout the pregnancy, according to the provided reference.
Understanding Fetal Sex Determination
The sex of a baby is determined at the moment of conception, when the sperm fertilizes the egg. This is when the baby receives either XX chromosomes (typically female) or XY chromosomes (typically male).
Why the Confusion?
While the baby's sex is set at fertilization, there are occasions where there might be confusion. The reference notes that:
- Ultrasound Misinterpretation: There is a slim chance that a sonographer or medical professional could incorrectly interpret the 20-week ultrasound, potentially misidentifying a boy as a girl or vice versa.
Key Points Summarized
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sex Determination | Occurs at fertilization |
| Change in Gender | Not possible during pregnancy |
| Ultrasound | Can be misinterpreted, but not a change in sex |
| Chromosomal Sex | Set at conception (XX or XY) |
What Happens if an Ultrasound Is Incorrect?
If the ultrasound incorrectly identifies the baby's sex, it doesn't mean the baby's gender has changed. It simply means that there was a misinterpretation of the ultrasound imaging.
- It's important to remember that ultrasounds are not 100% accurate for gender determination.
In Conclusion
The baby's sex is established at the time of conception and doesn't change during the pregnancy, despite potential misinterpretations of ultrasound images.
