This image shows the entire baby lying within the amniotic sac. Every finger and toe, and even the lower ribs in the chest, can be seen. Although the head is still quite large, the limbs are much more in proportion with the body.
You'll have a scan this week and may be given the opportunity to find out the sex of your baby. Identifying the gender is dependent on a number of factors, including the expertise of the sonographer, the quality of the equipment being used, the position of the baby and, specifically, of the legs, which could obstruct the genitals. Even if all of these factors are favorable and the genitals can be seen, there is an error factor, so the information given is never 100 percent accurate. You may be able to identify the genitals yourself as you're watching the screen, so if you don't want to know, it's advisable to look away.
If you have an amniocentesis test and want to know the sex of your baby, it can be identified with close to 100 percent accuracy.
This 2D scan is a close-up of the baby's profile, showing the bright frontal bone of the forehead, the nose, lips, and chin. The nasal bone appears as a bright area at the top of the bridge of the nose.
Is it a good idea to find out the sex of your baby before he (or she) is born?
Yes...
No...
Excerpted from Pregnancy Day by Day.
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited.
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