It’s the very first image of baby-to-be. The grainy, black and white 12-week ultrasound that makes it all seem so real. And apparently there are clues hidden in that first ultrasound image that may just tell you if you’re having a boy or a girl.
In fact, there’s one ‘scientific’ method that claims a baby’s gender can be predicted as early as six-weeks, using an ultrasound. While mums-to-be now have the option of having non-invasive Prenatal Testing at 10 weeks, which is 99 per cent accurate in predicting gender, for those opting for the traditional 12-week ultrasound, there’s a bit of fun to be had in trying to guess whether there’s a boy or girl on board.
So, here are four ways to ‘predict’ baby’s gender from an early ultrasound.
1. Hamburger or turtle method
If there’s a clear ‘between the legs’ image, you may be able to spot either a hamburger or turtle (really!). It’s pretty much what an ultrasound tech is looking for if they’re checking bub’s gender. A ‘hamburger’ sign will usually mean it’s a girl. The labia lips on either side of the clitoris sort of looks like a little hamburger, or three lines. For a boy, you’ll see a ‘turtle’ – the tip of the penis peeping ever so slightly from behind the testicles.
2. Placenta position
Also known as the Ramzi theory, this method of gender prediction is all based on the position of the placenta. According to a research paper more than 5000 women had an ultrasound at six weeks to see where their placenta was forming, and they had a follow-up ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks to find out their baby’s gender.
According to the study, the side that the placenta had formed on was correct in predicting the baby’s sex around 99 per cent of the time. On the right side of the uterus for a boy and on the left side of the uterus, for a girl. However, studies since have disproved the theory (but it’s still fun to see if it’s accurate for you).
3. The nub theory
There are entire forums dedicated to the gender prediction nub theory, where you can ask thousands of people what they think you’re having based on your ultrasound and the direction of bub’s genital ‘nub’.
The theory goes that if the nub is pointing up less than 30 per cent from the spine, it’s a girl. If the nub points up more than 30 per cent, it’s a boy. This method is based on the genital tubercle or the ‘nub’ that babies have between their legs between 11 and 13 weeks.
4. The skull shape
This method of gender prediction is based on the shape of your unborn babe’s skull. For boys you’re looking for a more square skull and jaw because men have lower and more sloping foreheads.
For a girl, the top of the head is rounder and tapers at the top and the cheekbones are less pronounced. So essentially – a square-shaped little skull for a boy, and round itty bitty head for a girl.
So all you need is a magnifying glass and some time, and you may be able to predict your bump’s gender before your second trimester!
(Images: Ultrasound Direct, The Gender Experts)
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