Technology now allows most parents the opportunity to learn the gender of their babies before they are born. Many parents take advantage of the opportunity and find out what they are having, but some do not. A good number of couples are waiting until the baby is born to find out whether it is a boy or a girl.
The decision may not have been yours. Some babies keep their gender a secret by their position in the uterus. The technician may not be able to get a clear enough picture to determine the gender. In this case, you’ll have to wait until the baby arrives.
About 70% of women have an ultrasound during their pregnancies. That means about 30% skip this procedure. Reasons for avoiding ultrasound vary. Some women avoid all testing in an effort to have as natural a pregnancy as possible. Others avoid ultrasound because they question the safety for the baby. Studies have not shown any problem with ultrasound, but some women feel the technology is too new and long term effects remain unknown.
The thrill of the surprise is one reason many couples prefer to wait to learn the baby’s gender. That moment when the baby enters the world and you find out if it’s a girl or a boy can seem anti climactic when the gender is known. Some couples take it one step further and prefer to discover the baby’s gender on their own. The birth plan includes instructions that the gender is not to be announced. The special moment is preserved for the couple and their new baby.
Whatever your reason for not learning baby’s gender, the people in your life will have an opinion. Grandma and other family members may be anxious to find out the gender. This is especially true if the gender of the other grandchildren was known. You may want to explain your reasons for waiting…or you could just tell them the tech couldn’t see.
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