The gender scan is carried out from 18-21 weeks of pregnancy. However, this scan is often referred to as a 20-week scan or an anatomy survey scan. Its main purpose is to check that baby is growing as he should be and at the same time to check if there are any signs of physical abnormalities.

It is a personal decision if you wish to find out the gender but if you do, you should tell the sonographer before the scan.

Gender scans have an accuracy rate of 85%.

Accuracy depends on your baby’s position and how clearly views can be obtained.

This is a very personal decision. Some Mums-to’be are happy to wait until the day of the delivery. Many like to know also and of course, this can help in making decisions such as clothes, toys and nursery decorations.

In a 2017 study, entitled Maternal Intuition of Fetal Gender, the team stated the following:

“We have observed anecdotally that the vast majority of pregnant women presenting to our obstetrics clinic for second-trimester ultrasound screening request gender identification. At these visits, many mothers-to-be say they can perceive or “feel” the gender of the unborn baby.”

Gender scans can be carried out from 19 weeks onwards, and have an 85% accuracy rate. This scan aims to determine the gender of your baby and will also try to estimate fetal weight.

This scan will look to determine the presentation and lie of the baby, the location of the placenta, and measure the fluid around the baby. Blood flow to the baby’s umbilical artery will be measured, and the scan will look for any abnormalities.

When you attend the Merrion Ultrasound Clinic for a gender scan, it is quite possible that you may have been at the clinic for a previous pregnancy scan, but if you have not been with us before, then you will fill out a registration form when you arrive.

You will await your sonographer in the waiting room. Your sonographer will bring you to the ultrasound room and confirm your details before performing the ultrasound scan.

The team at Merrion Ultrasound wishes to ensure that your visit is as relaxing as possible, and we welcome any questions, so please do not hesitate to ask your sonographer any questions you may have.

A gender scan can be performed from 19 weeks onwards.

The scan includes a detailed ultrasound assessment and confirmation of gender where possible. You will receive photographs and a computerised report.

Your sonographer can answer any questions you have.

The scan also checks your baby’s presentation (position), estimated fetal weight, placenta location, amniotic fluid volume, umbilical artery blood flow, and evaluates for abnormalities.

From 19 weeks: €180.

Sometimes it isn’t possible to confirm gender due to baby’s position. In that case, you may be asked to return for one further scan to try again when baby is in a more favourable position.

Yes — you can bring one person with you. This might be your partner, friend, or a family member.

No — children are not permitted at ultrasound appointments as this is a medical examination.

No — a referral letter is not necessary for pregnancy ultrasound scans. (A referral is required for gynaecological scans.)

Yes — the scan can be viewed on a large screen and your sonographer will explain what you’re seeing.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. It is widely used during pregnancy and has no known side effects for mother or baby.

No — you do not have to be a patient there to attend for a scan.